Chapter 1 You're Fired!

“You are fired!” A high-strung Mason Thorton proclaimed as he flung a stack of documents at the face of the physically exhausted young lady. The helpless young lady whose name was Isabella Banks slowly crouched down and picked them up as tears cascaded on her feeble cheeks. This was an astonishing act to the beholders, who saw that the manager could fire his competent, and more than capable secretary who worked two years just for a little mistake from her side. Isabella Banks had arrived at the company late that morning, and upon her arrival, she was informed about the impromptu board meeting which had started minutes earlier. Without wasting further time, she sprinted into the departmental hall only to meet everyone already engrossed in their discussions. She was about to find a seat when her boss spoke up. “Get my coffee.” It was as if he had sensed she was the person who entered at that time. The young lady bowed and then, frantically disappeared from the hall to prepare an Americano coffee the way he usually liked it. But to her greatest surprise, Mason rejected the coffee and splashed some of it on her T-shirt. This hurt her colossally, but she remained silent due to the desperation to keep the job. “Prepare a different one. You are useless!” He bellowed, remorselessly. For the second time, the young lady rushed out of the departmental hall. Even though this distracted the flow of the meeting, none uttered a word, not even the directors. They all knew Mason Thorton was a ruthless man who was also the first son of the Chairman of Nexus Enterprises, which was one of the fastest growing establishments in the country. No man dared confront him concerning his misbehaviors. He was seen and regarded as a mini-god both in the business sector and nationwide. This soon got into his head, thereby belittling every person below his level and financial status. Isabella returned after two minutes with a cup of hot coffee but this time, she increased the quantity of the sugar with a lighter look. Unknown to her, this difference only worsened the matter, and it would be impossible to please her boss no matter what she did. Mason had left his residence in sullenness after having a wrangle with his father that morning. As a result of this, he had no interest in drinking the coffee and paid no mind while at the meeting. “I think I have warned you countless times not to ever add more than the quantity of sugar I can take. I hate repeating words. You are sacked. You have no place here anymore. Take these damn documents with you. You are fired!” He flung the documents that were once on his desk at her. Isabella was immensely startled at the sudden declaration. The least thing she expected was to sack her for preparing his coffee in the wrong way. It wasn't like he was allergic to sugar or something. Why would he do such a thing and at such a time when she needed money urgently? She hurried out of the hall profoundly penitent for failing to keep her first job. She walked past the manager's office, and directly into hers. She leaned back and wept bitterly. As a matter of fact, she was done for. After she was done differentiating her properties from the company's, she assembled everything and headed for the elevator, turning a tough skin to the ugly stares received from her coworkers. It was a hypocritical one because they never loved her with sincerity. Their love, which was feigned to get closer to the handsome and wealthy manager who was the CEO's first son. The funniest thing was that the man didn't pay them any mind. “Take me to Elm Grove Street, please.” Isabella instructed the taxi driver after hopping herself into the backseat. She was exhausted, and she knew it, but the lack of funds at home to treat even her sick sister was what kept her going. More so, her family was in the lower class and things were tough for them in terms of finances. For this cause, she cherished her job with all her heart, and worked extra hard to please her grumpy boss who behaved like the whole world was beneath him. “Thank you.” She paid the man and looked ahead at the unattractive building a few meters from her. That was where she lived with her family as they continued to survive. She tightened the hold of the carton under her armpit and took steady steps towards the building. Immediately she reached the pavement, the front door burst open, and her parents were holding her young sister, Tyla. Drops of tears could be seen on their fragile faces as they allowed the young girl to vomit on the wet green grass. After watching this from afar, she hastened her steps to meet up with them. Having sensed her presence, they gazed up as beautiful smiles crept into their faces. “What is wrong, mother?” Isabella was terrified. She walked up to Tyla and tapped her tenderly whilst suppressing sobs. She wanted to make herself strong for everyone. Her sister, Tyla, had a rare case of leukemia which was associated with nausea and vomiting. “Her case worsened dear. You came earlier than always, is anything the matter?” The curious older woman questioned. She had seen the sealed cardboard on the pavement and the thought of Isabella getting sacked at her workplace scared the shit out of her. “I was sacked at work today,” Isabella announced to her parents that same day. This was after much persuasion from her mother, Vanessa, who was suspicious of her early arrival. Therefore, they became disappointed after listening to her concise statement. It felt like a stab pierced in their hearts. It was the least thing they wished for. None of them was employed in any establishment except Isabella, who was their only hope for survival. “But then, I will make sure I get a job a few days from now.” She comforted.