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She cited a "major work error" and suggested I resign voluntarily.
"Major error? Evidence?"
I was a nobody at that company.
My tasks were so mundane, making a serious mistake was practically impossible.
This flimsy excuse to fire me was laughable.
Then it hit me. Vivian had gotten me this job.
She was probably behind this.
If she wanted me gone, fine. This dead-end job wasn't worth it.
"I'll go. But fire me. N+1 severance. Not a penny less."
HR refused. We argued, deadlocked, until Vivian arrived.
She called me into her office. Days had passed, but she looked exhausted, her previous vibrancy gone.
Before, I'd have been frantic, scrambling to get her vitamins, terrified she was tired or unwell.
Back then, she was my whole world. I feared her being cold, hungry, exhausted.
If she frowned, I'd spiral into self-blame.
Because I loved her, I gave everything willingly.
But I didn't love her anymore.
"Still mad?"
"Ms. Shaw, HR says I made a major error and must be terminated. Fine. But I get my N+1. It's owed. Pay me, and I'm gone."
My tone was detached, strictly business.
Vivian stared, shocked. The old me would never have spoken to her like that.
"So eager to get away from me?"
For five years, I'd strained towards her, dreaming of standing openly by her side.
Then I realized what I fought so hard for, others got effortlessly.
I stopped wanting it.
"It's over. I just want my severance and to leave."
