Resignation, freedom

Lia had been in the professional world for two years now, and she knew all too well the implications behind Cassius's words. He was the same Cassius from high school—aloof, focused, and uninterested in relationships. Even during his time abroad, there were no rumors about him being involved with women.

But now, his words were completely unexpected.

Had he gone mad? They hadn't seen each other in years, yet something about him had changed so much.

Lia masked her confusion with a calm demeanor, replying, "Shall I help you find someone, Mr. Cassius? What kind of person do you have in mind?"

Lia had always been a competent and efficient secretary. She had arranged things for Lucas before without giving them much thought—it was part of her job.

Cassius's fingers lightly gripped her wrist. "Miss Lia, you."

He wanted her?

Lia's surprise was genuine. She couldn't fathom what was going on in this man's mind. Anger briefly surged, but her professionalism kept her composed. "I'm sorry, Mr. Cassius, I can't fulfill that request."

Noticing the red marks on her wrist, Cassius released his grip and hid the flicker of emotion in his eyes. "I was only joking, Miss Lia. Don't take it seriously."

Lia quickly pulled her hand back, responding curtly, "No problem, I'll be going now."

She didn't understand why she felt so unnerved by his calm, penetrating gaze, but she hurried away nonetheless.

Cassius watched her retreat, suppressing a smile. He glanced down at the box of condoms in his hand, seemingly lost in thought.

Lia, meanwhile, was trying to ignore the strange encounter. His actions today had unsettled her more than she wanted to admit.

...

For the next few days, Lia went back to her routine, working diligently as always.

At Valen Group's Secretariat Department, her assistant, Viola, rushed over, looking anxious. "Lia, the meeting is about to start, but…"

Lia handed her the prepared documents. "Don't worry, it'll be fine."

She knew how nerve-wracking it could be for new employees—she had been in Viola's shoes once and could relate to her worries.

"But… the boss is still in his office with that woman… and I don't dare disturb him."

Everyone at Valen Group knew the unspoken rule: never bother Lucas Valen. He could dismiss someone on a whim, and no one dared cross him.

Lia nodded calmly. "I'll handle it."

"Thank you, Lia," Viola said, relieved.

Lia walked toward the office and knocked several times, but there was no response. With a resigned sigh, she opened the door.

"Boss."

Lucas, clearly annoyed by the interruption, snapped, "What do you want? Who told you to come in?"

Sitting on his lap was a voluptuous and beautiful woman, and it was obvious what they had been doing.

Without reacting to the scene, Lia kept her head lowered and said respectfully, "The meeting is about to start, and I called you, but you didn't answer."

Part of Lia's responsibility was to ensure that Lucas attended to business matters. Mrs. Selena, Lucas's mother, had tasked her with making sure Lucas didn't neglect the company's affairs.

"Who do you think you are to tell me what to do? Get out," Lucas barked.

Lia remained unfazed by his outburst, calmly replying, "Shall I cancel the meeting, then?"

"Do whatever you want, just get out!" Lucas was furious. Every time she saw him with another woman, she'd use some excuse to disrupt them. Did she think he didn't know she was jealous? If she liked him, why didn't she just admit it?

Not that he'd ever be interested in her.

The woman on Lucas's lap giggled softly. "Oh, darling, why get upset over a secretary? She's not worth it."

"Secretary?" Lucas scoffed. "That's being generous. She's nothing more than a nanny."

He caressed the woman's face, mocking Lia without hesitation.

Lia had heard similar insults countless times over the years. She knew her place and had long since buried any feelings she had for Lucas. Slowly, her heart had hardened.

The woman in Lucas's arms seized the moment. "If she's just a nanny, why not fire her? Let me be your secretary instead," she cooed, hoping to solidify her place beside him.

Lucas smirked. "I've tried to get rid of her before, but this woman, for the sake of her ailing grandmother…"

Hearing him bring up her grandmother, Lia's expression darkened. Her grandmother was her one weakness, and she couldn't let anyone speak ill of her.

"Lucas, apologize."

Lucas was taken aback by her sudden demand. He had never seen her so angry before. Wasn't she always calm and indifferent, no matter how much he pushed her?

The woman in his lap laughed exaggeratedly, clinging to him. "Did you hear that, darling? She wants you to apologize! Isn't she rude?"

Lucas lightly patted the woman's shoulder. "What's there to be afraid of? I said it, her aging grandmother—"

Lia's hands clenched into fists before she forced herself to relax. She could endure insults for the sake of money, but her grandmother was off-limits.

"Lucas, I said apologize." Her voice was tight, and tears welled up in her eyes.

For some reason, Lucas felt a twinge of guilt. But he wasn't about to back down. "Get out. You're not a secretary anymore. Alicia, you can take the job."

Alicia beamed. "Really, darling? Can I start right away?"

"Of course."

Lucas was sure Lia would come begging to him for her job soon enough. She had no choice. Without money, she couldn't survive.

But Lia remained calm. After a brief pause, she made a decision she had been afraid to confront. She removed her work badge and placed it on his desk.

"What are you doing? Is this some kind of threat?" Lucas asked, his brow furrowed.

"No," Lia said firmly. "I'm resigning. I'll inform Mrs. Selena myself."

Lucas's face darkened. "Do you think I can't survive without you, Lia? Don't get ahead of yourself."

"I never thought I was indispensable," she replied, her voice steady. Without another word, she turned and left.

Lucas stared after her, the work badge on his desk suddenly feeling like a weight.

"Hehe, darling, you're so kind," Alicia purred, snuggling closer. But Lucas grabbed the badge from her hand. "Who said you could touch it?" Alicia pouted but didn't protest.

...

Back at her workstation, Lia quietly began handing over her tasks to her colleagues.

"Lia, are you really resigning?" Viola asked, along with a few other employees who had gathered around.

"Yes, the boss has approved it. Thank you for everything."

"We'll miss you," Viola said, her voice heavy with emotion.

"Don't worry, we'll see each other again. Keep working hard," Lia said with a gentle smile.

In her two years at Valen Group, she had built connections with her colleagues, and she felt a pang of sadness. Apart from Lucas, she had gotten along well with everyone else.

But now, it was time to leave.

Lia lost her job, but instead of feeling sad, she breathed a sigh of relief. Even though she was burdened with debt, she was still happy in her heart.

From now on, she lives for herself.