CHAPTER 2
1844 Words
Returning to work after the wedding, Anglia strode confidently into the sleek office building, her head held high. But as she approached the reception desk, the awkward smile on the receptionist’s face hinted that something was amiss
“Hi, Anglia. Welcome back,” the receptionist stammered, her unease palpable
Anglia’s instincts flared. “What’s going on?”
The receptionist hesitated. “You should speak to your dad or HR.”
Anglia’s heart sank as she approached her office. The door was locked, and a new placard hung outside: *Office of Emily Lee, Executive Director.*
Her eyes widened in disbelief. Her assistant, Emily, now held her title.
“Anglia! Hi!” Emily chirped, stepping out of the office. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
“This is my office,” Anglia said, her voice steady but firm.
“I know. I’m sorry, but your father reassigned me,” Emily explained, looking apologetic.
Anglia’s temper flared. “And where is my desk?”
“I think you should speak to HR,” Emily replied, avoiding further confrontation.
Fuming, Anglia stormed into the HR department. Mrs. Jenkins, the HR manager, greeted her with a serious expression. “Anglia, please have a seat.”
“What’s going on?” Anglia demanded.
Mrs. Jenkins took a deep breath. “Your father has decided to terminate your employment with the company, effective immediately.
Anglia’s face flushed with shock and humiliation. “What’s the reason?
“Citing performance issues and a conflict of interest,” Mrs. Jenkins responded, her voice measured but firm.
“That’s a lie!” Anglia exclaimed, her frustration boiling over.
“I’m truly sorry, Anglia. But your father’s decision is final.”
Anglia sat there, stunned, as the weight of her father’s ultimate betrayal sank in.
Anglia’s eyes stung with tears. “My entire life has been dedicated to this company.”
Mrs. Jenkins handed Anglia a folder. “Your severance package and non-disclosure agreement.”
Anglia world crumbled. She was no longer a part of the family business.
She walked out of the office building boiling with anger.
Anglia stormed into the mansion; determination etched on her face. She found her parents in the lavish room, surrounded by opulent furnishings and memories of a life she once knew.
“Father, we need to talk,” Anglia demanded, her voice throughout the room.
Mike Carl, her father, looked up from his newspaper, his expression unreadable. “What is it, Anglia?”
“You know exactly what it’s about,” Anglia replied, her voice firm. “You fired me from the company. My company. The one I’ve dedicated my life to.”
Kate, Anglia’s mother, intervened, attempting to mediate. “Mike, dear, perhaps we should discuss-”
“No Kate,” Mike interrupted, his tone stern. “Anglia made her choice; she chose Ray over the family business.”
“That’s not fair!” Anglia exclaimed, her voice rising. “I worked tirelessly for years, contributing to the company’s success. This isn’t just about Ray; it’s about my own accomplishments.”
“Your loyalty is to your husband now,” Ray stated, his words cutting deep. “Not to this family or our legacy. You’re no longer a part of the company’s future.”
Kate placed a gentle hand on Mike's arm, trying to soften his stance. “Mike, Anglia is our only child. We should support her, no matter her choices.”
Mike’s expression remained unyielding.
“She’s an adult, Kate. She made her bed; now she must lie in it. If she wanted to be part of this family’s business, she should have made a better choice.”
Anglia’s eyes welled up with tears, her voice trembling. “You’re hurting me, father. More than you’ll ever know. I thought family was about love and support, not conditional acceptance.”
“That’s enough, Mike!” Kate stood up, her voice firm, a hint of anger in her eyes. “Anglia deserves respect, regardless of her choices. We’re her parents, for goodness’ sake!”
Anglia’s tears flowed freely as she witnessed her parents’ divide. Her mother’s defense brought her little comfort, knowing her father’s resolve remained unshaken.
“You don’t understand, Father,” Anglia said, her cracking. “Ray loves me for who I am, not for my family’s wealth or status. That’s what truly matter.”
Mike snored. “Love? You called that love? He’s using you, Anglia. Using our family’s name and resources.”
Anglia’s face burned with anger and hurt. You don’t know Ray. You don’t know us. You’re judging him based on your own prejudices.”
Kate stepped forward, placing a gently hand on Anglia shoulder. “Anglia, darling, we just want what’s best for you.”
“What’s best for me?” Anglia repeated, her voice laced with sadness. “You mean what’s best for the family business? What’s best for your reputation?
Mike stood up, his faces reddening. “How dare you question our motives? We’ve given you everything, and this is how you repay us?
Anglia eyes locked onto her father’s, a mix of pain and determination. “I’m not repaying you; I’m living my life. My own life, not the one you dictated for me.”
As the tension escalated, Kate intervened, her voice soft but firm. “Stop, Mike. Anglia, please understand-”
But Anglia had heard enough. She turned to leave, the weight of her family’s rejection crushing her.
“Anglia, wait!” Kate called out.
But Anglia didn’t look back. She walked away, leaving behind the life she once knew, and the parent who couldn’t accept her choices.
Mike’s expression softened slightly as he watched Anglia leave, but his resolve remained firm. “She’ll come crawling back when she realizes her mistake.”
Kate’s eyes held doubt, wondering if Mike’s stubbornness would forever damage their relationship with Anglia.
Anglia sank into the plush couch in Catherine’s living room, tears streaming down her face.
“Catherine, I feel so lost,” Anglia sobbed, her voice shaking.
Catherine wrapped her arms around Anglia, holding her close.
“What happen?” Catherine asked gently.
Anglia pulled back, wiping her tears.
Anglia, staring out the window, “I never thought it would come to this, Catherine. I thought family would always support me, no matter what.”
Catherine, leaning in her voice soft, “But marrying him wasn’t a mistake. You loved him. Your happiness should matter more than the family legacy.”
Anglia shakes her head, tears glistening in her eyes “It doesn’t matter anymore. My father made his choice clear. He disowned me—his only daughter—over a decision that makes me happy. I thought he would understand.”
Catherine sighs, “It’s not fair. You’re not just a pawn in his game. You deserve to be happy, Anglia.”
Anglia wipes her tears, voice cracking. “And what about my dreams? The company… I poured my heart into it, and he just tossed me aside like I meant nothing.”
“You’re so much more than your family’s name or their business. You can start fresh. Maybe even do something entirely different.” Catherine said softly.
Anglia snorts lightly, “Start fresh? Do you think it’s that easy? I’ve been sheltered my whole life. I have no idea how to live without that safety net.”
Anglia’s phone rang, piercing the silence. She hesitated, unsure if she should answer.
“Let it go to voicemail,” Catherine suggested.
But Anglia’s curiosity got the better of her. She picked up the phone, her heart racing.
“Hello?” Anglia said cautiously.
A deep, unfamiliar voice spoke on the other end.
“Anglia Carl?”
Anglina’s grip on the phone tightened.
“Who is this?” Anglia demanded.
The voice chuckled, sending shivers down Anglia’s spine.
“You don’t remember me? I’m the one who saved you from those reporters,” the voice said.
Anglia’s mind flashed back to the chaotic scene outside her parent mansion.
“Oh…thank you.” Anglia stammered.
“I’ve been watching you, Anglia,” the mysterious voice continued.
“Watching me?” Anglia repeated, unease creeping in.
“I mean, I’ve been keeping an eye on you. Making sure you’re safe,” the voice clarified.
Anglia thoughts swirled.
“Why?” Anglia asked.
The voice paused.
“Let’s just say am invested in your well- being,” the voice said.
Anglia’s curiosity deepened.
“Who are you?” Anglia pressed.
The voice laughed.
“All in good time, Anglia. For now, know that you’re not alone,” the voice said.
The line went silent.
Anglia eyes met Catherine’s, confusion and fear etched on her face.
“Who was that?” Catherine asked.
Anglia shook her head.
“I don’t know. But he said he’s been watching me…keeping me safe,” Anglia replied.
“That’s creepy. Be careful, Catherine warned.
Anglia’s mind whirled with questions.
Who was this mysterious stranger?
Why was he watching her?
And what did he want from her?
Anglia’s phone beeped, signaling a text message from the unknown number.
“Meet me at the coffee shop on 5th street at 5pm. come alone,” the message read.
Anglia’s heart skipped a beat.
“What do I do?” Anglia asked Cathine.
Cathine’s expression turned serious.
“Don’t go, Anglia. It’s not safe,” Cathine advised.
But Anglia felt an inexplicable pull.
Maybe this stranger held the answers she needs.
Anglia walked into the living room, her eyes brimming with tears. Ray looked up from his book, concern etched on his face.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Ray asked.
Anglia collapsed onto the couch, burying her face in her hands.
"Dad sacked me from the company," Anglia sobbed.
Ray's expression turned shock.
"What? That's ridiculous!" Ray exclaimed.
Anglia lifted her head, tears streaming down. "It's not just that. He disowned me, Ray. Said I'm no longer part of the family," Anglia's voice cracked.
Ray wrapped his arms around Anglia, pulling her close.
"I'm so sorry, baby. That must hurt," Ray whispered.
Ray buried her face in his chest.
"I feel like I've lost everything. My family, my job...who am I without the company?" Anglia cried.
Ray stroked her hair.
"You're still the same incredible woman I fell in love with. You're talented, smart, and capable. We'll build our own company, Anglia. Together," Ray declared.
Anglia pulled back, looking up.
"Really? You'd do that for me?" Anglia asked.
Ray smiled.
"For us, Anglia. We'll create something amazing, something that's truly ours," Ray promised.
Anglia's tears slowed.
"You believe in me that much?" Anglia asked.
Ray's eyes locked onto hers.
"I believe in us, Anglia. We can conquer anything if we're together," Ray said.
Anglia's heart swelled.
"I love you, Ray," Anglia whispered.
"I love you too, Anglia. Now let's start planning our new venture," Ray grinned.
Anglia smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope.
"Together?" Anglia repeated.
"Together," Ray confirmed.
Anglia leaned into Ray's embrace, feeling a sense of purpose.
They would rise above her father's rejection.
They would build something new.
Something better.
- Writer
