A thin ray of sunshine slipped through parted curtains, softly illuminating the room. April lay in her bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, lost in thought. Abruptly, she sprang out of bed as a loud bang resounded from her door. Glancing at the alarm clock on her bedside table, she realized it was past 7 o'clock. She was late for work but she only just realized it. She knew all too well that her tardiness wouldn't be tolerated.
Hastily, she made her way to the bathroom, took a quick shower, and settled in front of the vanity mirror, contemplating her wardrobe's choices. Finally, she decided on a fitted burgundy gown, paired with black shoes and a matching designer bag. Rushing downstairs, she found her mother, Cecilia, setting the dining table. Grabbing an apple, she nibbled on it.
"Good morning, Mama" April greeted her mother with a cheeky smile, eager to avoid a lengthy conversation.
"April, wouldn't you have something to eat?" Cecilia called out, on her way to the kitchen. She appeared in the dining room, wearing an apron and carrying a bowl.
"No, Mom, I'm running late. I'll grab something on my way. See you later," April replied without waiting for a response and hurried out.
The drive to her office felt unusually fast, with minimal traffic for a Monday morning. April hardly noticed, preoccupied with her thoughts. At 33 years old, she still lived with her parents. She was financially independent enough to afford her own apartment, but her father insisted that his daughters couldn't own their homes until they got married and moved into their husbands' houses—a tradition that had been in their family for generations.
To some extent, April appeared to have a perfect life. She was highly educated, held a coveted career, and exuded beauty. Her marital status hadn't bothered her until her younger sister got married. She could still recall the sympathy and snarky comments she endured as Rachel walked down the aisle. It felt like her own funeral. Outsiders assumed she had everything needed to attract a partner, but life was never as simple as it appeared.
Forty-five minutes later, April reached Bayer Pharmaceuticals, where she held the position of senior site director. She took pride in her work and how far she'd come, despite her father being the company's owner. She worked diligently, proving herself just as capable as her colleagues.
"Good morning, ma'am," Irene greeted her as she entered her office.
"A cup of coffee would be perfect for a good morning, don't you think?" April said, placing her handbag on her desk as she sat down.
"I've already ordered it, ma'am," Irene replied with a smile, adjusting her glasses. Over the past three years of working with April, she'd learned about April's morning coffee ritual and always placed an order in advance.
"Meanwhile, Mr. Jayden has requested to see you as soon as you arrive," Irene informed her. It was common for April's father to want to brief her upon her late arrivals, a form of "leader's orientation."
Without further words, April rose and went to her father's office. She tapped gently on the door before entering. Mr. Jayden seemed engrossed in the papers scattered across his desk, pretending to be unaffected by her presence.
"Good morning, sir," April greeted her father, who was engrossed in reviewing files.
"You wanted to see me," she continued when he failed to respond.
"Yes, I did. Please, have a seat," Mr. Jayden finally replied, closing the files. "You may be wondering why I asked to see you."
April fidgeted with her palms, which had grown sweaty. She had always felt like a stranger in her father's presence.
"I sincerely apologize for arriving late today. It won't happen again, sir," April said, attempting to preempt whatever unpleasant news awaited her.
"Actually, this has nothing to do with your tardiness. I'd like you to pack your personal belongings; you won't be working at this company any longer," her father stated, a cold edge to his words. It seemed like a joke to April, but she knew her father wasn't one to jest.
"What have I done, sir?" April inquired calmly, although she sensed his detachment and cruelty.
"You've done nothing wrong," her father replied. "In fact, you have an exemplary record here. That's why you'll be starting as the assistant managing director at Okema Pharmaceuticals tomorrow. Take the rest of the day off to prepare."
The ground shifted beneath April. She had worked diligently for seven years, dedicated to the company. Bayer marked the inception of her career, and her projects are like her own children, essentially the driving force behind her every morning. To be dismissed so abruptly and relocated to a competitor without a second thought was bewildering.
"Why, sir?" she asked, struggling to maintain her composure. She felt her self-control slipping away as tears welled in her eyes.
"They are in desperate need of a professional, and we're also exploring a potential merger. I need you to make this transition ," he explained bluntly.
"And I'm not needed here anymore?" April questioned, her voice cracking. "I've given seven years of my life to this company. Why am I the lamb for your experiment? Is this really about work, Daddy?" Her father shot her a glare, staring at her with utter disdain.
"Are you afraid to stand on your own? Haven't you learned enough under my guidance? Everyone must grow and gain new experiences. It doesn't appear to me that you intend to do that at this stage of your life."
"Good Lord! If this is about growth, I can find employment elsewhere. I have a degree and experience that can secure me a job anywhere of my choosing.. I'm not foolish, and I know this isn't about business. Most importantly, Okema has been our biggest rival, and now they suddenly want to merge with us, when? Common sense might be cheap but life afforded me that much and we both know what this is truly about so please send someone else!" April protested.
"I make the decisions, young lady," her father asserted. "You will follow my instructions. You may leave now." He waved his hand as he tried to maintain a calm demeanor.
"Why, Dad? Does my mere presence irritate you that much? You can't even hide your desire to be rid of me," April challenged.
"Mind your words," her father snapped. "I am the CEO of this company, and I decide who stays and who leaves. I'm also your father, and I make the choices for you until you leave my house."
"Throughout my life, I've done everything in my power to please you. I attended the schools you chose, pursued the course you selected, wore the clothes you preferred, associated with the people you deemed appropriate. The list is endless, and you never took notice."
"Those were your duties, and you owe me that much," her father responded. "You might not realize this, but I know what's best for you. Perhaps someday you'll come to appreciate my efforts."
"Really? You're my father? Then act like one! Let me leave your house. You don't know what's best for me!" April confronted her father for the first time, her voice raised. Her defiance enraged Mr. Jayden to the point of physical violence.
"Then get married, April," he admonished, his voice quivering. "I don't know why you're being ungrateful. Do you realize how it feels to imagine that—"
Mr. Jayden hesitated, unsure whether to proceed. April had always been his favorite among his children, though he never exhibited any favoritism due to his strict nature. She was strong, independent, a reflection of himself, and he couldn't figure out where things went wrong. She was entirely absorbed in her work, showing no interest in anything else. It was as if she had forgotten she was also a woman.
His decision to hurt her was deliberate; he believed it would be the push she needed to find her humanity. April needed to break free from her robotic workaholic persona. As tears trickled down her face, she raised her head.
"Imagine that I'm not married yet?" April interrupted. "Go ahead and say it. Since when did it become a crime for a woman my age to be single? Nothing about me matters until I secure a different last name? Is that it?"
Her father's heart shattered into a thousand pieces, but he wouldn't relent. "Not in this part of the world. I determine what happens, and nothing can change that. Now, collect your things and leave. Here is your appointment letter."
April took the letter without further discussion and walked out of his office. As she returned to her office, her emotional turmoil grew. Unbeknownst to her, the volume of their exchange had carried beyond closed doors, and the staff in the vicinity stared at her as she passed.
Once in her office, April flung herself onto the couch and wept. After some time, she regained her composure and began to pack her belongings. She had felt this way before, and it wasn't the first or the last time. It was a life she had grown accustomed to.
"You called for me, ma'am," Irene said, standing awkwardly in her doorway. April's mind snapped back to the present as she gazed at Irene, who had entered without her notice.
"Yes, I did," April responded, her voice composed. "You might not have heard yet, but I'm leaving the company. I suppose this is where we part ways."
Irene and April weren't close friends, but they had an understanding that went beyond words. April felt it was only fair to inform her before leaving.
"As long as we're both alive, this isn't goodbye, ma'am," Irene remarked. "It's been a pleasure working with you, and I trust you'll excel wherever you go."
April raised an eyebrow at Irene's last comment. "News spreads like wildfire in this company, doesn't it?"
Before they could delve deeper into the conversation, Mr. Jayden entered without knocking. Irene excused herself and departed.
April stood, carrying a box filled with her belongings. "I'm leaving."
Mr. Jayden requested a favor. "Can you try not to be too stubborn with Anthony?"
Tears welled in April's eyes once more,
but she refused to cry in front of her father. She wouldn't play the victim card. She would leave with her head held high.
"I'll try. And can you ensure my secretary keeps her job?" she asked.
"Agreed," he replied.
Straightening her dress, April walked out of her office. She left with a smile on her face, as if nothing had occurred, much to the astonishment of those who saw her depart. She stopped outside the building for a few moments, gazing at the place where she had spent seven years of her life.
"It appears we're taking different paths now, old buddy," she said, smiling. She reached the garage, tossed her box into her car, slid into the driver's seat, closed the door, and drove away.