A week later, Mara received a mail informing her that Lily could resume school effective the next day. The joy at home was palpable. After celebrating, Lily went to bed early, eager for the next morning.
The following day, Lily woke up and began to prepare for school. Her uniform, which had been sent by the school along with the mail, lay neatly folded on her chair. She put it on, feeling a mix of pride and excitement.
Mara dropped Lily off at school before setting out for her own work. Today was her first day at her new job as a cleaner at one of the branches of the Gray Company. Coincidentally, this was also the day the CEO and his son were visiting, although Mara had no idea.
She hurried to get to work, but by the time she arrived, Mr. Gray was already in the lobby. She barged in, out of breath and flustered from her rush, only to find herself face-to-face with the famous CEO, Lucas Gray, and his son, Ethan.
Because of the way she barged in, Mara lost her footing and fell at his feet. There was a long period of silence before Mr. Gray asked her name.
"Mara," she answered, her voice barely above a whisper.
"What is your business in this organization?" he demanded, his eyes cold and assessing. It only took one look at her to know she didn't belong as an associate.
"I work here, sir," she replied, still on the floor. "I am the new cleaner." She said this while getting up but dared not look him in the face.
Mr. Gray took his time to study her delicate features. "Well, not anymore you don't," he said, turning to walk away.
Mara broke into tears the moment she heard his statement. She began to plead, "Please, sir, I need this job. My daughter and I have nowhere else to go."
Before she could continue, two security guards approached and began to drag her out. Ethan stood and watched the whole scene unfold, his face expressionless. He then joined his father in the office, having decided that it would be better to stay at home and start learning about the family business.