Chapter 5

“Please, sir. Stay a few feet away from me.” She repeated the words he’d told her the day before, hoping it would work again.

Her voice sounded steady, but inside, she felt completely empty. She looked calm on the outside, but deep down, she was shaking with fear.

Ethan stopped and stared at her closely, his eyes narrowing. She reminded him of the woman who once saved his life. Bold and fearless, even when facing danger.

Just like that woman, Emery was standing her ground, even when she knew she could get hurt.

After a long moment, he stepped back and returned to his seat.

“Read the reports to me,” he ordered.

She blinked, unsure if she’d heard him right. Did he really expect me to read those reports out loud? Standing here like his assistant?

She took a breath and responded politely, but with clear sarcasm in her tone. “Isn’t that your job, sir? Or have I suddenly become good enough to do your work for you?”

His face darkened in anger. His whole body seemed to fill with rage. Before she could even think, he sprang from his seat and rushed toward her.

But Emery was already near the door.

Without a second thought, she turned and bolted. She sprinted down the hallway and into the elevator, her heart pounding. I’m done with this place. I want to leave, but I want to leave alive.

Back in the office, Ethan stared at the open door, his face unreadable. He raised his eyebrows slightly, shut the door slowly, and returned to his desk.

“How did it go?” Mr. Thomas asked when she got back.

Emery sank into her chair, silently thanking the universe for saving her. “Great,” she said with a tired smile.

Thomas let out a breath of relief. “That’s good.” Then he walked back to his office across from hers.

Emery turned on her computer. Without wasting time, she started typing her resignation letter. "I’m not stupid enough to keep working at Cosmic after that mess." She thought.

Life changes all the time, and so can she. Staying here wasn’t the only option. There were plenty of better chances out there.

She didn’t have anyone depending on her, and she wasn’t going to stay in a job that only brought her stress, sadness, or made her cry, especially when she already felt lonely most of the time.

She quickly finished the letter and sent it to Mr. Thomas, copying the company’s director too. Then she shut down her computer, gathered the few things she owned, and waited.

It’s better to quit than wait around to be fired.

Not long after, Emery received a call from the Director asking her to come to his office. When she arrived, she saw Mr. Thomas already there.

“Is this about what happened yesterday?” the Director, Mr. Laga, asked with concern in his voice.

“And today too, sir,” Emery replied directly, not sugarcoating anything.

Mr. Laga sighed heavily. “Why don’t you reconsider? Maybe wait a little—”

“Wait to be humiliated? Wait to be punished? Wait to be abused?” Her voice rose, filled with frustration.

“Look at my arm.” She rolled up her sleeve, revealing a large, dark bruise. “This was done to me by a fellow human being. And you expect me to stay?”

“I’m not sure he meant to hurt you,” Mr. Thomas said gently, trying to calm things down.

“Mr. Thomas, you literally told me minutes ago that my job was at risk. And Mr. Laga, your words yesterday weren’t any different. If we all know where this is heading, why pretend everything is fine?”

They couldn’t argue with that. Emery was right. The outcome was clear, and choosing to resign before things got worse was a logical move.

“The CEO is in today, so I’ll have to inform him about your resignation,” Mr. Laga said with a serious look.

“Do whatever you need to,” she said with a shrug. “May I leave now?”

“Of course.”

Emery left the office without looking back.

The day past in a blur. Soon, it was lunchtime, and she was just about to head out when Joan rushed over to her.

“The CEO wants to see you immediately. Did you submit your resignation?”

Looks like the devil himself had seen her letter. Perfect.

“Yes, I did. Isn’t that the smartest decision I could’ve made?”

Joan gave a small nod but said nothing.

“Please help me get my lunch.”

“Sure, I will,” Joan replied before walking off.

Emery didn’t leave for the CEO’s office right away. She waited a little, trying to calm her nerves. Then, reluctantly, she stood up and walked toward his office.

She knocked once, waited a few seconds, then slowly pushed the door open.

Ethan was seated on a luxurious, king-sized leather sofa, radiating a strong and intimidating presence. His long legs were crossed, showing off his perfectly tailored pants and designer shoes.

Emery stood at the door, studying him quietly.

How can someone so good-looking be so heartless? she wondered. Guess it’s true what they say. Not everything that glitters is gold.

"You asked to see me, sir," Emery said as she stepped into the office.

Ethan lifted his eyes and locked them on her. “I received your resignation letter.”

“Yes, I wrote and sent it myself,” she confirmed calmly, making it clear that she meant every word of it.

He leaned back slightly. “So, you think you can just walk into Cosmic Group and leave whenever you feel like it?”

Emery frowned. What was that supposed to mean?

“What do you mean by that, sir?” she asked, her tone respectful but firm. She knew employees weren’t supposed to question him, but since her time here was basically over, she had nothing to lose.

“You’re questioning me?” His voice dropped, colder than before.

“Yes, sir.” There was no fear in her response.

Ethan narrowed his eyes. She really had nerve. “So you have no respect or fear.”

“I’ve shown you respect, sir. Since yesterday. But fear?” She paused, steadying her voice. “I’m sorry, sir. I don’t have that.”

That did it.

Ethan suddenly rose from his seat and took slow, angry strides toward her. Emery didn’t flinch, though inside, her heart was pounding. She lowered her gaze, refusing to back away.

“No fear?” he repeated, his voice now sharp and thunderous. “Do you realize I could ruin your life, even after you leave this company?”

Her hands clenched the fabric of her dress as panic rose in her chest. Still, she answered.

“I know you can, sir. You can destroy everything I’ve worked for. You could even take my life, but that’s the only power you have.” She looked up, her voice steady. “Even if you kill me, you’ll never stop my ghost from haunting you.”

Ethan froze. Her words hit unexpectedly. His eyes narrowed with surprise.

“You think you’re brave? How dare you!” he barked, his fury boiling over. “I could trap even your ghost. Forever!”

He turned toward her sharply.

Emery shut her eyes tight, bracing herself for whatever came next.