At the mention of that name, Sadie shivered slightly, then crossed her lips. “I’m not the same Sadie from three years ago,” she declared, her voice sparking with resolve. “I have the means and the confidence now. I won’t let him control me anymore.”
Alex felt a wave of relief seeing her determination. “What about your job?” he inquired, concern evident in his tone.
Sadie remained composed; she had already strategized her next steps. “I plan to start my own brand,” she stated confidently. “After three years at Majestic Ego, I’ve gained invaluable experience. It’s time.”
Admiration flickered in Alex’s eyes. He was aware of Sadie’s capabilities. “That’s a great idea,” he expressed his support enthusiastically. “If you need any help, just let me know. I could even invest and become a shareholder,” he added, half-jokingly, to lighten the mood.
Tears welled up in Sadie’s eyes as she looked at him gratefully. “Thank you, Alex,” she said sincerely. “Without your support, I wouldn’t have been able to become the renowned Sandra or come this far.”
“Why do you always have to be so formal with me?” Alex laughed. “Once you’re back home, I won’t have to keep traveling back and forth.”
“Hmm?” Sadie seemed to miss his implication.
Alex’s expression flickered, and he coughed to cover up his slip. “Nothing,” he quickly said, feigning ease, though his heart was pounding.
He regarded Sadie with deep affection. Over the past three years, he had watched her overcome her challenges, growing stronger and more intriguing every day.
Without realizing it, she had captured his heart. Yet, because of Noah, Alex had never been able to confess his feelings, always conflicted about his attraction to a friend’s wife. But now, he sensed that an opportunity might be on the horizon.
The next day, Sadie took a deep breath to steady her excitement and pushed open the door to the office of Majestic Ego’s design director. “What’s up, Sandra?” Amy Flores, the design director, asked, setting aside her design draft and looking up.
Sadie approached Amy’s desk and gently placed a light gray envelope on it. “Amy,” Sadie’s voice faltered slightly. Over the past three years, she had dedicated so much effort and passion to her work here, and the thought of leaving filled her with a mix of emotions.
Amy picked up the envelope, slid out the resignation letter inside, and quickly skimmed through it. Her blue eyes widened in surprise as she looked up at Sadie. “You’re resigning?”
Sadie nodded, managing a small smile. “Yes, Amy, I am.” She paused, gathering her thoughts. “I want to return to Helva to further my career.”
Amy set the resignation letter down, clasped her hands together, and leaned forward, her expression serious. “Sandra, I know your talents. You have a promising future here. Why choose to leave now?” Amy’s voice held a note of regret; she truly didn’t want to lose such a talented designer.
“I appreciate that, Amy. I’m truly grateful for all the guidance and trust you’ve given me these years.” Sadie’s eyes conveyed her deep gratitude. Amy had been more than a boss; she was a mentor and a friend.
“But I need to start my own journey,” Sadie added.
“In Helva? Right, you came from Helva.” Amy thought for a moment before making an offer. “How about this, Sandra? Our company has a branch in Helva. I could arrange for you to transfer there as the design director. The salary and benefits will be at least as good as here. What do you think?”
Sadie was taken aback by Amy’s proposal. After a moment of silence, she shook her head.
“Thank you for the offer, Amy, but I’m committed to starting my own brand.” Her voice was firm, reflecting a decision that had been carefully thought through.
Seeing the determination in Sadie’s eyes, Amy realized that any further persuasion would be futile. She sighed, her expression tinged with regret.
“Alright, Sandra. Since you’re sure, I support your decision. But remember, my offer remains open.” Amy then picked up a pen and signed the resignation letter.
“I hope we have the chance to work together again in the future,” Amy said, handing the signed resignation letter back to Sadie, her voice sincere.
“We definitely will, Amy.” Sadie accepted the resignation letter, a look of relief washing over her, accompanied by a hopeful smile.
Sadie stepped out of the director’s office, her signed resignation letter clutched tightly in her hand. Returning to her desk, she began packing her belongings, while her colleagues gathered around her, their faces filled with reluctance at her departure.
“Sandra, are you really leaving?” a young designer asked, his voice tinged with regret.
“Well, we won’t be working together anymore,” another colleague added.
“How about we throw you a farewell party?” someone suggested.
Sadie looked at the familiar faces around her, touched by their warmth. She gently shook her head, politely declining. “No need. I appreciate the thought. Let’s catch up another time.”
Just then, Vivi Quinn, another designer from Helva, sauntered over, her high heels clicking sharply on the floor. A subtle smirk played across her face.
“Oh, Sandra, are you leaving? I thought you’d be more reluctant,” Vivi said, her voice laced with sarcasm.
Sadie met her gaze, her expression composed and poised. Vivi had always viewed Sadie as a competitor, enjoying any opportunity to overshadow her. Now, with Sadie leaving, Vivi couldn’t resist the urge to needle her.
“Even if you’ve made a name for yourself at Majestic Ego, don’t overestimate your chances,” Vivi said, her disdain barely veiled. “Going solo is no small feat.”
Sadie responded with a calm smile. “With me gone, you’ll finally get that promotion you’ve been after. Congratulations.”
Her seemingly congratulatory words struck a nerve with Vivi, who had long envied Sadie’s position but lacked her talent. Vivi’s expression soured, and her retort was stifled as she glared at Sadie, frustration clear on her face.
“You all shouldn’t get too attached to her. You won’t see her again,” Vivi said.
The colleagues exchanged uneasy glances, torn between their regret over Sadie’s departure and the need to maintain good terms with Vivi, their soon-to-be supervisor. One by one, they drifted away, leaving Sadie to finish packing in solitude.
Sadie wasn’t bothered. She had long understood the dynamics of workplace politics. With a genuine smile at Vivi, she said, “I wish you great success.”
Picking up her packed belongings, Sadie left the office for the last time. Behind her, Vivi watched, her face flushed with frustration, yet she was powerless in the face of Sadie’s dignified exit.
The next day, Sadie double-checked her suitcase, zipping it up, ready for her next chapter. Averi sat on the sofa, clutching his teddy bear, his eyes wide with curiosity.
Sadie ruffled his hair gently. “Averi, are you ready? We’re about to leave.”
“I’m ready, Mommy!” Averi said, jumping off the sofa, his teddy bear bouncing along. They walked to the door, which rang just then.
Sadie opened it to find Alex. “Alex? What are you doing here? Weren’t you supposed to be back in the country?”
Stepping in, Alex took Sadie’s suitcase. “I came to pick you up,” he said. He ruffled Averi’s hair. “Hey Averi, have you missed me?”
Averi hid shyly behind Sadie, peeking out to murmur, “Hello, Alex.” Moved by Alex’s gesture, Sadie felt a warm glow.
They headed to the black car parked outside. Alex loaded the luggage and held the door open for them.
On the road, Averi asked, “Mommy, where are we going?”
Sadie looked into Averi’s innocent eyes and smiled gently. “We’re going to see Mommy’s beloved grandma,” Sadie replied softly.
“What’s she like?” Averi asked, his eyes sparkling.
“She’s kind-hearted and gentle. She’ll tell you stories and play games with you,” Sadie explained, her voice tender.
“Wow, she must be wonderful!” Averi clapped excitedly.
Alex, watching Averi’s joy in the rearview mirror, smiled. “We’re on our way,” he said. “Her health has improved, and she was discharged yesterday. A caregiver is there, so don’t worry.”
Relief swept through Sadie as she absorbed the news.
“Thank goodness,” she whispered, a mix of emotions stirring inside her.
Three years had passed, and she was finally returning to that familiar place, to see the person she had missed every day and night. With her eyes shut, she inhaled deeply, trying to steady her racing heart.
As the plane touched down, the darkness enveloped Jazmah. Averi, sleepy, rested his head on Sadie’s shoulder.
“Mommy, have we arrived?” he asked in his sweet voice.
Sadie kissed his forehead gently. “Yes, darling, we’re here.”
Alex parked his car outside the faculty housing where Laura resided. He took out the luggage from the trunk and opened the car door. Sadie, with Averi in her arms, got out of the car. Her shadow, long and slender, stretched under the dim streetlight.
Alex pressed the doorbell. The door soon opened to show a middle-aged woman, Laura’s caregiver.
“Mr. Howe, welcome,” she said with respect.
Acknowledging her with a nod of his own, Alex turned to Sadie. “Let’s head inside.”
Taking a deep breath and clutching Averi’s hand, Sadie stepped through the door.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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