43 Chapter 43–New Beginnings and Final Severance
43 Chapter 43 – New Beginnings and Final Severance
When afternoon arrived, she announced she was heading to the market and would collect Leo from daycare afterward. Despite her insistence that I rest, I seized the opportunity to call my parents. I had made up my mind to tell them everything about the disaster my life had become and ask if Leo and I could come home.
Before leaving, Chl had given me strict instructions to do absolutely nothing except rest. She promised to speak with her father and assured me we would figure everything out by evening. But sitting idle while others solved my problems felt wrong. I was already taking far too much from this generous family.
We were playing on the living room floor after his bath when he suddenly looked up at me with those innocent eyes and asked, “Mommy, is Liam coming over today? I really want to play with him again.”
The question hit me like a physical blow. I had not expected Leo to remember Liam, let alone ask for him. Fortunately, Chl chose that moment to arrive home, and Leo immediately launched himself into her arms, temporarily forgetting his question. “What exactly do you mean, Chl? Does he know what happened to me?” I asked, confusion replacing some of my despair.
The intercom buzzed just as I was reaching for my phone. The doorman’s voice crackled through the speaker, informing me that someone from Sterling Collective was downstairs with documents requiring my signature. My stomach dropped, but I knew I had to face whatever they had brought me.
Chapter 43 – New Beginnings and Final Severance.
“Hazel, sweetheart! I’ve been missing you something fierce! How are my two favorite people doing?” My mother’s voice burst through the phone, warm and loving as always.
“Hazel, how are you really holding up?”
“There’s my beautiful daughter! How’s my little man treating you?” Dad’s cheerful voice filled the room.
“That doesn’t mean I miss you any less, honey! Hold on, let me put you on speaker.
43 Chapter 43 New Beginnings and Final Severance.
Your father’s right here with me. Her excitement was infectious, though I found it odd that Dad was home during work hours.
Hazel’s POV
“Really? That’s surprising. Leo usually doesn’t remember people after meeting them Rust once,” she said, looking genuinely puzzled.
“Not going to happen. My boss has already made his decision. Tomorrow morning. you’re coming to work with me.”
“Dad, that’s absolutely wonderful! I’m so proud of you! Mom, now you two can finally take all those trips you’ve been planning.” I meant every word, even as my heart sank. My escape route had just vanished.
“Oh, but you haven’t even heard the best part yet! I went ahead and sold the house, and we bought ourselves a charming little farm right here in Crestwood. We’re moving everything this weekend. Your mother and I are finally going to live that peaceful country life we’ve been dreaming about for years, Dad continued, his excitement practically radiating through the phone.
My last hope crumbled to dust. There was absolutely no way I could return to Crestwood now, not when my parents had just started their new chapter. They continued talking for several more minutes about their plans and how eager they were for Leo and me to visit the farm soon. I made all the appropriate responses, but inside I was screaming.
“Honey, I’m so glad you called when you did. Do you have a few minutes to chat, or are you swamped at the office?” Dad asked, and I had to bite my lip to keep from breaking down completely.
Miranda and I shared lunch together, and she filled the silence with stories about her children and grandchildren who had scattered across the country, too far away for regular visits. Her eyes lit up when she talked about how much joy it brought her to care for Leo, how he reminded her of her own children when they were small. The loneliness in her voice made my heart ache, even as I felt grateful for her presence. The elevator ride down felt endless. The Sterling Collective employee handed me an envelope without making eye contact, clearly uncomfortable with whatever role he was playing in my downfall. Inside were my termination papers and a check for my final month’s salary. I signed the documents with steady hands, but when it came to
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the check, I handed it back untouched. I scrawled a note on the paperwork stating I was waiving all compensation. I would not take a single dollar from that company, not after what they had put me through.
“He knows the important parts. I explained that Liam accused you of something you didn’t do. My boss called Liam a hotheaded fool who’s going to regret his actions, so he thinks it would be better if you’re already working for him when Liam inevitably comes crawling back to apologize,” she explained, her smile widening.
“You’re incredibly stubborn, you know that? Didn’t I promise I would help you? And it turns out I barely had to lift a finger. My boss overheard me telling Dad about your situation, and he immediately told me to have you come in tomorrow morning,” Chl announced with a triumphant grin.
“He’s not going to apologize, Chl. He’ll either block your boss from hiring me or find a way to get me fired once I’m there,” I said, unable to shake my pessimism.
After dinner and Leo’s bedtime routine, I joined Chl in the living room where she announced we needed to have a serious conversation.
The sound of the front door bursting open followed by Leo’s excited shouts of “Mommy, mommy!” instantly lifted my spirits. From the moment I had first felt him moving in my womb, Leo had been my source of strength and joy. No matter how dark things became, his presence always reminded me that I could survive anything.
“Oh, Mom, we talk practically every day,” I managed to laugh, though tears were already forming in my eyes. I longed for her comforting embrace more than ever.
I told her about the conversation with my parents and how their retirement had eliminated my backup plan. I finished by admitting that I would need her help more than ever now.
“Alright, Chl. I’ll go meet with your boss and be completely honest with him. If he still wants to hire me after hearing everything, then I’ll accept the position.”
“I feel terrible, Chl. Right before you got home, Leo was asking when Liam would come visit again.”
Back in the apartment, I finally dialed my parents‘ number, my hands trembling slightly.
“Well, sweetheart, we have some news that I think is going to make you very happy”
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Mom chimed in, practically vibrating with excitement.
I scooped him up and peppered his face with kisses, breathing in his sweet scent. When I tried to help Miranda with the bags, she shooed me away and insisted I focus on Leo, who apparently had a million things to tell me about his day.
“I have plenty of time, Dad. I’m just having some coffee. What’s going on?” I managed to ask without my voice cracking.
After we hung up. I buried my face in my hands and let the despair wash over me. I could not bring myself to destroy their happiness by telling them about my unemployment and public humiliation. I would have to wait for Chl and trust in whatever plan she had devised.
“We’re doing well, Dad. Leo’s still at daycare right now.” I fought to keep my voice steady, not wanting to worry them.
“Hazel, honey, I’ve officially retired! Yesterday was my final day at the company. My boss even threw me a farewell party and tried everything he could think of to convince me to stay. But now that you’re all settled and doing so well, I decided it was time for your old man to enjoy life a little, Dad announced, his joy unmistakable.
I felt completely adrift, like a ship without an anchor in the middle of a storm. Chl had rushed out early that morning, insisting she would handle Leo’s daycare drop–off, while Miranda had planted herself firmly in my living room, determined to spend the entire day keeping me company. I appreciated her kindness more than I could express, but the weight of being such a burden on the Dalton family was crushing me.
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