Chapter 1

ARIELLA’S POV.

“Good morning, everyone.” I greeted them with a smile, but as I noticed the gloomy looks on all their faces, my smile instantly dissolved. “Oh come on, guys! Let’s be optimistic. Anything can happen. I am certain it's not gonna be bad, and even if-”

“It’s not going to be bad, Ari,” Amira says from behind me. “It can’t be bad,” she stated, and I noticed her knuckles turning white from how hard she was gripping her table.

“We just have to wait for Mrs. Wigglesworth and hope for the best, we don’t even know the outcome yet.” Gregory, our janitor remarked as he took the cleaning supplies across the room.

“Yeah, you're right, Greg, but why are you still cleaning, though?” Jane furrowed her brows.

“Well, Miss Harris, I figured if the company is gonna close down, I might as well work to the very end,” He replied.

“Amen, brother!” I remarked, and he smiled.

“Be sure to add that to your résumé: I, Gregory Thompson, work till the very end.” Mr. Theo, our company’s secretary, added, causing a round of laughter.

“Oh, look, Here she comes,” Harry exclaimed, calling all our attention to our boss walking out of the elevator. As she walked through the doors, the looks and anticipation on our faces could be seen with our eyes closed.

You see, the company I have worked tirelessly for the past five years was closing down, and this was our last chance to keep it alive. Our boss, Mrs. Wigglesworth had promised to pull extra strings to see if she could still keep her company. Our hopes and dreams rose with every step she took toward the glass doors shielding the office. It was hard to see her face from the blurry glass doors, but I hoped for only good news.

“Let’s begin to pack up, guys…We lost…we lost it all.” She sighed, and her shoulders sagged in defeat. You could see that it affected her the most. She tried to maintain her composure but it was a futile attempt.

“Oh God.” Mr. Harley groaned by my side.

“It’s alright, Harley,” Ms. Quinn said from his side.

“No! No! No! it’s not alright Dani. What do I do now?” Amira stated, holding her head while her eyes moved frantically around, possibly as fast as the thoughts surged through her head.

I look up to see Mrs Wigglesworth looking around the office. She avoided our eyes as she walked into her office. Pulling the window blinds down.

She is taking it pretty well… I think. I can't even imagine how she's feeling. As a mere employee I feel terrible, now imagine I had just lost a company I had spent my whole life building. I am just twenty-five and I’m certain if this were to happen to me, I would have a stroke on the spot.

I let out a deep sigh as I looked around. I am going to miss this place. All the late-night files I had to compile, all the documents, the weekend meetings. I was going to Mr Fergal’s goofy jokes. He was the company’s receptionist and would always make goofy comments to keep the mood alive. He always had the perfect comic relief for every situation.

But he’s been quiet all day, and I don’t even blame him.

I let out yet another sigh as I cleared out my desk. It took me a few minutes longer to finish up because I couldn’t take my eyes off the tools I had worked with for years. The fact that they could fit into this little box made me feel hopeless. Cripes! This sucks.

*****************

I entered my car with mixed emotions, resting my head against the headrest of my car and letting out a deep sigh. My phone buzzed, it was a notification reminding me to call David, I hadn't heard from him all week.

David is my fiancée, and we’ve been together for three years. We met in college, and he has been the best thing that has happened in my life, I wouldn’t trade our relationship for anything else.

He picks up on the third ring. “Hey baby,” His deep, soothing voice resonated through the phone.

“Hi, How are you?” I smiled, as a request for video chat popped up on my phone. My smile brightened as his face appeared, his tousled hair flying in different directions.

“I’m good, just a little tired. I worked overnight and just got home, but you know me—I’m an unstoppable force,” he replied.

“Ok, Mr. Unstoppable Force, did you at least get something to eat during your overnight shift?” I inquired, David was a doctor, he was the best at taking care and worrying about others, but sucked when it came to taking care of himself. I furrowed my brows at the thought.

“Release those poor eyebrows, munchkin, and I'm fine, Elle… I had a burger last night… Enough talk about me, how are you? And aren't you supposed to be at work?” he asked.

“Yeah… about that, I’ve got some news. Which do you want to hear first, the good or the bad news?” I bit my nails as I waited for his response.

He chuckles, “Okay… tell me the bad news first?”

“Do you remember when I told you Mrs. Wigglesworth was trying to prevent our company from getting sold by the shareholders?” I asked him.

“Oh yeah, I remember. What happened….you didn't lose it? did you?” He inquired.

“Yes, we did, Mrs. Wigglesworth tried but the shareholders were adamant about the sale,” I replied, throwing my head against the headrest.

“I am so sorry to hear that babe, but don't worry I'll talk to Henrick tomorrow, and we'll get you a new job in no time.” He reassures, making me smile. He’s so sweet.

“No need for that D, cause, I’ve already got a new job. Mrs. Wigglesworth called me into her office today and promised to help me get a new job. And that's the good news.” I gleefully shared.

He chuckles, “Congratulations baby, that's great! I’ll come over later tonight, okay?,” he suggests and I reply with a tight-lipped smile.

“Hey.. hey.. hey, I know that smile Elle, what’s wrong?” He peeks into the phone as if he’s trying to read my expression.

“Well, I don’t know, I sorta feel bad for Mrs Wigglesworth, she’s worked so hard on that company, and now she’s lost it all,” I hang my head and run my hands through my hair.

“Mrs Wigglesworth would be fine if she managed to help you find a new job, then I’m pretty sure she’ll do just fine rebuilding her company again. It might just take some time.”

“Okay babe, I have to go now. Duty calls” He tells me, and I notice he’s already in his car about to drive to work.

“Ok, see you later, I love you.” I smile into the phone.

“Love you too, sweetheart.” He replied and the line went dead. I let out a huge sigh before starting my car. The drive home was short, and I can’t wait to tell Anna everything. Anna is my best friend, and we've been living together since college.

I walked into our two-bedroom apartment to find Anna in a grim mood. She had that look on her face— the look that says ‘I fucked up!’

Boxes of tissues are scattered around the living room, and there’s a slight smell of… snot? Her hair looked like it had been hit by lightning, standing in different directions.

I stand beside her, but she doesn't notice my presence, so I clear my throat, “Anna… is everything okay? What’s wrong?” I inquire, my voice laced with concern.

Her bloodshot eyes met mine, as she threw herself into my arms, sobbing.

“Anna? Anastasia, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” I asked.

“Ari, M… My career is over.” She chokes through sobs.

“Anna, what do you mean your career is over, did your agency fire you?” I asked, my mind racing.

“No, but they will soon enough.”

What?

“Ann, please look at me, I need to understand what's going on,” I urge, gently pulling away from the hug to face her. She began pacing around anxiously, avoiding eye contact.

Finally, she looks at me with her bloodshot eyes and running nose….

“I’m pregnant, Elle,” she reveals.

Oh, you have gotta be kidding me.