42. （DISAPPOINT）ment
JAE
42
The news hit me like a freight train. Verena had messed up a major contract when relaying information to legal. A million-dollar mistake. The board was livid, calling for her termination. As I listened to their accusations, my mind spiraled. If she was fired, it wasn’t just about the money or the contract. It was about losing her, losing the chance to see her every day, to hear her voice. She would disappear from my life, and I couldn’t let that happen.
In the boardroom, the tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. My heart pounded in my chest as I stood at the head of the table, trying to keep my composure. “We can’t just fire her,” I said, my voice tight with barely controlled panic.
One of the board members, a gray-haired man with a stern expression, leaned forward. “Jae, this is a million-dollar mistake. Think of the investors. Think of the company’s reputation.”
“I don’t give a damn about the investors!” I snapped, slamming my hand on the table. “Verena is an essential part of this team. We can’t afford to lose her.”
“She’s jeopardized a major contract. We have to consider the implications,” another board member chimed in, her voice cold and pragmatic.
“I’ll pay it,” I said, the words out before I could think them through.
“What?” The room went silent, all eyes on me.
“I’ll cover the cost,” I repeated, my tone defiant. “No one mentions this outside of this room. No one does anything to jeopardize Verena’s job. Are we clear?”
They exchanged glances, shock and disbelief written across their faces. “Jae, that’s?—”
“Are. We. Clear?” I growled, daring anyone to challenge me.
After a tense silence, the gray-haired man nodded reluctantly. “Fine. But this stays between us.”
“Good,” I said, my voice hard. “Meeting adjourned.”
I stormed out of the room, my mind racing. How could I fix this? How could I make sure she stayed? As I walked into the main office area, I spotted Verena at her desk, looking dejected. She glanced up as I approached, her eyes filled with resignation.
“I guess I’m fired, huh?” she said, a small, bittersweet smile playing on her lips. It was like a punch to the gut, seeing her almost relieved at the thought of leaving. Anger flared up inside me, irrational and fierce.
Without thinking, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards my office. She stumbled slightly, caught off guard by my sudden movement. Once inside, I pushed her against the wall, my hands braced on either side of her.
“You’re not going anywhere,” I snarled, my face inches from hers. “It’s fixed. The board is fine. You’re not leaving.”
She looked up at me, sadness flickering in her eyes. “Jae, I?—”
“Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” I cut her off, my voice a harsh whisper. “Do you think you can just waltz out of here after making a million-dollar mistake? You think you’re that indispensable?”
Her eyes widened in shock, but I pressed on, my words laced with venom. “You’re lucky I didn’t throw you out on the spot. The only reason you’re still here is because I can’t afford another screwup. You’ve been sloppy, Verena. Unfocused. If this is your idea of dedication, maybe you should reconsider your priorities.”
She flinched, her expression hardening, but I could see the hurt in her eyes. It cut through me, making me want to take it all back, but I couldn’t stop. “You think anyone else would put up with your mistakes? You’re here because I fought for you. Because I cleaned up your mess.”
“Jae, please, I—” she started, but I couldn’t let her finish.
“Get back to work,” I barked, my tone leaving no room for argument. “And don’t think for a second that your job isn’t hanging by a thread. You screw up again, and you’re gone.”
Her face hardened, her eyes turning cold as she pushed past me, heading back to her desk without another word. I watched her go, my chest tightening with a mix of anger and regret. What I wanted to say was, “You can’t leave me. I need you.” But all that came out was cruelty, masking the fear that, without her, I’d be lost.