It was clear that he didn't love me. I was blind to it before. I had convinced myself that he had, but there was a tiny chance in hell. In reality, I was only blinded by how much he had to offer financially. I thought I could bear with it, but I couldn't anymore.
What would others back in Chicago say if you return after canceling your marriage? Don't you think this would be bad for him?
To be honest, I preferred my sanity over thoughts of what another person would say. As for James, it wouldn't be bad for him at all. I hate to say it, but it'd be very easy for him to find a replacement for me. Besides, I was yet to pick out a wedding dress and the wedding date. It had been almost three months could you still say there was a marriage happening?
I had had enough.
Olivia
“And here is my leave of absence. I mean my letter of resignation,” I said to the HR rep.
A woman in her sixties - and according to most of the nurses was the doctor who handled Lucas's delivery - stared at the letter and then back at me.
“Did something happen?” she asked. “Did James threaten you?”
“What? No. I'm doing this on my own volition,” I replied. “I'm quitting today.”
“I'm confused. You have talked with the nursing department at the children's ward, cross-checked the records for the financial department, helped me sort the database, and you've covered for another nurse who had to go on a lunch break.” She replayed my activities for the day to me. “And you still want to quit?”
“That's because I don't feel comfortable working here anymore,” I replied matter of factly.
“Oh, this is a you and Lucas problem.” The woman smiled like she was expecting me to say that I was having her grandkid soon.
“No, it isn't I just want to stop working here,” I insisted.
“Right and I understand that completely.” She was being sarcastic, “Tell you what? For resignations, except if you are fired we would have a one month's notice.”
“So, the best I can give you is a leave of absence; and if you don't return after a while, we can write you off as terminated,” she explained.
“In other words, you're leaving a branch out for me,” I concluded.
“We will miss having you around,” she said with a smile.
“Thank you, I guess…”
It wasn't what I wanted but at least it was something just in case I changed my mind.
Not that I was going to change my mind.
As I left her office I saw Lucas standing outside.
“Olivia I…”
I didn't give him a chance to say anything. I walked past him, and my heart started to ache. The look on his face almost made me give him a chance to explain. He looked sad and depressed. But it was too late for him.
Chapter twenty-four
Trouble Everywhere
Lucas
“You did what?” I yelled at Stella the head of HR.
“I gave her a leave of absence,’ she replied as she cleaned her ear with her index finger. “You really need to dial back on the way you yell.”
“Why wasn't I informed of this?” I asked.
“Because I'm HR, and I don't have to bother you about every little thing,” she replied.