PHB 20
“Luc, are you really going to resign from Quantum Tech?”
Several staff members from the finance division gathered in front of Lucas’ desk. After learning that the bespectacled man intended to resign from the company, they all swarmed in, awaiting clarification and a more detailed explanation for why someone who had been dedicated to the finance department for over a year was now deciding to leave the company.
Lucas’ performance and career at the company had been impressive. He was even expected to receive a promotion soon to the position of assistant manager.
However, just before the promotion could happen, Lucas made a decision that was highly surprising. Out of the blue, after returning from a few days of leave, he announced his decision to resign. It was ironic.
“Yes, it’s final. Once I finish all my pending tasks at Quantum Tech, I’ll be leaving.”
“But why so sudden?” Della asked, looking lost. She admitted that Lucas had willingly helped her with many of her tasks.
“Yeah,” Andromeda chimed in. “Why is it so sudden? Did you get a job offer from another company?”
Lucas smiled, feeling touched by his friends’ reluctance to accept his decision. He acknowledged that even though he had been undercover for just a year, there were so many moments of joy and sorrow that he had experienced with his team, and they were still very dear to him.
“But to be honest, I’ve already been offered a position in another company. The salary and benefits there are significantly higher than at Quantum Tech. Plus, the most important thing is that the office is close to my parents’ house. If I want to visit them, I don’t have to wait until the weekend. You all know that my mother has been frequently ill lately.”
Della nodded understandingly. From Lucas’ stories, she knew that he rented a place separately from his parents and lived quite a distance away. Recently, she learned that Lucas’ mother had been frequently falling sick. During his recent leave, Lucas had deliberately spent time accompanying his mother, who was hospitalized.
Perhaps, for this reason, Lucas was seeking a new job closer to his parents’ residence.
“It’s a shame you have to move. Our team will be losing a great leader,” Starla said sadly. Despite his nerdy appearance, Starla and the others admitted that Lucas had been a significant help, especially with their work. As a team player, the bespectacled man always contributed greatly with brilliant ideas that often impressed their superiors.
“But there are others on the team. We have Andromeda, Dion, and Nata. They are all equally talented.”
“But it’s you who always lightens up the mood and is the most organized in our work,” Starla replied.
“And no one else offers quick solutions when we suddenly encounter problems.”
“Yeah,” Dion responded. “If I didn’t have money, I’d be borrowing from anyone.”
“Ugh, you idiot!” Starla exclaimed with a click of her tongue.
Lucas smiled. After tidying up his desk, he stood up from his chair.
“Don’t be too sad. In reality, we’re all the same. I’m sure you’ll all find a better replacement for me. Besides, I’ve reached this point because of all of you.”
Seeing Lucas’ firm decision, his colleagues could only resign themselves. No matter how they tried to persuade him, Della and Starla felt that Lucas’ decision was beyond their ability to challenge.
“Oh, by the way… has Ms. Deasy not come to work yet?” Lucas asked. He had been working for three days, but he hadn’t seen his boss around the office as usual. There were no urgent tasks or out-of-town assignments for her to handle.
“I think she’s still resting at her apartment due to illness,” Della confirmed.
“What’s wrong with her? It’s unusual for her to be absent from work. I’ve been working under her for a year, and this is the first time I’ve seen her take sick leave.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. They all knew Deasy as a strong woman. Sometimes, even when she was sick, she would push herself to work. This was the first time she had taken extended leave.
“Yesterday, when you were absent, Ms. Deasy fainted in front of the elevator. Mr. Lucas took her to the hospital. She looked so pale. It seemed like she had low blood or was experiencing fever. Those were the usual symptoms.”
In his heart, Lucas breathed a sigh of relief. At least his office colleagues didn’t know Deasy’s real condition. They all believed she was simply sick, not pregnant and carrying his child.
“By the way…” Della continued, “you have the task of summarizing the monthly office funds, right? My suggestion is to go directly to Ms. Deasy’s apartment. Get her signature and inform her that you’ll be resigning next week.”
“Do I really have to go to Ms. Deasy’s apartment? Wouldn’t it bother her?” Lucas asked hesitantly. “I’m worried it might disturb her rest, especially when she’s sick.”
Della shrugged. There was no other choice but to visit their boss’s residence in person.
“What else can we do? The task requires her signature, right? We can’t be sure when she’ll come back to work, and we can’t complete the task without her.”
“Yeah, Della’s right,” Andromeda chimed in. “If we wait for her to return to work, your task will never be finished. It might even hinder your resignation process.”All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
Lucas pondered for a moment. After thinking it through, he realized his colleagues’ suggestions were valid. Besides, he needed an excuse to check on Deasy and ensure her current condition.
Still, Lucas felt anxious. He worried that Deasy might do something reckless, intentionally trying to terminate her pregnancy to avoid marrying him.
“Okay, Luc. Just go and visit her. If you need company, I’ll come with you,” Della offered sincerely.
“No need.” Lucas shook his head. It might be risky if his colleague accompanied him. “I’ll visit Ms. Deasy’s apartment this evening on my own.”
“Are you sure about going alone?”
Lucas nodded confidently. “Yeah, if we all go together, she might feel disturbed. Let me handle everything myself this evening.”
***