As I stood outside Mr. Herman's thick, French-styled, oak-wood doors, I couldn't tell if my knock was loud enough because my heart was beating so hard, I almost couldn't hear anything but it. Mrs. Turner opened it and looked at me with a tight smile and invited me in.

I had only been in Mr. Herman's office a few times since I started working at the company. His office was the size of Adam and Ryan's combined. It was so big that he had room for a large executive desk, a sitting area with a long couch, two love seats, and a mid-sized conference table. He also had beautiful models displayed around the room of various architecture projects the company had done from their point of inception to the present. Usually, I would have asked to take a moment to study them, but not this time.

As Mrs. Turner escorted me further into the room, I saw Mr. Herman standing in front of his high-end coffee machine that sat on a side table near the couches.

"Good morning, Ms. Ashcroft. Would you care for some coffee?" His tone was welcoming.

I looked to Mrs. Turner for some direction as to how I should respond. She gave me a slight nod.

"Yes, please."

He glanced back at me with a kind smile and mesmerizing eyes that his sons shared. Though his were aged, it suited him. Seeing him, I could see what Ryan would look like in the future, and it was not a disappointing sight in the slightest.

He handed me my coffee in a beautifully crafted mug with the company's logo and requested I take a seat on one of the love seats. He gave Mrs. Turner coffee as well, and they sat near each other on the long couch that sat across from me. I tried sipping my drink, but my throat felt like it was closing, so I couldn't drink much. But I held it within my hands, hoping the warmth that resonated from it would help calm me for whatever was about to happen.

"Do you know why we're calling you in here this morning?" Mrs. Turner began, crossing one leg over the other.

I shook my head as my mouth wouldn't move to generate a verbal response.

She studied me with a stern look, clearly trying to make sure what she was about to tell me was said with caution and clarity. "It has come to our attention that there was an incident that occurred last night, while you and the others were out with a prospective client."

Again, unable to use words, I responded with a nod.

"Because said client, Mr. Gima, and his team, witnessed it, they aren't sure that they want us to complete their $400-million project. Not only does this incident cost us a sizable profit, but it is also damaging our reputation. Especially with our international clientele. Now, I don't know all the details of what actually occurred, but the fact that something did happen is completely unacceptable!"

Tears started welling up in my eyes. "I understand."

"Ms. Ashcroft," Mr. Herman interjected calmly. "Is it true that my son attacked your fiance last night?"

I froze at his question, unsure of how to respond. While Ryan did hit Eric, Eric was also the one that provoked Ryan to respond the way he did. Not wanting to lie, I nodded, resting my eyes down at my untouched coffee.

"Do you know why he did that?" He seemed genuinely confused. I then wondered if he knew of Eric and Ryan's past, but knew it wasn't the time to bring that up.

"It...it...it was because of me." My voice quivered. I finally raised my eyes back up to meet his that showed genuine concern. "Eric thought something was going on between us. He said some things he shouldn't have, which caused Ryan, I mean your son, to lash out."

Mrs. Turner chimed in with a stern voice. "And why would Eric think that?"

I guided my eyes to meet hers, which appeared to be void of any emotion. I took a staggering breath in, as fear rose with every word I had to say. "Because... there had been something going on between us."

Mr. Herman and Mrs. Turner exchanged almost shocked, yet not surprised, looks.

Mr. Herman returned his solemn look back to me. "I prefer not to meddle in the affairs my sons get involved in. But because this particular case also involves the son of one of my oldest and rather powerful friends, I fear I have to step in." He rested his coffee down on the side table next to him, and sat forward, clasping his hands together, before resting his arms on his lap. "I don't feel it would do anyone any good if we allowed you to continue working here."

His words cut me like a dagger to my heart. I couldn't stop my tears now as they flowed freely down my cheeks. I nodded and stuttered, "I understand."

His look softened slightly. "But I want you to know that I, personally, have really appreciated all you've done for us during your time here. I know you will go far in this industry, and as much as I wish you could have done it here, it is just not possible."

I nodded, unable to speak again.

"However, I will be happy to give you a personal recommendation for wherever you choose to work next. You have my word on that. In fact, I'll write one for you today and make sure Mrs. Turner mails it out on official letterhead."

If this was being done under any other circumstances, a letter of recommendation from Mr. Herman himself would have been an honor. But at that moment, it felt worthless. 

"Thank you," I stammered.

"Mrs. Turner will go with you to help you collect your things and walk you out." Mr. Herman stood up. Mrs. Turner and I followed suit. He held out his hand to me. "Thank you again for all you've done, and know this is nothing personal."

Nothing personal? I was getting fired because of a personal matter! Nevertheless, I placed my coffee down on the table beside the couch I had been sitting by, took his hand, and shook it as professionally as possible. "I really am sorry for all of this."

"Everything will work out for the best, Ms. Ashcroft. I promise you." He led the way towards his office doors. As he opened it, he looked at me and added, "I hope you really take this time to work things out with Eric. He's a great boy, much more ambitious and goal-oriented than my son. He's someone who is really going places, and I know he could use a great woman like you by his side."

I nodded again as I stepped out of his office. "He and I are still getting married. What happened last night hasn't changed that."

He smiled lightly. "Well then, I guess I'll be seeing you again at your wedding. If I'm still invited."

I smiled sadly. "Of course."

With that, he thanked me and bid me farewell before closing himself back in his office. I turned to Mrs. Turner, who only seemed to be looking at me with contempt. "I did warn you to never fuck your boss."

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

I spent the rest of the day locked up in my apartment crying. I turned my phone off. I had no reason or want to talk to anyone. Not even words of support from Sasha could help me in my current state.

I only had myself to blame for what happened. If only I had never responded to Ryan, to begin with, none of this would have happened. I wouldn't have lost practically all of Eric's trust. I wouldn't have lost my job. I wouldn't have gotten this incredible apartment, that I wouldn't be able to afford to live in past the end of the month.

Just when I started calming down after crying and eating ice cream the whole morning, I noticed a copy of the presentation I was supposed to be a part of that day, sitting on my bedside table. I couldn't help but wonder if Adam was doing okay with the new clients, without me. Then my thoughts trailed to memories of Adam and how much he trusted to do the presentation on my own yesterday. Which led to the memory of seeing Mr. Gima looking at the scene from last night with such disappointment. As my thoughts came full circle I started crying again.

Then, I got angry at the situation I was in. There I was, still worried about the company's presentation with the second client, even after they fired me without so much as batting an eye. I bet they didn't even consider firing Ryan. God forbid he'd be let go. That would spoil the company's reputation far more than firing me would.

As the day crawled into the evening, I don't think I moved much, if at all, from my armchair. I kept staring out at the skyline, making wishes on the building lights as they started shining against the night sky like they were shooting stars. Wishing to start over, wanting the unbearable heartache to go away.

Then I realized that this was probably my karma for breaking Eric's heart. Though Eric did say he forgave me, I now really understood what he felt. Feeling betrayed and losing faith in something he thought would never turn their back on him.

My door phone buzzed. It was only ever used by the night security to let residents know when someone was visiting outside regular business hours. That way, they knew if they should allow the visitor to proceed to the elevator. I didn't answer it. I just wanted to be left alone. I didn't care who it was.

It buzzed again. Still, I ignored it. Though I started imagining, it was Ryan or Eric trying to come up and somehow convince me that it wasn't a big deal. The thought of hearing them try to bang on my door until I opened it, drove me to quickly grab my jacket and leave my apartment.

Looking towards the elevator, I started imagining Ryan or Eric stepping off and running into me. Instead, I walked in the opposite direction to the end of the hall to the stairwell.

I stood on the stair landing, looking at the concrete steps—one set leading up, the other, leading down. I knew I couldn't leave the building, especially if Ryan or Eric were still hanging around. So I went up two flights to the ninth floor, to the rooftop terrace.

The last time I was up there was when I first moved in, to explore all the amenities that were offered. Though it was a warm evening, there was a cool breeze. There was a lap pool there, but it was closed. I noticed there was a party of five nearby using the outdoor cucina and grill. They looked like they were having a great time. I was envious of the carefree laughs they were sharing.

I hugged my jacket closed and made my way across the turf, to the stone tile area where lounge chairs were lined, facing the magical skyline. While the image was beautiful from the comfort of my armchair, being on a rooftop terrace, with the breeze brushing against my face, made the sight that much more captivating.

I don't even know how long I sat there, but it must have been awhile. My mind wandered so far that by the time I made it back to the present, I realized that the party of five had left. Even though I knew I had nothing to do the next day, now that I didn't have a job anymore, I figured it was about time to head back to my apartment.

I slowly stood and turned my back on the city of lights to head back downstairs. I got to my door and turned to open it, but it was locked. A security feature of the apartment, I needed my keys, and of course, during my quick exit, I forgot to grab them. I also didn't have my phone, which meant I had to go downstairs.

It was not my day!

I called the elevator and stood there for what seemed like forever for it to arrive. Getting frustrated with waiting any longer, I went back to the stairwell and made my way down the seven floors to the lobby.

The security guard was sitting behind the counter reading a book, as I approached him. "Hi, John!" I hadn't said much all day, which made it hard for me to even greet him.

He looked up at me with surprise. "Good evening Ms. Ashcroft! I'm sorry I didn't see you."

"That's alright. I was just on the terrace for a while and realized I've locked myself out of my apartment. Would you please call maintenance to let me back in?"

"Yes, of course." He nodded, picked up the desk phone, and pressed a preset button. He spoke to the person on the other line for a moment and then hung up. "Oscar will be right down."

"Thank you, John." I did all I could to produce a smile.

"Actually, I've been trying to reach you for awhile now. The gentleman from the other night is here to see you. He wouldn't leave and insisted on waiting in the lounge until you arrived." He pointed in the direction of the lobby seating area.

As I processed his words, the hairs on the back of my neck rose, and my stomach fell. It was like I was taking the steepest plunge of a roller-coaster I didn't want to be on. Part of me wanted to run up to my apartment and not confront the man that ended my career. But another part of me was so angry at him that I knew I had to.

Walking over to the lounge area, I put my defenses up, ready for a fight or a yelling match or anything that would help me survive this. 

As I turned the corner to go in with guns blazing, I stopped dead in my tracks. "Adam?"