PART 18:

We’re not working together. The relationship is entirely outside of work. Ms. Cross is still your ultimate supervisor. The power differential exists regardless of whether the relationship occurs during work hours. David pulled out a document. Furthermore, we’ve received complaints from other employees that you’ve been receiving preferential treatment.

What treatment? Your schedule has been modified three times in the past 2 weeks. You’ve been given easier assignments. You’ve had multiple personal calls during work hours that were not reported. My schedule was modified because I requested time to attend my daughter’s school events. The easier assignments were given to me by my supervisor without my asking.

And the personal calls lasted less than 5 minutes and were during my breaks. Nevertheless, the perception of favoritism exists, and in a workplace environment, perception matters as much as reality. Adrian felt cold settling into his bones. This was it. This was how they were going to do it. So, what are you saying? Katherine folded her hands on the desk.

We’re offering you a choice. You can resign voluntarily with a severance package and a neutral reference, or we can proceed with termination for policy violation, which will go on your employment record. You’re firing me for dating someone. We’re addressing a policy violation, David corrected.

The relationship itself isn’t the issue. The violation of workplace policy is. And if I refuse both options? Then we move forward with the termination. It will be documented. Future employers will see it, and we will not provide a reference of any kind. Adrian stared at them. This was a setup. They’d engineered this from the beginning, documented everything, built a case that looked legitimate on paper, even though everyone in this room knew what was really happening.

How much time do I have to decide? End of business today. That’s 4 hours. We felt it was more than fair. Adrian stood up. I need to make a phone call. Of course. We’ll be here when you’re ready. He walked out into the hallway, pulled out his phone, and called Selina. She answered on the first ring. Adrian? They’re firing me.

Well, offering me the choice to resign or be fired. Same difference. I’m coming down. Don’t. That’ll just make it worse. Adrian leaned against the wall. They built a whole case. Policy violations, perception of favoritism. It’s all garbage, but it looks legitimate enough. I’ll talk to them. I’ll make them back off. You can’t.

They’ve already made up their minds. Selina was quiet for a long moment. What are you going to do? Adrian closed his eyes. He thought about Emma, about the apartment they’d lose without his paycheck, about starting over at 32 with no safety net. He thought about Selina and the way she’d looked at him last night, about Emma hugging her good night, about the future they’d started building together.

I’m going to resign, he said. Take the severance, get the reference, find another job. We’ll figure out the rest. Adrian. This isn’t me giving up on us. This is me being smart about how we fight back. If I let them fire me, it’ll be harder to find work. If I resign, at least I have options. I hate this.

Me, too, but it is what it is. He pushed off the wall. I have until 5:00 to decide. Can you meet me after? Might need a drink. I’ll be there. Adrian? Yeah? I meant what I said. We’re in this together. I know. That’s the only reason I’m not completely losing it right now. He hung up and went back to Catherine’s office. David was still there, waiting.

I’ll resign, Adrian said. But I want the severance in writing, and I want it clear that this resignation is voluntary and not the result of any misconduct. Of course, Catherine said, and she almost looked relieved. We’ll have the paperwork ready by end of day. Adrian nodded and walked out. He had 4 hours left as an employee of Titan Tech.

4 hours before everything changed again. He spent them doing his job, fixing things, being useful, saying nothing. At 5:00, he signed the papers, turned in his keys and his radio and his ID badge, walked out of the building for the last time as an employee. Selina was waiting in the parking lot, leaning against her car.

You okay? She asked. Not even a little bit. What do you need? I need to tell my daughter I lost my job. I need to figure out how to pay rent next month. I need to not fall apart. He looked at Selina. And I need you to know that this doesn’t change anything between us. I’m not walking away. Good. Because neither am I.

She took his hand and they stood there in the parking lot as the sun set. Two people who just lost a battle but refused to give up the war. What now? Adrian asked. Selina smiled, fierce and determined. Now we fight back. Fighting back turned out to be harder than either of them anticipated. Adrian spent the first week after his resignation sending out resumes and filling out applications.

His severance would cover 2 months of rent and basic expenses if he stretched it. But after that, he’d be operating on fumes. Every job posting wanted references. Every interview asked why he left his last position. And every time he gave the carefully worded answer he and Selina had practiced, seeking new opportunities, mutual decision, no hard feelings.

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