I arrived at the office at 8.15 AM.
Early enough that most people hadn't shown up yet.
The light on Marcus' office was on, as he was always the first one in.
Perfect time.
I dropped my bag at my cubicle and headed straight for his door before I could lose my nerve.
I knocked once.
"Come in."
I opened the door.
Marcus looked up from his computer, his expression immediately hardening when he saw me.
"Lulu. You're early."
"I need to speak with you."
"If this is about yesterday's probation—"
"I'm resigning."
The words came out clearer than I expected.
Marcus blinked. "What?"
"I'm giving you two weeks' notice. My last day will be…"
I did the mental math. "... October 31st."
He stared at me like I would grown a second head.
"You're… resigning?"
"Yes."
"Because of the probation?" He actually looked concerned now.
"Lulu, if you think that was unfair—"
"It's not about the probation," I said, keeping my voice level low. "I've been offered another position. Better salary, and better opportunities. I'd be foolish not to take it.
That was technically true, only not all of it.
Marcus leaned back in his chair, studying me. "Where?"
"I'd rather not say."
"A competitor?"
"No. Different industry."
His eyes narrowed. "Did someone poach you?"
'Yes. A billionaire who offered me nearly five times my current salary.'
"I was approached with an opportunity. And I'm taking it," I said carefully.
Silence stretched between us.
Then Marcus sighed while rubbing his temples. "I can't say I'm surprised. You've been checked out for weeks."
I bit back the retort that threatened to spill out. 'I'm checking out because someone here sabotaged me and you didn't even investigate.'
"I'll have my resignation letter on your desk by end of the day," I said instead.
"Fine."
He turned back to his computer, dismissing me. "Two weeks. Make sure you document everything for your replacement."
My replacement. Probably Sarah.
I left his office without another word.
*******
By 9 AM, word had spread.
Jenny cornered me at my cubicle, her eyes wide, and holding both of my shoulders. "You're quitting?"
"How did you—"
"Sarah heard you in Marcus's office. She's already telling everyone."
Sarah again. Soon I would be free from her name in my ears.
Jenny grabbed my arms. "Lulu, what the hell? Where are you going?"
I glanced around. Half of the office was pretending to work while obviously listening.
"Not here," I muttered.
I dragged Jenny into the break room and closed the door.
"Talk," she demanded.
"I got a job offer. A really good one. I start in two weeks."
"From the billionaire."
It wasn't a question, she already had the guess.
I hesitated, remembering Daniel's warning.
But this was Jenny. My only real friend here.
"Yes," I said quietly. "From Daniel. But Jenny, you can't tell anyone. Please. Not the details."
Her expression shifted through shock, excitement, and finally concern.
"Lulu… are you sure about this? You just met him yesterday."
"I've been thinking about leaving for months. You know that."
"Yeah, but—" She lowered her voice. "What if this is some kind of… I don't know. What if he expects something in return?"
"It's a legitimate job. It has contract, benefits, everything legal."
"For how much?"
I couldn't say it. If I said three hundred thousand out loud, she would think I was insane and lied.
"More than here," I said instead. "A lot more."
Jenny studied my face. Then she pulled me into a hug.
"Okay," she whispered. "Okay. If you're sure, then I'm happy for you."
"I'm sure."
Actually, I wasn't entirely sure.
But I was committed now.
*******
People I had worked with for years suddenly avoided eye contact with me. Sarah walked past my cubicle twice, each time with a smile that literally showed victory.
Michael from accounting stopped by to ask where I was going.
"Can't say yet," I replied.
"Must be somewhere good if you're keeping it secret." His tone was barbed.
"Must be." I didn't want to play along.
He walked away, and I heard him mutter to someone. "Probably lying. She got fired and doesn't want to admit it."
Hhhh… let them think what they wanted.
In two weeks, I'd be gone.
At lunch, I sat alone in the cafetaria and drafted my official resignation letter on my laptop.
Dear Marcus,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from Jensen & Partners. My last day will be October 31st, 2025.
I appreciate the opportunities I've had here and will ensure a smooth transition of my responsibilities.
Sincerely, Lulu Chen.
The letter was short and professional, as it should be.
I printed it, signed it, and dropped it on Marcus's desk before I could change my mind.
Done.
*******
That night, I collapsed on my couch and stared at the ceiling.
Two weeks.
Fourteen days until my entire life changed.
My phone buzzed.
Daniel Tan: How did it go?
Me: I quit. Officially.
Daniel Tan: How do you feel?
I thought about it.
Me: Terrified. Relieved. Like I just jumped off a roof.
Daniel Tan: Good. That means you're alive.
Me: Easy for you to say. You're not the one free falling.
Daniel Tan: Everyone free falls sometimes. The trick is learning to enjoy it before you land.
I smiled despite myself.
Me: Is that billionaire wisdom?
Daniel Tan: That's survivor wisdom. I'll see you in two weeks. Try not to overthink it.
Me: No promises.
Daniel Tan: One more thing.
Me: What?
Daniel Tan: Vivian is looking forward to meeting you. I told her you're special.
My stomach flipped.
Me: No pressure or anything, you said.
Daniel Tan: You'll be fine. Better than fine. Trust me.
The messages stopped, and I was alone again with my thoughts.
Vivian Zhang.
My new boss. The beautiful and brilliant Director of Finance from Tan Industries.
I pulled up her profile on Li******.
The photo showed a woman in her early thirties. She was stunning in a way that seemed effortless.
Sharp features, elegant style, confident smile.
Her credentials were impeccable—MBA from Harvard, former Goldman Sachs analyst, five years at Tan Industries.
She looked like the kind of woman who had never struggled a day in her life.
I closed the app, trying not to make a comparison out of me.
I just had to survive two weeks, nothing more.
Then everything would change.