A Successful Career After Divorce

Ranita took two more days off.

When Brendon saw the leave slip, he asked Caleb with displeasure, “Send me Ranita’s address.”

“Brendon, are you going to see Ranita?” Shannon had been coming around a lot lately. “Last time you told me she took sick leave and I’m worried about her too! Why don’t we go see her together?”

“Brendon, what does Ranita like? Let’s bring her some gifts!”© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Thinking for a moment, Brendon said, “She seems to really like apples. Let’s bring some over!”

When the doorbell rang, Ranita had just finished discussing a project with someone.

“Who is it?” It was late at night and Dylan had only come in the afternoon. Who could it be?

Ranita opened the door and saw Brendon holding a fruit basket. She was surprised, “Why did you come?”

The next second, a petite figure emerged from behind Brendon and affectionately held his hand while smiling sweetly, “Ranita, I heard you were sick and both Brendon and I were worried about you so we came to check on you.”

Ranita couldn’t stop smiling.

“Don’t be polite. My place is small so I won’t entertain you.” After seeing that Brendon didn’t look too happy about it, she quickly added, “Let me treat you guys to coffee instead.”

“No need. We just came to see how you’re doing,” said Brendon as he handed over the fruit basket. He scanned inside but didn’t see anyone else there before pursing his lips and saying, “Rest well if you’re still sick. Eat more of your favorite apples.”

“Yeah! Ranita, I also love apples because they’re sweet and nutritious so eat more!” Shannon winked at her while laughing heartily but inside Ranita felt empty.

She actually didn’t like apples that much but ever since he gave one to her for the first time she would instinctively reach for an apple whenever she saw fruits around.

But now it seemed all meaningless because he remembered Shannon’s preferences instead of hers.

Brendon never asked nor did she tell him that she liked green grapes or peaches or many other things except for not liking apples very much but none of that mattered anymore.

“My fridge can’t hold any more stuff so take this back if Miss Murphy likes them,” said Ranita as she pressed down on the doorknob while looking at Brendon intently before adding coldly, “If you aren’t drinking coffee then please leave.”

“Ranita… please, if you don’t want me around, I can accept that, but Brendon came here to see you personally. Don’t be so distant,” Shannon said, feigning vulnerability, her eyes misty as she defended Brendon, her heart breaking.

“I’m sick and need to rest!” Ranita said, not bothering to be polite as she closed the door behind her. She leaned against it, feeling exhausted both physically and mentally.

Two days later, Ranita returned to work after her sick leave.

She walked into the office with Brendon and he casually took off his emerald cufflinks before rolling up his sleeves and sitting down in a leather chair without looking up. He asked nonchalantly, “Caleb told me you haven’t given him your contract renewal yet?”

Ranita took out the renewal contract from her bag and handed it back. “Mr. Stuart, after careful consideration, I’ve decided not to renew my contract.”

If she was going to end things with the company, then she wanted a clean break.

“Why?” Brendon finally looked up at her with deep-set eyes that showed a hint of displeasure in his otherwise indifferent expression.

In Brendon’s opinion, there was no reason for Ranita to refuse a contract renewal.

“It’s personal reasons. I plan on taking some time off,” Ranita replied firmly.

“How long? I can give you vacation time or even increase your salary by ten percent,” Brendon offered as he closed his pen cap and tapped lightly on the desk with his fingers.

“I’m sorry but I’ve already made my decision,” Ranita stood firm in her choice instead of entertaining any more offers from him.

“Ranita, according to our agreement, even if you don’t sign a new contract, you still need three months’ notice before leaving until we find someone suitable for your position.”

Three months? By then she would be showing signs of pregnancy… How would she explain that growing belly?