Running this company had never been easy for Mrs. Berta. What once was her and her late husband's shared dream was now solely her responsibility. If her husband were still alive, perhaps her burden would be lighter. Maybe her brother Rudolf wouldn't interfere as much, considering he had never liked her husband. These were the possibilities that lingered in her mind, never to be proven, for bringing her husband back was impossible.

Grateful for her solid team, she relied heavily on Kia and Steve, two pillars who had helped transform Learning Center into the success it was today. Their dedication was undeniable, and seeing them involved in this turmoil pained her deeply. Sitting in meeting room two, she found herself torn between them. On her left were Steve and Kia; on her right, Erin and Amir. Choosing between her employees was hard enough, but Erin was also her niece, making the situation even more difficult.


Suppressing her frustration, Mrs. Berta clasped her hands on the table, digging her nails into her knuckles, trying to anchor herself amid her emotions. She called out to Steve, who was sitting upright, unlike Erin and Kia, who appeared less confident.

'Steve," she began, 'I want you to answer honestly. This is your chance to come clean. Have you done anything inappropriate toward Erin lately?"

Steve, known for his intelligence and smooth words, showed a moment of surprise that quickly shifted into confusion. 'What do you mean, ma'am? Something inappropriate?" He looked at Erin, his confusion evident.


'I'm giving you a chance, Steve," she pressed, 'Did you do anything inappropriate to Erin?"

'Ma'am, I'm not sure I understand…"


'ONCE AGAIN, DID YOU DO SOMETHING INAPPROPRIATE TO ERIN?" Her voice rose as she slammed her hand on the table, startling everyone.

'No, ma'am," Steve replied bluntly.

Taking a deep breath, Mrs. Berta wiped the sweat from her brow, nervously pulling out her phone. Her fingers, damp with tension, brought up a video from her gallery. She placed it on the table in front of Steve. 'Explain this."

Steve's face paled as he stared at the screen. The thumbnail image clearly showed him holding Erin's hands, his face close to hers. Realizing he had been recorded, he swallowed hard, casting a brief, regretful look toward Erin. 'Why did this happen, Rin?" he asked. 'We don't want something like this spreading, right?"

Just as she'd suspected, Steve was deflecting, hoping Erin would share the blame. Mrs. Berta looked to her niece, trying to remain neutral, though her heart weighed heavily with every moment.

'Maybe you don't want it spreading, but you know very well you forced me," Erin replied firmly, lifting her chin to meet his gaze, prepared to defend herself. Kia, in contrast, kept her head down, looking as if she'd gladly sink into the floor.

'Come on, Rin. You said you wanted me to be more… aggressive," Steve said with a grin, his casual tone making Amir clench his fists.

'Ma'am," Steve continued, turning to Mrs. Berta, 'I hate having to explain this, but Erin and I are in a relationship. It's awkward to discuss here, but the truth is, we're both consenting."

Erin folded her arms. 'Disgusting," she muttered.

'Erin, is that true?" Mrs. Berta asked, her eyes narrowing.

'Not even close. He's making it up."

'Alright," Mrs. Bertha redirecting her attention to Steve. 'Steve, do you have any proof of this so-called relationship?"

Steve hesitated. 'Proof, ma'am?"

'Yes. Anything that shows you and Erin are involved."

'Well, we both have partners. Why would we leave anything that could be used against us?"

'So, there's no proof?"

'We were careful for the sake of our relationships, ma'am," Steve said confidently.

'So, there's no proof," Mrs. Berta stated, her tone frosty. 'The only evidence I have is this video—which clearly shows your inappropriate behavior toward Erin."

Steve's face drained of color as he realized he was outmaneuvered. He shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting to Amir and Erin. His anger flared again as he jabbed a finger in Amir's direction. 'This is a setup, ma'am! Amir wants my promotion, and he's using Erin to make me look guilty. Look at that camera angle—it's not even CCTV! This video was taken illegally!"

'Amir?" Mrs. Berta's gaze shifted to him, inviting an explanation.

Amir nodded, keeping his tone steady. 'Ma'am, as Erin's partner, I set up a small camera near the presentation screen that day. I did it to capture the reactions of the senior staff for Erin's project report, which she had to share with her father."

It was a lie they'd rehearsed, but Amir hoped it would shield them from the allegation of entrapment.

Steve scoffed, anger sparking in his eyes. 'What a pathetic excuse! Do you think we're in kindergarten, Erin? Outsiders don't get to know what happens in private company meetings."

'That depends," Mrs. Berta replied coolly. 'Erin's father is Mr. Rudolf—my brother and part owner of this company."

Erin leaned back, satisfaction flickering across her face as she watched Steve's smugness vanish.

'With that fact, and clear evidence right here, Erin's father can take immediate legal action if he chooses," Mrs. Berta stated, her tone filled with cold disappointment.

Steve's face lost its color entirely. For the first time, he looked defeated, glancing downward as if seeking refuge from the weight of his mistakes. His breathing became shallow, and the bravado drained from his face.

'Kia," Mrs. Berta's voice snapped Kia back to reality. 'I heard about a certain additional requirement in the employee contract—that employees are not allowed to date within the office. Was this your idea?"

'No, ma'am. That… That was Steve's idea," Kia stammered, shrinking under the intensity of the room. 'I just… followed along."

Mrs. Berta studied her, disappointment evident. 'As HR, Kia, you should have the strength to challenge bad ideas rather than succumb to them."

Steve suddenly raised his face, eyes blazing. 'Don't act all high and mighty, Kia! You wanted this as much as I did! You cried on my shoulder, remember? Asking for a way to separate Erin and Amir?"

Kia's face twisted with rage. Without warning, she slapped Steve across the face. 'Don't you dare throw me under the bus!"

Steve clenched his cheek, smirking defiantly. 'You're just as guilty, Kia. Don't act innocent."

A shoving match ensued, and Amir wasted no time in restraining Steve, pushing him back down into his chair. Erin quickly leaned down, offering Kia a supportive hand.

'Bro," Erin said, her voice steady. 'We can keep this civilized here, or we can take this straight to the police and let them untangle it. Your choice."

Steve's anger flared but subsided as Amir released his grip. He sat back down, defeated.

Kia, now trembling, looked to Erin. Her voice was low, filled with regret. 'Erin… I'm sorry. I've made a huge mistake."

Erin softened slightly, helping her up. Kia's eyes filled with tears as she clasped Erin's hands, desperate. 'Please, forgive me. I'm so sorry, Erin… I don't know what I was thinking."

Erin's heart ached, but she remained steady. This was a day none of them would forget—least of all, Steve.

As the chaos settled, Mrs. Berta called in a security guard, who positioned himself behind the door, ready and watchful.

'Come on, Kia, let's get you up." Erin helped Kia to her feet, leading her to the chair Amir had just vacated, while Amir took his place at the end of the table. Mrs. Berta adjusted her slanted glasses and cast a somber gaze around the room. 'All right, everyone. Let's take a breath and settle down," she said, her tone even but commanding.

Turning to Steve, she continued, 'Steve, to be perfectly honest, there's not much I can do for you at this point. Your future is in Erin's hands. Personally, I would recommend that this case be handled by the proper authorities." She shifted her gaze to Erin. 'What do you think, Erin?"

Erin's response was quick and resolute. 'Yes, ma'am. I think that would be best. There needs to be accountability." She glanced at Steve, who was now visibly avoiding her gaze, his face drained of its usual arrogance.

'And as for you, Kia," Mrs. Berta went on, her voice softening only slightly, 'after discussing with Amir, I'm offering you two choices: submit your resignation, or join the production team, which is currently short-staffed."

Kia's voice wavered, tears welling in her eyes. 'Can… may I have a few days to think it over, ma'am? Miss Erin?"

Erin nodded. 'But don't take too long."

'You have three days, Kia," Mrs. Berta added gently. 'Use the time wisely and consider everything carefully."

'Thank you, ma'am." Kia's voice was barely above a whisper.

Silence filled the room as they sat, each lost in their own thoughts. Steve's face remained a deep, frustrated red, while Kia's shoulders shook with quiet sobs. Erin maintained a steady gaze on each of them, while Amir stood by, monitoring Steve's every move with quiet intensity.

'Regret is a bitter pill, isn't it?" Mrs. Berta said quietly, her words cutting through the silence like a blade. Her tone was calm, but it carried the weight of her disappointment. 'This is what happens when people act without thinking. Skills can be replaced, but integrity? That's rare."

Erin nodded, meeting her aunt's gaze with quiet agreement. She glanced at Amir, who offered her a supportive smile.

'It's too late for regret now," Mrs. Berta continued, her voice firm. 'What's left is to take responsibility and grow from this."

Two minutes later, the tense meeting adjourned. Steve, now under guard, was escorted to a nearby room, while Kia returned to her desk. Amir and Erin sat with Mrs. Berta, who finally let her guard down, her eyes filling with a rare vulnerability.

'Erin, your father would have my head if he knew you were harassed in your own office," she said, her voice trembling as she reached for Erin's hand.

Erin squeezed her hand reassuringly. 'It's not your fault, Auntie. There's no need for him to know."

'But Erin," her aunt continued, her grip tightening, 'I have a proposal—and I need your help." She drew a deep breath. 'I'll ensure Steve faces legal repercussions. I promise my lawyer will handle everything thoroughly, and you won't have to get involved in any of the proceedings. But please, please don't tell your father about this, not yet."

Erin's gaze flicked to Amir. Without hesitation, he spoke up. 'With all due respect, ma'am, I think Erin's father should be informed. We've got the evidence, and your support in handling the matter speaks volumes."

'Yes, but not now, Amir. He's traveling constantly these days, and the stress of his job always sets his temper on edge. That's why Erin's mother has to be with him every step of the way. I'm torn—I don't want to interfere with his work, and, honestly, I fear his anger, Erin. There's nothing I fear more in this world than your father."

'What do you think?" Erin asked Amir softly.

'It's your call," Amir replied. 'As long as Steve is brought to justice soon, I'm okay with it."

'That's exactly what's going to happen," Mrs. Berta assured them. She looked earnestly at her niece. 'Is that all right, Erin?"

Erin considered it carefully, then nodded. 'All right, Auntie. I trust you to handle it. Besides, I can't imagine breaking this news to him now. And I'm fine."

'Thank you, Erin," her aunt murmured, visibly relieved.

Mrs. Berta looked from Erin to Amir, her expression softening. 'When your father's home, don't wait. Go to him, both of you. Get his blessing. You've been through enough; it's time for happiness."

Later that afternoon, Erin accompanied Mrs. Berta to sign her new contract at the head office, while Amir made his way back to the third floor. Along the way, he felt the weight of curious gazes. Whispers followed him, a wave of office gossip no doubt buzzing with fresh fodder, especially concerning Steve.

Amir didn't want to waste any time. He entered Kia's room, which had previously been Erin's. The woman was still crying but kept busy sorting through the contract documents she had just printed, pretending to organize the ones she needed to sign.

Amir didn't greet her; he simply sat down at Kia's desk. He couldn't believe that the woman who once had a sweet impression in everyone's eyes—especially his—now seemed to have transformed into someone unrecognizable. There was no longer any freshness in Kia's face, no signs of life, as if she had turned into a zombie, existing in a state of despair for some time. 'Why did it have to be like this, Kia? You are a good person," Amir said, voicing his regret.

Kia shifted her computer aside to place her documents in front of Amir. 'I told you, Amir. An ugly duckling can't win against a perfect, beautiful swan. Please sign here." She laid a standard pen atop the document.

'What is this winning about? Me?" Amir crossed his arms, refusing to touch the pen.

'There's nothing to win now," Kia said, avoiding Amir's gaze. But she eventually looked into his eyes, and her heart felt as though it were being sliced once again.

'What do you expect from me, Kia? Do you think I'll love you like I used to? Will I care for you like before? Is that what you want?" Amir realized he had asked this question many times, as it had become a familiar refrain.

'Why do we have to talk about memories we can't repeat, Amir?"

'Exactly! Why? What's going through your mind?"

Kia felt a tingling sensation in her head, overwhelmed by dizziness. 'I can't stand Fiki. I want to separate from him."

Amir had suspected as much. He understood that Kia's behavior must have been influenced by several factors he wasn't aware of. 'Why?" he pressed.

'You won't understand how I feel. You don't know anything about me anymore."

'Do you really think being alone without a husband will make your life easier, Kia? Is that your expectation now?"

'At least I can find my own happiness. I don't even know where it is," she replied.

'That's the problem, Kia. Happiness doesn't exist in a special place. Happiness is within you. You decide whether you want to be happy or not."

'Your words come from a privileged man who has a beautiful girlfriend, a wealthy family, and a big company owner as an aunt. If you're not happy, there's something wrong with your brain."

'So do you," Amir retorted, unwilling to back down. 'You're a career woman with cute kids, a handsome, famous husband, and you can earn millions in one performance. What happiness are you searching for, Kia?"

'Understanding, Amir. I'm looking for the understanding and attention you once gave me."

'What's Fiki lacking in attention?"

'He always hurts me!"

'I already know that. Kia, Fiki will hurt you if you provoke his emotions. Are you aware of that?"

'Maybe. Because I can only imagine that I deserve to be happy."

'With me? Is that still your fantasy?" Amir challenged.

'Yes. It has never faded, not even a little," she said, speaking with conviction.

'Okay, let me help you understand this. Do you think I still love you?" Amir asked pointedly.

'You can love me if you want, Amir."

'And I don't want to."

The spontaneous response pierced Kia's heart deeper, and her body trembled with pain.

'Do you think I want to love you? A woman who only thinks about herself? No! Do you think I want to accept you looking so disheveled? No! Do you think I want to love Gio? No, Kia!"

'But I'm ready to love Sheyna…" Kia groaned weakly.

'But I think Sheyna deserves a better stepmother than you. You know her, and you know she's better than you."

'Enough, Amir! You're really breaking my heart!" The ache in Kia's chest left her unable to flinch, her voice hoarse from emotion.

'Last question..." Amir leaned forward, locking his gaze with hers. 'Do you think I'll still love you if you've got feelings for someone else? No, Kia. I don't want to. Guess who does? Yes, Fiki! Fiki stays by your side even when he could leave. He's always there for you, even when he knows you still have hope for me. Most importantly, Fiki always brings Gio with him when you two fight. He loves your child that much!

Repent, Kia. Think of your child! You and Fiki are adults, but Gio's future is still very long. Who will love Gio to the end if not his own biological parents?"

Amir's words struck a different chord in Kia's heart. They pierced through the thick, solid wall that had blinded her all this time.

Amir didn't just touch that side; he cracked it, creating a small fissure. Slowly, that side began to shatter.

Kia's crying stopped abruptly.

In her sore and heavy chest, it felt as if a small tube had been inserted, bringing in a rush of cool air that carried the refreshing scent of mint into her surroundings. What is this? Why is it like this? Is she going to die?

Kia leaned back in her chair, inhaling and exhaling, regulating her breath as she allowed oxygen to fill her body.

For the first time, after dozens, even hundreds of heated arguments between her and Fiki, along with Amir's advice and her father's scolding, it felt like she truly understood that Amir was right. But Kia was too embarrassed to admit it.

She watched as Amir read through the contract and signed several pages. Once he finished, he organized the documents and pushed them toward Kia. 'Kia, I'm sorry I hurt you. I hope from today onward, you become aware of yourself and awaken to the reality that I am the one who always hurts you, while Fiki is the one who truly loves you."

Amir made that firm statement before leaving the room, closing the door slowly behind him.

Kia was left alone with her thoughts, fully aware now that what Amir had said was true.

***