Chapter Ten

JULIAN'S CONFESSION

Alex was still in shock, trying to process what she had just heard.

"Sir, what have I done wrong?" she asked, her voice trembling. "I even came to the resort earlier than you did" she added, trying to defend herself.

Julian's expression remained stern.

"You don't tell me what to do here, I give the orders. Remember?" he snapped. "So, pack your things and leave this resort before I call security on you."

Alex was still wondering what she had done wrong to deserve being fired. She racked her brain, but couldn't think of anything. Feeling humiliated and defeated, she decided to pack her belongings and leave the resort before things escalated further. She quickly gathered her things and walked out of the office, trying to maintain what was left of her dignity. As she walked away, she couldn't help but wonder what had triggered Julian's sudden outburst. Was it something to do with Billy's visit? She couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to it than met the eye.

On her way home, Alex decided to call Mia, feeling stranded and in need of a friendly ear. Mia picked up the call from the other end of the phone.

"Hello, Alex! How are you doing? And how's work going? And what about your rude boss?" Mia asked, her voice cheerful and concerned.

"Mia, I just lost my job," Alex said, her voice cracking as she shed tears on her way home.

"Girl, please, what happened?" Mia asked, her tone turning serious. "Stop crying, what happened?"

Alex took a deep breath and tried to compose herself.

"Billy came to my workplace yesterday, and after we met, I even told my boss I was going to meet him after work, and he told me I could go. Then I came to work this morning, and he just entered the resort and was like, 'Alexandra Thompson, you're fired!' I don't even know what the problem is, Mia. I'm doomed. I don't have any other job lined up, not even an application, because I was hoping he would come around and become a good boss, since I was loving my job there already."

"Girl, this is not the end of the world," Mia said reassuringly. "You have to compose yourself, go home, take a shower, and get some rest. I'll come see you in the evening, okay? Don't overthink, don't stress yourself. Just be healthy for me, okay?"

Alex smiled weakly, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her friend. "Thanks, Mia. Just talking to you makes me feel a little better."

"Anytime, girl," Mia replied. "Now go home, take care of yourself, and I'll see you later. Bye for now."

Alex hung up the phone, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She took a deep breath, wiped away her tears, and continued walking home, feeling a sense of determination to move forward and start anew.

Alex arrived at her doorstep. She opened the door, went inside, and dropped her luggage and bags. She then headed to the bathroom to take a shower, feeling the warm water wash away her stress and anxiety.

After her shower, Alex wrapped herself in a towel and walked to her bedroom. She collapsed onto her bed, feeling exhausted from the day's events. She closed her eyes, letting out a deep sigh, and soon drifted off to sleep, lulled by the sound of Mia's reassuring words still echoing in her mind.

The knock at the door woke Alex from her sleep. She rushed towards the door, still feeling a bit groggy. On opening the door, she saw Mia standing there with a warm smile on her face.

Mia came inside and hugged Alex tightly, trying to reassure her that she had someone to lean on. "Hey, girl, I'm here for you," Mia said, holding her close.

Alex felt a lump form in her throat as she hugged Mia back, feeling a sense of gratitude and comfort. She had been feeling so alone and overwhelmed, but with Mia by her side, she felt like she could face whatever challenges came her way.

As they hugged, Alex felt a sense of calm wash over her. She knew that she could count on Mia to be there for her, no matter what. And with that thought, she felt a sense of peace settle in, and she knew that everything was going to be okay.

As they sat down, Mia asked, "How did Billy know about your workplace?"

Alex shrugged.

"I don't know, girl. I just happened to see him there. But when we met at the bar, we discussed…he told me that the girl he cheated on me with was also rejected by his family members, so he needed me back in his life. But I refused the request because I couldn't go back to my past. I only told him we can remain friends, and I bear no grudges against him. He's in the past already, and I want to move on. That was how we ended our conversation yesterday."

Mia listened intently, her expression sympathetic.

"But today, you experienced the worst heartbreak. You lost the job you've been trying so hard to keep. What's going on, Alex? Do you think Billy has something to do with you losing your job?"

Alex frowned, unsure of what to think.

"I don't know, Mia. But what I do know is that my boss, Julian, was acting really strange today. He seemed angry, and I have no idea why. And then, out of nowhere, he fires me. It just doesn't make sense."

Mia smiled warmly and gave Alex a reassuring hug.

"Don't worry about it, girl. Just focus on the future. I'll help you apply for jobs in other places. Let's see how it goes. And I'll have to sleep over at your place today, so you can see someone beside you, okay?"

Alex smiled, feeling grateful for her friend's support.

"I love you, girl," Mia said, squeezing her hand.

"I will also always love you as my best friend," Alex replied, smiling back at Mia. "Thanks for being here for me, Mia. It means a lot."

Mia nodded, and the two friends hugged each other tightly, feeling a sense of comfort and solidarity in each other's company. As they pulled back, Mia said, "Now, let's get started on those job applications. We'll get you back on your feet in no time."

The next morning, Julian arrived at the resort, but he couldn't find Alex anywhere. He tried to struggle with his emotions and went into his office, sitting down at his desk. But he couldn't concentrate on anything he was doing at the moment. He tried and tried, but nothing was going through his mind. He was just seeing the shadow of Alex, and his mind was filled with thoughts of her.

He decided to call her, but his pride wouldn't let him. He thought about texting her, but his ego wouldn't allow it. He struggled with his emotions for several minutes before standing up from his chair and leaving the resort hurriedly.

The staff watched him as he left, thinking that maybe something bad had happened. They murmured amongst themselves as he departed.

Julian found himself standing at the doorstep of Alex's house. He had no idea how he knew where she lived, but somehow he had ended up there. He knocked at the door twice, and when Alex opened it, she was dumbfounded to see her boss standing on her porch.

"Julian, what are you doing here?" Alex asked, her voice shaking slightly.

Julian looked at her, his eyes searching for answers.

"I...I don't know," he stammered. "I just needed to see you."

Alex raised an eyebrow, unsure of what to make of Julian's sudden appearance.

"See me? Why?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Alex's eyes widened in surprise as Julian poured his heart out. "Can I at least come in?" he asked, his voice filled with emotion. "I have a guest, and I don't know if it will be comfortable for her to see you."

Mia, who was sitting on the couch, raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden turn of events.

Julian took a deep breath and continued. "Okay, let me just make my words clear. I'm sorry I shouted at you, that I was rude to you, that I was arrogant to you. But it wasn't me. I just did that because my emotions, my feelings… they were showing me something I've never felt before. I was battling with it."

Alex's expression softened, and she stepped aside, allowing Julian to enter.

"I don't know what to say, Alex," Julian said, his voice filled with vulnerability.

"But I think I fell in love with you the first day I met you. The first day you slipped in that lounge, and I saw you in my arms… I felt my heart flutter. But I was struggling with it.