It was a typical Monday morning in the office. Everyone was bustling around, going about their usual business. I was the manager of the company and had been for the past few years. I was well-liked by the employees and had earned their respect.
But this morning was different.
I had just been called into the CEO’s office and I could tell that something was wrong. It was obvious that he was not happy with me. He was sitting behind his desk, looking at me with a stern expression.
“I’m afraid I have to let you go.” The CEO said in a cold and detached tone.
I was stunned. I had no idea what was going on. I had been doing a good job and had never been reprimanded or had any kind of issue with the company.
“What’s going on?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.
The CEO sighed and looked away for a moment before turning back to me.
“It’s about your relationship with a colleague of yours. We do not tolerate relationships in the office, I can’t have this kind of situation in the office.”
I was shocked. I had no idea that the CEO was aware of my feelings for the woman in question. I had been careful to keep it on the down low, not wanting to cause any trouble.
But now the CEO was telling me that I had to go because of it. I felt a wave of anger wash over me.
“What about her?” I asked. “She’s the one that started this. Why isn’t she being punished?”
The CEO shook his head.
“Thank you for your service goodbye”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I had been with the company for years and had never caused any issues. Yet here I was, being fired because of a petty rivalry over a woman I barely knew.
The office staff often gossips that the CEO was a dirty old man that also like the same girl I like.
It was unfair and it made me even angrier. But I knew there was nothing I could do. I had been dismissed from the company and there was nothing I could do to change that.
I packed up my things and left the building, feeling defeated and betrayed. I had put so much effort into my job and had been dedicated to the company. But it seemed that none of that mattered in the end.
I had been let go because of a petty rivalry over a woman. It was a harsh reminder that even in professional environments, emotions can still play a role.