Fired for a Cigarette_ The Cost of Loving Her

For the company’s latest project, I worked tirelessly for twenty-four hours straight—leading the team to success.

While waiting to sign the contract, I slipped into the stairwell for a quick cigarette, trying to stay awake.

I never expected that by the next day, I’d be reported by my fiancée’s newly hired male assistant—and fired from the company.

When I confronted my fiancée, Valeria Brooks, she simply said, “Didn’t you know the company has a no-smoking policy? Honestly, getting fired is the least of your concerns.”

She added casually, “If you weren’t my fiancé, I’d fine you too.”

With no other choice, I packed up my things and left. But just as I was about to exit, I saw Valeria and her new assistant enjoying a spa session in the office.

Their lower bodies were practically touching.

Disgusted, I pulled out my phone and dialed the number of our competitor.

“I’m bringing the new project to your company,” I said.

“Terms? Just one—can I smoke in the stairwell?”

——

A chuckle came from the other end of the line.

“Andy Gerrin, you’re still as humorous as ever,” Lucy Russell replied with a teasing laugh. “As long as you’re willing to join us, I don’t care if you smoke in the stairwell—or in the office!”

But I wasn’t in the mood for jokes.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll join your company.”

“As soon as the onboarding process is complete, the DeWalt project will be yours.”

The moment I hung up, an onboarding invitation popped up on my phone. I filled in my details and hit send. As soon as I received the confirmation, I forwarded the complete materials for the new project.

But Lucy didn’t immediately accept. Instead, she messaged me.

[Andy, are you serious] she asked.

[You built the Brooks Group from the ground up for Valeria. Just a while back, I offered you a high salary to be our technical advisor and you turned me down. You said it would be a betrayal to Valeria. How could you…]

[I’m warning you—don’t joke about business with me. I’ll get angry.]

Joke? When I got the termination notice that morning, I thought it was some kind of cruel prank too.

After all, Valeria and I had been together for ten years since we’re in high school. We had stuck through the hardest times together. We were part of each other’s biggest life moments. We were even planning to get married later this year.

But in the office, she looked at me like I was a stranger.

“Andy, you do know there’s a no-smoking policy here, don’t you?” she said sternly.

I explained that I had been working with the team nonstop for twenty-four hours. That after finally securing the project, while waiting for the contract, I just needed a break—so I stepped into the stairwell for a smoke.

She scoffed.

“Are you kidding me Andy?”

“That project was clearly secured by Brian Sanders. Do you really think I’ll let you steal credit just because you say so?”

“Go take care of your resignation. You’re lucky you’re my fiancé—I don’t want to make a scene.”

I was kicked out.

And then Brian walked in.

He looked freshly groomed, his skin smooth, his face well-rested.

Seeing me—with dark circles under my eyes, my face rough with stubble after a sleepless night—he instinctively covered his mouth.

“Andy,” he said with mock concern, “I know you’re not into appearances, but this is a cosmetics company. As an executive, you should at least look presentable.”

“If a client saw you like this, they’d think we’re selling counterfeit products.”

Already in a terrible mood, I didn’t bother to be polite. I answered coldly,

“Since you know I’m an executive, maybe you should show me the respect due to one.”

“Disrespecting your superiors—what exactly did you learn in your onboarding training?”