"…Free, and to none accountable, preferring
Hard liberty before the easie yoke
Of servile Pomp."
―John Milton, Paradise Lost
POV — Betty
The Rrr‑Take department is the most unpleasant division in our company. Because of Paula, our boss, a hellish atmosphere reigns here every single day.
Of course, she is always right. But only because she is indispensable. Her qualifications, her image, and her experience make this dreadful woman irreplaceable at the company.
Naturally, she has ingratiated herself with everyone. A wolf in sheep's clothing. If we were to complain higher up, no one would believe us. She licks upward and tramples downward.
Yes, that is Paula—the sweet and demure one. But only when she is dealing with her superiors. Then she is servile; otherwise, she is despicable.
Yes, today I finally showed her my middle finger. Figuratively. Elegantly.
As usual, she went hunting for prey in our department immediately after returning from a morning business meeting.
Tamara was lucky. Before Paula came back, she discreetly left me alone with Gabriel, to chat over a good cup of coffee.
What was I talking about with Gabriel Stone? About work, please!
Paula came tiptoeing over to humiliate us. She brought up an office affair and, based on her unfounded suspicion, sent Gabriel to work in another department.
I have been planning to quit this company for a long time. Every evening, I indulged in revenge fantasies—until Gabriel appeared with his excellent CV. I began to hope. I thought someone had finally arrived who would be capable of pushing this dreadful witch out of the boss's chair.
I projected my revenge fantasy onto Gabriel. Gabriel Stone is more qualified, more skilled, and more experienced than Paula. Every evening, I imagined him taking her place.
I think Paula calculated all of this. Someone better than her was sent down her neck, she sensed the danger, and she wanted to get rid of him.
An office affair? Seriously? An office affair over a coffee break while talking about work?
At least today, we both got rid of Paula. Gabriel was reassigned to another project, and I quit the company.
It was a pleasure to look into Paula's shocked face. She wanted me to stay until the end of my notice period. Another thirty days? In hell, here? Oh, hell no.
Then came what the woman did not expect. I have been collecting evidence against her for a long time. My phone is full of material about how she treats her subordinates.
I sat down on her desk and played the audio recording from there. I let my legs dangle, then crossed them. I was thoroughly enjoying myself as I watched Paula's surprised and horrified expression.
"Here you go, woman—at last you're getting what your servile and despicable kind deserves!" I thought.
I shocked the servile woman. Her kind deserves it. A kick from below hurts the servile most. They lick upward and trample downward.
I shoved my resignation letter in front of her nose.
"And now you'll sign it. If not…"
I paused for effect and watched with satisfaction as the woman obeyed.
The department was silent as I packed up my things with my head held high, proud. I understood the looks of my colleagues. In the three years I had spent in the Rrr‑Take department, this was the greatest recognition I had ever received.
I waved to Tamara. Paula then stuck her head out of her office again. I blew her a kiss.
It was a grand scene. The Rrr‑Take department will be talking about it for a long time.
I sat down in the park in front of the company to write a message.
"Gabriel Stone! Shall we finish that coffee‑side conversation this afternoon?"
"Not a question. Absolutely!"
I sent him the café's address and the time. Yes, I asked Gabriel out on a date. Besides, an afternoon coffee is casual. It obliges no one.
I still felt like someone who had delivered justice. One of my favorite works, Paradise Lost, came to mind:
"They were created free, and free they shall remain, until they enslave themselves."
I will earn my living as a FREElancer, and from today on, I will obey no one but myself.
I recently started following an influencer named Naberius. He teaches the same thing. We both know that being free is a responsibility.
I even stopped by a costume jewelry shop to reward myself for my courage. I looked around for a long time, but I didn't find anything I liked.
My afternoon coffee with Gabriel Stone will be my reward for bravery.
And...
So why not? I have enough evidence. I will sue Paula.