Chapter 358:
I had finally found a job at a proper accounting firm. My boss was a thirty-year-old woman with exceptional work skills and social abilities. After a month of working under her, I came to admire her as my role model. In the past, I had dreamed of starting my own company, but without the necessary qualifications, connections, and funds, that dream seemed far out of reach.
The weather had warmed up, and I had swapped my winter clothes for lighter dresses. Over the course of the next few months, I could feel myself improving both personally and professionally. In this company, I had learned a great deal, and my career and social skills had significantly improved. I threw myself into my work, and slowly, the emotional scars from Herbert’s betrayal began to fade. I became more energetic and driven.
Though I had been working for only a short time, my boss, Ella, appreciated my hard work and entrusted me with important tasks. One afternoon, while sitting at my desk, I kept sneezing and had a runny nose. The pile of tissues on the floor beneath my desk was growing higher.
Ella, noticing my condition, said, “Bella, you don’t look well. Have you taken any medicine?”
“Yes, but maybe the flu virus is really strong this time. The medicine doesn’t seem to be working,” I replied, blowing my nose once more.
Ella frowned and said, “You need to rest. Leave your work with your colleagues. Go home, take medicine, or see a doctor.”
I was feeling miserable, so I agreed. I picked up my bag and said, “Thank you, Boss. I’m heading to the hospital for an examination now.”
Ella smiled warmly and replied, “Your health is the most important thing.”
After leaving the accounting firm, I went to the hospital, but it was crowded with patients, most of whom were suffering from the flu. Feeling weak and exhausted, I decided to head to a small clinic instead. After getting some medicine, I went home to rest.
Once I took the medicine, I fell asleep immediately. That night, I woke up feeling cold and miserable. I managed to pour myself a cup of hot water and took some cookies before taking another dose of medicine. I could barely muster the strength to get up until the early hours of the morning. I felt dreadful.At 10 o’clock the next morning, Lily knocked on Ella’s office door.
“Come in,” Ella said without looking up from the account book on her desk.
“Boss, Bella hasn’t come to work yet. I can’t get through to her,” Lily reported, her concern evident.
Ella’s expression became serious.
“Bella seems to be very sick. Something must have happened. She’s usually punctual and never misses work without a reason.”
Lily, clearly worried, added, “I’m really concerned about her.”
Ella paused for a moment, then said, “Leave this to me. You can go back to work now.”
“Okay,” Lily replied, though she still looked uneasy as she turned and left the office.
Ella took out her phone and dialed a number. After several rings, she sighed when the call didn’t connect. She stared at the phone for a moment before putting it down, visibly anxious. About half an hour later, Ella’s phone suddenly rang. She answered immediately.
“I was working just now. Is there something wrong with Bella?” Klein’s frantic voice came through.
