She worked as a secretary in one of the largest companies in the country, and despite her hard work, she couldn't ignore the rumor circulating in the halls: "None of the secretaries stay more than a year, the manager fires them all." As her contract was nearing its end, she wasn't ready to leave… until that day.

While she was preparing coffee as the manager had requested, she overheard some quiet laughs. Turning around, she saw three other secretaries looking at her with knowing glances.

One of them said with a mocking smile: "Oh, you're making coffee for him? That means your time has come." Another one shook her head and added: "No one escapes it, get your things ready."

She clenched the tray between her hands, feeling a surge of anger, not just because of their words, but because she was starting to believe them. She marched straight to the manager's office, determined to confront him. She pushed the door open forcefully and placed the coffee on his desk roughly. But before she could back away, he suddenly straightened, slowly picked up the cup, set it on a side table, and then turned to face her.

He stepped closer, until there was barely any space between them. His sharp gaze made her feel cornered, especially when he placed his hand on the edge of the desk behind her, cutting off any chance of retreat.

In a calm but piercing voice, he said, "It seems you have something to say to me."