ARCHITECT and YOU!

Beautiful Goodbye

Back to Business

In her sleek, modern office in Italy, Annie was deeply engrossed in designing a new building for an important project. Her desk was scattered with blueprints and sketches, and the soft hum of her computer filled the room. The pressure was on to finalize the design and get her signature on it, but she thrived under the challenge.

As she meticulously adjusted a detail on the blueprint, her phone rang. Glancing at the screen, she saw her parents' number. Without hesitation, she picked up and opened a video call, eager to see their faces.

"Annie, are you okay?" her mother asked, concern etched in her features. They had been worried since Annie's accident.

"Yes, Mom, I'm okay. You see, I'm back to work," Annie reassured her, smiling to show she was in good spirits.

Her father chimed in, his voice stern but loving. "Annie, you need to be careful. We were so worried about you."

"I know, Dad. I promise I'm taking care of myself."

Then her mother took a deep breath, her expression turning serious. "Annie, your father would like to retire now. We're not getting any younger, and we believe you can manage our business in Korea just as successfully as you manage your projects here in Italy."

Annie's eyes widened in surprise. The news was unexpected, and her thoughts began to race. "I... I need to finish this project first and inform my boss. This isn't an easy decision for me."

We understand, dear," her mother said gently. "But your father isn't getting any younger. We could sell the company if you prefer."

"No, Mom!" Annie's voice was firm. "That's your legacy. Give me five months to wrap everything up here smoothly, and then I'll come back home."

Her mother smiled, a look of relief washing over her face. "Thank you, my daughter. We will wait for you. Take care and love you."

"Love you too," Annie replied, ending the call with a mixture of determination and apprehension.

As she set her phone down, she took a deep breath. The weight of her parents' request settled over her, but she felt a sense of duty and pride. She would finish her project in Italy with the same dedication and excellence she always put into her work. And then, she would return to Korea to take on the new challenge of managing her family's business, preserving the legacy her parents had built.

For now, though, she had a building to design, and she refocused her attention on the task at hand, knowing that each step she took here would prepare her for the responsibilities waiting back home.

The next day, Annie walked into her boss's office with a mixture of anticipation and sadness. Her boss, Lucia, was sitting behind her desk, absorbed in a stack of documents. Lucia looked up, a warm smile spreading across her face when she saw Annie.

"Good morning, Annie. What brings you here?" Lucia asked, gesturing for her to sit.

Annie took a deep breath and sat down, gathering her thoughts. "Lucia, I need to talk to you about something important."

Lucia smile faded slightly, a look of concern replacing it. "Of course, Annie. What's on your mind?"

"Lucia," Annie began, her voice steady but tinged with emotion, "I have to resign after finishing this project. My parents need me to take over their business in Korea. My dad is retiring, and they want me to manage everything there."

Lucia's expression softened with understanding, but Annie could see the sadness in her eyes. "Oh, Annie, that's... that's big news. I'm really sorry to hear that you'll be leaving us. You've been such an integral part of our team."

Annie nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I know, Lucia. This was a difficult decision for me. But I want you to know, even after I leave, you can still call me if you need my consultation. With technology, I can always be just a video call or email away."

Lucia eyes glistened with unshed tears as she reached across the desk to squeeze Annie's hand. "Thank you, Annie. That means a lot. You've always been so reliable and talented. We'll miss you, but I understand you need to be there for your family."

"I will miss you and the team too," Annie said, her voice thick with emotion. "This place has been like a second home to me. But I promise to make sure this project is completed to the highest standards before I go."

Lucia nodded, giving Annie's hand one last squeeze before letting go. "I know you will. You're one of the best, Annie. And we'll always be here for you, no matter where you are."

Annie left Lucia office with a heavy heart but also a sense of resolve. She knew the coming months would be busy and emotionally charged, but she was determined to leave on a high note, ensuring the success of her final project and preparing for her new role in Korea.

The conversation with Lucia had reinforced the bond they shared, and Annie felt a deep gratitude for the support and understanding she had received. It was a bittersweet moment, but she knew she was making the right choice for her family and herself.

Five months had flown by, and Annie had poured her heart and soul into the project, ensuring it was completed to the highest standards. The day had come for her to say goodbye to the company that had been her home for so long. To celebrate both the project's success and to bid farewell to Annie, the company organized a grand dinner party.

The event was held in an elegant ballroom, adorned with sparkling lights and tasteful decorations. Everyone arrived dressed to impress, women in beautiful gowns and men in sharp suits. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and camaraderie, the scent of delicious food wafting through the air.

Annie arrived, looking stunning in a deep blue gown, her heart swelling with a mix of pride and melancholy. She mingled with her colleagues, sharing laughs and reminiscing about the good times they had shared.

As dinner was served, the room filled with the sounds of clinking glasses and lively conversation. The food was exquisite, a feast of flavors that delighted everyone. It was a celebration of not only Annie's accomplishments but also the unity and spirit of the team.

After dinner, Lucia, the owner of the company, Annie's boss, took to the stage. Lucia held a microphone and smiled warmly at the gathering.

"Good evening, everyone. Tonight, we are here to celebrate an exceptional achievement and to bid farewell to someone very special to us. Annie, please join us on the stage."

Annie walked up, her steps steady despite the emotion welling inside her. Lucia continued, "Annie, your dedication, talent, and hard work have been a cornerstone of our success. This recent project, completed to the highest standard, is a testament to your excellence. We are deeply grateful for everything you have done."

Lucia stepped forward, handing Annie a beautifully framed certificate of recognition. "Annie, you have been more than just a colleague. You have been a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration to us all. We will miss you dearly, but we know you will excel in your new journey."

The room erupted in applause as Annie accepted the certificate, her eyes glistening with tears. "Thank you, everyone," she said, her voice wavering. "I will always cherish the memories and friendships I've made here. This place has been my home, and you all have been my family. I promise to stay in touch and support you however I can."

As she stepped down from the stage, one by one, her colleagues came forward to hug her, their farewells filled with warmth and affection. The party continued with music, dancing, and laughter, a true celebration of friendship and love.

Annie looked around the room, her heart full. She knew she was leaving behind something special, but she also felt ready to embrace her new responsibilities back home. The night was a beautiful ending to one chapter and a hopeful beginning to another.

As the evening drew to a close, Annie stood outside the ballroom, taking one last look at the place she had called her professional home. With a deep breath and a smile, she walked away, ready to embark on the new journey that awaited her in Korea.