Year-End Bonus: Three Zoo Passes, One Phone Call, Zero Mercy

After spending the past month working overtime and burning the midnight oil every day, I finally closed a business deal that's worth 50 million dollars before the company's annual dinner.

My boss, William Lewis, begins giving away the end-of-the-year bonuses with a wide smile on his face.

"The finance director helped our company save three million dollars worth of taxes. He will receive a villa by the river as a gift."

"The head of IT led the team and solved various difficult problems. He shall receive 200 thousand dollars in cash."

"Lily Lane, the receptionist, has always shown a great attitude whenever she greets the clients. She shall receive a Hermes bag."

When it's my turn, I wipe the sweat off my palms before accepting my bonus. But upon opening the giftbox, I see three entrance tickets to the local zoo instead.

"You must be sick of receiving commissions all the time as the sales director. Why don't you take advantage of this holiday to spend some quality time with your family?"

On the way home, I dial a number.

"Mr. Skylar, there's a problem with the 50-million-dollar contract. Let's discuss it later."

On the other end of the line, Mr. Timothy Skylar was clearly displeased. "You're saying there are problems with the schedule? That's not something to joke about, Ms. Johnson. My entire follow-up timeline depends on this project!"

I replied calmly, "I'm not joking. Clear contract terms are the foundation of any partnership. How about this—I'll put together a detailed explanation tomorrow, and we can set up a time to talk through it."

As soon as the call ended, my phone rang almost immediately. It was my boss, William Lewis.

"What the hell are you playing at, Suzanna?" he asked. "Wastembarrassing me at the annual dinner not enough? Now you're calling Mr. Skylar in the middle of the night? Are you trying to rebel?"

I held the phone away from my ear and waited for him to finish screaming. Then, I replied flatly, "The client has concerns about the contract details, Mr. Lewis. As the project lead, it's my job to follow up."

"Bullshit! What concerns could there possibly be when you're the one who signed the contract? You're just pissed that your year-end bonus was too small, so you're now playing games with me," William yelled hysterically, curses slipping from his lips.

He continued, "I'm warning you, Suzanna, if you dare screw up this deal, I'll make sure you never work in this industry again!"

I couldn't be bothered to argue with him. "If you have issues with the way I handled it, you're welcome to contact Mr. Skylar yourself. That's all. I'm driving now."

I hung up without waiting for a response.

But I didn't even get a full minute of peace before my husband, Jack Hudson, called. "Is the celebration dinner over, Suzie? I've already made dinner. We're having your favorite grilled fish today."

We had been married for five years. In order to take care of me and our son, Daniel Hudson, Jack had given up his job and stayed home as a full-time house husband.

I'd always believed it was the best arrangement for our family.

I told him what happened at the annual dinner, expecting him to take my side and comfort me like always.

Instead, there was a long silence on the other end of the line. Then he asked hesitantly, "So you blew up your relationship with your boss over something this trivial?"

I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, feeling annoyed and hurt. "This isn't a trivial matter, Jack. This is humiliation."

Jack replied, "But didn't your boss say that it's because of your high commission? He just wants you to take a break. Don't overthink it.

"Besides, what if the deal falls through just because you went straight to Mr. Skylar about contract issues? We still have next month's mortgage, Daniel's piano lessons, and household expenses—"

His words made my heart sink. I didn't work hard just to be told that I should stop overthinking this.

I cut him off. "So you think I should just swallow it, take those tickets, and be grateful?"

He grew impatient as well. "That's not what I'm saying. I just think you acted impulsively. You're a sales director now, not a kid. You need to look at the bigger picture. Can't you be a little more mature?"

I laughed bitterly as tears slid down my face.