Chapter 3

"I haven't done anything wrong."

Isabella looked at me coldly.

"I'm part of management. When I say you're fired, that's final. Go to HR to collect your severance. You have five minutes to leave this company."

She sank back into her chair, her chest rising and falling with fury.

She was usually gentle and like a mother to all the employees. Even if someone made a mistake, as long as it wasn't serious, she'd give them a chance.

And I had always been her top performer. She had even said that when the project ended, she would send me abroad for further training.

But now, all I saw in her eyes was disgust.

I felt like I had been cursed.

"Why? What did I do wrong?"

An executive standing nearby tried to mediate, his voice cold.

"Just leave. If you push the chairwoman too far, that severance won't even cover what you owe her."

I understood. I couldn't afford to fight.

As I left the meeting room, I heard a colleague whispering, "I knew she'd get fired eventually."

I spun around and ran back to her.

"Explain yourself. Why did you say that?"

She didn't hesitate. "Because you're a bitch."

It was the same thing that happened yesterday, and it was happening again today.

But what had I really done?

I stared at myself through the glass door. I was wearing suit pants, flats, and no heavy makeup. There was nothing flashy about me.

I asked helplessly, "Why are you saying these things about me?"

She recoiled as if I were something dirty and called to the security guards rushing over, "Get her out of here."

Once again, I was dragged away.

Outside the building, I felt completely broken.

My phone buzzed, and I noted that the severance payment had arrived.

I couldn't hold it in any longer and called Harry. I cried so hard I could barely speak.

"I-it happened again. I really don't understand why. I didn't do anything."

His voice was full of worry. "It's okay. I'm wrapping up my project and coming straight to you. It's my fault. I shouldn't have gone on that trip yesterday. I'll be there soon."

He sent me his flight information, which stated he was arriving at five in the evening.

"You don't have to pick me up. We can just go eat."

I choked on my words. "Don't let me get in the way of your work."

He laughed softly, gentle and warm. "What's a boyfriend for if not to take care of you? If you're upset and I'm not there, what good am I? I'll hold on to both you and my work."

I slowly began to calm down, and the ache in my heart eased.

I was picking a private dining room, ready to finally talk to him properly. Just then, my phone kept buzzing with messages.

They were from our mutual friends.

[Hey, see you tonight. Don't be sad.]

[Harry must be feeling for you]

[You're so talented. Losing you is the company's loss.]

[You'll shine wherever you go.]

One message came after another. For a little while, they made me forget most of the frustration.

I grabbed my things and called a cab back to my apartment, collapsing into bed the moment I got home.

-

Just as I was getting ready to go out that evening, Jennifer came back.

I grabbed her hand and leaned on her shoulder, my voice hoarse.

"I got fired today."

"What?"

She froze for a moment, then frowned. "Have you just been having really bad luck lately? How about this weekend I go with you to see a therapist and get a fresh start?"

I sighed, trying to act playful but still showing I meant it. "Good thing you're still here with me."

I looked up at her. "I'm taking you out to dinner tonight. There will be a few people there, kind of like meeting new friends. Do you want to come with me?"

Jennifer nodded without hesitation. "Of course. If you invite me, I'll be there."

She was always good at reading and responding to emotions.

We grabbed a cab together and headed to the restaurant.

The private room was already reserved, and we were just waiting for my other friends and Harry.

Finally, at six thirty, there was a knock on the door.

I stood to open it, and a huge bouquet blocked my view.

It was camellias, my favorite flower.

Even though my severe allergies and past surgery meant I could barely smell anything, I couldn't help but smile.

Harry stood at the back of the group, his gaze gentle, his voice steady.

"I love you, Selena."

I moved through the crowd, almost running into his arms.

"I love you too."

But the next second, he didn't hug me back.

Instead, he shoved me away with force.

If our friends hadn't caught me in time, I would have fallen to the floor.

I stared at him in disbelief.