Chapter 3

“Did I hear everyone correctly say that you’re acting like a tiger today?” Letty, her supposed friend, asked of her. During the lunch hour, Livia found herself quietly enjoying her meal within the confines of her office. However, the unexpected appearance of a witch abruptly interrupted her peaceful moment.

She paid no mind to that person and had no interest in whatever Letty might be gossiping about with their co-worker. Livia had grown accustomed to Letty’s gossip, and she was well aware that this woman was spreading false rumors about her in their workplace. However, Livia remained unfazed by it all.

“I am speaking, Liv. Will you not simply disregard me?” Letty asked, her lips forming a pout.

Livia shuddered as a repulsive sensation coursed through her spine. She is astonished by the fact that this woman had the audacity to pout right in front of her, as if Letty were completely unaware of the deceitful actions she was engaging in when Livia’s back was turned. “If you’re just here for the gossip, you can go around and ask the people in my department to make sure you get the real news,” Livia said coldly to Letty.

Letty’s eyes grew wide with surprise as she observed how Livia spoke to her, treating her more like an acquaintance than a dear friend. “What? You can’t believe that a person changes?” Livia stated, mocking Letty.

Livia let out a dismissive scoff and swiftly finished her meal, not giving the other person a chance to utter a word. She has no desire to suffocate on her own meal.

Letty was taken aback, her nerves causing her to cough. Nevertheless, this witch maintains her belief that Livia is a friend who won't become angry with her.

“I apologize, Liv.” Letty pondered, “It appears that you woke up on the wrong side of the bed,” as Livia burst into laughter, leaving Letty perplexed.

“Letty, this is the true version of myself. Looking for the pushover, Livia, was not a wise decision.” Livia informed Letty in a detached manner that the woman had departed and a new one had taken her place. Letty couldn’t help but flinch as she observed the expression on Livia’s face.

Inside Livia’s office, a silence hung in the air, awkward and heavy. “Oh, I forgot, Liv. George called me, and he’s wondering why you’re not returning his calls,” the woman remarked to Livia.

Her eyebrows were raised. Mockingly, she addressed Letty, “I had no idea you had become George’s messenger.”

With a subtle lift of her eyebrows, Letty rose from her seat. “Liv, you know. I don’t understand you today. You’re being mean to me, and I had no idea what I did to you,” Letty murmured, as if she were innocent.

“Ha!” Livia expressed her disbelief with a scoff. ‘Letty, please refrain from making me appear foolish. Prior to George and me entering into marriage, you and that individual were already engaged in a clandestine affair, betraying my trust without my knowledge.’ She had an intense desire to shout these words directly into Letty’s face, but she restrained herself, recognizing that now was not the appropriate moment.

“Letty, this is the genuine version of myself. Take it or leave it,” she said to the woman.

“I have already reached my limit of being a pushover and slave to everyone. I find myself in my current position due to my own merits, believing that I have earned it. If my demeanor does not align with your preferences, I kindly suggest you seek an alternative.” Livia, with a smirk on her face. “I have lots of work to do,” Livia stated while smirking at Letty.

Livia couldn’t help but notice Letty’s face, which was both red and filled with anger. Once more, she let out a derisive scoff. ‘Observing the genuine demeanor of this woman is quite pleasing. She’s a b*tch who dresses up as an angel.’ Livia pondered.

“You’re jeopardizing our friendship with your current actions, Livia,” Letty expressed.

Livia’s face lit up with a wide grin. “I am doing myself a favor, Letty. From the very beginning, it was evident that there was no friendship between us. You are already aware of it.” With unwavering assurance, Livia extended her finger towards the door.

Letty was the second individual who had the displeasure of experiencing Livia’s actions, which resulted in hurt feelings. Letty was taken aback, while Livia simply shrugged.

Letty emerged, her face flushed with anger. Once more, the door slammed shut, marking the second occurrence of such a disturbance within the span of a single day.

‘Ah! This is supposed to be life! I am grateful for this opportunity to experience life once again.’ Livia whispered to herself with a silent laugh, finding happiness in watching the disappointed and angry faces of her enemies.

This is the finest sensation she’s ever had, and she’s not done yet. This is just a taste of them. Many people were forced to confront the new Livia.

With a determined finger, she pressed the intercom button. “Rebecca, kindly inform Romana that I require her immediate presence,” she commanded the secretary once more.

Rebecca responded with a slight and gentle tone, saying, “Yes, ma’am.”

Livia patiently awaited the arrival of the individual she intended to contact.

In this office, Romana stands out as the sole individual who possesses both exceptional qualities of goodness and loyalty towards herself. She desired the presence of someone akin to Romana by her side. Livia glanced at her phone, noticing its persistent vibrations and yet another call from George. With an exasperated expression, she gave her eyes a quick roll. Just as she was about to power down her phone, a gentle beep from the intercom on her table caught her attention. It seemed her secretary was trying to reach her.

“Apologies, but Miss Romana is currently away on vacation, ma’am. She will get back on Monday,” Rebecca informed her.

Rebecca received no response from her after sharing the information about Romana’s whereabouts. Before Monday, she plans to have a personal conversation with the human resources officer. Rebecca, being an incapable secretary, wishes to switch places with Romana, as per her request.

Livia was curious to witness the secretary’s reaction, considering the numerous instances in which the mischievous Rebecca had deliberately undermined her efforts and tampered with her financial reports. The woman’s actions have left an indelible mark on her, making forgiveness an elusive prospect. She was aware that Rebecca was the one responsible for leaking the company's financial status to their rivals.

She, along with the other higher-ups, is currently conducting an investigation. However, it is worth noting that she made the unfortunate decision to sympathize with Rebecca in the past and failed to report her actions. Livia believed that camaraderie held more value than honesty. Ultimately, she found herself betrayed by none other than Rebecca, who cunningly shifted the blame onto her.

Livia couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh as she recalled the day she lost her job, all because of Rebecca. She will always remember it, as it was one of the causes of her previous unhappiness.

The woman glanced at her watch and noticed that it displayed two o’clock in the afternoon.

More individuals will inevitably pass through that frustrating door, merely to request her assistance despite her superior position.

She did not make a mistake. Three individuals entered the room, behaving as though it were their own personal office space. “Hello, Liv! Could you kindly assist me in creating this report?” Jolyn Punzalan asked about the task, expressing a sense of urgency.

“This too, Liv! I need that tomorrow,” Jennylyn Marquez also said. “Liv, my boss has given me the task of creating a PowerPoint presentation. Help me, please!” Michelle Dela Cruz spoke to her, her voice filled with irritation. These people are demanding that Livia finish the files as if they were paying her to do so.

Instead of answering them, she focused on her work. What could possibly compel her to acquiesce to their demands? F*ck them!

She observed the trio engaging in a silent conversation, their eyes serving as their means of communication. She lacks fear when it comes to them.

“Liv! We kindly request a favor from you. Do you have any intention of breaking our friendship?” Michelle issued a threat to her.

With a snort, she abruptly ceased her labor. “Alright, our friendship is over,” Livia replied nonchalantly.

The eyes of the three individuals grew wider. Livia's unexpected message caught them by surprise. “Liv, are you kidding? This is just a small favor for our friendship and because you don’t want to do it. Are you planning to terminate our friendship?” Joylyn demanded, her eyebrows arching in curiosity.

A smirk played on her lips as she looked at them. She shrugged as she stated, “I don’t require friends who are merely utilizing me.”

“What?! That’s how you perceive us! Are we not deserving of your sincerity, only to be met with such ingratitude?” Jennylyn raised her voice. Livia knew these three wanted the others to hear the commotion here.

Livia arched her eyebrows and fixed her gaze on them, giving off a more intense glare. “Jennlyn, are you aware of the words you are speaking? Is that so? My dear, it is important to embrace honesty. You are aware that our friendship was merely an insincere facade. Do not dare to trifle with me and your meaningless ramblings,” she exclaimed, showing no mercy.

“Do you desire for me to complete your task? I can do that, but informing human resources that your salary should be put on my payroll is also a possibility because I am doing your vital job even though I am in a much higher position than the three of you,” she declared without blinking and with a threat in her tone.

The three grew pale. Throughout the day, individuals repeatedly exited her office without casting a single glance behind them. Livia, with a mischievous grin on her face, couldn’t help but emit a sinister chuckle. The day was truly wonderful.