SWEET PUNISHMENT (ENGLISH)

“Mom!”

Angelo's shout echoed from the second floor.

"Allison used my car again!" he yelled, his voice dripping with frustration.

I already knew why he was furious.

I crashed his car into a tree... again.

Honestly, I had no idea why bad luck seemed to follow me everywhere. It wasn't my fault! That arrogant driver was the one who challenged me on the road. I swear, if I ever see that Bugatti again, I'll drive it straight off a cliff—with its owner still inside.

My name is Allison Ruso Del Fierro. I'm twenty-five years old.

People say I'm reckless, and they're probably right. Still, I'm kind, respectful, and devoted to my family. We come from a wealthy household, but I've always chosen to live independently. I'm an adult now, and I refuse to rely on my parents forever.

I also have a son, Drake Ruso Del Fierro, who means everything to me.

"Allison!" Mom called sharply. "What is your brother complaining about this time?"

Slowly, I stepped out of my hiding place.

"Sorry, dear brother," I said with a guilty grin, flashing him a peace sign.

Deep down, I knew I deserved whatever was coming.

Everyone in the family already knew that whenever I touched something around the house, it somehow ended up broken. Maybe I was just unbelievably clumsy... or maybe disaster simply loved following me around.

"AAAAAALLLLIIIIIIEEEEEEEE!"

I clamped my hands over my ears.

Good grief. I never imagined Angelo could scream louder than most women.

"Enough! I've got somewhere to be! Bye!" I shouted before sprinting out of the house.

Today, I had only one mission: get my resignation letter signed.

I was done with Arson Company.

The place was rotten to the core. Many female employees shamelessly flirted with management just to climb the corporate ladder, and the company practically encouraged it. On top of that, the women were required to wear skirts so short you'd think we were working in a nightclub instead of an office.

**ARSON COMPANY**

The moment I walked inside, I rolled my eyes.

Sometimes I wondered if bringing a baseball bat to work would solve everyone's problems.

I had barely reached the elevator when I froze.

"Seriously?" I muttered.

Inside the elevator, my boss was making out with his secretary as if the building belonged to them.

"Boss... yes... don't stop...L-lick me more" the secretary moaned shamelessly.

I grimaced in disgust.

"Excuse me!" I snapped. "Do you two have absolutely no shame?"

Without thinking, I pulled off one shoe and hurled it at them.

It bounced off the elevator wall.

I quickly picked it back up. There was no way I was walking around barefoot.

The old man glared at me.

"What is your problem, Miss Del Fierro?" he sneered. "Jealous? You can join us later if you want."

I nearly gagged.

"Do you honestly think I'd stoop to your level? Looking at you makes me sick. Just sign my resignation so I can leave this disgusting place."

Apparently eager to get rid of me, he snatched a pen and signed the paper with one hand...

...while his other hand remained beneath his secretary's skirt.

"You're both absolutely revolting," I spat before storming away.

Even after leaving, my hands trembled with disgust.

Outside, I straightened my clothes and took a deep breath.

This was a fresh start.

I reapplied my lipstick and checked my reflection. My makeup remained simple and professional. I wanted my abilities—not my appearance—to make the first impression.

Today's interview was at Sandoval Corporation.

For years, it had been my dream workplace.

I hadn't applied before because I lacked the necessary experience, so I accepted a position at Arson Company solely to build my résumé.

Everything had led to this moment.

I prayed they would hire me.

The salary was excellent, the benefits were outstanding, and the company's reputation was unmatched.

Since Angelo's car was no longer... drivable... I rode a jeepney instead.

When I arrived, I couldn't help staring.

The building was breathtaking.

Elegant.

Modern.

Intimidating.

Then I noticed the waiting area.

It was packed with applicants.

My confidence dropped immediately.

Eventually, interviews began.

Guess what number I got?

Thirty.

Wonderful.

What if they'd already chosen someone before they even reached me?

"Excuse me, Ma'am," I asked one of the janitors. "Could you tell me where the restroom is?"

She pointed down the hallway.

I hurried off.

I seriously couldn't hold it anymore.

"Miss, could you please save my place in line? I'll be right back," I asked the applicant behind me.

She rolled her eyes before reluctantly nodding.

How rude.

When I reached the women's restroom, my heart sank.

The line stretched forever.

I glanced toward the men's restroom.

No one seemed to be around.

Desperate times called for desperate measures.

I slipped inside.

I'll just use one of the stalls really quickly, I prayed. Please... don't let anyone come in.

I was almost finished when I heard footsteps approaching.

Oh no.

Panic took over.

Without thinking, I spun around and kicked.

My foot connected squarely with someone's face.

He cried out in pain.

I didn't wait to see who it was.

I sprinted out of the restroom as fast as I could.

Maybe if I'd hit him hard enough, he wouldn't recognize me.

I calmly walked down the hallway, pretending absolutely nothing had happened.

The reception area, however, was in complete chaos.

"Excuse me," I asked one employee. "What's going on?"

She sighed.

"The CEO is furious. Someone kicked him in the face inside the men's restroom."

My blood ran cold.

That someone...

...was me.

Please, Lord.

I really need this job.

Please don't let him find out.

I silently recited every prayer I could remember.

Unfortunately, heaven seemed busy.

Two security guards suddenly grabbed my arms.

"Hey! Let go of me!" I protested, struggling.

They ignored me.

Within seconds, they dragged me into a spacious executive office.

The heavy door slammed shut behind me.

THUD.

"Ow!" I rubbed my shoulder. "You could've at least knocked first."

Neither guard responded.

They simply left.

I slowly turned toward the man standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows.

When he faced me...

...my heart nearly stopped.

The CEO.

The very man I'd kicked.

His right eye was already swelling.

"You," he growled, his voice dangerously calm. "You're going to pay for what you did to my face."

I forced an innocent smile.

"Pardon?"

"The CCTV clearly shows you entering the men's restroom," he said coldly. "Now tell me... what exactly do you think I should do with you?"

His piercing gaze traveled from head to toe.

My knees nearly gave out.

"I didn't mean to—"

"Silence!"

His voice thundered through the room.

"I did not ask you to speak."

My temper flared.

"Oh, so now I can't explain myself? You ask questions, but you won't let me answer either? Are you always this unreasonable?"

His eyes widened.

"Y-You... what did you just say?"

"You know what? Forget it."

I threw my hands into the air.

"I don't even want this job anymore."

I marched toward the door.

"I quit!"

There was no point staying.

I'd kicked the CEO of Sandoval Corporation in the face before my interview had even begun.

There was absolutely no way this day could get any worse.