The Final Straw

Mild violence ⚠️‼️

"I won't be able to help your company," he said, dropping the bombshell, causing all our eyes to widen in shock.

"Mr. Dela Lucchese!" Mr. Paisley quickly rose to his feet, his eyes wide with surprise. I stared at the man who stood proudly in front of us, anger swirling in his eyes.

"The next time I'm invited to such a worthless meeting, be assured that this company will crumble right under your nose," he glared at Mr. Paisley, adjusting his blazer before storming out.

"Mr. Dela Lucchese, give us a reason at least!" Mrs. Paisley cried out, following him out.

I stood there, frozen, the insult echoing in my ears. Before I could even begin to process the chaos, a hand clamped down on my arm. I turned to see Aubrey's furious eyes narrowed at me.

“This is all your fault, Camila. The company wouldn't have to face this if you didn't show up late and give a bad presentation. Besides that, I'm pretty sure you messed up at his office like you always do. I guess you only went there to seduce him and get..."

My hand connected with her face before she could finish. It was a reflex act, fueled by years of her biting remarks.

"That's enough, Aubrey!" I yelled, my voice cracking with frustration and pent-up anger.

"I've had enough of you. Instead of blaming me and accusing me of things you do, why don't you try using your empty brain to think of the reason why he refused to help us and provide a solution, since you claim to be so wise."

My outburst stunned everyone into silence. I went after Mr. Dela Lucchese to understand what had changed his mind.

Just yesterday, he had told me he liked my ideas and would consider them. But he was talking to Mrs. Paisley, his face still flushed with anger, when he finished he stormed out, and I took it as my cue to go after him.

Mr. Paisley stepped in front of me, his gaze burning into mine.

"What do you think you want to do, Camila? You've already made him angry by being late and giving a horrible presentation, and I really wonder what you did yesterday. I'm sure you tried getting into his pants," he sneered.

My anger flared again, but before I could retort, his palm connected with my face.

"Henry!" Mrs. Paisley shrieked.

His jaw tightened, but he couldn't do anything to her.

"Why would you hit a woman?' She yelled, her voice trembling with outrage.

Without thinking, I lifted my hand and hit him back, hard. I heard gasps, and from the corner of my eye, I saw Mrs. Paisley's shocked expression.

Mr. Paisley seemed stunned, clearly not expecting me to fight back.

"I've had enough of you, Henry. I can take whatever garbage you hurl at me, but hit me? I'd cut off your balls if I have to. Being silent does not imply that I am stupid."

"Camila," Mrs. Paisley reached for me, her fingers brushing my shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Paisley, that you didn't get the contract with Mr. Dela Lucchese. I know this meant a lot to you, and I apologize for disrespecting you in front of everyone. But my self-worth is more important to me than the relationship we have as employee and employer," I said, my voice firm.

"Your husband has treated me disrespectfully for years, and I won't tolerate it anymore. You've finally gotten what you want, Henry. I'm leaving Paisley Fashion House for good, and you can put the company down your filthy throat."

I stormed away, heading for my office. I slammed the door shut and took my seat, burying my face in my hands. Tears streamed down my face, hot and stinging.

In a blink, I had lost my job. After a moment, I gathered myself and packed my belongings.

The agony in my chest felt heavy and suffocating.

"Cammie," Paula's voice called out.

She and Mrs. Paisley approached me as I emerged from my office.

"Camila," Mrs. Paisley's eyes were filled with sorrow.

"Mrs. Paisley, I'm sorry for the deal you lost. I know this meant a lot to you, and I fouled it up for you. I'm...."

She stopped me, pulling me into a tight embrace.

"It's not your fault, Camila. I should be apologizing for what Henry did to you,"

she cried. I shook my head, tears welling up in my eyes.

"I have to go now," I whispered, pulling away from her.

Paula grabbed my wrist, her eyes full of concern.

"Camila, where are you going to work now?"

I smiled sadly, shaking my head. "You don't have to worry about me, Paula. I can handle myself."

I pulled my hand away and walked away, leaving them both behind. I didn't want to face Aubrey. I knew if I confronted her, I might end up in jail.

I used the back entrance to reach the garage, avoiding Mr. Paul. I didn't want him to worry.

It was over. I was free. But the weight of the world still felt heavy on my shoulders.

I arrived home and on my way to my apartment I bumped into Ricky.

"Camila" he called. His voice braided with concern.

I pulled a smile to hide my tears but the look on his face told me he wasn't falling for my fake smile.

"What's wrong Camila?" I shook my head to indicate that nothing was wrong with me.

"You know that I won't believe that Camila, the look in your eyes says otherwise".

I sighed and pulled my arms out of his hold.

"You're right Ricky, I'm not fine, so what's next, you are going to ask me what happened that made me this way? Look Ricky you're really a good person and I appreciate your concern but I don't wish to share my problem, if you'll excuse me".

I pushed past him and into my flat, and the tears I had been holding rolled down.

"Finally you're back; go get ready for the.... Her voice died off as she locked eyes with mine.

"Cammie," she called quietly with concern attached to her voice as she ran up to me. When she was close enough, I flung my arms over her shoulder, sobbing hard.

She drew me to the sofa and brought me a glass of water. I gulped it down quickly, and she looked at me silently with concern as she waited for me to calm down.

^^^^^

"He slapped you? Come on cammie we're going to the police to report this how dare he?" She yelled angrily and stood up ready to actually do what she said but I held her wrist stopping her.

"Leave it Ava, there's no point escalating this, I already thought him a lesson"

''But cammie what he did was w.....

"I know but I really don't want this to escalate and get to my family because I don't want them to worry".

She sighed and the angry look on face morphed into a sad one.

"Alright I'll let it go but you have to do something for me, we have to go to the club this night" I sighed and I stood up.

"Really Ava? I don't have the energy and....

"If you don't do as I say I'll use the time we're supposed to be in the club and go to the police."

She threatened, and I knew she could do it, so I sighed in defeat, realising there was no way out.

"O...okay let me go change" she clapped her hands excitingly.

"That's the spirit Cammie, you really thought I would let you sulk? Besides you really need to relax, you'll get a better job where you'll be loved and treated nicely."

She kissed my cheek and I smiled in satisfaction knowing that i have her in my life.

My phone rang as I exited the bathroom , wrapped in a towel. When I saw the name that flashed on the screen, a smile came across my lips.

"Mom."

"I'm so mad at you, Cammie, for two days you haven't called." I could envision her pouting face as she scolded me over the phone.

"Mom, I'm sorry, I've just been really busy," I explained.

"It's fine, honey, how're you doing, baby? I missed you so much," she gushed.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head in disbelief.

"Mom, it has only been two days since I left," I reminded her.

"It doesn't matter," she sighed.

After chatting with my mother and my younger sister, Kira, for a while longer, I hung up and got dressed.

~~~~~

"Fuck me!" Ava exclaimed.

Her mouth hung open in awe as I made my entrance.

"You look delicious, bestie. Who are you trying to kill? You make me wish I was gay. I swear, I would love to have you as my woman."

I chuckled and slapped her arm playfully.

"You like to joke around. Come on, let's go, or we'll be late. And you look stunning too, Ava."

I admired the gray handless satin gown she wore, which ended just above her thighs.

She spun dramatically with a wide grin. "Thank you. Now let's go."

Ava pulled me by the wrist, and we headed out together.

As I stepped through the threshold of the dimly lit club, I was enveloped in an intoxicating blend of alcohol and lingering perfumes.

The air crackled with energy as pulsating music reverberated through the space.

Blue, red, and green LED lights cast an ethereal glow upon the scene, illuminating the dance floor that was already teeming with bodies.

People swayed and grinded in a hypnotic rhythm, lost in the moment.

Ava guided me through the throng to a secluded booth tucked away in a corner. As we approached, I noticed two other girls perched on the plush cushions. Their faces were flushed, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Ava," the pink-haired girl acknowledged, standing up and greeting Ava with an air kiss.

Her friend, with cream-colored hair in a high ponytail, wore a white off-shoulder top and biker shorts and smiled in our direction.

"Hello, Jenny," Ava greeted with a smile.

"I was worried you might miss this party." She commented with a sly smile, making Ava chuckle.

"Do I ever miss a party, especially one at this amazing club?" Jenny laughed, noticing me for the first time.

"And who's the damsel?"

"Everyone, this is my best friend Camila," Ava introduced. "Camila, meet my friends from Singapore, Jenny and Daisy."

I whispered a soft "hi" without making eye contact, feeling a bit self-conscious.

"You're beautiful, Camila," Daisy complimented, and I smiled, thanking them for their kind words.

"Let's enjoy the night!" Ava urged, gesturing for me to take a seat.