The Right Thing

Dahlia’s world crumbled at the sound of Asher’s words. Her mouth fell open in disbelief, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

It had only been a year since she started working here, and now she was being fired.

“Sir, please… you can’t fire me,” she pleaded desperately, her voice trembling. “I need this job, sir. I’ll do anything to make it right.”

“I’m sorry, Dahlia, but rules are rules, and you’ve broken them,” Asher replied firmly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. “I’ll notify your agency about your termination on my way to the office. And out of the kindness of my heart, I’ll ensure that what happened today remains discreet, so you’ll have a chance to find another job. However, you’re banned from ever working with me again.”

He took a deep breath before continuing, “I’ll arrange for your final payment. Kindly return to your quarters, collect your belongings, and leave the mansion.”

“Sir, please, you don’t understand. I didn’t do this. I would never steal. I don’t know how it got into my bag. Please, believe me,” Dahlia begged, falling to her knees, tears streaming down her face.

“Miss Dahlia Reigns, please exit the premises before I’m forced to ask the guards to remove you… forcefully,” Asher said, rising to his feet with a stern expression.

“Sir, please… I didn’t do this,” Dahlia pleaded again, her voice trembling with desperation.

Asher turned away, unable to look at her. Deep down, it pained him to see Dahlia like this. She had been nothing but kind during her time here, but he was a man of discipline, and upholding the rules was paramount to him.

“No, Daddy! Dahlia can’t leave. She’s not a bad person!” Chloe protested, running to wrap her arms around Dahlia protectively.

“Chloe, get away from her. She’s a thief,” Catherine said coldly, gesturing toward Dahlia with disdain.

“No! Stop calling her a thief. She isn’t one. Miss Dahlia is a very nice caretaker,” Chloe defended fiercely, her small voice trembling with emotion.

“Chloe, you’re four, turning five in two weeks. You know nothing about people. You’re still naive,” Catherine replied dismissively.

“Chloe, come and finish your breakfast,” Asher instructed, his tone firm but weary.

“Daddy, please don’t take Dahlia away. Please!” Chloe begged, tears streaming down her small face.

Dahlia quickly wiped her own tears and crouched down to Chloe’s level, gently cupping her cheeks. “Chloe, listen to your father. Go and finish your meal, okay?”

“But you’re leaving! I don’t want you to go,” Chloe cried, throwing her arms around Dahlia in a tight hug.

“Chloe, I have to leave. Rules are rules. I’m sorry,” Dahlia said softly, her voice steady despite the ache in her heart, as she rubbed Chloe’s back soothingly.

“But what’s the point of a rule if it only hurts people?” Chloe burst out through her sobs. “You’re going away, and I’ll never see you again, just like… my mom. You won’t even be here for my birthday party. Why do you have to leave? They didn’t even give you a chance to explain.”

Asher’s eyes widened at Chloe’s words, the hurt evident in his brown eyes. In his heart, discipline battled with compassion.

Dahlia gently pulled Chloe away from the hug, wiping her tears and brushing her hair back as she spoke softly. “Chloe… I know you’re hurt, but you’ll get over it. And even though I won’t be here, your birthday party will still be the best. I’m not leaving forever. Maybe someday, we’ll meet again, but I have to go now. And you’re right… they didn’t give me a chance to explain.”

Dahlia's voice cracked as she wiped her own tears, her resolve trembling. She kissed Chloe’s forehead gently, then turned to gather her scattered belongings from the floor.

Once everything was packed, Dahlia stood up, giving a final bow to Asher and Catherine before turning back to Chloe with a bittersweet smile. “I’ll miss you, Chloe. Make sure you finish your coloring, okay? And don’t forget—always brush your teeth before breakfast.”

She caressed Chloe’s cheek one last time.

As Dahlia tried to retrieve her hand, Chloe held onto it tightly, her small fingers trembling.

“Daddy, please don’t make her leave,” she begged, turning tearful eyes to Asher.

“Chloe…” Asher’s voice softened, accompanied by a conflicted sigh.

His thoughts were conflicted. He wanted to let Dahlia stay, but doing so would mean going back on his word. Discipline had always been his guiding principle. Besides, he’d fired another employee for stealing before. Allowing Dahlia to stay would be unfair and show bias.

“That’s enough, Chloe. She has to leave now,” Catherine interrupted, pulling Chloe away from Dahlia and holding her firmly to prevent her from breaking free.

“Guards,” Asher called, and they appeared, understanding their task without needing instruction.

The guards began escorting Dahlia toward the exit.

Catherine’s grip tightened as Chloe fought to break free.

“Dahlia, please don’t leave like Mommy did!” Chloe cried, struggling against Catherine’s grip.

“Dahlia, no! Please don’t go!” Her sobs echoed through the room, raw and heartbreaking.

Chloe suddenly yelled, her voice cracking with frustration, “I don’t want a puppy for my birthday, Daddy!” She hiccuped through her tears before shouting. “I want Dahlia to be my mom! That’s my birthday wish, Daddy!”

The whole scenario froze, shock rippling through the room at Chloe's words. The only sound was her hiccupping sobs as all eyes turned to Asher.

Asher closed his eyes briefly, Chloe’s words sinking deep into his soul. Memories of his late wife flooded his mind—her laughter, her warmth, the joy they shared as a family. He could almost hear Chloe’s giggles from their happier days. Things had been so beautiful for them until death took her away. Was he truly doing the right thing? Was enforcing the rules worth taking away Chloe’s joy?

The necklace had been found. He could forgive Dahlia and let her stay. But would Dahlia even want to stay? Her integrity had been bruised. Would she agree to work for someone who doubted her so deeply?

Asher opened his eyes, torn. He looked at Chloe, her tear-streaked face pleading with him, and then at Dahlia. Her gaze met his, steady yet resigned. She gave him a small nod, as if to say,

Chloe will be fine.

With a heavy heart, he sighed and nodded to the guards. They resumed their task, guiding Dahlia toward the exit.

“Dahlia, no!” Chloe screamed, her cries erupting again as she struggled against Catherine’s grip. But Catherine held her firmly.

Dahlia turned back one last time, her expression calm despite the tears brimming in her eyes. Then she stepped out, the door closing behind her.

Chloe turned toward Asher, her small frame trembling with fury and heartbreak. “You hurt me,” she whispered, her voice broken yet piercing. “I will never forgive you.”

Before Asher could respond, she broke free from Catherine’s hold and ran upstairs. The loud bang of her bedroom door echoed through the house, shattering the fragile silence and Asher.

Asher stood frozen, his hands resting heavily on the dining table, his head bowed. He was lost in thought, the weight of his decision pressing down on him. After a long moment, he looked up at Catherine and asked, his voice strained, “Catherine… did I do the right thing?”

“You did, Asher,” Catherine replied with certainty.

But Asher shook his head, slumping into his chair as he rubbed his temples. “I don’t think I did,” he admitted, his voice low, the pain of his choice etched on his face.