Chapter 3

I stared at her, completely stunned.

It was almost exactly what had happened at Wendy's wedding the day before.

I couldn't process it.

"Why? Is there a problem with the project?"

Mrs. Harper shook her head.

"The project is progressing perfectly."

"Is this because I took time off?"

"Mr. Carter approved your leave. Everything was handled properly."

"Then why are you firing me? I haven't done anything wrong."

"Sylvia, I'm the chairwoman. If I say you're fired, you're fired. Go to HR and complete your exit paperwork. I want you out of this building in five minutes."

Mrs. Harper sank back into her chair, breathing hard.

She was usually a warm, generous woman who treated everyone in the company almost like family.

Even when someone made a mistake, she was willing to give them another chance unless it was something truly serious.

And I hadn't made any mistakes.

In fact, I'd consistently been the company's top performer.

She'd even discussed sending me overseas to handle international business and receive additional training.

She'd promised me a promotion and a raise once my current project was completed successfully.

Yet now, she was looking at me as if I were something disgusting.

All she wanted was for me to leave.

I started wondering if I'd somehow been cursed.

"Can someone please tell me why? I haven't done anything wrong. Why are you firing me?"

Mr. Carter stepped in to calm Mrs. Harper down.

Then he pointed toward the door.

"Just leave. If you upset the chairwoman any further and something happens to her, your severance won't even begin to cover the damages."

His words brought me back to reality.

The Harpers were wealthy and influential. I couldn't afford to get on their bad side.

So I left the conference room.

As I walked through the office, I overheard two coworkers talking nearby.

"I knew she'd get fired."

For some reason, their words made me stop.

I turned toward them and hurried over.

"Why? How did you know I'd be fired?"

One of them answered without hesitation.

"Because you're a slut."

A slut.

That word again.

Wendy had called me that yesterday.

Mark had called me that, too.

But what exactly had I done?

I glanced at my reflection in the glass door.

I was wearing tailored trousers, not a skirt, and sensible flats instead of high heels.

My makeup was simple. My clothes were conservative. There was nothing flashy or inappropriate about the way I looked.

I looked perfectly ordinary.

I turned back to my coworkers.

"Why are you calling me that? What did I do?"

They stepped away from me, looking at me with open disgust.

One of them turned to the security guards hurrying toward us.

"Get her out of here!"

Once again, I was being forced out of a building.

By the time I reached the sidewalk, I felt so defeated I could barely stand.

Then my phone buzzed.

A notification popped up on my phone.

[Your severance pay has been deposited.]

I couldn't hold back my tears anymore.

I called Zachary.

The moment he answered, I burst into tears.

"It's happened again. Just like yesterday. I don't understand why everyone is treating me this way. I haven't done anything. I swear I haven't."

His voice softened immediately.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm putting work aside and coming back to you. This is my fault, too. I shouldn't have left you alone after what happened yesterday. Don't cry, sweetheart. I'll be there soon."

He immediately sent me his flight details.

He'd land around five that afternoon.

"You don't need to pick me up. We'll go straight to dinner."

"Are you sure? I don't want you to put your work on hold because of me. I'd feel terrible if you put your career aside just to come back."

Zachary smiled affectionately.

"Isn't that what having a boyfriend is for? If I can't be there when you're hurting, what's the point of having me? I'll handle things on my end. Don't worry. I'm not giving up on either my career or you."

There was something reassuring about the way he spoke.

The calm certainty in his voice made me feel a little better.

For the first time that day, I could breathe without feeling like the world was closing in on me.

I started searching for a restaurant with a private dining room where Zachary and I could talk without being disturbed.

But then messages from our mutual friends started flooding my phone.

[See you tonight, sis. Don't be sad. Zach won't want to see you upset.]

[We're all coming tonight. Let's have some fun and forget about work.]

[You're one of the most capable people I know. Your company is the one losing out by firing you. You'll do great wherever you go.]

One message after another came in.

Their kindness made me feel a little less miserable.

I gathered my things and got a ride back to the apartment.

Then I lay down to rest.

When it was time to get ready for dinner, Chloe came home.

I reached for her hand and leaned against her shoulder.

"I got fired today."

"What?" She looked genuinely confused. "Have you been having a streak of bad luck lately? Maybe I should take you to church this weekend. A little prayer couldn't hurt."

I sighed and leaned against her again.

"At least I still have you."

Then I remembered the dinner plans.

"I'm taking you out tonight. A bunch of our friends will be there. You can meet some new people, too. Do you want to come?"

Chloe agreed immediately.

"Of course! You invited me. How could I say no?"

She gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Now, stop looking so down. You’re talented, beautiful, and way too good at your job to let one bad day get you down. Their loss, seriously."

I couldn't help smiling.

"Thanks, Chloe."

"Come on. Let's get you dressed up. You deserve a fun night."

I went to my dresser, picked up my usual perfume, and gave my wrists and neck a quick spritz.

Then I checked my reflection, grabbed my purse, and headed for the door.

She always knew how to make me feel better.