Chapter 3: Fire and Resolve
1065 Words
Desmond had just said some of the most hurtful and damaging words to her.
“So I sent you to sign a contract for the company, and I’m sure you ended up offering your cheap self—without worth or value—to gain personal favor in the sight of our partners. I’m not shocked you returned so late. It’s not like I wasn’t expecting it, dear. I know your type—worthless and cheap brats who aim to please their bosses just to receive special treatment among other staff.”
“Not that I care or give a damn. You can freely meander your way into attracting other men—but not me. That’s why you must ensure you report back with feedback on every assignment I give you.”
“I hope I made myself clear. Goodnight!”
Mr. Desmond had just finished speaking, coldly and with a deriding, degrading tone.
Her heart was bleeding, her emotions brutally disoriented. Devastated and dumbfounded, she began to weep within, tears finding their way out of her eyes. Her mind recalled all she had gone through in her life, and the repetition of Desmond’s hurtful words triggered painful memories from her past—brutal and scarring experiences from her youth.
The thoughts alone triggered an outburst. She collapsed onto her bed, crying profusely and deeply, her emotions pouring out as she dwelled in her sadness and agony.
It was morning already. She woke up with a slight headache from the crying. Emotionally and mentally destabilized, she could barely stand—but she had to help herself up.
Preparing for work was a hellish struggle. As she dressed, flashes of the previous night haunted her. She wondered why her boss treated her so harshly, especially considering she was still new. It all felt like a nightmare.
She had never imagined that her first few weeks at work would be like this. She never expected to have issues with fellow staff—much less the boss himself. It was as though her dreams were beginning to crumble. As it stood, she couldn’t see herself gaining favor in the eyes of her harsh boss.
“Tighten up, Tiffany,” she whispered to herself, trying to cheer herself up.
“You’re stronger than this. Whatever wants to happen, let it. After all, I’ve already been through a lot in life and survived—this won’t be any different. I’m not going to let Desmond’s degrading and insulting words break me. I’m more than what he thinks I am—and I’ll prove it.”
She muttered to herself, encouraging her spirit. A wave of confidence rose within her. Looking at her beautiful and graceful reflection in the mirror, she smiled. Her mood lightened. With a more composed expression, she grabbed her essentials and set out for work.
Desmond had already arrived at the office. He was preparing to supervise operations in a few critical parts of the company. Just as he was about to leave with a few staff members, Tiffany walked in, greeting him and the others with a lovely, cheerful gesture—professional and dignified.
The warmth on her face was as though she’d never had any issues with Desmond. She carried herself like it was a fresh day, with new experiences ahead. She wasn’t afraid of what the day would bring—she’d already seen both worse and worst days. She felt prepared for anything.
After greeting everyone kindly, Mr. Desmond asked the others to proceed ahead while he would catch up shortly. Before he could say anything, Tiffany spoke, right as the last person stepped out of the office.
“Sir, these are the files you gave me yesterday. You’ll see that the reports and signings are all in order. I’ve also included the necessary outlines as noted in regard to the project,” Tiffany said confidently, flipping through the files.
Once done, she looked him directly in the eyes, unaffected by the tension.
“That’s all for now, sir—though our partners emphasized the need for you to make yourself available for a one-on-one meeting with them.”
Just as she turned to leave, Desmond started speaking.
“I can see you’re doing your best to make sure everyone in this company likes and cherishes you, especially judging by the way you greet and interact with them. What baffles me most is that you’re still trying to act like you’re actually good at what you do—when you and I both know you’re not.”
“It might interest you to know that you aren’t suitable, in any way, to work in this company.”
“Every single act you put on to prove how good you are only irritates me further—and triggers my angry side. Sometimes, I wonder why you’re still trying to prove your worth in these few days, when you’re just a shadow of what you think you can be.”
“You’re slow. You’re unintelligent, lazy, and far beneath me. You’re just not company material. Just wait—once I’m done dealing with you here, you’ll resign out of frustration.”
Mr. Desmond had just finished speaking when Tiffany replied—her voice loud and clear, bold enough for him to hear without mistake.
“Well, thanks for all the insults, sir,” she said, letting out a gentle smile.
“I’ve heard everything you’ve said, but I’m not going to be your personal object of mockery whenever you feel like unleashing your bitterness.”
“So I’m going to sit tight and watch you do your worst in your very own company. I have nothing to prove to you, sir—nor do I need your approval to determine whether I am disqualified, unintelligent, or lazy.”
“The way I see and carry myself is more than enough for me. I don’t need anyone else’s opinion to define the kind of person I am or what the future holds for me.”
“The say of anybody—yes, even you—doesn’t matter to me, sir. It doesn't determine who I am or who I’ll become. I just thought I should bring that to your notice.”
Tiffany finished speaking and turned to leave the office.
But then Desmond fired back, his voice brutal and threatening:
“Don’t you even dare—!”
- Writer
