Chapter 2 Fired Unfairly

EMERALD

Gabriel?

My mind goes blank for a few seconds, and then I try to gauge the implications of the woman. I only know of one Gabriel. Could he be the same one this dramatic woman is talking about? She just said, home.

If it's what I'm thinking... Is she... Gabriel's girlfriend? Wife? Fiancée?

Whatever it is, it's not Platonic, and so is my relationship with Gabriel. We've been dating for months. My heart sinks as I process the whole situation, the realization kicking in.

I take a step back, as if that would help my crushing heart. Is this really happening? What are the odds Gabriel played us both? Who's the side piece?

"What is going on?" Cecilia's voice snaps me back to the present.

"Ask this home–wrecking bitch," the woman quickly jumps in, pointing a finger at me.

"Excuse me?" I snap. Uh, ma'am. You're the one with the vendetta to burn my skin. I didn't even know of your existence until five seconds ago.

"Emerald," Cecilia holds up a hand.

"I need to speak to the manager. If you don't fire this woman, I'm going to sue the hotel," the woman passes the threat.

For the first time, I get to fully scan her. She looks like someone in my age group. Her blond, wavy hair falls perfectly on her back. Her make-up is impeccable. You can't miss the highlight of her red lipstick. She's classy, in a red dress that looks like it cost three times my monthly salary or more. The black handbag hanging in her left hand must be from one of the most expensive brands. Her looks explain it all. She's definitely capable of suing this hotel.

I look down, at myself. At the uniform I have on. The chicken soup makes the apron hideous.

Was Gabriel really playing us both? What was his angle exactly?

"We can deal with this privately," says Cecilia, trying to handle the situation calmly and maturely.

Almost half an hour later, the hotel is calm and back to its normal activities. She wouldn't be Cecilia if she weren't perfect at what she does. The next thing I know, I'm being summoned to Cecilia's office.

She's alone when I walk in. I want to say thank God, since that trouble-making woman left, but the look on Cecilia's face tells me there's nothing to be relieved about. My thoughts are confirmed by the dreadful words that follow.

"I'm so sorry, Emerald," she says with a fallen expression.

Of course, she is.

She's obviously not sorry for the chicken soup that was poured on me.

"I will write a very good recommendation for you. Your experience at The Galaxy will help," she coaxes.

"Aren't you going to ask for my side of the story?"

"Do I have to?" She raises her brows.

Seems a decision has been made. No amount of talking would revoke it, as unfair as this sounds.

"Why am I being fired for something that isn't my fault?" I still ask.

Gabriel is the asshole here. I thought we were in love. I even envisioned our relationship ending up like my parents'. But again, who would care about a waitress's love life, right?

"Lindsey Hayes barked all sorts of threats. She comes from a very powerful family, Emerald. The CEO will be brutal. Which is why, after Lindsey gave him a call, I told him I would deal with you myself."

"You mean fire me yourself," I snort.

She sighs...

Right. There goes my dream of making my parents afford the services of this luxurious hotel.

✰ ✰ ✰

I RARELY STAY at home in the afternoons. I'm always busy. When I'm not at work, I'm helping my parents at the floral shop, or out with Alicia, or with Gabriel.

Gabriel.

Did I even mean anything to him? Was any of it real?

There's no way a rich woman would come out of nowhere and cause trouble with a simple waitress if it wasn't serious. And I'm the one wrecking her home? Just great.

Now I have plenty of time to stay at home. I close the door to my room right before I tiredly slump into bed and sigh. My mind replays everything that just happened. I lost my job at the snap of some second-generation heir's fingers. They didn't even care about my services, yet I gave them my all.

The world isn't always fair, Emerald, my mother likes to point out. Truer words have never been said.

Now, I have a crisis at hand. Apart from my heart being shattered into pieces, I have to worry about the bills. It was easier when I helped my parents. My brother's hospital bills are also piling up.

My brother is the topic that makes eyes well up in this house. The twenty-year-old decided to take matters into his own hands, and look where that got him. A hospital bed.

Why did he try to fight? One man against so many? What was he thinking? It makes me furious. I wasn't there to protect him either. Even though we're four years apart, we've always had each other's backs.

I haven't slept well since that tragic incident.

The least I could do was make sure he got the best care in the hospital. How can I do that now, when I'm jobless? It's going to be a heavy burden for my parents before I get my next job, which is difficult these days, especially when you don't have credentials. That job was like a miracle. But now it's over.

I could sue them for wrongful termination, but what would that cost? They are powerful enough and must have the best lawyers. Can I even afford one?

I don't know how long I wallow in my sorrows because a hand suddenly taps my shoulder, making me jolt.

"Emerald, wake up," my mother's voice sounds from a distance. I rub my eyes to clear the fog. It takes a while before my mind registers the environment. When did I fall asleep, and for how long have I been off?

"You're home early. Are you okay?" Mother probes.

I sit up and take my phone to check the time. It's seven in the evening. The last thing I remember is cursing ‌how my life's in shambles.

I have several missed calls from Gabriel and a text from an unknown number. [You will know no peace, and I will ensure that. I'll make your life a living hell. I promise.]

I frown, my eyes still glued to the text. As if ruining my job wasn't enough. Now she's sending threats? I read the threatening text again, like it would make any difference in the situation.

"Emerald."

I must have been silent for longer than I should, even forgetting my mother's presence.

"You're acting strange. What's the matter?"

Knowing my mother, she would drill me for information, and lying wouldn't work since she detects those from a mile away.

Luckily, I have something to blame for my fallen expression.

"So many missed calls from Gabriel," I tell her.

"Must explain why he's here. He's waiting for you downstairs."

"Gabriel is here?" I ask the obvious.

Actually, I need to have a word with him.