Chapter 3 Dismissed

The morning sickness hit me like a storm. The moment I opened my eyes, nausea rushed through me so fiercely that I barely made it to the bathroom in time. My body trembled as I held on to the sink, my face pale, my lips dry. When I looked up at the mirror, the woman staring back at me looked like a stranger-skin pale white, eyes swollen and red from the tears I had cried earlier.

Before I could steady myself, my phone began to ring. The sound pierced through the silence of the room, dragging me back to reality. I staggered to the bedroom and picked it up.

It was my secretary.

"Mrs. Markston," Jeannie's gentle voice said. "The CEO wants to see you immediately. There's a very important meeting today."

The CEO. My husband. Vincent.

I let out a bitter smile that hurt more than it comforted. Only this morning, he noticed I wasn't feeling well. He had told me to go and see the family doctor. But now... he was summoning me as if nothing else mattered.

I closed my eyes for a moment, forcing the pain away. Then I dressed quickly, hiding the pale sickness of my face under layers of makeup.

Jeannie was waiting for me in front of the office, holding a cup of coffee.

"Are you feeling better now?" she asked softly, her eyes full of worry. "I got you some coffee."

"Much better now," I lied with a strained smile, taking the warm cup from her hands.

But something was off. "Jeannie, tell me, what is this meeting really about? There was nothing scheduled this week."

Her expression stiffened, and her gaze dropped to the floor.

"There is no meeting," she whispered.

I froze. "What?"

"It was Ms. Lillian... She told me to call you. She said she needed the design for the Enchanting Necklace."

My chest burned with fury. Did they think I was just a doll, to be dragged here and there?

"The project isn't due until next month," I said through clenched teeth.

"I told her that," Jeannie admitted. "But she insisted. And... the boss agreed. Even when I told him you were sick."

I bit my lip hard enough to taste blood, holding back tears. My legs moved on their own as I marched straight toward Vincent's office. I didn't need Jeannie to point the way-I could already hear Lillian's laughter spilling through the door.

I pushed the door open.

Vincent was on the sofa, reading through documents. Lillian sat proudly in his CEO chair, wearing a short, expensive dress that probably cost more than I had ever dared to spend.

"Oh, look who's here," Lillian's voice dripped with malice. "How are you, sister? I'm so glad to see you."

I ignored her. My voice was directed only at Vincent. "What is the meaning of this?"

Without even lifting his head, he spoke. "Do whatever she says."

My anger boiled. "Don't go too far, Vincent. You know very well that the necklace project isn't due for another month."

"I need it today," Lillian cut in, smirking. "You'll design it now."

"Watch your words," I snapped. "I don't work for you. That necklace is a masterpiece for our partners in China, not your personal toy."

"She says she wants it," Vincent finally looked up, his gaze sharp. "Do you have a problem with that?"

"Yes. I do," I said firmly, my voice stronger than even I expected.

For the first time, they both looked surprised.

"Repeat that," Vincent growled, dropping the papers in his hands.

"I said I have a problem with it!" I yelled, my voice cracking but steady. "First, I'm on sick leave. Second, she is not my boss. And third, that design does not belong to her!"

My hands trembled as I stepped closer. "And you, Vincent-you knew this morning I wasn't well. You told me yourself to go to the doctor!"

Lillian suddenly stood, her face painted with fake concern. "Oh no, sister, you're sick? I didn't know..."

Moments later, Vincent left the room, leaving only me and her.

Her expression changed instantly. The sweetness vanished.

"A loser will always remain a loser," Lillian spat, her voice sharp as knives. "Do you remember when you were dumped in my mother's care because your poor, useless father had no money?"

"Don't you dare talk about my father like that," I warned, my voice low.

"I can talk about him however I want," she sneered. "I'm Mother's favorite. And Vincent? He listens to me. Whatever I say, he will believe."

I smirked bitterly. "We may share the same mother, but I will never be like you. You think traveling abroad covered up your sins? Not for me. I know what you did."

Her face twisted with rage. "Your father is nothing but a greedy home-wrecker. He knew my mother had someone she loved and he still chased after her just for her family's money. He should be dead by now, paying for his sins-"

"Slap!

My hand landed across her cheek before I could stop myself. The sound echoed like thunder. And then-another slap.

For a moment, silence filled the office. Lillian's face burned red. Then slowly, a wicked grin spread across her lips.

Her eyes darted to the door.

Before I realized what she was doing, she dropped to her knees, tears spilling as she cried out, "Sister, forgive me! I was only worried about your father!"

The door opened.

Vincent stood there. His cold eyes cut straight through me.

"Vincent, it's not what it looks like-" I began.

But Lillian had already rushed into his arms, sobbing, her face swollen and red. "Brother Vincent, I only wanted to talk about our childhood. I asked about her father's health, but she attacked me. She beat me so badly..."

"Vincent, that's not what happened!" I cried.

But he didn't even listen.

"You're disgusting, Alice," he spat, his voice like ice. "She's your younger sister. You should treat her with care. Without her help, you wouldn't even be here."

Something inside me snapped. "Shut up, Vincent! Do you think I'm happy working in this cursed company of yours?"

For a brief moment, something flickered in his eyes-pain, maybe doubt-but it was gone instantly. His face hardened.

"Apologize," he ordered. His voice was sharp, dangerous.

"I won't."

His expression darkened. "Then you leave me no choice. Pack your things. HR will handle the rest."

The air left my lungs. My whole world crashed around me.

"You're... dismissing me?" My voice broke, but I forced my chin up.

His silence was the final knife.

"I understand... sir."

I turned and walked away, my heart breaking with every step.

But deep inside, I knew... this wasn't the end.