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This was it. I reminded myself that this wasn't Jeff's fault. He was only doing his job. Sure, it didn't feel good, but I would've done the same had I been in his position.
There was no point in arguing. I'd lost, and my father had won. I would always be the pathetic daughter who couldn't even keep a job.
Once I was sure I could stand upright without falling, I walked through the door and into the elevator. There, I burst into tears. I pressed the stop button just so I could have enough time to collect my thoughts.
There was no winning for me, was there? Everything was against me. My family, love, and now my job, the only thing that I loved doing. Gone. Poof. Just like that. Because of something that I knew nothing about.
And it was all my fucking fault. If I hadn't been off having a lover's quarrel with someone who wasn't my lover, then this wouldn't have happened. I would have been at my desk if I hadn't fallen for Aaron's lies and stupid tactics. Where I should have been, goddamnit!
Instead, I was gallivanting around the fucking place, spreading my legs for a man who had lied and deceived me.
When will I learn? I sobbed, pressing a hand to my lips to quiet the sounds of my cries. When will I fucking learn that men were bad news? All of them?
Now, I was back to square one. Jobless and with a head full of clouds.
Stupid, stupid me.
Wiping my tears from under my glasses, I straightened to my feet and pressed the button for the fourth floor.
The elevator parted, and I stepped out. The first thing I noticed was that Aaron was sitting at his desk. His eyes met mine as I approached, and when his brows furrowed, I quickly averted my gaze because he was, quite frankly, the most observant person I knew, and it would take him nothing to figure out that I'd been crying.
I neared my desk, and Maddy, hearing my footsteps, swirled around, took in my expression, and immediately frowned.
She shook her head as if to ask, “No luck?” I responded by returning the head shake.
Her eyes were sad as she rose to envelop me in a hug. I let her hold me, not caring that we were attracting attention from the other employees.
"I'm so sorry, babes," Maddy whispered. "I wish there was something I could do."
My throat was thick with emotion, and I was holding back tears with serious effort. "Yeah, me too."
The only person who could do something had decided not to, and I was done begging him.
"Aww, I smell tears and regret,” a bitchy voice sneered. “Looks like someone just got served."
I released Maddy to see Jade standing behind us with a mocking grin on her face and her arms crossed over her chest.
"You better beat it, or I swear to God—" Maddy started, but Jade cut her off with a glare.
"You'll do what?"
I huffed out a silent breath, giving Maddy a little head shake. "She's not worth it. Just leave it."
"Ugh, you're so weak and pathetic,” Jade sighed. “I have no idea what he sees in you."
I didn't either, but I kept that bit of information to myself. "I don't care what you think, and that's what matters. I sincerely hope you heal from all your bitterness. Otherwise, you won't go very far in life."
Something moved in the corner of my eyes. I slanted my head to see Aaron watching me intently from his office. Obviously, he'd heard the entire conversation, but that wasn't what made my heart jump into overdrive.
It was the smile playing on his lips, one that spoke of—was that approval or…pride? It was hard to tell.
Cheeks blazing, I turned, making a show of arranging the items on my desk. Maddy grunted her approach behind me, but I wasn't sure she realized what had just happened: I'd just stood up for myself.
I almost let out a surprised laugh. For years, I'd taught myself that talking back was futile, that confrontation was a waste of time, and that I should just shut up and take the blows.
It certainly worked with Jeremy. All the times I'd fought back had been when his insults cut deeper. So it had been easier to just hold my tongue and let it pass.
But right now, I'd told a bully—because that was what Jade was—to her face that I didn't care what she thought, and it felt fucking fantastic. Fucking great.
