Lalia excused herself to the washroom before the meeting began.
Her breathing became irregular as she remembered all the events that occurred in the past. Two crystal droplets fell from her now semi red eyes.
>>>>>>
"It has come to my notice, the unprofessional behavior trend among our employees which, if action is not taken, will tarnish the respectable reputation of CNJ Labels."
Bang Hoseok—MD of CNJ Labels sternly spoke.
"We are all aware of the increasing tension between our company and Lim Limelight Entertainment and as such, everyone's contribution to the prevalence of CNJ shouldn't be one that further downgrades but one that upholsts it."
There was brief silence as all present processed what he'd said.
He then continued;
"Now tell me, if you own a company and all information and strategies were being sold to your rival, wouldn't you terminate the bug?"
The crowd murmured as everyone nodded in agreement.
"Miss Lalia Park, wouldn't you?" The MD swiftly posed the question at Lalia.
Up until now she hadn't really been focusing on the meeting and hadn't noticed the smirk on Jang Jimin and Jang Bleu's faces or how the MD looked at her not bothering to hide his disgust.
"Y-yes sir" Lalia said, quivering.
"Good. So now tell me why you have decided to betray the company and give out information about Jang Jimin's contract to Lim Limelight Entertainment?"
Lalia felt her eyes cloud with tears. She was now fully aware of her surroundings and didn't know how to react—she was just baffled.
The accusation hit her like the tide did boulders in the sea and to avoid any further embarrassment composed herself and began to speak.
" Mr Bang...I-I have no idea of what... you're saying" She said choking on her sobs.
"Really? Oh sweet denial! We have evidence of your interactions and you still claim innocent?"
Unfortunately for you the company has done many investigations all of which proves you guilty and this permits us to announce that...you are fired!" Bang Hoseok finally sat back in his chair allowing the crowd to mumble in shock.
"Excuse me sir," A male voice spoke up, halting the whispers, "... I think your decision is, somewhat irrational."
" Lalia is someone who has worked with CNJ Labels for 7 years and even if you have evidence, there should be another alternative aside firing her."
The MD tensed up again. By now, Lalia was a crying mess and couldn't even see clearly while the Jangs had a triumphant look on their faces—they just hated her!
"Mm, you're right. What do you suggest?"
The MD lifted an eyebrow.
The male voice spoke again.
"I can see she still wants to work in this company so I suggest in order for her to work here, she could be hired by anyone in the company and paid by them or partially by the company"
"That defies the ethics of our company but we can loosen some rules for her. Her deadline is a month and if by then she doesn't have a job here, we won't adjust anything again. This meeting is officially over."
Everyone flocked out of the room, leaving the Jangs, Lalia, and the man who spoke up for her. The Jangs gave them a dirty look before also exiting the room.
The mystery man sighed and walked up to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Jasmine scent? I could hire you if you'll allow me. I don't have much but it'll be enough. I know you're innocent even if no one believes you. I'll stick by you from now till the end."
"Here", he handed her an embroidered handkerchief, "don't do this to yourself."
To Lalia, her life was over, she didn't know what to do or say anymore. She got up, took the handkerchief, muttered a thanks and walked out on the man, avoiding eye contact.
Meanwhile Mr. Unknown just smiled
"At least she held my hand."
<<<<<<<
In the present, Lalia pulled out the mystery man's handkerchief, wiping her tears with it, it'd been two years since that incident and she held onto it all this while– encouraging herself everytime she saw it.
"Lalia?" Lily burst into the washroom.
"Are you crying again? Those two psychotic brats don't deserve your tears. They're worthless compared to these clear droplets you always shed for them alright? Stop crying." She said and pulled her into a hug.
"Aside from mystery man, I'm also here for you," Lily said jokingly noticing the handkerchief in her hand.
"Oh please" They both laughed.
"We...have to get going."
They walked arm-in-arm out of the washroom.