Chapter 3 -CELINE- +38 " What do you mean by fired , sir ? " I asked , my voice trembling as I squeezed the envelope in my hands . Surely , I'd heard him wrong . Why was this happening ? " Yes , Miss Brown , you heard me correctly . You're fired , " he said , his tone cold and dismissive . " Gather your things and leave the premises . " The words struck me like a physical blow , and my hands began to shake . My grip tightened on the envelope , its edges biting into my palm . This couldn't be real . This had to be Hunter's doing . But why ? Earlier in the hallway , he hadn't seemed angry . If anything , he was indifferent - polite even - when he asked about Caesar . Why would he do this ? Was it some twisted feeling of control or punishment ? None of this made sense . None of it was fair . " Miss Brown , you might want to take your leave ," the manager said sharply , breaking through my spinning thoughts . His voice was cold , unbothered , as though throwing out someone's livelihood was normal for him . Anger bubbled inside me , a mix of humiliation and frustration . I wanted to scream at him , to ask for an explanation , to curse Hunter Reid for his heartlessness . But I couldn't . The words caught in my throat , and my feet moved before I could summon a response . I stood , legs stiff as I walked to the door . My grip on the handle tightened until my knuckles turned white . My chest felt like it was giving in , my breath rough as I bit down hard on my lower lip to keep the tears from spilling . Not here . Not in front of him . I twisted the knob and stepped into the quiet hallway . The air felt stuffy , and suffocating , and the fluorescent lights above buzzed faintly , casting a harsh glow over everything . Each step I took felt heavier than the last as I walked willy - nilly , the world around me blurring . I needed to get out . I needed to breathe . Somehow , I ended up in the restroom . The stark white tiles and buzzing lights made the space feel cold and sterile . I struggled to the sink , gripping the edge as I stared at my reflection . My face was turned red , my eyes glistening with unshed tears . My chest heaved , and my breathing came in shallow , ragged gasps . Not now . Not here . I froze as faint voices drifted in from the hallway , growing louder . Someone was about to come in . Panic flooded through me , and I hurried into a stall , locking the door behind me . I sank onto the closed toilet seat , burying 1/3 Chapter 3 38 my face in my hands . All the emotions I'd been holding back hit me like a tidal wave . My chest ached as I tried to keep the panic at bay . Hot tears streamed down my cheeks , unstoppable and relentless . What was I going to do ? This job had been everything - my lifeline . The only thing keeping Caesar and me afloat . I looked down at the crumpled envelope in my hand . My " final paycheck ." A bitter laugh escaped me , muffled by my trembling lips . It wasn't even enough to cover half of what I needed this month . This couldn't be happening . Not now . Not like this . I swallowed hard , forcing myself to breathe . Caesar would be waking up soon . He couldn't see me like this. He needed me to be strong , even if I felt like I was falling apart . A sharp voice pierced the quiet . " Did you see her ? Acting like she owns him , " someone said , their tone cutting . I froze , the tears forgotten as I strained to listen . " She's so annoying . I can't believe Hunter Reid has taken an interest in her , " another voice chimed in , dripping with disbelief and spite . " It's obvious she forced herself on him , " someone else scoffed . " You all know how Charlotte gets . With her many scandals , I still don't understand why Aurelia keeps using her face ." " For her pretty face , of course , " a fourth voice added , laced with venom . " Isn't that all she's known for ? " Their laughter echoed off the tiled walls , sharp and cruel . Each chuckle felt like a dagger , slicing through the weak composure I'd been trying so hard to maintain . I bit my lip to keep my breathing quiet . My nails dug into my palms as anger and humiliation churned inside me . Why was I sitting here , hiding , listening to them ? My mind drifted back to Hunter Reid - his cold unconcern in the hallway . He was probably out there enjoying his perfect life , surrounded by admirers . Meanwhile , I was here , in a restroom stall , drowning in the mess he'd created . The laughter faded as their voices grew distant , leaving me alone in suffocating silence . I exhaled shakily , leaning back against the cold metal door . Frustration and helplessness pressed down on me like a heavyweight . Eventually , I made my way to the laundry room , the sound of Caesar's laughter cutting through my haze . It was a lifeline , pulling me out of my suffering . Pausing outside the door , I wiped at my face , taking a deep , steadying breath . " Mummy ! " Caesar's voice lit up the room as I walked in . His little face broke into a bright smile , and for a moment , the world didn't feel so heavy . Blake , who was sitting on the floor with him , looked up and frowned as she stood . 2/3 9:06 pm BBGB Chapter 3 " Hey , what took you so long ? I was starting to get worried , " she said , her tone gentle but concerned . " What happened ? " I didn't answer . I couldn't . I brushed past her , heading to my locker . My hands shook as I unlocked it , grabbing my belongings and shoving them into my bag . Blake watched me , her concern growing . " Celine ," she said softly , stepping closer . " Why are you packing your stuff ? What happened ? " I finally met her gaze , my tears spilling over despite my best efforts . " He fired me , " I choked out . Her eyes widened in shock . " Oh ... Celine , I'm so sorry . " She pulled me into a hug , and I let myself cry on her shoulder . 38 Through my tears , my gaze drifted to Caesar . He was watching us , his innocent face filled with curiosity . That look broke me all over again . It wasn't long before I pulled myself together . My bag was packed , and I was ready to leave . " So , what are you going to do now ? " Blake asked , anger simmering in her voice . " I can't believe Hunter Reid could be so petty ... that heartless bastard ! And to think I was crushing on him- " She stopped , wincing . " Sorry ." " It's okay , " I said , forcing a weak smile . " I shouldn't have brought Caesar to work in the first place ." " But still ! " she shot back . " Do you know how hard it is to find a job these days ? Especially with ... well , your situation . " Her words stung because I knew she was right . Finding another job wouldn't be easy . 1 sighed , slinging my bag over my shoulder . I knelt in front of Caesar , brushing my fingers through his soft hair . He smiled at me , and I couldn't help but return it , though mine was tinged with sadness . " Come on , little champ , " I said softly . " Let's go ." " Are we going home ? " he asked , his speech slightly unclear but still understandable . " Yes , sweetheart , " I whispered , pressing a kiss to his forehead . " We're going home . " 3/3 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!