Heather had transformed completely from the person she was just the day before. Previously, she sported long bangs, hiding behind them due to her deep-seated insecurities, never daring to look people in the eye. She would walk with her head down most of the time, briefly acknowledging acquaintances with a quick nod before returning to her subdued stance.
Today, she stood tall, her gaze fixed ahead, her bangs swept up and her glasses replaced with contact lenses. A subtle makeup graced her face, softening her features with a hint of sharpness. Previously fearful of wearing high heels, she limited herself to low, chunky heels and baggy pants that hid her figure.
Now, she donned a business suit with a skirt, her flawless legs encased in black stockings, complemented by high heels. She had practiced walking in them all of last night, a far cry from her unnoticed presence at work, akin to a pebble on the roadside that no one bothers to look at.
However, today, from the moment she entered the company, she drew many eyes; people could hardly believe she was Heather. Dressed up, Heather was far more striking than the flamboyant Alison-a testament to a woman’s true presence.
Her high heels clicked decisively against the clean floor tiles, drawing an irked Alison towards her. Alison believed Heather had merely changed her clothes and was still the same underneath, expecting her to meekly lower her head as before.
Approaching nonchalantly, Alison jeered, “Wow, I hardly recognized you. Is that Heather? What’s with today-caught in a whirlwind or took the wrong medication?”
Heather paused, hearing her voice not with the old fear but with calmness as she replied, “Isn’t this Alison? There are only five minutes left to clock in, and you’re still leisurely strolling. Oh, I forgot, you have your backers, unlike us.”
Both women had attended the same school and applied to the company together. Heather, always buried in her books, had helped Alison pass the exams. When they applied to the company, Heather was readily accepted for her merits, securing the last available spot.
Alison, having missed the opportunity, blamed Heather entirely for her failure, convinced she could have succeeded without her. Eventually, Alison resorted to dubious means, seducing Paul to secure her position in the company. Once in, she did not hold back from tormenting Heather, who endured it silently until today.
Her retort was unprecedented and angered Alison further, who snapped, “You dare talk back? Have you grown tired of living?” She moved to slap Heather, but the blow never landed. Heather caught Alison’s hand, holding it firmly.
“No one is superior here. My mother has never slapped me; you certainly don’t have the right,” Heather stated, each word deliberate.
“Oh really? I could have you kicked out of the company right now, do you believe that?” Alison threatened.
“My family isn’t wealthy, and I indeed need this job, but I’ve done nothing wrong. The company can’t just fire me. Besides, I’ve heard that Mr. Montgomery’s wife is quite formidable, Alison. If I were you, as his mistress, I wouldn’t flaunt it so openly, lest it catch his wife’s attention. Who do you think he would support then: help you, or watch you get hit?”
“You dare threaten me?” Alison fumed, her face turning a shade of green.
Heather simply smirked coldly, “I’m merely stating a fact. If you get me fired, I can make sure you’re thrown out of the company with a tainted record. Even if I’m dismissed, with my skills, I’ll soon find another job. What about you? You don’t even understand your own graduation project; I did it for you. Do you think every company has a lecherous boss? You were lucky to get into this company, just keep that to yourself. I’d like to see which company would want you after you’re kicked out for an affair.”
Heather had always been honest and sincere but not stupid. Yesterday’s words and actions from Aurora had been enlightening. She didn’t intend to provoke Alison; this was a warning. If Alison dared to come at her again, she wouldn’t hold back.
“How did I never notice how sharp your tongue was?” Alison said, infuriated and helpless.
“It’s not too late to realize now. You always mock my poor family background, thinking yours is any better? Don’t think I don’t know; your family is in worse shape. If you lose this job, wouldn’t your mother beat you to death?” Heather and Alison lived in the same building, and Heather had often seen Alison’s burly, fierce mother chase her out of the house with a broom.
Today, her words pierced Alison’s heart like needles. Alison gritted her teeth in anger, “Shut the hell up!”
“One last piece of advice, I have got nothing to lose. I’m just a lowly employee. If I get fired, it’s just a job lost. But if you lose yours, you lose not just your swagger but also the monthly bonus from the vice president. Who do you think stands to lose more? Now, I need to get to work. Continue being a pretty but useless vase if you like. From now on, we go our separate ways. If you mess with me again, I won’t let it slide,” Heather said, straightening her back and walking away in her high heels.
Only after walking a considerable distance did she breathe a sigh of relief. She had always been bullied, always meek, but for the first time, she relished not having to apologize. Picking up her dignity felt incredibly good; she would no longer let herself be manipulated.
“How does it feel, good, right?” Aurora’s voice came just as Heather was preparing to enter the office. Aurora had seen the confrontation by chance. She had been worried Heather might still be bullied, but it seemed her concerns were unnecessary. Heather had transformed in just one day. Though her hands were still trembling, she had done it; she had really done it.
“Thank you. I won’t let myself be bullied anymore. I’ve realized that even if I’m fired, I can just find another job. I refuse to be trampled on any longer,” Heather declared, her eyes resolute.
Watching her, Aurora smiled briefly, “Come on, we’ll be late.”
Her smile was fleeting, but to Heather, it was profoundly moving. She rarely smiled, and that brief smile had captivated Heather entirely. She was so beautiful when she smiled!