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.
>>>>>>
-Two years ago-
"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, the managing director of CNJ Labels, said sternly.
"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 upholds 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's 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."
What?
Sellout information? Limelight Entertainment? Was she being accused of corporate espionage?
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 hits boulders in the sea, and to avoid any further embarrassment, she composed herself and began to speak.
"Mr. Bang...I-I have no idea of what...you're saying," She stuttered.
"Really? Oh sweet denial! We have evidence of your interactions, and you still claim innocence?"
"Unfortunately for you, the company has carried out many investigations, all of which prove 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. Not once have we found fault with her work, so even if you have evidence, there should be another alternative aside from 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.