"Call your boss right now. Tell him you had a moment of confusion and you can come back immediately."
Dad went further—he kicked the liquor bottle by the table's edge, shattering it. Glass scattered across the floor.
"You damn girl! Making trouble for me on New Year's! Everything I say goes in one ear and out the other, huh?"
"I'm warning you—don't think anyone's going to support you if you don't work. I don't have savings for you to leech off."
"Every penny in this house goes to your brother! Trash like you isn't worthy of spending my money!"
My heart went cold. My nails dug into my palms.
A year and a half ago, the company hit hard times and an executive was brought in to oversee mass layoffs.
I was called into his office for a talk. Midway through, he sat down beside me. His hand landed on my thigh and traced a slow line across it.
"Alex Gilbert. I've reviewed your file. Mediocre education, average performance, no family connections."
"By all rights, you'd be first on the layoff list. But if you're willing to follow my lead, study hard under me, keep me happy—I might consider keeping you around."
Nausea hit me in waves. I wanted to scream, to slap him across the face.
But I thought of my credit card debt. My empty bank account. Rent due next month.
My tears fell inward, and I couldn't say a word.
When I got home, I called my parents.
"Mom, the new boss sexually harassed me. I want to quit."
"Things are tight right now though. Can you lend me some money to get by? I promise I'll pay you back as soon as I find a new job."
Mahjong tiles clattered in the background. Her tone was flat.
"Don't even think about it. No work, no food. I spoiled you too much. Get back out there, keep your eyes on the paycheck, and stop being so sensitive."
"That's just how the workplace is—same everywhere. Men are all horny like that. Since this boss likes you, why not play it smart? Milk it for what you can."
Her mahjong friends laughed, teasing her for being so open-minded. My heart went cold. I swallowed my anger and decided to wait for my year-end bonus before making any moves.
But the night of the company party, my boss got drunk and told me to help him upstairs to rest.
I tried everything to refuse. No one dared to help me.
I carefully helped him into the room. The moment I turned to leave, he pounced—hands everywhere.