Fire Her

After processing the sudden pregnancy news, Selina remained silent while listening to everyone's advice to her during the first three months. The many fruits, drinks and foods she shouldn't touch became a dull, long list in Jason's notes. He also jotted down superstitions on what he cannot do in their house throughout her pregnancy, such as moving certain furniture around.

While Jason became the second most popular person for the group to circle around, Selina fell in deep thought. The shocking pregnancy news was still processing in her mind. However, her thoughts fell on what had happened in the office's restroom.

'I'm sorry. I had to do this. This is the only thing I can do for you, Selina. I am so sorry..' Lia's heartbroken and remorseful tone sounded in her mind repeatedly. At that time, Selina did not comprehend why she was apologizing to her for. Now, everything made sense.

'But Lia was crying to me. Was it because she knew she accidentally used regular milk? Even so, she shouldn't have cried the way she did. Besides, her baby...She ignored the fact that she was also pregnant to help me. She held onto my hands tightly that my nails dug into her skin. She never complained about it. Where is she?'

Selina leaned against the soft pillows behind her for support with a cup of hot water in her hands. While thinking about Lia's words, Antonio's voice interrupted her peace. She looked up when she heard someone call her name.

"Selina." Antonio finally gathered his courage to walk up to her bedside. Everyone was too busy giving Jason advice that they forgot Antonio was still there with them. Therefore, when he spoke up, their heads turned towards the direction where Selina was resting.

"Antonio." Selina nodded at him.

"How are you feeling?" He was still nerve wrecked from seeing her pale complexion earlier. Until he saw rosiness on her cheeks and lips again, he didn't dare relax. Deep marks formed in his palm after he held his fist tight enough to leave nail marks behind.

"I'm fine. I don't feel pain anymore. Thanks for asking." Selina kept her response short and clear. She didn't have much to say to him after all. Considering he did visit and show his care for her health, she can only reply to his questions politely.

"That's good. About Lia, I think you should reconsider keeping her as your personal assistant." He acted casual from her response and casually leaned his weight onto his right leg.

"Why should I?" Selina took a sip of water from the cup in her hands.

"Because she is the one who was in charge of making your milk tea. As your personal assistant she should know by now what ingredients to use and what ingredients to avoid using. What if you are allergic to something she mistakenly put into your drink next time? Do you think you will be fortunate every time?" Although Antonio was obviously concerned about her, Selina reacted coldly to his words.

"Antonio, I know better than anyone else how capable my personal assistant is. Since she is my personal assistant, she definitely proved her capabilities in working for me. Thank you for your concern, but I will be keeping her by my side. Besides, everyone makes mistakes. She accidentally used regular milk this time. She will learn to be careful next time. Everyone deserves a chance." Selina narrowed her gaze as if she was warning him to zip his mouth closed about Lia.

All Selina remembered was the helpless young lady who was desperately crying for someone to tell her to keep her baby. At the end, despite all hardships she may face, she courageously took up the responsibility as a mother and decided to have the baby. During these months, Lia also worked diligently. If she was terminated over a minor mistake, how much of a loss will she be suffering on the long run?

"You shouldn't let your emotions get to you, Selina. It is for your own good to keep your distance from her." As if he had expected Selina's response, he replied nonchalantly.

Selina's brow arched in amusement as she observed the man in front of her. She placed the cup onto the cabinet next to her and crossed her arms. "Just because I am pregnant does not make me emotional all the time. Please do not use your biased perspective when it comes to my business. I thanked you for your concern, but anything regarding who I decide to hire is my business."

"How am I being biased?" Antonio couldn't help but ask her.

"You've never liked Lia. Did you think I was blind from the many times you've came to visit my office just to bother her with her work? Almost every little thing you've said to her were full of fish bones that could choke someone before the person even swallows it. I don't know why you are always picking out her faults, but please give her the basic respect everyone deserves. Please don't look through those thick lenses of yours and reevaluate her. Actually, she doesn't need your evaluation to begin with."

Selina had long discovered Antonio's attitude towards Lia was one similar to a cactus pricking someone's skin upon contact. She never liked the way he treats Lia, but it wasn't her place to say anything. If there was a misunderstanding between them, it could only take two people to resolve it.

However, Antonio was stepping on her borderline this time. She didn't understand nor did she want to know why Antonio was saying all these words. From the previous months of interactions with Lia, she knew Lia was a kind, generous young lady.

"I'm not being-" Antonio didn't have the chance to complete his sentence. The second he opened his mouth again, Selina frowned in displease. She did not need his advice nor arguments against this matter.

"Hubby, I am tired. Please see our guest out. Can someone give me my phone?" Selina wanted to contact Lia before, but there were too many people speaking at once that she gave up on that thought. Now that everyone was quiet, she took the opportunity to tell them what she needed.