I was fired for supposedly plagiarizing a project I had dedicated almost a year to, working entirely on my own. To my shock, it was my husband who orchestrated the whole thing—and for a woman who mattered to him far more than I ever realized. That’s when I decided to get my revenge.
Walking down the hallway toward my boss’s office, my heart pounded with excitement. This was the moment my hard work would finally pay off.
For nearly a year, I had poured everything into this project—refining every detail, attracting investors, and creating something truly groundbreaking.
I imagined the praise, a promotion, maybe even leading a bigger team. A small smile appeared as I knocked on the door.
“Come in,” my boss’s stern voice called.
Inside, my boss, Mr. Thornton, wasn’t alone. Sitting beside him was Callie, her hands folded calmly, eyes meeting mine with unsettling composure.
“Alice, have a seat,” Mr. Thornton said, motioning to the chair.
Confused, I sat down, wondering why Callie was there.
The smile I’d had moments ago vanished.
Mr. Thornton started, “We have a problem. Callie brought to my attention that the project you submitted last week wasn’t entirely your own.”
I blinked, stunned.
“What do you mean? This is my project. I’ve worked on it for almost a year.”
Callie spoke with a false sympathy, “I submitted this proposal two weeks ago. The concept, the details—they’re all mine. I don’t know how you got it, but I can’t let this go.”
I was shocked. “That’s impossible. I started months ago—before you even arrived!”
Mr. Thornton pinched the bridge of his nose. “Alice, I’ve reviewed the submissions. Callie’s came first, complete with all details. It looks like you took her work.”
“I didn’t steal anything,” I insisted. “This is my project!”
Callie shrugged, “I didn’t want it to come to this, but I had no choice.”
“Please, Mr. Thornton, it’s a misunderstanding,” I pleaded.
He cut me off. “There’s nothing to explain. We have no choice but to let you go.”
The ground seemed to disappear beneath me.
“Callie, you may leave,” he said, and she left with a sad smile that echoed in my mind.
I faced Mr. Thornton, desperate. “You know my work. You know I didn’t do this.”
“I’m sorry, Alice. The evidence is against you.”
I left, shaking, my mind racing.
How did Callie know all the details?
Then it hit me—my husband Harris was the only other person with access.
Could he really betray me?
I rushed home, desperate for answers.
Harris had always been attentive—flowers, notes, coffee after work. These small kindnesses made me doubt my suspicions at first.
But lately, he’d been “working late” more often, going on business trips, and brushing off my questions.
While he showered, I searched his belongings and phone.
There it was—a restaurant receipt from a night he claimed to be working late. Lobster dinner for two, desserts for two.
It was clear he wasn’t with colleagues.
Digging deeper, I found proof—Harris was helping Callie steal my project. She was his mistress.
It hurt, but I refused to break. They thought they could ruin me personally and professionally, but I had other plans.
My final day at work was surreal. I’d given years to this place, but now I had a plan.
I invited everyone to my farewell party—including Callie. Harris agreed to support me.
Mr. Thornton was reluctant, but I convinced him by hinting at a revelation that could harm his reputation if he wasn’t there.
The conference room buzzed with chatter as guests arrived.
I addressed the crowd. “Thank you all for coming. Before I leave, I want to share something special—my final project, the one that’s been the center of controversy.”
I paused for effect.
“Today, I’m revealing the unique details no one else knew, the parts I kept secret.”
The screen lit up, displaying the core of my work—the installation concept dismissed as “just an idea.”
Gasps filled the room as the actual installation appeared.
Even Mr. Thornton sat up, eyes wide.
“I’ve been working with an investor,” I said, glancing at Callie. “And today, I’m proud to announce we’re moving forward—together.”
The investor stood, confirming everything.
Callie’s face went pale; without me, she couldn’t finish the stolen work.
Then came the final surprise—a cake with a photo of Harris and Callie, captioned “THEY STOLE MY LIFE.”
I said, “In case you wondered how Callie got my work—it was through my husband, Harris.”
Silence fell.
Harris and Callie looked drained and speechless.
Mr. Thornton finally spoke, “Alice, I had no idea. I’m sorry. We want you back—with a promotion.”
I paused, then said, “Thank you, but I’m done here. I have my own project and investor support.”
He nodded, “I wish you the best. You deserve it.”
Things moved fast after that.
I filed for divorce and left the past behind.
I needed time to heal, so I took a vacation.
As the plane took off, I felt a freedom I hadn’t known in years.
They tried to break me, but I rose stronger.
I’m ready to face the world again.