IS IT TIME FOR ME TO GIVE UP?

6

Weeks have elapsed since the incident, during which Lisa successfully resolved the conflict between her wife and Anthony's companion. She discovered that they had all been terminated by Jennie. Lisa extended job offers to them in her company, initially met with skepticism but due to Lisa's guaranteed them as they accepted her offer afterwards, bringing relief to Lisa as everything was finally resolved. Despite Lisa's actions, Jennie viewed them unfavorably, leading her to return home early to confront her wife in anger.

"What have you done?!" Jennie struggled to contain her emotions as she confronted Lisa, who looked puzzled by Jennie's sudden outburst.

"Why did you offer them jobs?!" Jennie continued to restrain herself, while Lisa quickly understood the source of Jennie's anger.

"Jen, I, uh, that was the only solution I could see to fix the problem," Lisa calmly explained, though Jennie snorted in response.

"Why? Because you want to appear generous? While I... am portrayed as a beast? A devil?!" Jennie erupted in anger, leaving Lisa astonished by how Jennie perceived her efforts to resolve the situation.

"That wasn't my intention," Lisa responded, incredulous.

"That's exactly what you did!" Jennie screamed, causing Lisa lose her temper.

"Jennie, are you being serious right now? the responsibility supposed to fall on you, You terminate them without a second thought. I was only trying to do what I believed was best for everyone, especially you," Lisa gasped out, trying to compose herself. Jennie, feeling a flicker of unease at Lisa's intense reaction, swiftly regained her composure.

"You've once made a decision that is good only for yourself" Jennie was about to leave when she heard Lisa speak.

"Why is it so difficult for you to love me? Or at least be my best friend again... because, I really miss you, Nini... us," She pleaded, Jennie halted her pace, slowly turning around to face Lisa once more.

Meeting Lisa's longing gaze yet Jennie answered angrily, "Then forget about what we had, Lisa!"

"Don't expect that you'll be able to reunite us. The day I married you was also the day I buried our friendship, and you have no choice but to accept it..." she turned her back.

"You chose this, Lisa.. so be it," Jennie firmly concluded before making her way to her room, leaving Lisa dejected. Lisa felt a sharp pang in her chest at Jennie's words as she sat down on the couch, burying her face in her hands.

"I'm sorry, Jennie... I was too selfish to put you in this situation. I thought I could be a good wife to you, but all I could do is make your everyday miserable."

Closing her eyes tightly, tears began to fall incessantly. When they finally stopped, she stood up and walked to her room, falling asleep quickly despite her hunger, with no urge to eat.

***

Lisa stirred awake to the sound of her ringtone, fumbling groggily for her phone. Upon seeing her dad's caller ID, she hastily answered.

"Lisa, what's going on? Why does Mr. Smith wants to withdraw his investment?" Mr. Manoban's tone turned to frustration as Lisa jolted upright in bed.

"What?! When?" Lisa's confusion grew; her secretary hadn't mentioned it, and she hadn't received any emails either.

"Wait, have you just woken up? Do you realize what time it is already?" Mr. Manoban's patience waned as Lisa glanced at the clock, cursing herself for oversleeping until midday and finding 32 missed calls from her secretary.

"Lisa..." Mr. Manoban's voice softened, but his disappointment was evident. "Mr. Smith is a crucial investor. Please, do whatever it takes."

Lisa hurried to the Company right after the phone call dropped, thingking that Mr. Smith's decision stemmed from news about Jennie's company. She massaged her temples, pondering her next move.

"I need to talk to him and reassure him it won't happen again... No, that won't work."

Lisa shook her head, contemplating other options. "Flowers? Seriously, Lisa? Are you trying to woo him?" She closed her eyes in frustration before deciding on setting up a meeting in the end.

Finally, she instructed her secretary to arrange an appointment with Mr. Smith. After a long day at the office, consumed by work and a mere cup of coffee, Lisa returned home exhausted, collapsing into bed fully clothed.