Bitter, Jealous Employee

Her hurried search came to an abrupt stop. With a quick, almost instinctive motion, she plucked the dress from the rack and held it up.

As she studied the dress, Alise found herself drawn to it. She didn't just like it; she loved it. However, with time pressing on, Alise knew that there was no opportunity to explore other options. She was cautious, aware that she might later regret it if a better option existed. But she also knew that this was the one now.

She couldn't contain her resolve any longer. "This one," she blurted out, her voice steady. "I want to try it on."

At that moment, as she said that, her mother and the bridal consultant exchanged surprised glances, taken aback by her swift decision. The lady quickly helped her put it on, eager to see how the dress would look.

As she was in the dress and looked at herself in the mirror, all her doubts vanished. She couldn't help but twirl in a circle, admiring how the dress moved with her.

She uttered to herself while looking in the mirror, "Damn, I look good," as she posed with a confidence that radiated from her.

The consultant looked at her and couldn't help but chuckle, appreciating the bride's newfound confidence. Her mother chimed in, "It's cute or whatever."

Alise responded with an Uh-huh with a mischievous smirk.

Her mother felt the urgency and immediately asked the consultant to size the dress to her size. The consultant eagerly agreed, excited by the opportunity to serve a high-profile client.

As Alise and her mother discussed the details with the consultant, an unexpected interruption came from another employee as she said, "Can you even afford this?" Her remark hung in the air with sophistication as her tone dripped with subtle mockery.

Alise and her mother exchanged surprised glances, taken aback by the employee's snappy but classy insult.

The consultant, who had been all smiles moments ago, now had an annoyed expression. She knew this employee had been silently seething with jealousy because she consistently sold more dresses.

However, she didn't expect her colleague to try to sabotage her in front of clients. The tension in the room grew as the employee's envy-driven remarks continued.

The employee said with harsh words, "You can pay it in installments if you can't pay for it all," her voice laced with mockery as she snickered.

Alise and her mother exchanged knowing glances, recognizing the employee's attempt to undermine them.

Alise stood up, her voice filled with attitude as she confronted the employee directly. "Excuse me, sweetheart," she began with a sly smile, "who are you talking to?

Alise's demeanor had caught the employee off guard. The employee had initially underestimated Alise, perceiving her as a sweet and docile individual. However, Alise's assertive and sassy response shattered that perception.

The employee remained frozen and speechless, still processing Alise's snap back. The consultant promptly left the room, her mission clear: to find the manager and inform him of the escalating situation between Alise and the employee.

As the manager entered the room, his gaze first fell upon the older, well-maintained lady and her distinctive brooch. Something about that brooch seemed to trigger a memory or recognition within him. Without hesitation, he took action, making a swift decision.

The manager, with a stern and determined expression, immediately addressed the employee and said, Emily, you're fired.

Emily, shocked and outraged, couldn't contain her disbelief. She blurted out, "What? Fired?" Her tone shifted from insults to protest as she added, "You can't do this to me! Do you know who my dad is?"

The manager remained resolute, repeating firmly, "Fired. Do you hear my words?"

She was in a fit of anger and frustration, stormed out of the room, declaring, "You'll regret this!"

As Alise handed the manager a black card, she yelled out loud for everyone to hear, "I don't think he will, Emily."

Emily, with a twisted and ugly expression, initially looked like she was about to retort, but the disapproving looks and whispers from the onlookers around her gave her pause. She realized that her situation had garnered more attention than anticipated.

With a sense of shame, she turned away and walked off, attempting to escape the watchful eyes and judgmental whispers of the spectators.

Humiliated by the turn of events, she couldn't help but utter, "You better hope you don't see me again." The words carried a hint of bitterness as Emily retreated.

The manager's stern demeanor softened into respect and recognition as he looked at Alise. He said, "We'll set you up right now, ma'am."

Taking precise measurements himself, he assured them that a highly renowned Fitter would be crafting Alise's dress. As a gesture for earlier complications, they would even include a unique design at no additional expense.

Grateful for his understanding and commitment to their satisfaction, they politely said thank you.

After completing the measurements, the manager stepped back and gave a reassuring nod. "Your dress will be nothing short of perfection," he assured them.

He stepped away, exiting the room. The employee, curiosity getting the best of her, followed him out of the room and discreetly tapped the manager on the shoulder. She leaned in to whisper, "Why are you being so deferential to her?"

The manager, speaking in a hushed tone, leaned in closer and shared, "You see that older woman? That's Lorelai Graftland and her daughter." The employee's face displayed astonishment upon learning the identity of the distinguished client, realizing the immense social status and influence they have.

The employee exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, how did you know?"

The manager replied, "The brooch. Did you not notice that brooch that's pinned on her shirt? Only certain families have them, and they all have different symbols."

She chuckled as she smirked, saying, "Emily better hope she doesn't have an encounter with them in the future," fully aware that crossing paths with such an influential family like the Graftlands could lead to consequences Emily and her family wasn't prepared to face.