Miranda wiped down the kitchen counter with meticulous care, her mind still reeling from the morning’s events. Her ex-boyfriend, Carlos, had made an unexpected appearance at the restaurant where she worked, his intentions clearly aimed at humiliating her in front of her colleagues and customers. Despite the ache in her chest and the embarrassment burning in her cheeks, Miranda knew she couldn’t afford to let this setback derail her hard-earned stability.

As an immigrant from Mexico trying to carve out a life in a new country, Miranda had faced her share of challenges. Building a career in the bustling city had been tough, but she had persevered, working long hours to prove herself in the competitive restaurant industry. Her breakup with Carlos had been a bitter blow, their relationship unraveling in a whirlwind of public arguments and hurtful accusations. Now, his attempt to shame her at work threatened not just her pride but also her livelihood.

“I’m really sorry for being late again, Michael. A lot has been happening… my boyfriend and I broke up, and everyone knows about it,” Miranda confessed to her boss, Michael, as she stood in the busy kitchen.