Discover My True Worth - Short Story

Rebirth - Discover My True Worth

Lizzy works at a high-pressure corporate law firm, Taylor & Co Legal, where the environment is toxic, and the demands are endless. The firm is notorious for its cutthroat culture, but for Lizzy, it’s the only steady job she’s had in years. The pay barely covers her bills, but she endures the relentless demands of her arrogant boss, Katie, because quitting seems like a luxury she can’t afford.

Lizzy: "Susan, come on! I’ll be late for work; you know how cranky my boss can be. I really can’t afford to get in trouble with her again."

Susan: "I know, I know! I’m really sorry; I’ll be down in a minute."

Lizzy works for Katie, a demanding senior partner at the firm who flaunts her wealth and power at every opportunity. Meanwhile, Lizzy strives to make ends meet and always puts up with Katie’s arrogance, daily abuses, and ungratefulness to maintain her job. Lizzy’s self-esteem takes a hit with every insult, leaving her questioning her worth.

"Why can’t I succeed?" Lizzy wonders every day. "Katie is only a year older than me, yet she’s already made it. Why not me? I can’t even find a man because I’m so ugly... no one will ever want me."

As Lizzy waits, her sister Susan hurries downstairs.

Susan: "Okay, okay, I’m here. Sorry for taking so long. I had to prepare John for school and make breakfast for him and his dad. Being a mom is harder than I thought. Don’t worry, little sis, you’ll get there soon."

Lizzy: "Yeah, yeah. Hopefully, if I don’t get fired before I can finally afford my own place. I’ve been saving, but what do I go through to make that happen? It’s too much."

I have to go through hell just so that I can discover my true worth. Lizzy thought to herself.

Susan: "Don’t worry, everything will work out."

At 8:10, Lizzy arrives at work, dreading the confrontation she knows is coming. Spotting Katie from a distance, she prays not to be noticed, but Katie’s sharp eyes catch her instantly.

Katie: "Good morning, Madam. You’ve decided to be the boss today, strolling in whenever you like. Oh, please, let me polish your Steve Madden shoes for you, Madam."

Lizzy: "I... I’m really sorry, ma’am. I—"

Katie: "Shut up! You’re 10 minutes late and have the nerve to act like it’s no big deal! No wonder—"

At that moment, a male employee enters, greets Katie, and goes about his business without a word of reprimand. Lizzy, stunned, realizes the truth: Katie’s treatment of her isn’t about her performance—it’s personal.

Katie (continuing): "—you’re such a failure. No wonder your mother ran off with another man, leaving you and your ugly sister all alone."

Something inside Lizzy snaps. Her mind races with the years of humiliation, but she refuses to stay silent this time.

Lizzy: "Excuse me, WHAT? How dare you bring my family into this? Who do you think you are, belittling people like this? Do you think that because you have money, you can trample on others?

You’ve disrespected me for the last time. I may have put up with your arrogance and insults, but no one talks about my family that way. You’ve pushed me to my breaking point."

Katie and the nearby employees are shocked, watching Lizzy in disbelief.

Employee 1: "Finally! Someone stood up to her."

Employee 2: "I can’t believe it’s Lizzy. Wow, it's like she has been reborn! I love her guts."

Lizzy (continuing): "You think you're better than me because you were born into money? At least I’ve gotten this far alone, without my parents handing everything to me. I’ve been made to feel worthless and striving so hard to discover my true worth, but now I see I’m not. And it’s thanks to you. Thank you for showing me that I deserve more than this toxic environment and for helping me discover my true worth.

"I don’t have your wealth, but I have something you don’t—people who genuinely care about me. My sister, my friends, my worth... You have nothing but your fake life. Can money buy real happiness? I doubt it."

Katie’s guest, Gale, is sitting in her office, overhearing the confrontation. Gale is the CEO of Vantage Corp, a successful tech company known for its innovative culture and people-centered leadership. He’s immediately drawn to Lizzy’s confidence and authenticity.

Lizzy: "I quit. I will find a place where I’m valued or start something of my own because I know I can."

Gale steps forward, intrigued.

Gale: "Who is she? That kind of charisma... it’s rare."

Lizzy: "Thanks for this chance at rebirth. You’ve given me the strength to find my voice and take control of my life. Goodbye!"

As Lizzy turns to leave, Gale rushes to her.

Gale: "Wait, would you consider working for me?"

Katie: "WHAT?!"

                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                 Gabs