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Miranda, a diligent young Mexican woman, faces a tough situation when her ex tries to humiliate her at her workplace. Despite her fear of jeopardizing her job, the pain caused by her ex compels her to act. Taking a bold step, she finds a way to make him pay for his actions.
Her breakup with her ex had been a public ordeal, leaving her in a state of depression. As an immigrant striving to establish herself in a new country, Miranda knew she had to keep working to survive. But her struggles seemed never-ending. One day, after arriving late to work at the restaurant again, she explained herself to her boss, Michael, in the kitchen.
“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 said softly.
“Miranda, what happens in your life is your thing, but it’s a problem for me if it messes with your work. I need you here on time, ready to work. This is your final warning,” Michael said firmly.
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Miranda promised to improve, but her resolve was tested when she saw her ex, Colin, and his girlfriend Leslie, seated at a table in the restaurant. She asked Michael if she could avoid serving them, but he refused, emphasizing the importance of professionalism.
“We all have tough stuff to deal with, Miranda. We’re short on people, and I need you to do your job, not run away,” Michael said without looking at her.
Miranda had no choice but to serve Colin and Leslie, who treated her rudely and made hurtful comments about her background.
“Look who we have here, Miranda, serving tables. I guess people from your background really do find their calling in the service industry, huh?” Colin said mockingly.
Miranda forced a strained smile and asked if they were ready to order, suppressing her emotions.
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At one point, Colin deliberately dropped his fork, forcing Miranda to pick it up.
As she bent down, Leslie laughed loudly and clapped. “Look at Miranda! She’s good at picking things up!”
Everyone’s stares added to Miranda’s humiliation. She returned the fork to Colin, her hands trembling.
“Thanks,” Colin said insincerely. “You’re such a team player.”
Miranda maintained her composure and quickly served their order of Mexican stew, hoping they would stop tormenting her. But Colin complained the stew wasn’t spicy enough and intentionally flipped his plate, spilling the food onto Miranda’s clothes.
“It’s okay,” she said, trying to hide her frustration as she cleaned up. Meanwhile, Leslie’s laughter and the crowd’s gazes made her feel even smaller. Unable to contain her emotions, Miranda retreated to the kitchen and broke down in tears in a corner.
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While she sobbed, a voice interrupted her. “Here, take this,” it said.
Miranda looked up to see Chef Robert handing her a kitchen towel. Known for his kindness, Robert’s presence brought her some comfort, making her cry even harder as she accepted the towel.
“Look, I don’t want to interfere in your personal life, but you’re stronger than you think, Miranda. You’ve got a spirit that’s much bigger than the problems you’re facing,” Robert encouraged.
Miranda sniffled, feeling the need to confide in someone, and opened up about her past with Colin. She recalled the moment that changed everything. Back in college, Colin had wanted her to attend a party with him, but she was worried about her studies.
“I really should study, Colin,” she had told him. “My grades aren’t looking too good.”
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But Colin, refusing to take no for an answer, insisted. “Come on, Miranda. You’re smart, and you work so hard. One night off won’t hurt. Please come with me.”
Feeling torn, Miranda finally said, “Let me think about it. I’ll tell you tonight.”
After they kissed and Colin promised her a fun night, Miranda returned to her dorm, where her roommate—Leslie—noticed her excitement.
“What’s going on, Miranda? You look so happy. And where did those flowers come from?” Leslie asked. If only Miranda knew the truth about her…
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“It’s Colin. He’s been so sweet, and I really like him. He invited me to a party, but I’m worried about my exams,” Miranda admitted.
“Miranda, you’ve got to enjoy life too. Don’t miss out because of exams!” Leslie urged.
“Les, I really need to study.”
“You’re a smart cookie, Miranda. Taking one night off won’t mess up your future. Have fun at the party with Colin. Trust me, and GO!”
Reassured by Leslie’s advice, Miranda decided to join Colin at the party, calling him to confirm. “I’ll be there, Colin. This night is important to you, so it’s important to me too,” she said.
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That evening, Miranda felt out of place at the loud club but tried to fit in. Colin handed her a drink, saying, “Here, drink this. It’ll make you feel better.”
Unable to refuse, Miranda drank. The alcohol eased her nerves, and she started enjoying the music and dancing.
The next morning, she woke up in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by barely dressed people. Scared and confused, she pieced together fragments of the previous night with Colin.
Quickly calling a taxi, she returned to her dorm, fearing judgment from others. At college, whispers and stares followed her everywhere.
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Feeling isolated, Miranda tried reaching out to Leslie and Colin, but neither responded. Soon, the dean summoned her, mentioning embarrassing photos and videos, and warned her about expulsion.
Devastated, Miranda confronted Colin, finding him with Leslie, both laughing at her expense.
“Look who’s here,” Colin sneered. “Came running back to me, Miranda? Thought I could fix your little problem?”
Leslie added with a smirk, “Oh, Miranda, did you really think Colin was interested in you? It was all a bet. Two weeks. That’s all it took to fool you. And now, look at you, practically begging for his help.”
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Hurt and betrayed, Miranda felt a spark of determination to fight back. After sharing her story with Robert, she asked for his help to get revenge on Colin and Leslie.
“Robert, can you help me? Make their food super spicy, just once?” she pleaded.
Reluctant but sympathetic, Robert eventually agreed. Miranda prepared a fiery sauce, handing him a sauce-soaked napkin.
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When Colin and Leslie received their meals, Leslie mocked her again. “This is spicy? This is what you called a SPICY Mexican stew?” she taunted.
But when Colin wiped his mouth with the napkin, the extreme spice hit him hard, leaving him gasping for air.
“Colin, breathe, just try to breathe,” Leslie panicked, while onlookers laughed at their plight. Humiliated, Leslie stormed out, shouting, “This is unbearable! We’re finished!”
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Miranda watched the scene with quiet satisfaction. Memories of their betrayal replayed in her mind, but now, she felt empowered.
When Colin demanded her dismissal, Michael intervened. After testing the stew, he declared, “This dish is perfectly fine, sir. There’s nothing wrong with it.”
Backing Miranda, Michael added, “She wouldn’t mess up a meal on purpose.”
As Colin found himself without support, Michael offered him advice. “Sometimes the heat comes not from the food but from how we act towards others. Maybe think about that, okay?”
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Colin was speechless, and Miranda felt a sense of victory. She had stood up for herself in a clever way, realizing that empathy and kindness still prevailed.
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