Saphira clutched her hands together tightly while digging her nails into her skin. She was extremely nervous. Arthur had just said that they needed to talk, but she had zero clue as to why that was. At first, she thought it could be something to do with the autobots. But that would be insane! No one knows about it, so as far as she knew, there was zero possibility that Arthur knew. However, this had most likely to do with Claudia. Saphira was worried now, because she had no idea what Claudia had said. Even though Saphira had sent Arthur proof she had been in hospital. So she had no idea what was going to happen.

Arthur could see how frightened the girl was. He could see her injuries, and he felt like he was backed into a corner. Taking a deep breath, Arthur proceeded to speak. "Do you even know why I want to speak with you?" She shook her head silently, unable to get the words out of her mouth. "Well…this has to do with the incident on the weekend. We know exactly what has happened."

Saphira did not know how to respond to that. She had no idea at all. It took her a moment before she responded. "Okay…but I told you what happened. I was attacked, Arthur." She felt tears filling her eyes. "I…I learned I was used…" She sniffled a little. "So I don't know why you brought me here. Everyone's looking at me like I did something wrong."

"And you did." Saphira frowned in confusion as she had no idea what he meant by that. "I am disappointed. I thought you weren't the type to lie." What the hell is he even talking about?! Saphira felt her fear grow some more as she listened to him. "I can see you definitely been through a beating. And your hospital certificate is legit. However…I have been told a very different story."

Saphira was extremely confused by all of this. "I...I don't understand. Arthur, what were you told?" She really did not understand at all. "I'm confused...please tell me what is going on. I don't understand...you are scaring me, Arthur." She could feel herself getting dizzy, even though she has not heard the explanation with. "I...did Claudia say something?"

"Both Claudia and Dylan came to the office on Monday. They came and told me their side of the story." Both of them?! Saphira could not help but wonder what the hell they had told Arthur. "And honestly…I can't believe it." He was shaking his head slowly with a disappointed expression. "You…you lied to me. You did go to the restaurant and you enjoyed the meals that they had with Dylan."

Wait…what? What the hell?!

"Dylan said you had bruschetta, minestrone soup, a seafood spaghetti and tiramisu cake…" Those must have all been what Claudia had. Saphira shook her head as she never got to have any of that. "Don't deny it, Saphira. Dylan told me everything. Apparently, as you were about to break up with him, Claudia had entered the restaurant and spotted you both. And now, I know this is where she was wrong, she walked over and mocked you. Then she began flirting with Dylan." Saphira really wanted to argue that he was wrong, but she bit her tongue. "That was when you got angry, and stormed out without paying. The poor man had to pay for your food too."

I would never do that…this is all so ridiculous.

"He followed you to try and stop you…and Claudia followed." Saphira let tears fall from her eyes as she listened, and Arthur narrowed his eyes at her. "Saphira, don't be using tears to try and make me feel sympathy for you. It isn't going to work!" She quickly wiped the tears from her cheeks, feeling herself cower before the man she thought was her friend. Her heart was breaking, and she it was hurting so much. "Is it true that you dragged Claudia to the alley by the parking lot and began beating her up?" She shook her head immediately. "Well…Dylan had to protect the woman and so he attacked you to defend her. Which, I at least can see, was the truth. You clearly was given a worse beating than Claudia. She came in limping and crying, but she still managed to work all day."

Saphira swallowed nervously as she pondered on everything he was saying. "So…d-did she give you some kind of hospital certificate? Or, perhaps, proof of a police statement? Because, while I haven't given the police statement, you do have the hospital certificate, Arthur." She took a deep breath and shuddered nervously. "And Arthur…Claudia is known for making up things. You already know this too…so I don't understand why you believe her."

"Because I was shown the proof!" Arthur responded harshly, making Saphira flinch and cower. He relaxed upon seeing the fear in her eyes. "Look…they told me they have filed a report against you as well. I think you should prepare yourself for receiving a court order." Saphira was not sure if that was true or not, but she didn't care. "I have to say…I did not know you had it in you, Saphira…"

"But…I never attacked her." Saphira shook her head as she spoke to him slowly. "I…I don't understand at all…I…I called you on Sunday when I got home, and…" She really did not know what more to say. "Are you really going to suggest you believe Claudia over me? You have proof she's been trying to make my life harder here at the company, so I don't…"

Arthur raised his hand to stop her. "Let me stop you, Saphira. It is true, Claudia has done some questionable things here to make life difficult for you. I am not denying that. And I guess I should have dealt with it years ago. But she has been a good worker, and I should not have to say this, but she has worked here longer than you." Saphira really could not believe her ears. She wanted to pinch herself to try and wake up from this nightmare, but she knew this was real. "And I think I need to believe who has been here the longest."

That was somewhat understandable, but Saphira still thought he was in the wrong. "Um…well then…what about me being your international relations manager? We were just talking about it, Arthur. Why would I jeopardise my chance at such an amazing opportunity? It makes no sense." She shook her head and looked away from Arthur. "You are confusing me, and breaking my heart here, Arthur…I thought you were my friend. I know you are my boss, but you are my friend. I've come to you about many things. You even advised me to break up with Dylan, and that was my intention."

The man softened his expression some more. "I know, that is what is confusing me too." She looked at him as more tears fall from her eyes. "But I have to do what is right for my employee, Saphira. You have been a great worker, I am not going to deny that. But as of right now, I need to make sure that no violence happens between my employees. Even if it is outside the office."

Saphira couldn't help but agree, but she felt he was telling her this because he believed that she was the one who was violent. "I am not going to attack anyone, Arthur. I've never hurt anyone…you know that. You know the reason why I left my home. I would be dead now if I stayed with them, and I don't want to blow my chance at a normal life. Why are you believing that I beat Claudia? I am not even strong enough to do that!"

Arthur shrugged with a shake of his head. "I actually don't know if you've hurt anyone, Saphira. You have told me your past, that is true. But I don't know everything, I am sure." She could not believe he just said that. She couldn't. This was not real. "Even if you believe you aren't strong enough, you were still able to cause some rather nasty bruising to Claudia's body. I have seen her injuries, so I know they are real."

Saphira didn't know how to respond to that. "I would have thought she would have brought a hospital certificate in as proof too...doctors know when someone has been attacked, so they would confirm it. But I guess you did not care to ask her for one." She glanced down at the ground with a sniffle. "But you have made up your mind. You think I'm some kind of monster."

Arthur did not know how to respond to her last sentence. He could see she was hurting, and while her surprises seem genuine, he did not feel like he could trust her. "I don't think of you as a monster. I just think you went too far with Claudia, Saphira. I know that woman can be very full on, and the things she says and does can be questionable. But that is no excuse to go and attack her."

But I did not attack her!

"And this has put me in a very difficult position, Saphira. You are one of my top workers, and I wanted to trust you with a very important position. You are switched on and motivated to have a great life. You seemed like a good fit for this company. And now, I am not sure." Saphira felt her throat tighten as soon as she heard that. She hoped he was not about to do what she thought he was going to do. "This is not easy for me, Saphira. But I don't w as not you to feel like I'm abandoning you."

"That is what you are doing, aren't you?" Saphira asked in a hoarse voice. "You think I'm a criminal...you think I'm...bad." She was trembling at this point and she frowned. "You are just like him." Arthur was surprised when she spoke. "You gave me hope of a better life, only to smash it because of some words of others. You are just like my father."

Arthur was a little uncomfortable by her response. He knew her past well, but to be referred to being the same as her biological father disturbed him. But he felt as though what he is doing is for the best of the company. "Saphira, wanting to give you a better life was something I genuinely wanted for you. You have a terrific worth ethic that cannot be beaten, and I know that drive is going to take you far. And I want you to have a good life. I am afraid it just…just means that things need to change here."

Saphira narrowed her eyes a little before clenching them shut as she took a deep breath. "Just spit it out already, Arthur…you are dragging this on, and on. I already have been through enough. I was left in the alleyway when it was raining…they hired three men to attack me…I know their faces, and I told the police." She opened her eyes again, looking at Arthur with despair in her eyes. "You will realize that you are wrong. If Dylan and Claudia truly made a report to the police, I have every confidence that they will be charged for wasting police resources."

Arthur tapped his fingers on the arm of the chair, knowing that she was right. He was dragging this on quite a bit. He did not want to say it, but he had to. "Okay…I can see that putting it off this long is not worth it. I am sorry, but you have to leave." Saphira's bottom lip trembled and she bit her lip to try and not burst into tears. "You will still get severance. I don't intend on ripping that away from you. But I am sorry, you have to leave. I have your stuff packed, and you can take it with you."

Saphira frowned and shook her head. "I can't believe you are doing this to me, Arthur. I trusted you." Her voice broke as she spoke to him through tears. "I trusted you…but…my trust is clearly misplaced once again. You don't want me here…I get it. It just means I was never important to you…and I accept that."

Arthur softened his expression. "You were important to this company, Saphira. Please don't think that." She did not believe him at all. She knew what he was truly feeling, and she did not want to believe him. "And I really, truly wanted you to succeed. Your young life was terrible, and you never deserved it. But you have done something terrible, and I am not the kind to reward bad behaviour. So I am sorry, but you can no longer work here, Saphira. I will be happy to remain a good reference on your resume. I don't want you to be out of a job, so if you find somewhere else, I will not speak ill of you."

I don't deserve this…but life keeps dishing this out to me.

Saphira sniffled loudly as the tears continue to fall. "I clearly was not important enough." She swallowed and she gathered her crutches. "Throw out what was in my office…I don't want it." She pushed herself from the couch slowly and steadied herself with the crutches. "But I will say this. If and when you learn you were wrong, I will not come back. No matter how much you call me and beg for me to return. I know now I cannot trust you as a boss, or a friend. You are just like him."

"I don't see how I am anything like your father. I am not selling you to some dangerous person like he tried, Saphira. I just can't have you here anymore." The man stood up from his chair, giving her a sympathetic expression, which made Saphira feel disgust. "I am sorry you see me that way. But believe me when I say this was not easy. I did not want to do this. But I have to. I am not going to have a bad reputation, not when we are in the middle of getting international clients."

Saphira shook her head and she proceeded to hobble towards the door. "It does not matter how things are different. My father gave me false hope before I escaped. He…he told me he loved me…" She shuddered in disgust at the very memory. "Just because I overheard him and my mother talk about what they really wanted to do with me. I was an only child…but they kept me out of obligation…and they hated me for it."

"I know, and…"

"It does not matter if you know!" Saphira snapped angrily at Arthur. "It is too late to act sympathetic, Arthur! You disappoint me." She took a deep breath and hobbled closer to the door, as Arthur walked over to open it for her. "You hurt me. But…I am learning now that I am not wanted by anyone." She sniffled as she hobbled out of the door towards the elevator. "Do whatever you want with my things, Arthur. Burn them, for all I care. I want nothing to do with this company anymore."

The man said nothing else as he knew that it was not worth saying. He simply looked away and closed the doors. Lara watched Saphira with a disgusted expression, but Saphira ignored her as she reached the elevator and pressed the button to head back to the lobby. She did not know what she was feeling right now. She just wanted to go back home. She was unfairly dismissed, but that didn't matter. She wanted to get home, and just sleep.

She hobbled into the elevator once the doors open and hit the button, waiting impatiently to reach the lobby. She had so many things running through her mind. Including dark thoughts that began to fill her mind. She knew she needed to think on a lot of things, but she just needed to be left alone for a while. She did not know if the autobots heard the conversation. With the keys in her pocket, it was highly likely. Not that she thought it would matter to them anyway. They didn't want her either, they only kept her around to make sure she didn't talk to anyone about them.

When the doors open, Saphira hobbled out, only to freeze as she saw a very smug, victorious Claudia. And to Saphira's surprise, the woman did have bruises on her body. But it only took a moment for her to realize they looked fake. There was some smudges around the edges of the bruises, meaning she had faked her bruising. But she has somehow managed to convince Arthur she had been beaten.

"Well, well…" Claudia grinned at the girl as Saphira frowned at her. "Looks like your time is finally up, Saphira. You don't belong here. You never did." Saphira just rolled her eyes and tried to get around her. "You are lucky that Arthur is still so nice. He doesn't want you to leave without severance. That is so nice of him."

"Leave me alone, Claudia," Saphira said bitterly with a light growl. "You have already caused a lot of trouble. I hope you can sleep at night." The woman just nodded with a big smile. "Of course you can…whatever…" She shook her head and moved to get around Claudia. "You got what you wanted. Arthur clearly does not know that those bruises are fake."

Claudia acted all offended and placed her hands on the fake bruise on her neck. "You really are delusional if you thought these were fake, Saphira." Saphira noticed there were other employees listening nearby, so she just rolled her eyes again. "You were the one of gave these to me."

"Yeah, yeah…whatever…" Saphira hobbled away from Claudia towards the door. "Just do whatever you want, Claudia. I don't care. I am sure you will enjoy having this place all to yourself, Claudia. Congrats."

The woman said nothing else. She clearly felt like she had already won. But Saphira no longer cared. This company turned its back on her, so Saphira wanted nothing more to do with it. If Arthur does realize his mistake, she will never come back. It was not a place she could work at anymore, and it would not matter how much they beg for her to come back. She was never going to come back. And Saphira knew that not renewing her lease would be good. Arthur knew her address, so she did not want him to come around.

Just as she was leaving, Saphira saw a few police cars parked in front of the building, and several officers approached her. "Good morning, ma'am," One of the officers spoke to her kindly. "You are Saphira Dawn, correct?" She nodded affirmatively, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I apologize if this is a bad day for you, but we are looking for the woman you reported who assaulted you. Where is she?"

Saphira looked over her shoulder to see Claudia had gone. She was likely in the elevator and looked at the officers. "She is either heading up to the top floor to speak with the CEO, or she is on the twelfth floor where her team is. Either way, she is here. I just spoke with her."

The officer smiled politely. "Good. We were able to find evidence for your report. We already arrested Dylan and the men responsible for your assault. Make sure you get a lawyer."

Saphira was pleased to hear this. She watched the officers walk into the lobby before she hobbled away to make her way to the bus station. She had no interest in watching the police arrest Claudia. It no longer mattered to her. She will still get a lawyer, and she wanted to sue for emotional damage as well. She knew she could also sue Arthur, and she wanted to. But he had the money to countersue, and she didn't want that to be the case.

She waited at the bus stop and got onto the next bus heading back to the station by her apartment. She didn't look out the window, and only stared at the floor of the bus. She pondered on so many things in her mind currently. And the only thing that she could think of was she was not wanted by anyone. She was drifting through this life at the moment, and she didn't know if she could do it for much longer. She might have found the autobots, which really was the most amazing thing to happen, but they too did not want her.

Mirage claims to be my friend, but I am not sure if that is true.

Bumblebee seemed genuine about a friendship with her as well, but she really was not sure. Optimus at least was honest about his feelings, and Arcee seemed to follow. But it didn't matter. It was the same pattern. No one wanted her. And Saphira was stuck wondering why she even existed in the first place.

Once she returned to the apartment building, Saphira made her way to her apartment. She had stopped crying. Tears could no longer be shed. It was not going to change a thing. When she hobbled back inside her apartment, it felt colder than it was. And it was not because it was going to be winter soon. But that is how the day has turned. Cold for her. She knew she would not be able to find comfort here. Not anymore.

"Hey, Saphira…" Mirage's voice speaking through the communication device from the key made her jump. "I…um…I hope you aren't mad, but I was eavesdropping all that. So…um…I am terribly sorry. It seems your boss turned out to be a jerk as much as your ex-boyfriend." She nodded in agreement as she hobbled towards her bedroom. "If you want to talk…"

"No, I don't, Mirage!" Saphira snapped in irritation. "I need to be alone. I have to sort out some things. And this includes ensuring I get justice for what has happened. So please, leave me alone. I will see you tonight, Mirage."

Mirage hummed softly in response. "Very well. Just know that I am here to talk to, Saphira. I am not sure what your past is like, but…I hope you don't feel that I don't want you. I enjoy having you as a friend, and I don't want you to forget it. We're buddies!" She shook her head in irritation at his persistence. "Anyway…just remember that…I am here. A lovely girl like you does not deserve this."

She rolled her eyes as she entered her room. She looked over at her bed, and it actually looked hard as a rock right now. Nothing here was comforting to her. She grimaced as she thought on what to do. She glanced towards her wardrobe and drawers. Maybe it was time to start packing up her clothes to leave. She grabbed out some bags to start filling them with clothes. She might only have a couple weeks until the lease ends, but nothing wrong with getting things ready soon.

She jumped when her landline began ringing. She groaned and decided to not answer. But she made her way over to the phone to see who was dialling in. She saw Arthur's number on it. She scoffed as she was not surprised. She luckily had her phone set so she could hear any voice messages that have been left for her. So she simply waited for the phone to ring out before Arthur would have no choice but to leave a voice message.

"Saphira! I am so, so sorry!" Arthur's voice spoke through the speaker. "You were right…Claudia was faking it. I can't believe I was so stupid! Nicholas told me the same this morning when I informed him. He told me I was a fool…and I should have listened. Those bruises she had were fake." She rolled her eyes as she listened to the man. "I really, really am sorry. Please, I hope you might reconsider what you said to me today. I plan on suing Claudia for this, and making me fire my best employee. I hope you are okay…I really am sorry."

The voice mail ended and she just deleted it. She couldn't deal with this at all. She took a deep breath and jumped when the phone began ringing again. She was irritated, only to realize it was a number from someone else. She didn't recognize the number, and she guessed it could be the police. They already told her they've arrested Dylan and the men they had hired to assault her, so that would make sense.

She picked up the phone to see who it is. "Hello, Saphira speaking," She spoke, not caring at how broken her voice sounded.

"Hi, Saphira, it's me." It was Nicholas! Saphira tensed and was about to hang up. "Listen, I just heard what happened. Arthur is such an idiot! I can't believe he fell for someone like Claudia when he knows she tells so many stories and lies."

"I know…I can't believe it either," Saphira responded with a shaky sigh. "Look, I don't want to talk to anyone…"

"I know, and I won't be long. I don't want you to be upset with me. Arthur is an idiot, and I thought he was much better than that. I really did, and I don't know why I've been in a relationship with him so long." She raised an eyebrow as that was interesting to her. "I have told Arthur that if someone fabricates stories all the time, they aren't to be trusted. But that wasn't enough. It makes me question my relationship with him too, if I am honest."

"Oh, don't let this get between you two," Saphira said quickly, not wanting to be the reason why they break up.

"Well…I honestly don't think it matters. Arthur could do the same to me. What if he happens to be cheating, and manages to lie through his teeth? I can't trust that." That was understandable, but Arthur didn't give her the impression that he would do that. But he also didn't give her the impression that he would not believe her either. "I am not going to apologize for Arthur. In fact, I am going to help you. I already contacted a good lawyer who knows their stuff when it comes to assault, emotional trauma and unfair dismissal. I have given them your phone number."

"But…that means you are helping me to sue your boyfriend."

"I can't look at him anymore, Saphira. I just can't! I pride my company on honesty and integrity, I expected the same from him. And if he can't do that with his company, where does that end outside of work?" Nicholas sighed as his tone was full of sadness. "I cannot continue this with him. The house, thankfully, is in my name. So he can leave, and take his stuff. I don't expect you will want to see me, but I will pay for your lawyer. With your police statement, hospital certificate, hospital report and severance letter, when you do get it, will be proof. Along with the evidence the police have found."

Saphira was happy he wanted to help her, but she didn't want him to. "I don't want your help…"

"But you need it. And once this is over, you don't have to talk to me anymore. I understand. I was Arthur's boyfriend, so…that would sting. I am only going to help you so you get what you deserve, even if this crumbles Arthur's company. He deserves it."

Saphira really did not want Nicholas's help. But he sounded genuine, and if this was the only thing he wanted to do before they cut contact, she would be fine with it. "Okay…fine…I will accept it. Can you give me the name and number of the lawyer? I want to make sure I know them before I speak to them."

"Of course! That is no problem," Nicholas responded quickly. "You will get your justice, Saphira. I promise."

That was a heavy promise to Saphira. But she would see if he would stay true to his word. He gives her the name and number of the lawyer who she would be contacted by, and she did check the internet and phone book to make sure this person was legit. And thankfully, he was. This lawyer seemed to be one of the best, so that was good confidence. But Saphira did not care if she got justice. Money wasn't going to change how the world saw her. At least that is what she felt at the moment. After all, the entire world just feels a lot colder to her now.