Looks like that plan... Backfired.

Google "Recuva". There is a little program with that name designed for people with just this kind of A-hole of a boss.

Better look for it hard in the recycle bin...that's a mean prank

I wonder what the OP does when someone breaks up with him...

I would've just said I deleted it and then the boss would probably be like we ****** up

Granted it was a bad move on your bosses part. But at the same time you showed bad character. You destroyed company property. They paid you for that project. Unless you're paid on a per completed project basis you destroyed company property. Both at fault here.

That's definitely his fault

This is why everyone should just act professionally in the work place. No matter what other people do you need to keep professional.

Seriously? Wow, your boss is such an asshole! Just quit on him, see how it feels for him, since he already 'fired' you...

As someone who works in the IT department of the company I work at, I'd be quite surprised if there wasn't a backup somewhere.