CHAPTER FIVE

For a moment, I hesitated, feeling uneasy. However, something about Mr. Wesley's remarks captured my attention and sparked my curiosity.

Ethan left his office before I had a chance to respond.

He passed by me, staring at me the entire time.

I can tell from that expression that he doesn't want me to have a conversation with Wesley.

“I guess I don't need to after all”, I replied Mr. Wesley, as I returned to my computer job.

Mr Wesley still stood before me, his gaze scrutinizing me, I could feel it.

I shudder nervously, he should have left already.

“We’ll meet after work”, he ordered leaving immediately.

Oh crap! What’s wrong with this man?, isn’t it obvious that I’m trying as much as I can to avoid him, what does he even want from me?

I continued my work, the subtle hum of office equipment and the mild conversation of coworkers created a calming background tune.

All of a sudden, the hall was filled with whispers, and people's heads turned to view the astonishing arrival.

My eyes caught on Lillian and her father as I looked up, my curiosity taking over.

As usual, Lillian was against the office dress code with her attire, The black fabric clung to her curves like a second skin, and her miniskirt folded high on her thighs still had slits. Her midriff was toned thanks to the crop top, and those heels_ high as da…mn.

Girl, you are hot but…, an office? I taught to myself.

She appeared more appropriate for a nightclub than a business gathering.

My eyes lingered as I shook my head and thought, How unprofessional. Is she not aware of this? But it isn’t my business anyway.

Beside her, Lillian's father, a wrinkled pot-bellied man, smiling proudly with 3 able-bodied men in black suits. Unaware of the disturbance their appearance had created, he smiled, his eyes pleat at the corners.

Lillian’s heels clicked on the marble floor rhythmically as they strode towards Ethan's office.

I tried hard to mind my business and concentrate on my task, but my eyes kept returning to the pair.

Instead of knocking, Lillian pushed open Ethan's door, and walking in like it was her’s already, I scoffed.

One of my coworkers, leaned in, whispering, "Who is that woman? She keeps coming over here for Ethan, causing stares or something else” " A tinge of gossip laced in her voice, along with interest.

I did not care, I shrugged, or so I thought because my thoughts were racing.

Indeed She must be Ethan’s new girlfriend, my heart broke into a million pieces as my last hope shattered.

I still held on to Ethan, I still thought he would come back, but I still hoped he would apologize and make it up to me.

But no, I don’t see even a hint of apology, he didn’t feel anything.

He didn’t even love me in the first place, I guess I was the only girl that accepted to be with him when he was poor.

But now I regret my actions, I had wasted my time, money, and life being with him.

But I’ll be fine, I’ll be alright, I won’t hurt any longer.

A tear splashing on the sheet on my desk brought me back to the present as I immediately wiped my face.

No one should see me cry, I can’t bear to start explaining.

Besides the con workers here do not even know about me as Ethan’s ex-girlfriend, he was so ashamed of being with me.

I was a shell of myself.

But my destiny is in my hands, once I get that opportunity, I swear…

I’ll make sure he pays, for every penny, every tear, every second.

I’ll make sure he feels this bitter feeling I suffer.

I blink off the tears in my eyes and smile to myself.

Oh no! Baby girlie shouldn’t spoil her mascara over someone who doesn’t deserve her.

I comforted myself as I took out my mirror, adjusting my hair.

The door flung open, and Lillian strode out with a bright smile once again. Her father trailed behind, his face triumphant.

Whatever business they have, I pray Ethan remains careful, I should be the one to bring him down and not this stranger, they radiated a strong negative aura but I guess Ethan must be too blind to see this.

Money is involved, he’ll betray even himself if he needs to, I roll my eyes, he disgusted me already.

---

I sighed as I enjoyed the fresh scent of nature as I left work, I had suffered cold air-conditioned filled-paper filled- electronic-pollutedair.

And now finally a peaceful evening at home after a busy day today.

I stopped by a local restaurant for a quick bite sitting by myself at a table by the window. It used to be Ethan’s favorite restaurant, but now I guess it’s no longer his class.

I spot a sleek black car park by the lot, I’m not quite familiar with luxurious vehicles, but this… quite amusing, the view was magnificent indeed.

“One day…”, I want to hope and promise myself, but I do not even know what to wish for.

A smile forms on my lips and I shake my head once again, holding onto the half-filled glass of juice, I had finished my meal.

“I guess this is the end of my outdoor season for today”, I sigh as I walk out.

I chose to walk down the street to my house once I finished my supper. With a light wind fluttering the tree leaves, the evening was pleasant and serene. I took my time walking and relished the quiet of the evening.

But I could hear a car humming softly behind me as I rounded a bend. A black car was speeding down the street as I turned.

“Wow!, it seems there is a new luxury business nearby, I have seen quite several expensive vehicles today”, I thought appreciatively, I was delighted witnessing such luxury.

But then after almost a minute, panic began to rush through me.

Was this car was following me?

I cut my peaceful stroll immediately, increasing my pace, the evening was cool and the neighborhood was silent, I was uneasy.

The automobile continued to follow me even after I turned at the end of the path, I went opposite the lane to my street now, but I was followed still.

My heart began pounding, I'm damn scared, I bring out my phone, but no one comes to mind to call.

I walked more quickly as my mind raced with potential actions.

As I walked, I made the sign of the cross “Oh lord!, I know I have sinned, please don’t let me die yet”, I begged as I looked around for any defense mechanism.

And then my prayers were answered, I felt strong immediately, if I was going to be kidnapped, there would be no one to look for me.

If I had to fight to protect myself, then surely, I would, why should I run away?

I turned around, determined to confront whatever it was that I would encounter. With my heart thumping in my chest and my face stern, I stood akimbo. Nothing happened for over a minute as the car had stopped also.

However, I failed myself as I began to doubt once again.

What's going on? I questioned myself inaudibly, Or maybe the car wasn’t following me after all, I was just panicking and overthinking.

I turned around on my track, it had really been a long day, and I had started imagining things, I needed sleep…p.

I continued my stroll, I was calm finally,

Just as I took a few steps away, I heard the car door slam behind me, the occupant had stepped out.

Of course, I couldn’t ignore a glimpse of who he was, I turned around but then my heart sank.