My ex husband is my boss

*Part 11*

Caught in the grip of sleep, memories of the past three years flooded my mind, haunting me relentlessly. "How could this happen? Why Thomas? Why does he have to be the CEO?" The thought of working at Crystal Corporation, where my ex-husband held such a powerful position, filled me with overwhelming despair.

"I can't bear it anymore. I refuse to work there!" Frustration consumed me, tempting me to unleash my anger. "Why? Why does it have to be Thomas? Why does he have to be my ex-husband?"

"I'm quitting Crystal, even if it means taking a job with a lower salary. I won't subject myself to seeing his face every day," I declared, slamming my fist on the table.

Determined to make a change, I opened my laptop and began applying to twenty or thirty companies in the area. Though the pay might be less, I resolved to resign from Crystal and seek new opportunities. I remembered Thomas's warning about not letting me work anywhere else, but I doubted he would have the time or means to sabotage my job interviews. Perhaps he was simply enjoying the power to tease me.

Just as I was about to apply, a sudden knock on the door startled me. "It's already 3 am. Who could be here at this hour?" Anxiety crept in as I realized I rarely received visitors, especially in the middle of the night. The recent burglaries in the area added to my unease. Gripping a wooden stick tightly, I prepared myself to defend against any potential threat.

Slowly, I cracked the door open, peering outside to assess the situation. "Who's there?" I asked cautiously, my voice laced with a hint of aggression.

"Alex, are you there?" A wave of relief washed over me as I recognized the familiar voice. It was Mrs. Harper, my compassionate landlady.

Mrs. Harper had been my guiding light ever since I left Thomas. Her kind-heartedness and love made her feel like a second mother to me. Over the past year, she had become my family in this unfamiliar city. Grateful for her presence, I swung the door open wider and embraced her, finding solace in her comforting presence.

"Aunty, is everything alright?" I led her to a comfortable seat, noticing the worry etched on her face. I could sense she had troubling news to share.

"Alex, David..." Her voice quivered, tears welling up in her eyes.

Every visit from Aunt Harper seemed to revolve around her son, David, who had gained a notorious reputation as an aggressive and unpredictable individual. Though I had never met him, his presence loomed over our conversations.

"Don't worry, Aunty. Take a deep breath and tell me what happened," I reassured her, preparing myself for the distressing revelation she was about to share.

"I'm sorry, Alex. I'm so sorry." She clutched my hands tightly, her trembling touch amplifying my concern. "David intends to sell this apartment to someone else if you fail to pay the final amount."

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. This place was more than just a dwelling; it represented a sanctuary where I could be myself—a place I had worked tirelessly to earn, sacrificing meals and double shifts. The thought of it being snatched away by someone else sent a shiver down my spine.

"But why? I've been making the payments on time. Why is he suddenly doing this?"

"I don't know why, but yesterday he asked me to deliver this message. He wants a full and final settlement with you, and if you can't provide it, he'll evict you from this house," she explained, her voice strained from excessive.

" Don't worry aunty, I'll do something, everything gonna be alright" I patted her to clam her down. 

************

Standing before Mrs. Corina's office, I couldn't help but feel like I was about to enter a lioness's den. Her reputation as a fierce and formidable figure was well-known among the workers here. Almost everyone had a story of being on the receiving end of her scathing remarks. I vividly recalled my first week at work when I accidentally bumped into her in the elevator, resulting in a relentless tirade. It seemed like there were very few who hadn't experienced her wrath.

Thankfully, her department was located in the farthest corner of the building from mine. I took solace in the fact that my colleagues wouldn't witness me being berated.

"And at least I won't have to see that donkey's face," I whispered to myself, breathing a sigh of relief.

But just as I thought I was safe, a sudden sense of terror washed over me as I noticed Thomas standing behind me, dressed in an exquisite designer suit.

"What are you muttering in the middle of the hallway?" My heart raced as I turned around, coming face-to-face with him.

"Why are you here?" I wanted to scream in my mind, but the words escaped my lips, exposing my disbelief.

"Excuse me? What do you mean?" His eyes widened at my remark, his tone turning hostile.

"This is my company. I am the owner of this entire premises. And you dare ask me why I'm here? Don't push me to do something you'll regret," he responded with the same arrogance that had become all too familiar.

"Sorry," I mumbled, apologizing for my outburst.

"What? I didn't hear you," he said, his amusement evident. "What did you say? SORRY? The great Alex said sorry? I can't believe it," he taunted, a mix of arrogance and anger in his voice. It was clear he had a purpose for being here, and I sensed danger, prompting me to flee.

Before I could make my escape, he grabbed my hand and forcefully pushed me against the wall. Pain shot through my hand, and I winced in agony.

"What the hell are you doing?" I questioned, my voice trembling. "Thomas, please let go."

He smirked, his grip tightening, and leaned closer. The proximity between us was uncomfortable, and I could feel my heart racing.

"Thomas, what are you doing?" I repeated, desperation creeping into my voice.

"What am I doing? Isn't this the kind of thing you enjoy?" he sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. The pressure on my hand increased, causing me even more pain.

Unable to resist any longer, I cursed inwardly, realizing that someone might walk in on this scene. Just as the situation became unbearable, I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the worst.

"Bring me a black coffee," he suddenly commanded, releasing his grip on me. As I opened my eyes, I saw him smirking, standing confidently with his arms crossed. My embarrassment turned to anger, and my cheeks flushed red.

"Remember, I'm not as cheap as you," he declared, brushing past my right shoulder and entering his office before mine.

"And yes, I really don't like my coffee getting cold," he added, shutting the door in my face.

I stared at his office door, a realization hitting me. Why was his office located before the marketing department? It suddenly clicked in my mind. Thomas was deliberately positioning himself closer to me, taking revenge on me. Anger surged through my veins as I tightly gripped my bag and stormed into the marketing office.

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