When My Ex Becomes My Boss

CHAPTER 2

The room remained quiet for a moment after the introduction, as though everyone was still adjusting to the presence of the new director.

The HR manager continued speaking, his voice steady as he explained policies, expectations, and the general structure of the company. His words filled the room, professional and clear, but not everyone was listening.

Alex sat at the front, posture composed, expression calm, appearing every bit like a man fully in control of his world.

But he was not.

His attention had drifted long ago from the HR manager’s voice. The words came and went without meaning, slipping past him as though they did not exist at all.

Because his focus refused to leave one person.

Cece.

She sat somewhere in the middle row, her gaze lowered, her fingers wrapped tightly around her cup as though it was the only thing anchoring her in the room. Since the moment she introduced herself, she had not looked at him again.

And yet, Alex had not stopped looking at her.

Five years.

He had told himself that five years would be enough to erase what they had been, enough to bury what he had walked away from. He had believed distance would soften the memory, that time would make it easier to breathe without her.

But seeing her now proved him wrong. She was different. Stronger. Quieter. Guarded in a way she had never been before. And yet, beneath all of that, she was still Cece.

Still the girl who had once meant everything to him.

Cece felt it even without looking up.

She could feel his gaze like a weight pressing against her, steady and unrelenting. Her grip tightened around her cup, but she kept her eyes down, refusing to give him what he wanted.

When the HR manager finally finished speaking, he turned toward Alex.

“Sir, would you like to say a few words?”

The room shifted immediately, attention returning to the man at the front.

Alex stood, adjusting his suit as he stepped forward. His expression remained controlled as he faced the staff.

“I am glad to be here,” he began calmly. “I expect discipline, consistency, and teamwork. If we all do our part, this organization will continue to grow and reach greater heights.”

His words were simple, measured, and professional. He spoke briefly about work, expectations, and cooperation, nothing personal, nothing emotional.

But Cece heard none of it. Her mind was somewhere else entirely.

When he finished, applause filled the room. The sound echoed briefly before the meeting was officially dismissed.

Alex left first with the HR manager, followed by groups of staff who began filing out while talking amongst themselves.

Sandy immediately leaned toward Cece as they walked out.

“He is so handsome,” she said excitedly. “And young too. I am actually grateful. At least I can crush him without feeling weird.”

Mika laughed lightly beside her. “You always say that about every new person.”

“No, this one is different,” Sandy insisted.

Cece said nothing. Her silence was louder than she intended.

Mika glanced at her carefully. “Cece, are you okay?”

“I am fine,” Cece replied quickly, forcing a small nod.

Mika did not look convinced, but she let it go as they returned to their desks. The office slowly settled into its usual rhythm, but Cece felt none of it.

She sat down, staring at her screen without seeing it.

Alex was here.

The new director.

Of all places, of all companies, it had to be here.

A quiet, almost broken sound escaped her before she could stop it.

Heads turned.

Cece immediately straightened, clearing her throat as embarrassment flickered across her face.

“I am sorry,” she said quickly, forcing herself to focus on her work.

The moment passed, but her thoughts did not. They dragged her back without permission.

Back to five years ago, the moment everything ended.

….

Alex had stood in front of her then, confusion written all over his face.

“Why are you doing this?” he had asked. “Why are you breaking up with me?”

Her heart had felt like it was breaking in real time, but she had forced herself to speak anyway.

“I am not breaking up with you,” she had said softly. “I am just asking you to choose what matters most.”

He frowned. “My future or you?”

The words had hurt more than she could explain.

“That is not fair,” he had continued. “You are asking me to choose between my future, and you feel like I can just throw everything away.”

Her voice trembled. “I am asking you to choose us.”

Silence had followed. It was heavy and final.

Then Alex had exhaled slowly, frustration and pain mixing in his expression.

“That is selfish, Cece.”

The words had shattered something inside her.

“If that is what you want,” he had said quietly, stepping back, “then I will leave.”

And he had left.

He didn't look back. That was what stayed with her the most.

Not that he chose to go. But he never turned around.

….

The memory faded slowly, leaving Cece staring at her screen, her chest tight.

She had survived five years without him. She would survive this too. She had to.

A voice broke through her thoughts.

“Cece.”

She looked up. The HR manager stood nearby.

“The director would like to see you in his office.”

For a moment, she did not move.

Then she nodded slowly, rising from her seat.

“Alright.”

As she walked away, her heart beat harder with every step.

Alex wanted to see her.

And Cece had no idea what she was walking into.