My Ex is a Billionaire

Strictly Work Related

Beatrice Eight years ago

It’s like I was drowning. I could barely catch my breath. It’s been three weeks since he left me, but it still feels like I’m opening the door, and catching him with another girl in his arms. I felt so stupid, like I should’ve known, but how could I? Myles had told me he loved me so many times, at what point did it become a lie? Was it obvious to everyone else? My friends and family tell me no, but I could see it in their eyes. They thought I was stupid. Everyone thought it was stupid to love the quiet boy, who came from a broken home, but I loved him anyway. I loved his dark green hair. I loved his dark black hair that would fall in front of his face when he laughed. I loved the arms that would wrap themselves around me when I was sad, and the face that would kiss me when I was scared, especially the smile that would brighten when I was happy. 

How could someone so perfect be bad? I trusted him, and here I was, alone in my room wondering where he had gone. I was so mad that he left me at first, but once I realized he was missing, I was terrified. Suddenly it didn’t matter if he cheated on me because all I wanted was for him to be safe. Then I found out he was from his best friend, but he wanted nothing to do with me. God, that hurt so much. What did I do wrong?

Beatice Current Time

“Fine Beatrice. I’ll leave you alone. Only work from now on. I like my coffee black by the way.” I didn't even look up as he left. I just hear his footsteps walk away from the break room. Ugh, he was so annoying. How could he just come up and talk to me like nothing? And then he calls me Bea like it was nothing. Then again when he said Beatrice that felt weird too. His voice matured a little, but it still felt the same, soothing. I want to hear him say Bea one more time, but I can’t take back what I said. It was true. He didn’t deserve to call me Bea. 

Why him? Of all the people Mr. Finch could've been working with. Why Myles Ashford? And since when was he a hot shot lawyer? The Myles I knew never wanted to go to law school, he literally hated anything to do with the law. How much had he changed?

The coffee machine beeps that it’s ready, and I start to put the pot on the tray. I tell myself that I will walk into Mr. Finch’s office, and I won’t look Myles in the eye. I take in a deep breath. I want to find Lauren first, and ask for advice, but I don’t have time. I don’t want Mr. Finch to get even more mad at me. So I pack up all the cups, sugar, and creamer on the tray, and walk to Mr. Finch’s office. Luckily, as I open the door this time, I don’t get smacked by it. Mr. Finch’s office is huge. He has his desk at the back wall in the middle, centered perfectly, with papers scattered all over. The curtains are open wide to let light in. Off to the right is a round table with four chairs. One is empty, and the other three are filled by Mr. Finch, the girl who came in earlier, and of course Myles, who immediately looks at me as I walk in. I let my gaze fall from him.

“Finally, can you start pouring for everyone Beatrice.” Mr. Finch says.

I nod and start to fill three cups. Before I can even finish one, Myles starts talking. “Well since we’re getting settled in, I have an announcement.”

The girl and Mr. Finch listen closely, “Amanda, I know you only have two months left of school to get your paralegal degree, so I thought I should start letting you get more hands-on experience to prepare. So I can’t give you the official title yet until you have the degree, but you are no longer my assistant, you’re, let’s say, pre paralegal.”

The girl, who I learn is named Amanda, practically screeches, making me pause pouring coffee, “Oh my god Myles really! Thank you! Thank you!”

It’s like Myles doesn’t even care, as he continues, “With that though I do need a new assistant while I’m here so Amanda can do harder work. Ethan, do you mind if for the time being I borrow Beatrice.”

I almost dropped the cups. He’s joking right. He has to be joking. Still, at the sound of my name, I can’t help but look at him. I can tell I’m scowling, because Mr. Finch quickly answers for me, “Of course she can, she’d love that, but are you sure Myles? I have a girl named Rachel who’d be perfect. Beatrice is more of a receptionist than assistant.”

Myles waves his hand, “No, she’s fine. Besides, I don't want to take your best people away from you. So Beatrice, why don’t you finish serving the coffee, and then find a good spot for me to have lunch this evening. It needs to be quiet, since I have another case I have to work on.”

I’m practically frozen in place. This isn’t happening right? My body isn’t moving, I’m waiting for someone to tell me it’s a joke, but no one does. Instead I act like a complete fool, as I run out of the office, and to the bathroom. 

I’m breathing heavily trying to make sense of everything. I hear footsteps, and the door opens. I turning hoping it’s Lauren, but those stupid green eyes stare back at me.

“This is the ladies room Myles.” I spat. He can’t even leave me alone for two minutes.

He leans on the door once it closes. “I know. It’s okay if you don’t say anything.” He smiles, it makes me weak for a second, but I regain my composure. 

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I question.

He shrugs, “Just getting to know my new assistant more. You were so happy I gave you the job you took off in joy.”

I point at him, “That was not joy at all. That was shock, that was wondering what you’re doing. Who the hell do you think you are anyway? You can’t just throw something like that at me. I told you to leave me alone.”

He takes a step forward, and I take one back. He’s still taller than me and almost towering over as he speaks. “Ah, well first, I’m Myles Ashford. Billionaire LA lawyer. I’m Ethan Finch’s best friend from law school, and I know he wants to impress me, so I know he’s okay with letting you be my assistant while I’m here. In fact he’d rather fire you then not let me get what I want. Second you didn’t particularly say to leave you alone. You said no small talk, only work, so I’m listening. I’m keeping it strictly work.”

I shake my head still in disbelief. I want to cry, and I can tell my eyes are getting watery, because his expression changes, it softens in worry. 

He takes another step, and when he sees me step back again, he takes one back himself. “Bea I’m sorry. I didn’t want to make you this upset. I just… I trust you. And Amanda really is occupied with school, and since you’ve worked with Ethan, it’ll be better this way for the case. Really, I am just thinking about the case.”

I sniff. “Mr. Finch told you Rachel would’ve been better.” I hate saying Rachel would be a better fit, but in this case, I prefer her to take the opportunity. Besides she actually assists in cases, so she really would be better help then me. 

“Do you really call him Mr. Finch all the time?”

He completely ignored my question. “Yes. So do you want me to tell Mr. Finch to pick Rachel.”

Myles smiles, and he’s back to the cocky personality from when he opened the door. “Miss Monroe. Didn’t I tell you I trust you? I don’t know Rachel, but you? You I know very well. So the meeting with Ethan should end in a couple of hours. Maybe three. Have the place for lunch ready for me please.” He winks and walks out the door.

I stay in the bathroom, debating if I really need this job. How long would it take me to find another one if I just quit. The answer ended up being not soon enough, because I end up in a bathroom stall googling quiet places to eat near me. I also text Lauren to meet me in the bathroom ASAP.

I guess she ran, because she appears in seconds, asking what’s wrong. I give her the run down, and we’re both just standing infront of the bathroom mirrors, unsure what the hell just happened in the past hour.

“So the one you dream about? That’s who’s here?” she asks.

I nod. “Yeah Lauren. For the hundredth time. It’s my ex, who’s now a billionaire lawyer apparently.”

“I’m sorry it’s just so unbelievable.”

“Trust me I know. I just don’t know what to do.” I complain.

Lauren faces me and grabs me by my shoulders so I focus on her. “You’re just gonna take it one day at a time. Find the place for him to eat. Do what he asks, if you need help I’m here. But the second it gets too much, it’s okay to leave Bea. If anything financially bad happens while you look for a job, I’ll help I promise. Just try your best. It’s only for a couple of weeks.”

A couple of weeks felt like a nightmare, but if Lauren was going to help me, I really did need to try my best. So I nod and decide on where I’m going to send Myles to lunch.