A Night With My Ex

Chapter 11

"Ate, I got to go. I will be late for school! Bye!" My sister yelled. 

I went to the living room and saw her putting her notebooks into the bag that Ace gave.

"Have you told kuya Ace that I liked the gifts?" she innocently asked while hooking her backpack on her shoulders.

"Uh-huh..."

"Tell him that I am veeeerryyy veeerryyy veeerryyy grateful! My richest classmate has the same bag as me. She has the pink one and she's mad at me because of it," she chuckled cutely.

"Are you being bullied?" I asked with full concern. I went to her and kneel to level our face as I caressed her shoulders.

"Nope!" she answered, popping the 'p'. "They don't have the guts to bully me because I won't let them copy my homework if they do."

"WHAT?!"

"I said--"

"So you let them copy your works so they won't bully you? That's bullying, Kristine! They are bullying you!"

"I think that's not the case, ate. They are politely asking for my answers. I sometimes even ask them to pay for it."

"And they agreed?"

"I told them that I will tell our teacher that they copied my homework if they won't pay," she smiled. Her small teeth showed and her eyes became chinky.

"Smart girl!" We both turn to Jaxon who suddenly appeared. He's leaning on the doorway with his hand on his jeans and the other one is carrying a plastic bag. I stand from the floor.

"Kuya Jaxon!" Kristine ran towards him with open arms. Jaxon knelt and gave my sister a tight hug.

"You'll go to school?" he asked.

"Uh-huh!" My sister enthusiastically nods. She's really fond of Jaxon. 

"Should I go with you?"

Kristine shook her head. "I can go by myself, kuya!"

"Okay then! Here..." Jaxon pulled a bread from the bag he's carrying and handed it to my sister.

"Thank you, kuya! I'll go now!" 

Before she left, she ran back to me and gave me a hug. I bent down to reach her and give her a kiss on the head.

"Take care!" Jaxon and I both reminded her.

"Bye-Bye!" 

When Kristine disappeared from our line of sight, Jaxon entered the house and place the bag of bread on the table. I followed him to our small dining area and sat while waiting for him to finish preparing.

He put two cups of coffee on the table and lazily sat across me.

"You didn't go home last week." He mentioned monotonously. I got a hint on where this conversation is going but I still answered.

"Yeah, I got work," I calmly replied.

I lift the cup of coffee in front of me and started sipping.

"What kind of company lets their employees work overnight?" His tone screams he's not buying it.

"Seriously? What do you want to ask, Jaxon?"

"What's going on between you two?"

"Jax--"

"You went home last week with your hands full of paper bags!" he yelled and aggressively stands on his seat. I jumped from my place, startled by what he did.

"And? What's wrong with--" I tried to argue in the calmest way but he's slowly getting out of control.

"Tell me, did you get back to him? Huh?!"

"Jaxon, calm down--"

"CALM DOWN? YOU'RE ASKING ME TO CALM DOWN?!" He paused and catch his breath. I thought he's already done but he continued. This time, he talked calmer-- as if he realized what he did. 

With his bloodshot eyes, he said, "I can also buy Kristine the bag that she wants, Kiya. I can also buy you dresses. You just have to tell me what you want! I'll provide it!" 

His voice is full of frustration. "Argh!" he screamed and pulled his hair.

"Jaxon, it's not what you think it is. I am just a janitress," I tried to console him. I stand from my seat and made a step backward. He's very angry and I'm scared I'll make him angrier. 

I watch him as he slammed down on his seat and continuously messing his hair. "Do you really think I'll believe that? What are you cleaning? THE WHOLE F*CKING BUILDING?!" 

I screamed when he threw his cup of coffee. The coffee spilled and the cup broke into pieces when it hit the concrete wall.

"W-why are you s-so mad?! You d-don't have the r-right to yell a-at me, Jaxon!" I gathered my courage and argued with him. He can't do this. He doesn't get to tell me what to do. 

Before he can argue back, we heard someone knock on our gate. I sighed. I filled my chest with air before turning my back on him I wiped the unshed tears from my lids as I walk towards our gate.

I was welcomed by a tall and well-built man. His hands are still hanging up in the air, ready to knock. 

"K-Kier?" I clarified.

"Yes ma'am. I'm Kier," he answered. "Is everything alright?"

"Who's that?" Jaxon appeared from my behind, peeking at who I am talking to.

"I-It's Kier. Ace's-- I m-mean... my boss's bodyguard," I corrected.

Jaxon pulled the gate wide open so he can clearly see Kier. He made a step forward and leveled Kier's height. They both stare at each other. 

Kier is calmly looking at him while Jaxon's eye is twitching. "What are you doing here?" Jaxon hissed.

"I'm just checking--" Kier was interrupted by Jaxon's mocking laugh.

"You told me there's nothing's going on between you two but he sent a bodyguard here? Ha!" He didn't wait for me to reply. He straightly stormed out of our house, leaving Kier to me.

"Uhmm... I'm sorry for that. He's just a-angry," I explained.

Kier only nods. "Did he hurt you?"

I shook my head. "Jaxon n-never hurts u-us," I stuttered. It's true that he never laid his hands on me and my sister. However, from the behavior that he showed earlier, I am not sure anymore.

"Sir told me to fetch you up. He sent you a message."

I grab the phone out of my jeans and checked if he has sent a message. 

I sighed upon seeing his unread message ten minutes ago. I probably didn't notice it since I am arguing with Jaxon.

"C-can you wait for a minute? I'll just change my clothes. I didn't know I have to go to his office this early. He didn't mention it beforehand." I explained.

Ace always makes Kier or Jake fetch and drive me home. At first, I don't like his idea because I don't want to be fully dependent on him. However, eventually, I get used to it. Besides, it's an advantage for me. I don't have to take the bus late at night to come to work.

I offered Kier to wait in our living room while I'm changing my clothes. I went to my room and opened my closet. I grab a pair of jeans and a simple top. While changing, my eyes darted at the paper bags on my study table. 

I already checked them last week. He bought almost all the dresses that I fitted. I noticed that he didn't buy the one with a low neckline and bareback.

I sighed. Even the dresses are gorgeous and definitely my fashion style, I didn't dare to open them. I don't want to touch it. 

After changing, my phone suddenly vibrates. I pick the call up when I saw Ace's name flashed on the screen.

"Hello?"

"What happened?" My forehead furrowed but it immediately relaxed when realized what Ace is talking about. I bet Kier already told him about Jaxon.

"It's nothing. I'm fine." 

I don't want him intervening with my personal life. Our relationship is only between an employee and employer. He doesn't have to know what's going inside our house.

I heard him sighed on the other line. I can sense that he wants to ask something, but he stopped himself. Under the contract, both of us have no right to ask personal questions to each other, unless the other party voluntarily opens up.

"Alright. I'll let you come here at this hour so you can start your work. I won't be at the office later at night so you don't have to attend the night shift."

"Okay," I answered even I'm not certain what 'work' he is pertaining to.

I went down to the living room after changing my clothes. I noticed that the broken cup as well as the spilled coffee scattered on the floor is now cleaned. When I turn to Kier, he just smiled politely at me.

"Thanks, Kier," I replied. 

"I will be waiting for you at the car, ma'am." He nods as a response and went out of the house.

I made a roam at the house to check if I have something to settle before going out. When satisfied, I locked the door and went to the similar black SUV that is currently parked near our house. 

Kier started maneuvering the car right after I hopped in.

*****

'I'm already here. I'll change into my uniform first.' 

I sent the message to Ace while walking towards the staff area. I quickly changed into my janitress uniform. Afterward, I pushed my janitor trolley with me as I entered the elevator and pressed the 75th button.

While I was waiting, I checked my phone if he replied or read my message. However, there's none. 

'Is he already in the meeting?'

'Ting!' The elevator door slide open. I nod at Mary, his secretary. I am not certain if Mary awkwardly smiled at me since I went straight to the double door. 

When I pushed open the huge mahogany door, I was welcomed by Samantha. She is comfortable sitting on the L-shaped sofa. My eyes darted at Ace who is on his swivel chair, busy on his laptop.

"Do you not know how to knock?" Samantha asked. She raised a brow at me but I ignored her. 

"Good morning, sir. Good morning, ma'am," I politely greeted. I am an employee so I tried not to be rude. 

"Good morning," Ace formally answered. He didn't leave his eyes on the laptop and continue his work. I bet he's really busy. From the past weeks, I heard he's trying to close a deal.

I notice Samantha's chinky eyes glared at me. I once again ignore her when my eyes caught a box on the side of the room. It was placed right in front of his bookshelf. 

I pushed the janitor trolley on the side so it won't block the way. I went to the box and opened it. I silently gasped as my eyes twinkle at what I saw. 

'Law books!' 

I pick the books from the box one by one and stare in awe at them. My fingers brushed the spines, letting me feel the small bumps of the letters.

I dreamed of being a lawyer. Unfortunately, because of what happened to my family I am not sure if I can still achieve it. 

I turn to Ace who is still busy with his work. When I realize he won't gaze in my direction, I focused back on the books. 

'What are these books for?'

Since I've already cleaned the shelf about a week ago, and the office doesn't produce much dust, I'll just rearrange the books. I am planning to separate the law books from the business-related ones. 

I first remove the books from the shelf and started sorting them out. Afterward, I started organizing them on the shelf. 

It only took me twenty minutes to finish my work. As I roamed my eyes at the whole of the office, I can't notice any dirt... aside from the blonde girl sitting on the sofa.

Since I have nothing to do, I checked the law books that Ace bought. Whenever I'm done with my work, Ace lets me read his books. It started when he left me for a meeting and I got bored. He caught me reading the constitution book when I was waiting for him to finish his meetings. I thought he'll get mad because I used his book without his consent but instead, he let me read it. He didn't bother me and let me finished my working hours with the constitution book.

This time, I decided to read the criminal code. I pulled the thick black hardbound book on the shelf. Samantha is on the sofa, even it is large and has enough space for me, I didn't dare to sit there. I want to read this book peacefully and sitting across from her won't help. Ace is still busy with his work. 

I sighed. 'I'll just read it here on the floor.' I sat on the black marbled tile floor and leaned my back on the shelf. I just opened the book cover of the criminal code when Samantha's high-pitched voice echoed the room.

"Can I have a glass of cold water?" I lift my head to face her. She's grinning at me. I have no time to make petty and childish fights with her so I just do what she said. Plus, I don't want Ace to be bothered with his work because of our girl fights.

I left the book on the floor and obey what she said. I went to the small kitchen in the office to get her a glass of cold water. When I went back to hand it to her, I saw her sitting on the same spot with the criminal code book in her hands. 

She innocently looks at me when I placed the glass on the center table in front of her. 

"What? I'm interested in reading this," she smirked. 

"Really? As far as I remember, you hate reading books. Your tiny brain can't catch up with that, right?"

"What did you--" I cut her off.

"Go on, ma'am. Hope you enjoy reading the criminal code." I flip my hair before turning my back on her. I caught Ace giving us a glance. He furrowed his forehead but immediately went back on his work.

Of course! A busy man like him has no time fixing childish fights. 

I went back to the shelf and scanned the books. I decided to read the civil code. I barely started flipping the pages when Samantha called me. 

"Can you get me a snack? I'm hungry," she even pouted her lips and smiled innocently at me. I rolled my eyes inwardly and went back to the small kitchen to get her what she wants. 

I put cookies on the plate and poured chips on the side. I went back to her and saw the civil code that I am reading is also on her lap.

"Here's your snacks," I uttered and placed the plate beside her glass. 

"Thank you," she replied. The childish mockery in her voice made me annoyed.

"Decide what you want to read since I am planning to read one of them," I explained calmly. I really hate it when someone bothers me while reading. I am staying calm because I don't want Ace to deal with us both.

She shrugged her shoulders, "I'll read them both."

"Stop being childish!" The irritation in my voice is now evident. You can piss me anytime but not when I'm reading.

"What? You're being paid as a janitress and not to read books. How about you start mopping the floor or cleaning the windows?"

Before I can throw my rebuttals, the double door opened. With his formal suit and dimple smile, Tyron Velez entered the office cooly. He roamed his eyes and stopped in my direction.

"Hi, Kiyanah! Nice to meet you again," he offered his hands as he glances at Ace. I accepted it and firmly shake his hand.

"Nice to meet you too... again," I awkwardly smiled.

When I turn to face Ace, he's still on his laptop but his thick brows are almost in a line and his eyes went darker.

"What took you so long?" Samantha hissed, interrupting us. 

"Traffic," he simply answered.

"Fine. Let's go." Samantha replied and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Ace, you won't come?" Tyron asked.

Ace stands from his swivel chair. He grabs the coat resting on the back of the chair and wears it. He then buttoned his suit. 

"I have a meeting to attend to. Just explain it to them."

"What? I agreed to attend this lunch because I thought you'll join us!" Samantha complained.

"Emergency," Ace answered. He taps Tyron's shoulder and before he turns his back to us, he faced me. "Wait for me here. I'll be back in an hour or two."

Samantha followed Ace outside, leaving Tyron and me.

He meaningfully smiled. "You're Ace's ex-girlfriend, right?" 

"That was a long time ago," I answered. I can't agree with what he said since I am not sure if we were in a relationship. I am still not certain if what he did to me was pure and genuine.

"Since you're already his ex, can I court you? I promise I'll tell Ace about this," he smirked. I confusingly looked at him. He then burst out in laughter. "Just kidding. I love my face."

He made a step backward and completely turns his back on me. he waved at me without looking and followed the two who exited the office.

I am now left alone. I smiled inwardly. 'Finally!' I put back the civil code book on the shelf and started reading the criminal code. 

Before I sat comfortably on the sofa chair, I cleaned first the center table and sweep the floor. I noticed some of the leftover cookies on the floor. Seems like it was intentionally dropped. 

"Tss. If she's annoyed at me, she shouldn't waste food just to piss me off. Her mere presence is already enough!" I ranted to myself.

When done cleaning, I excitedly flip the pages of the book and started reading.

*****

Time flies so fast when you are enjoying what you are doing. I already read a handful of the provisions and tried to memorize some of them when the double door opened.

Samantha, followed by Tyron, entered the office.

"Hi!" Tyron greeted. 

I stands from my seat and greeted him back. 

"Get me a glass of water!" Samantha exclaimed.

"You should get it yourself, Sam. She's not your helper," Tyron meddled.

"It's okay," I smiled at him.

I pick the book from the center table and put it back on the shelf. I went to the small kitchen to get Samantha a glass of water.

I am on my way back to them when Samantha suddenly appeared in front of me. "Where is my bracelet?!" her voice thundered.

"I know nothing about your bracelet," I calmly answered. "Here..." I handed her the water that she asked for.

"Liar! You're probably a thief! I left it on the center table!"

"I'm a what?" my eyes twitch in anger. I don't even know what her bracelet looks like!

"Samantha, what's happening?" Tyron went to us. 

"She stole my bracelet!"

"I didn't steal your--" before I can finish talking, Samantha splashed the glass of water on my face. 

I was startled and froze in place. My face is dripping wet as well as the top part of my janitress uniform.

"Samantha!" Tyron's voice doomed. He grabs the empty glass from her.

"I left my bracelet on the center table. And now it's gone. She's the only one left in here, Tyron!"

"There's no bracelet on the table! I clean it earlier. The only thing left there are your leftover cookies and the glass of water!" My voice raised higher. 

"So you didn't steal it?!" she mocked.

"I didn't," I answered, full of conviction.

We stare at each other for a while until the sides of her lips rose. "Then strip."

"Why would I?" I tried to remain calm. My voice is in control but I don't know how long I can hold back if she continues this.

"If you're not hiding it, you have nothing to worry about. Strip," she repeated.

My hands are already shaking. Tyron is trying to calm us down but both of us are not willing to fall back.

The double door of the office opened. Based on the sound of his footsteps, I am certain that it is Ace. However, I didn't dare to remove my eyes at Samantha, neither does she.

Samantha tore her line of sight on me when Ace went to us. She looked at Ace and her face eventually shifted. She looks like she is about to cry.

"A-Ace... she stole m-my bracelet!" she cried. "The b-bracelet that you g-gave to me from m-my last birthday. S-She stole it!"

Samantha sobs. She leaned her head at Ace. I watched as Ace caressed her back, trying to hush her. He then looks at me. 

"Did you?" he asked. His eyes are in their usual state-- dark, vast, and empty. 

I gulped-- not because I am scared-- but because I can't believe he's asking me that. 

I feel the sides of my eyes heat. A sign that my tears are forming. I immediately blink them away. 

"I said, strip, b***h!" Samantha hissed.

I ignored her. My eyes fully focused on Ace. With my shaking voice, I uttered, "Why not you strip my clothes and check it yourself?" I challenged Ace.

My heart is slowly being shattered into pieces when he looked at me with his cold and emotionless face. He didn't even move when I dared him to strip me.

"Tyron, bring Samantha outside," he coldly said. 

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 Unedited. Expect typo and grammatical errors.

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A Night With My Ex

by: Joanne Cristel

©2021