Revenge of Ex Girlfriend

A Push Forward

Chapter 3: A Push Forward

Three days had passed since that night on the road. Three nights of sleeping on Emma’s couch, waking up from restless dreams, and staring at the ceiling until dawn crept in.

She hadn’t returned to her apartment. The idea of walking back into that space—where every corner held Addy’s laughter and Nina’s betrayal—made her stomach twist. Emma didn’t push, but she was there. A cup of tea every morning. Gentle check-ins every night. Quiet, steady, unwavering.

On the fourth morning, Emma planted herself in front of the couch with hands on her hips. Her expression said she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Get up,” she ordered.

Tessa blinked. “Why?”

“Because we’re going out,” Emma said, tossing a folded sweater onto her lap. “You’ve been hiding long enough.”

“I don’t want to go anywhere.”

Emma grinned slightly. “Then I’ll drag you. And I’m good at that.”

Tessa sighed, but something in Emma’s stubborn warmth made resistance pointless. She pulled the sweater over her head—it smelled faintly of lavender, just like Emma’s apartment—and followed her out.

The afternoon sun was bright, the air crisp. It stung a little after so many days indoors, but it also felt strangely cleansing.

“Where are we going?” Tessa asked, squinting.

“You’ll see,” Emma said, walking ahead with purpose.

They caught a bus toward the city center, chatting about random things along the way—school memories, teachers they’d liked, silly things that once mattered. For the first time in days, Tessa found herself smiling. Just a flicker. But real.

When they stepped off the bus, Tessa froze.

In front of them rose a tall, glass building. Modern. Sleek. Its silver letters gleamed in the afternoon light.

Tessa frowned. “Emma… what is this?”

Emma grinned. “An opportunity. They’re hosting an open orientation today. Trainee programs, scholarships, internships… come on. Just listen. No pressure.”

Before Tessa could argue, Emma was already pulling her through the glass doors.

The lobby was pristine—polished floors, soft lighting, quiet efficiency. At the reception, a woman greeted them with a polite smile.

“Good afternoon. How can I help you?”

“Orientation,” Emma said brightly. “She’s with me.”

They received visitor badges and followed directions to a large auditorium. The room buzzed with chatter. Young people dressed sharply, holding folders and resumes, filled the seats. Tessa felt like she had wandered into a world that didn’t belong to her.

“Relax,” Emma whispered as they sat down near the middle. “Just listen. No one’s forcing you to do anything.”

A tall man in a tailored navy suit stepped onto the stage. Clipboard in hand, his presence was neat and professional.

“Good afternoon,” he said. “I’m Luke, assistant to the company’s executive board. Thank you for joining us for this orientation.”

The room quieted as Luke began to speak. His voice was confident but approachable as he explained the trainee programs, scholarship opportunities, and the values the company looked for: resilience, ambition, and growth.

Tessa didn’t intend to pay attention, but his words slipped in anyway. Something about the way he spoke—clear, structured, purposeful—made her sit up straighter without realizing it.

Emma leaned closer and whispered, “Not so bad, huh?”

Tessa shot her a look but didn’t respond. Her hands tightened in her lap. She still felt out of place, but for the first time, the idea of “somewhere else” didn’t seem impossible.

Luke concluded, “Applications will be open for one week. Whether you’re here to explore or to commit, take a step. Opportunities don’t wait forever.”

The room burst into polite applause. People started to stand, talking excitedly. Emma turned to Tessa, eyes hopeful.

“So?” Emma asked.

“I… don’t know,” Tessa admitted honestly.

Emma smiled. “That’s fine. You don’t need to know yet. You just need to start.”

Tessa didn’t answer, but something in her chest shifted, faint but real. For the first time since that awful night, she wasn’t sinking. She was standing—on shaky legs, yes—but standing.