Chapter 5: The Office Showdown

Jason sent me a message.

Against a row of red exclamation marks in a green message bubble, the black text in the white bubble stood out even more.

It was the first time in months my phone buzzed with his name. Looks like Jason had finally removed me from his block list.

I laughed at myself.

He told me to come to his office tomorrow, Monday. His lawyer would draft the divorce agreement, and after both sides agreed on the terms, we’d sign and wait for the cooling-off period.

[Okay.]

On Monday, I went to Jason’s company as agreed.

I dressed neatly but not flashy—jeans, a navy blouse, hair pulled back. Just enough to look composed, not desperate. The lobby was all glass and steel, modern and cold. Because I didn’t have an appointment, the receptionist called to check.

"Yes, a lady named Melissa."

After hanging up, the receptionist told me to go up to the executive floor; a secretary would meet me there.

I thanked her and went straight up.

My heels clicked against the tile as I walked. A young woman I didn’t know greeted me. Since I’d been separated from Jason for half a year, she was probably new.

"Ms. Melissa, please wait here. Mr. Carter is in a meeting."

She didn’t recognize me, either. She called me Ms. Melissa and led me to a reception room.

The AC blasted too cold, making goosebumps rise along my arms. Somewhere down the hall, someone’s heels clicked—never his. The room was sleek but impersonal—glass table, coffee machine in the corner, magazines about luxury cars and stocks. Before, when I came, I’d go straight to Jason’s office to wait. His meetings would last at least an hour. I hated waiting for people. Jason knew that, so he’d keep books and movies in his office for me.

"You can read or watch a movie. If you’re tired, there’s a lounge—just rest there."

He used to remind me like that.

Now the bookshelf was just for show, and the lounge was off-limits. The last time I came, all my things in his office had been replaced. The person who could freely enter his private lounge had also changed.

Now, if I wanted to see him, I could only wait in an ordinary reception room.

But I had no energy or desire to argue over such details now. So I waited quietly. There was plenty of time anyway.

I scrolled through my phone, stared out the window at the city, watched the second hand circle my watch. But I didn’t expect to wait two hours this time—and still, no one came to tell me to see Jason.

"Excuse me, has Mr. Carter’s meeting ended?"

I finally went to ask the young woman who’d brought me.

She stammered, "Mr. Carter is still in a meeting..."

Her eyes darted away, avoiding mine. I could feel my patience evaporate, replaced by an old, familiar frustration.

I frowned, about to speak, when I heard laughter and conversation nearby.

"Let’s have lunch together at that new place downtown."

"Okay!"

The elevator pinged open. Those two voices couldn’t be more familiar. I’d just heard them on the phone last night.

I saw Emily hugging a folder, skipping behind Jason. The pretty, lively girl radiated youth and energy.

Jason walked beside her, leaning in to listen as she spoke. Whatever Emily said made the smile at the corner of his mouth deepen.

"Hey..."

The young woman saw me walking straight toward Jason and didn’t have time to stop me.

"Jason."

At my voice, the two of them turned to look at me in unison.

I clearly saw the surprise and shock on Jason’s face.

I asked if his meeting was over? If it was, it was time to discuss our business.

"I arrived at ten and have been waiting for you for two hours."

"Who told you I was in a meeting?" Jason frowned, asking back.

I was stunned, subconsciously looking at him. The confusion in his eyes didn’t seem fake.

We realized almost at the same time.

I didn’t say anything. Jason’s gaze swept seriously across the whole office. Everyone lowered their heads in silence. The young woman who brought me shrank back, lowering her head. But before she looked down, she shot a quick glance at Emily.

Who else would have the nerve to pull this? Only Emily. She wore her new power like perfume.

"I forgot to tell everyone the meeting was canceled. I didn’t do it on purpose. Sorry, Mr. Carter."

Emily pursed her lips, looking innocently at Jason. He’d always indulged her, so this time he said nothing.

"Come in."

He looked at me, glossing over the matter.

As I passed Emily, I saw the pride and provocation in her eyes.

She looked at me as if she’d won some game, chin tilted ever so slightly, daring me to say something. I just kept walking.