A Night With My Ex

Chapter 5

I wiped the tear that escaped my eye as I reminisce the past and the struggles that I and my sister faced. With my teary and weary eyes, I stared at my sister lying on the hospital bed. She's still peacefully sleeping. She was admitted last week, and yesterday she has undergone ulcer surgery.

It was my fault. She's only twelve when I let her be on her own. I have full-time work in a nightclub which means she's alone here in our house during the night. In the daytime, I am sleeping while she'll go to school. I haven't been observant of whether she eats or not. Last week, she fell on the floor while hugging her stomach, screaming from pain. Fortunately, I woke up and rushed her to the hospital. 

Our bills are increasing. Also, the notice from the bank that they will be getting our house in exchange for my father's debt forced me to reconnect with Ace. I can't let them have the only thing that reminds me of our parents. Our house is the only thing that holds the memory of us being a family. 

I heard consecutive knocks on the door. I turned my head and saw Jaxon entering the room. With his straight-cut faded and muddy jeans and an old shirt, he waved a plastic full of fruits on his hand at me. He is now working at the wet market. His job is to help his boss carry big sacks of rice and other products to organize on their market.

I stand from my seat to welcome him. "You don't have to buy these," I said as he gave me the bag full of fruits. 

"I didn't buy that. I stole it." I stop midstep and my smile faded. I put down the bag of fruits on the small table and faced him. "Oh come on, Kiya. It's not a big deal—"

"Yes, it is, Jaxon! It is a big deal!" I yelled in a controllable manner. I glanced at Kristine when she shifted on her bed. 

"Kiya, no one saw me." Jaxon tried to argue. He even chuckled! 

What's so funny about taking advantage of others?!

I closed my eyes tightly and opened them to face him. "It's not the point. You just stole—" I stopped arguing when my sister moved and slowly, her eyes opened. She looked at us with her sleepy eyes. I fixed my stance and immediately went to her. 

I caressed her hand. "A-are you okay?" I asked. She sleepily nods her head. She looks at Jaxon who is now walking towards us. 

Jaxon messed her hair and smiled, "Are you hungry?" he asked my sister. Kristine nod for the second time. Jaxon looked at me and then went to the table where I placed the fruits.

I sighed. When dad and mom were gone, I and my sister had a hard time doing it all alone. Jaxon was the one to helped us. However, as time passes by, Jaxon's behavior is not socially good. This is not the first time he does it. He was often in and out of jail because of his stealing habits. This is also the reason why he has no permanent job. Other than that, sometimes, he is being involved in gang fights on the streets. Just last month, his friend got stabbed because they were gotten into a fight. Luckily, his friend's wound is not that deep and he was not harmed. Jaxon even proudly said to me how he managed to stab two of the men who tried to fight them. The thought of it made me shiver.

Even Jaxon had developed this kind of attitude for years, I must say that his attitude towards us didn't change. He is still the Jaxon who willingly lends his hand whenever we need help.

Jaxon is currently done peeling the apples. He sliced them and put them on the plate. He then gave it to my sister who is currently waiting. I watch Kristine as she took a bite of the peeled apple. As much as I don't want my sister to eat something that comes from dirt, I can't do anything. Even I almost plead Ace to accept me as his courtesan in order to survive and provide my sister's necessities. So who am I to tell Jaxon about dirty money?

My sister is currently enjoying her apple while Jaxon is beside her, seating on the chair and keeping her company. 

My phone rang. I immediately pull it out of my pocket to not disturb the two. It is an unknown number. I answered it and I was welcomed by a thunder-like voice from the other end of the line. 

"Why the f*ck you're not answering my messages?!" said the voice full of irritation yet controlled.

I glance at my sister and Jaxon who are still talking with each other. I went out of the room to talk to Ace.

"Ace, sorry, I was busy—"

"You're talking to your boss, Kiya..." he answered in a low and monotone voice.

I was stunned. I cleared my throat before continuing. "S-sir, sorry. I w-was busy with m-my sister," I simply said. He doesn't have to know that my sister is in the hospital. I don't want him to pity us—if ever he is still capable of it. He doesn't have to know my personal problems.

"Have you forgotten that we will be discussing the contract today? Or have you changed your mind? I am only doing this because you came to me kneeling. And now, I am the one who has to chase you?" The annoyance in his voice didn't leave.

"S-sir..."

"I don't have the whole day. Be her in fifteen minutes or I'll cancel what we've agreed on." The call ended. My eyes went bigger. 

I quickly rushed inside to get my things. The two turn their heads in my direction when I slammed open the door. 

"I have to go," I said without looking at them. I toss my phone back in my bag. 

"Where are you going?" Jaxon asked.

"Work..." I answered while hooking my old brown sling bag on my right shoulder. "My b-boss called."

None of them knew that I am currently in contact with my ex-boyfriend except Remy. Of course, he was my boss in the nightclub and he has the right to know about my urgent quitting on my job. Remy also knows about my plan. From the past years that I've been working on his bar, he is not just my boss, but he also became my friend.

I gave Kristine a quick peck on her cheeks. I turned to Jaxon. 

"Jaxon..."

"I'll take care of Kristine," he assured me. As much as I don't want to burden other people, I don't have a choice but to ask for their help. Although I don't want to leave Kristine to Jaxon, I put my trust in him. Even he's a delinquent and has socially bad behavior, I know he won't do anything to harm me and Kristine. I know him for years.

"Call me when you need something," I said as I bid my goodbye. I turn my back and jog out of the hospital.

It will take exactly fifteen minutes to get into the company. And that is if there is no traffic along the way! I bit my lips when a minute passed and  I haven't seen any taxi yet. I pulled out my phone and open the eighteen messages from Ace as well as from his secretary. 

'Sh*t! How come I didn't notice this earlier? No wonder why Ace was fuming mad! Of course, he's a busy man, Kiya!'

I saw a taxi and I frantically waved my hand. It stopped in front of me and I hurriedly went in. 

"Sir, MC Corporation please."

The driver maneuvered the car and went off. There are no signs of traffic however, the driver maintains the speed at 60 kph even there is no speed limit and the road is widely clear!

Don't get me wrong, I know he's just being careful. However, there is a number of cars that drive past us because we are too slow! 

"Uhm, sir? Is it okay if we go a little faster?" I made a shy smile and an awkward peace sign to the old driver. He's probably already in his 60s.

"Sorry, ma'am. I don't drive fast since my vision is impaired and some of my joints hurt whenever I step on the gas," he smiled and showed some of his missing teeth.

"O-ohh, okay s-sir. Drive safe," I smiled defeatedly. I bit my lips while watching the clock ticks by. Luckily, the driver went to the shorter road. This will shorten the drive for about three minutes.

"Thank you, sir!" I said as I gave him an exact amount and ran out of his vehicle. 

The guard gradually checked my bag. He noticed that I am in a hurry so he let go of me. I turn left to where the elevator is located. I glanced at my phone to check the time. Last two minutes. The elevator was about to close. However, I managed to stick half of my arm inside so it automatically opened. 

I successfully entered the elevator as I catch my breath.

"Are you okay? Miss?" I put my arm on the wall of the elevator for support and turn to the man wearing his suit and tie. 

He's tall. Probably as tall as Ace. They also have the same body built. His hair is clean-cut. Due to his fair skin and smiling eyes, he looks gentle. But there's a hint of roughness due to his stubble short beard. Even with his long sleeves and coat, I can say that he has a great physique because of the veins displaying on his hand that are currently aiming to support me. 

"I-I'm okay, sir," I answered. We both stand properly while he put down his hands that were reaching out to me. From his looks, I can say that maybe he is one of the bosses here? Not sure. I'm not good at naming company positions. All I know is my ex is the CEO of this company and he is about to cancel our agreement because I am already two minutes late!

"Floor?" the man suddenly asked. 

I glanced at the elevator buttons and I saw that the 75th floor is already pushed. 

"Same floor," I answered and smiled at him. 

The elevator door went open. He motioned for me to step out first. I didn't argue since Ace's angry face is already crossing my mind. 

"Hello, good morning! How may I help you?" said the secretary. The way she looks at me from head to toe didn't escape my eyes. Only that, she tries to smile even I can sense how she badly wants to ask why I am on this floor while wearing pink flip flops.

"U-uhmm. I'm here for Ace—" I cleared my throat when I realize I shouldn't be calling him on what I was used to. "Athan Cedy Macneil. I have an appointment with him today," I gave her a small smile. She nods her head and called on the telephone. It only takes one ring before the secretary spoke. 

"Hello, sir? Yes, she's here... Okay, sir." She turned to me, "You may now get in," she smiled as she motioned her hand in the direction of the double door.

What I forgot is, the office of the CEO occupies the whole floor. Before I can push the door open, I saw the man earlier straightly walks in my direction. He only smiled and nodded at the secretary. The secretary smiled back. No questions asked.

The man pushed the door for me. He smirked and waited for me to come in first. I shyly smiled back as I politely entered the room. He followed me from behind.

Ace welcomed me with a cold and irritated look. He is sitting on his swivel chair wearing navy blue long sleeves and a tie. His coat is hanging on the back of his chair. His right hand is on the side of his forehead, massaging his temples. Thin horizontal lines on his forehead become more visible as he shifted his eyes on the man behind me.

"What are you doing with him?" he coldly asked.

I glanced at the man behind me who is now smirking at Ace. 

"Uh..." I think of what to answer but the guy cut me off.

With a mocking grin on his face, he said, "Mind if you introduce this girl?" He did not wait for Ace to respond instead, he went in front of me and laid his hand. "Tyron Velez. Ace's friend." 

"A-ahh. Kiyanah Nuevas," I was about to accept his hand but Ace's sudden aggressive move made me turn to him. 

He stands from his swivel chair and went to the center table. He tosses a folder on the small topped glass table and faced us—me.

"You better read this now or I'm not gonna continue this bullsh*t."

My eyes went bigger and my face turned pale. But I quickly fix my expression and displayed a strong facade. I don't want him to see any weakness in me. That night will be the last.

Tyron barked in laughter. "Calm down, dude." I turn to face him and smiled. I guess he's more fun to be with than my bastard ex-boyfriend. "So she's that girl," he continued. I didn't understand it so I let them talk. Ace only stared blankly at him. Seems like they have their own conversation since the Tyron guy reacted. 

"Oh, so she is..."

I let them have their non-verbal talk. I calmly went to the black sofa and pick the folder that contains the contract. "Sorry if I am late. I have things that need to be handled," I said without looking at him. I started browsing the twenty pages contract. I wonder if he did this by himself? Or maybe he asked someone. Of course, he won't disclose this kind of agreement.

"Be late one more time and I will terminate the contract." He threatened.

'How can he terminate the contract if ever I won't sign? Was he too confident that I will sign this?'

'Tss, of course, he is! You're the one who kneeled in front of him, begging to have this agreement! Stupid, Kiya!'

My brain's little argument was stopped when Ace spoke again. 

"I have a meeting for today. I am already late so I'll be done in less than an hour. Make sure to read and review every detail of it," he didn't wait for my response. He and Tyron exited the room and I was left in his spacious office. 

I started reading the contract. It says here that this contract will be done in 12 months. The rules and obligations were all written. Basically the contract consist of the things that I should and should not do, limitations, and my consequences. Let me enumerate some of them:

- The promisee will pay for the promisor's debt to the MC Corporation. In exchange, the promisor will abide by what is written in the contract.

- If the promisor didn't finish or breached the contract, the promisee will go with the original contract on which he has the right to take the house of the promisor.

- The promisor should always prioritize the pleasure of the promisee.

- The promisor has no right to complain as long as the promisee didn't violate any limitations written in the contract.

- The promisee has no right to use electric current and flames that will inflict pain to the promisor's body.

- The promisee has the right to use high-intensity floggers, vibrators, spreader bars, and cuffs. 

- When it comes to public places, the promisor has the right to say "no" if she's not comfortable doing s*x in public. This includes but not limited to touching private areas, kissing, use of s*x toys, and other actions that imply sexing.

- For every violation that the promisee will violate, he will pay for it. $100 per violation.

- For every violation that the promisor will make, she will face the consequence that will be given by the promisee.

I am busy reviewing the contract when someone barges into the room. I turn my head on the double door that was wide open. With her low neckline fitted red dress, black six-inches heels, bold red lipstick, and her hair is perfectly curled and parted sideways, the girl I am very familiar with is standing in front of me. Samantha. The one Ace cheated with. How can I forget that day? The day that she and Ace humiliated me?

Ace's secretary is behind her. "Miss Yerin, sir Athan is not here. Kindly wait outside—"

She eyed me curiously as she raised her eyebrow. "And why would I wait outside?!" her voice is in high pitch, making the secretary jumped in her place. She didn't bother turning her face to the secretary. Her eyes are directed at me.

"M-Miss, I was t-told by sir A-Athan to not l-let anyone in the o-office..." the secretary is evidently scared.

"Then what is this girl doing here?" The secretary didn't answer when Samantha pointed at me. "I'm sure Ace will understand if it is me," Samantha is still eyeing me. She crossed her arms over her chest which reveals her already revealing line in between her upper privates.

"M-miss—"

"Do you not know me?! I am the daughter of the CEO of TalentY! The partner company of your boss! Do you want to get fired?!" The secretary bowed her head, frightened of Samantha. The secretary has no choice but to let her in. She closed the double door, leaving us two inside. 

"Why are you here?" she sat in the vacant sofa seat in front of me. She gracefully crossed her legs as she sat comfortably. I ignored her and instead, continue reading the contract. "Are you deaf?!" she angrily said.

I sighed, closed the folder, and placed it on my lap. l annoyingly face her. "I don't think I am obliged to answer you," I raised my eyebrow as I talk to her. As expected, even wearing heavy make-up, I can still see how her face turns red. 

I continued reading the contract but Samantha stands from her seat and went near me. She tried to grab the folder from me but I am quick to move it away from her. I stand from my seat as I hide the folder at my back, holding it tightly. 

I am a 5'7 girl. However, she's wearing six-inches heels which made her taller than me. Her eyes twitch as she glared at me. "Give it to me," she commanded.

"Why would I?" She ignored me and once again tried to reach for it. She aggressively leaned forward however, I move sideways making her fall face first on the sofa seat. 

She growled in annoyance. When she faced me, I was surprised when I felt a pang of pain in my left cheek. I made a deep sigh, trying to control my emotion. But to tell you what, I'm not good at it. 

Without a warning, my right hand landed on her cheek. I eyed her blankly while her eyes are already twitching with anger. Her palm is covering her left cheek that I slapped hard.

"Y-you—" 

I didn't let her finish as my other hand landed on her right cheek, slapping her again. 

The moment my hand landed on her face, the double door slammed open, revealing Ace's angry face.

"Kiyanah Nuevas!" the sound of my angry ex-boyfriend thundered in the room of his office while his b*tch girlfriend started her fake cries. 

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Unedited. Expect typo and grammatical errors.

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A Night With My Ex

by: Joanne Cristel

©2021