A Night With My Ex

Chapter 7

"Thank you, Remy..." I gratefully uttered.

We are already done packing Kristine's things. Today, she had been discharged from the hospital. My sister hooked her arms at me and smiled. She is now more energetic than yesterday. Maybe because she was aware that I will be having trouble paying for the surgery fees but now that we are discharged, she becomes worry-free. 

I'm a bit guilty since, at her age, she shouldn't have to worry about these things. I want here to live as a normal teenage girl. So as much as possible, I am trying not to talk to her about our financial problem, even she is fully aware.

I was able to pay the remaining hospital fees from the money that Ace gave me. The thought of it made me belittle myself. But whenever I see my sister, it gave me the motivation to work harder... not just for myself, but also for the future of my family. I  am willing to take the insults and the humiliation that Ace gives me if it will mean I can give my sister a comfortable life. 

"Tss! You don't have to thank me, Kiya! Besides, you and Kristine are more like a family to me," Remy answered. I smiled as a response.

We left the hospital and went to the open parking area where Remy's car is parked. My eyes caught the guard secretly smiling at Remy. I even saw their invisible conversation when Remy winked at him. I rolled my eyes inwardly. Another prospect of him!

Remy pressed his car keys. We went to his car and get in. Remy is in the driver's seat and I am sitting beside him. Kristine is in the back seat, alone. Remy's car is like the usual car that you often see in the street. He bought this from the years of his hard work establishing his bar.

"Ate? Where did you get the p*****t for my hospital bills?" Kristine asked as soon as Remy started maneuvering the car.

I quietly cleared my throat. I saw Remy glanced at me. Even I had a disclosure agreement with Ace, Remy knew about him and the contract.

"Well..." I can't find the right words to say. I'm glad that Remy noticed it and he back me up.

"I let your sister borrow money," he answered my sister. 

I have no plans to disclose my recent interaction with Ace to my sister. She knew about our house and what might happen if we won't be able to pay for our father's debt. Kristine is an intelligent girl. She is aware that our father has a debt to MC Corporation. She knew that the current CEO of the company is Ace. I know that the moment I'll tell her about me meeting Ace again, she'll question the genuinity of my job as a janitress.

"Ohh. Thanks, Remy!" she jumped from her seat and gave Remy a back hug. Remy only chuckled and told my sister to get back to her seat since he is driving.

The road back to our house went smoothly. Kristine had fallen asleep on her seat. Remy parked his car in front of our gate. Remy tried to wake up Kristine but her sleep was too deep that even he already shakes her shoulders, her eyes are still shut close. 

"Let me handle her, Remy," I said while chuckling.

I thank Remy and stepped out of his car. I opened the back seat's door. Kristine's head is falling back. The only thing that supports her is her seatbelt which is currently buckled. I was already ready to carry Kristine. But when I unbuckled her seatbelt, she slightly jumps from her seat.

"Finally! I thought I had to carry you!" With her sleepy eyes, she wiped the sides of her lips, checking if she drooled.

"We already here?" she murmured in between her yawns while she rubs her eyes.

"Yes, ma'am," I smirked. The 12-year-old girl only rolled her eyes at me.

She hopped out of the car and we both give our thanks and goodbye to Remy. He honked his car as he drove away.

Before we can even open our gate, we saw Jaxon approaching us. With his usual khaki shorts, house t-shirt, and his slightly worn out flip flops, he stopped in front of us. I noticed the small bouquet of flowers and a plastic bag full of cooked meals.

"You didn't call me. I should have fetched the both of you," he spat while messing my sister's hair.

"You don't have a car like Remy. It's better that you didn't fetch us. I don't want to ride a bus after my surgery," my sister said frankly. 

"Kristine..." I said in a warning tone but my lips are smirking. Kristine is very straightforward. Her mouth has sometimes no filter. I'm glad that she and Jaxon are very close that is why he didn't take it seriously. Jaxon only chuckled and even messed my sister's hair more. 

"Here, for you..." Jaxon handed me the flowers. I stared at it for seconds before hesitatingly accepted it.

"Where's mine?" my sister's brow shot up. She's smirking at Jaxon and eyed me suspiciously.

Jaxon tossed the bag that consists of our meal. Kristine expertly catches it with one hand. Jaxon smirked and rested his arm on my sister's shoulders. They both turned their backs on me and went inside our house. I followed them from behind. I even overheard my sister teasing Jaxon at me. I shooked my head at my sister's silly attitude, yet, the smiles on my face can't be erased. 

I'm glad that she's acting lightly on her age. From the past months, she forced herself to act like an adult.  Even I already explained to her many times that I am her older sister and she's my responsibility, she felt like if she doesn't mature faster, she'll be a burden to me.

I saw Jaxon preparing the food that he bought, while my sister is comfortable sitting in front of our dining table. 

A smile escaped my lips. For the past years, Jaxon has been part of our family. He stands as Kristine's older brother and I'm happy that it somewhat fills up the emptiness of my sister. Even she's not talking about her feelings, I know how she misses our parents. We were too young when we lose them.

Before the two noticed the tears forming from my eyes, I immediately wiped them. 

"Kiya, come on, let's eat," Jaxon called me.

I walk towards them. Jaxon placed the bowl of hot soup, adobo, a cup of mashed potato, and a plate of boiled vegetables. 

"You bought too many foods," I claimed as I sat on the chair across from my sister.

"Of course! Someone has to retain some energy," he answered. He sits right next to me. My sister smirked and eyed us simultaneously. I shot my eyebrow up as a warning but she just chuckled. Finally, she got tired of teasing us. She focused on her mashed potato and started eating it.

I hid my smile as I sighed. My sister is growing fast. I can't let her have a life full of problems and buried in debt. I want her to live a life better than I have.

"Kiya, is it true that you resigned?" I stopped scooping a spoonful of rice on my plate and turned to Jaxon.

"What? You resigned, ate?" my sister beamed.

"I got a new job," I calmly answered.

"Where?" they both said in unison.

"Mc Corporation," I started eating my food while both of them were speechless.

I eyed them as I chew my food. Jaxon is looking at me, hesitating to say something.

"Is kuya Ace good at handling the company like his father?" my sister asked. Although I'm not sure if she's really curious about it or she just wants to throw some random tests at me.

"I don't know. We don't talk much," I focused my gaze on the food, trying to avoid their eyes.

"What's your work?" Jaxon asked. 

My heart pounds louder and my palms sweat cold. However, I'm too good at acting that they don't even notice my shaking hands. 

"Janitress." I'm glad I didn't stutter.

"You work there as a janitress where in fact, you have a higher salary in Remy's bar?" Jaxon eyed me suspiciously.

"I need the benefits. If I work there, it can lessen the debt of my father. Plus, they won't get our house since I am an employee under their company." Oh lord, why am I so gifted at lying? Tho, it's not a complete lie. In fact, I have a higher salary for being a janitress than working at Remy's bar. Only that, I am being paid extra from the tip I gathered from the customers.

"Or maybe she still hasn't moved on," my sister teased.

I am more than okay if she'll tease me the whole day than her being skeptical of my reason to work at Mc Corporation.

"Go eat your potato," I said, shutting her off.

She responded with a smirk. Jaxon, on the other hand, stayed quiet the whole time. We finished our late lunch peacefully. Kristine already went to her room to rest while I and Jaxon washed the dishes. 

"So... I have to go, I still got work," Jaxon said as he is taking his leave after we're done in the sink.

I nod and smiled curtly, "Thanks for all the help."

Jaxon advances. I watched his moves and I kind of know what he's trying to do. I avoided my head in the other direction when he attempted to kiss my cheek. 

"Uhh, J-Jaxon..." I mumbled while my hands are in front of me, stopping his chest and pushing him awkwardly.

"Kiya--"

"I already told you--"

"I know... You don't like me. But can't you just give me a chance? I've been with you for years, Kiya!" the frustration in his voice is dominantly shaking. "You don't have to like me back... just let me," he continued in a calmer way. He reaches for my hand but I immediately pulled it away.

He made a step backward and tilted his head. He pushed his tongue on the insides of his cheek as he looked at me with pain and disappointment in his eyes.

"Tell me... Why did you choose to work as a janitress in that company?" he asked suspiciously. The way he uttered the words is pure pain. I looked directly at him and saw his bloodshot eyes.

"I already answered that."

Jaxon hissed and shook his head. He smirked but there is no humor on it. "I'm not dumb, Kiya. All these years, you're still into him?" he paused and stared at me, probably studying my reaction. I didn't budge. I told you, I'm good at hiding my emotions. "Kiya, he cheated!" he continued. Even with an emphasis on every word, he lowers his voice for my sister to not hear it. "Your ex cheated on you yet you're here, crawling back at him, begging to enter the world that you were never welcomed!"

"Enough," I warned.

"Why? Is it true? Were you hurt by what I said?" he spat back.

"I said, enough!" My tone went higher and bold but he is too focus on his rebuttals to even notice it!

"Are you trying your luck? That maybe if he saw you, he'll come back in your arms? Stop dreaming, Kiya! If you were holding on to the relationship you had with him, then forget it! None of it was real! He just f*cked you in high school and you think he loved you--"

Jaxon's head turned on the side. His cheek is flushing red when my right palm landed on it. My hands are shaking as well as my lips. My tongue tastes the pinch of blood from my wounded lips as I bit it in the hopes to stop it from quivering.

I felt guilty about what I did, but I can't force myself to apologize. He always helps us. He was there when mama and papa were gone. He always tries to protect us every time we were in trouble. However, not because he did good to us, he has the right to hurt me. He has no right to tell me what to do nor to insult me, nor use my past against me. I don't tolerate disrespectful acts only because he did good things to me in the past.

Jaxon looked at me. He was not surprised by what I did. Yet, I notice the displeasure on his face but it quickly subsided. 

"Kiya, I'm sorry--" 

"Get out," I weakly uttered.

"Kiya--"

"Get. Out." My voice was hard and firm, yet, low for I don't want my sister to hear us argue. 

With his shoulder slumping down and persuading eyes, he turns his back to exit our house. I heard the gates opened and close.

I weakly sat on the coldness of our floor. The fight that happened between me and Jaxon echoes inside my head. The hurtful and undeniably honest words from him stab my chest, one by one. I was angry. I am angry. He was being cruelly honest and I can't take the truth because the words he spat unveils my deepest thoughts.

I heard the nearing of Kristine's footsteps. I reach for the wall to support myself as I stand from the floor. My sister saw me in that position. She's already changed into her home clothes. 

"Did you and kuya Jaxon fought?" she worriedly asked. She's very fond of Jaxon. Probably because he longed for a father and he sees Jaxon as a father figure and an older brother. 

"Don't worry about it..." I answered and walk towards her.

"Is it about... kuya Ace?" she asked warily. 

Aside from I can't disclose to others the agreement between me and Ace, I don't want to tell it to my sister either. She's too young to understand it. It is better for her to not know.

"I am only a janitress at their company. We barely see each other," I lied. 

I can see that there is still a lot of question that she wants to ask, however, just like what she always does, she smiled at me and nods her head. 

Time quickly passed by. I am currently getting ready to come to my work. Kristine is already in her bed. Tho, I'm not sure if she's asleep. I already told her about my working hours.

"Girl, you've already combed your hair ten times," Remy teased. He is unloading his baggage since he will be sleeping here every night. I am very thankful that Remy volunteered t to take care of my sister while I'm at work. He told me that it is more convenient for him because our house is near his bar than his place. So when something came up and his manager needs his help in the bar, he can easily check it.

"I didn't," I denied. As I look at the brush, I saw haywire hair strands on it. Remy chuckled as I rolled my eyes inwardly. "Enough, Kristine might hear." I lowered my voice and put back the brush on my small drawer.

"She's already asleep. I just checked on her."

I sighed. "Thank you so much, Rem..." Without him, it is impossible for me to work with Ace. Although I can bargain if I can work during the days, still, it has no certainty. Given the fact of how ruthless he is! He doesn't even want to agree with this the first time I offered it!

I mentally shook my head. I don't want to remember that night. 

"Remy," he corrected. I chuckled.

"Fine. Remuel Ydony Cruz!" I teased as I mentioned his full name. He doesn't like it when someone does it because according to him, "it's not girly".

"You want me to pack my things and go home?" he threatened. My smirk faded.

"I got to go. I'll be late." I hurriedly grab my sling bag and rushed to the door, thinking that he'll really do what he said. Before I completely went out of our house, I turn and saw Remy rolling his eyes on me. I only chuckled and gave him a flying kiss. 

When I got out of our house, I saw a black SUV, parking near our gate. It looks familiar. I have proven what I was thinking when Jake stepped out of the vehicle. He nods curtly at me and slides open the door of the car. 

Confused, I walk towards him.

"Sir Macneil told me to fetch you up," he explained.

"Uhh, there's no need for that, Jake..." 

He didn't listen. Instead, he opened the door wider. I sighed. Of course, he will listen to his boss and not to me! I don't want to cause him any trouble so I decided to get in. Besides, it is a big help to me since it is already late at night. 

The whole trip was silent. After half an hour, we are already at the underground parking lot of the company. I told Jake that I will be changing into my janitress uniform and that he should go first to Ace's office. I'm glad he obliged. 

I went to the staff room and search for my locker. I unlock its passcode lock and quickly pulled out my uniform and change at the small comfort room. After changing, I eyed the janitor trolley. The last time I brought it to his office, I haven't used it. Should I still bring it?

'Of course, Kiya, you have to bring that. After all, you are still a janitress!' I scolded myself after a minute of contemplating.

When I went to the 75th floor,  I was greeted by the same secretary. But this time, she didn't question me. She's already packing her things, ready to leave. 

Jake is standing at the side of the double door, placing his intertwined hand in front of him. I pushed the trolley and Jake helped me open the door. He's the only employee of Ace that knows about our agreement. I wonder what he's thinking right now as I push the useless trolley inside.

When I entered the familiar office, I was welcomed by an unwelcome atmosphere from Ace. He's sitting on his swivel chair. With his furrowed forehead and dark eyes, he didn't bother turning his head as I walked in. He is currently busy reading some file which I know nothing about. Maybe it's about work. I also notice his necktie hanging lazily on his neck as if he adjusted it carelessly to help him breathe. 

"G-good evening," I greeted.

"Good evening," he formally greeted. He only gave me a glance and get back on focusing on his work.

Since I don't think we will do something written in the contract, I started pulling out the spray cleaner and a rug. I'll just clean his office, besides, it is my original work tonight.

I went to the bookshelf area in his office. I stared in awe as I study his shelf. It is a pure matte black that has a height of 10 ft. It is full of business and law-related books. All are hardbound and are perfectly aligned and organize. 

'I'll start here!' 

First, I remove the books from the shelf and placed them on the floor. As I looked up at the height of the shelf, I realized that I have to carry a stool resting at the side of the room and placed it in front of me. I will be using this to clean the dust at the top part of the shelf.

After a good half an hour of repeatedly spraying a cleaner and wiping them off, I now started wiping the books with a dry towel. I keep the business books separated from the law books. I organize them by series, color, and height. 

I am enjoying what I am doing that I didn't notice the time. As I finished with the shelf, I was planning to clean his minibar however, he suddenly called me.

I turn my head at him. He pinched the bridge of his nose and rested his back on his swivel chair. 

"Come over here," he commanded. 

"Do you need anything, s-sir?" I said as I stopped in front of him. 

"Just a glass of water." I immediately went to his small kitchen to bring him what he needs. I assume he has a stressful day, he looks tired and frustrated. I went back to him and placed a glass of cold water on his desk. "Thank you," he uttered in a deep voice.

His fingers brushed on mine when he grabs the glass right before I put it down. I fakely cleared my throat. When I looked at him, he doesn't flinch a bit and only took a continuous big gulp from the water that I gave. Right after he put down the glass, he harshly slammed his back on the chair and placed his hand on his temple.

His brows were about to meet when he saw me walk towards him. I ignored it and positioned myself behind him. I rested my hands on his shoulders and gently massaged them. I felt how his body escalated from being stiff to relaxed. 

His office is being enveloped with silence. But I'm glad that it isn't an awkward one. He let me continue what I am doing. His head falls back as I put enough pressure on his shoulders. I take it as a cue to massage his forehead and temples. 

My fingers focused on his temples and my thumb on his forehead. His eyebrows that were about to meet a moment earlier, are now calmly resting in their place. 

 With his closed eyes, I got to have a free pass to stare at his peaceful face. His lips are on a thin line. His pointed nose was molded and placed perfectly by the Creator. Occasionally, when my fingers tend to brush on his lower cheeks, I felt a subtle growing hair. 

My eyes shifted on his hand when he motioned it in front of me. "Massage my palm," he added. I obliged. 

I change position and went in front of him. Before I can even start massaging his palm, he snaked his arm on my waist and pulled me closer to him. Due to his sudden move, I was out of balance but he is quick enough to support my sides, and swiftly placed me on his lap.

"Better," he commented. When I felt his warm breath on the back of my neck, I sense the small hair strands on it, standing up.

I am sitting on his lap sideways. My left side is leaning on his chest. His right arm is still hugging the small of my waist. I stiffened when he placed his left hand on my lap. It took me a second to realize what I should do. I reach for it and started putting massaging it with both of my hands. My thumb puts pressure on every pinch on his fingers. 

I can barely focus on what I am doing since my mind is thinking of his hand snaking on my waist. I'm glad that his back is resting on the swivel chair. I'm afraid that if he leans forward, he'll hear my heart pounding faster. 

It took me a minute to get comfortable with what I am doing when he ruined the mood by opening up a topic that I am still not ready to talk about.

"You've mentioned about your father the night we first met. Might to tell me what happened?" I was stunned by what I heard. I immediately composed myself and went back on massaging his palm. 

"I don't want to talk about it," I firmly answered.

"I do," he argued. 

I sighed, giving up. I know how stubborn and competitive he gets when it comes to arguing. Plus, I don't want to add another stressful petty fight from both of us.

"What do you want to know?" 

"I want to know why he left you with nothing other than debts. I want to know why did he let you be in here, selling yourself." 

I dropped his hand and it fell right on my lap. I eyed him furiously that my eyes twitch a little. "What did you say?" I asked in disbelief.

He shrugged his shoulder as if he didn't disrespect me and my late father. "He was overprotective of you before. I don't understand why he let himself die before paying his debts and forcing his beloved daughter to be a sl*t--"

I aggressively stand from his lap. Before I can even think properly, my hand landed on his cheek. My breathing hitched. My chest moves in an up and down motion as I am trying to catch my breath. I glared at him. Too much disrespect from the boys today!

He calmly turns his head back at me. His eyes are filled with nothing but emptiness-- like an endless place that will let you fall into an abyss if you dare to enter.

"It didn't take weeks before you forgot about the contract huh..." I blinked. Slowly, a thought sunk in. My eyes widen when I remember what is written in the contract.

'I can't hit him!'

I tried to stay calm but my insides are already quivering. "I-It's your f-fault! You--"

"KNEEL!" I jumped in my place when his voice thundered on his spacious and silent office.

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 Unedited. Expect typo and grammatical errors.

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A Night With My Ex

by: Joanne Cristel

©2021