Chapter 3

Faith’s POV

The phone on the table rang. I heaved a sigh when I answered and heard Martin’s voice on the other line.

“You still there?” Even on the phone, Martin was obviously angry.

“Y-yes, sir.”

“To my office, now.” Martin went off the line, and the call was cut off.

I first glanced at the mirror from my bag. I made sure that the makeup was well-done and my hair was not messy. I also sprayed perfume so that I would at least smell good while talking to Martin. 

I knocked three times before turning the doorknob on Martin’s office door.

My body shook even more when I got inside. My eyes roamed the entirety of the office. It was very manly. The theme was blue with a touch of Thailand since there were figurines and paintings of Buddhas in the design. The familiar smell was also very masculine.

That’s still his perfume.

The swivel chair rotated slowly. Martin looked at me again with deadly eyes. He was holding a pen and seemed to be thinking. As before, there was not a single emotion in his eyes. The aura was dark, and the hatred was palpable. I couldn’t stand that look, so I looked away.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?”

“W-why did you call me?” I asked. I wanted to run out the door because of the fear I felt for him.

Martin didn’t answer but went to the door, and I heard him lock it. I was even more nervous. The strength of my heartbeat doubled. My body trembled at this time.

What will he do? Help me, God!

“Why are you still here?”

It took me aback when he asked me. I stood up, terrified because I felt his hot breath on my neck.

“It’s like what I said earlier, s-sir. I’m here because of w-work,” I stammered. In an instant, I just winced when he violently grabbed one of my arms.

“You shouldn’t have come back,” he said coldly. It felt like a knife stabbed my heart when I heard that. “If I were you, I would leave immediately. Because I don’t know what I can do to you if you stay here. Leave. Now!”

I didn’t move. At any moment, my tears would fall. It hurt me. It hurt to think that this would be his reaction when we met again. 

What else would you expect, Faith? That he will hug you? To be accepted and loved? 

Accept the consequences of what you did.

Martin suddenly let go of my arm, which was now red and hurt. I couldn’t believe that he would hurt me like this. I just bowed my head when I felt the tears coming down my cheeks. 

“I-I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“Leave. I’ll talk to Jason. Don’t come back here, and don’t show up again.” 

He turned away, facing the glass wall again, and put his hands in the pockets of his slack pants.

I took a deep breath before walking out of the office on heavy legs. I was still crying because of how much he had changed. This was no longer the man who loved me so much before.

Expect the worst, Faith. You hurt him before. You left, so don’t expect him to accept you that easily.

***

“He wants to fire you. I don’t know why, but did you do something wrong? Did you spill coffee on him?” Jason asked as I just sat in front of his table.

I came straight here after what had happened earlier in Martin’s office.

“My fault is greater than this, sir. Greater than anything a secretary can do,” I said in a low tone.

“What do you mean?”

I took a deep breath before speaking, “I-I’m his e-ex-girlfriend.”

“Ex-girlfriend? Meaning, it is in the past?”

I nodded in response.

“Well, you’re just his ex. Why would he just fire you? Not unless he still has feelings—”

“N-no, sir, it’s probably not like that.” I cut off what he was going to say.

“Alright. If you say so. But Faith, I will not accept Martin’s request to fire you. Whatever your past is, maybe it can be fixed. But if it’s really messed up and can’t be fixed, don’t do it again. Just do your job.”

I looked at him. “Sir, why can’t he get rid of me? He is the CEO, isn’t he?” I asked, full of wonder.

“Yes. But he is not the only one to decide. I also have my say in it.”

I wondered why he spoke like that. I wanted to ask more but chose not to.

“You should still come here tomorrow. I’ll take care of him. You may go,” he said and turned back to the papers he had been reading earlier.

I slung the bag over my shoulder and then stood up. “I’ll go then, sir.” I was almost at the door when he spoke again.

“Faith…”

I turned to him, waiting for his next words.

“Whatever your past is, I hope it doesn’t make you leave your job. Just be patient with my brother.”

I was stunned for a while after hearing that. Now, I wouldn’t wonder why he also seemed to have the right to object to Martin’s wishes.

Jason gave me a smile that seemed to tell me not to worry too much.

I almost made my way to my table. I was late, and for sure, my grumpy boss-slash-ex-boyfriend would be angry again. He would probably hurt me again. I held the table, panting, as I reached for my seat. It was eight o’ five in the morning.

“You’re late, Miss Joson.”

I nearly fell off my feet when I heard the voice of the CEO. Martin was behind me, so I slowly turned toward him.

My jaw almost dropped because he was not alone. Martin was with a woman who you would think was a model because she was so beautiful. She was white, and her long hair was colored burgundy red. She was like a leech clinging to the man’s arm that was barely being stroked. When she looked him in the eyes, he looked at her badly.

“I’m only five minutes late, s-sir,” I said to my boss.