I Am Back

That morning, the company buzzed with people going out and coming in. The place was lively, with many people.

A clean 2024 Toyota Venza pulled into the compound of the company. A lady who seemed to be in her late twenties stepped out of the car.

She was neatly dressed in a nice outfit. Her hair trailed down her back. No doubt, she was wonderful.

Seeing her, one might think she was there for an appointment but it was for a different purpose. Because her face was stern.

Stepping out of the same car again was a man in his late thirties. He was putting on a gray suit that perfectly complemented his handsome look.

He adjusted his suit, his shoulders rising in pride as people around began to cast admiring glances on him.

He casually held the car keys, letting them jangle in mid-air.

As he turned toward the lady, whose name was Ivy Logan, a smug smirk played on Cole Ryder's lips. “That jerk must be inside working his lazy ass off.”

He walked over to the Ivy, his smirk widening. “You don't have to rethink. That pathetic fool is nothing. He's done nothing to help you. I'm the real deal here. I'm rich. I have the money, the connections, the house, cars, and if you want one, I'm definitely gonna get you one right away. You name it.”

He hesitated and continued. “All you have to do is kick that fool out of your life and be all mine.”

Ivy's face was cold as she replied. “Eric is nothing. He's a nobody. He's got nothing; nothing to his name. I know who the big deal is,” she faced Cole, her voice flirting. “You are and I'm ending things with that bastard once and for all.”

Without a word, she headed toward the lobby with an ice-cold expression while Cole followed behind her with a wide smirk.

Inside the lobby, A young man, dressed in a cleaning outfit, was carrying a bucket and a mop, cleaning the side of the lobby, a glisten of sweat on his face.

His name is Eric Jonathan.

He had been working nonstop; helping other cleaners just to earn some extra bucks.

Despite the murmurs of disgust from onlookers, Eric didn't bother raising his head. He was focused on finishing his work. That was all that mattered to him at that moment.

But just then, a familiar voice came out that Eric couldn't ignore. He had tried hard not to raise his head but at that moment, he couldn't help it.

“There's the asshole,” Cole's voice mocked loudly, almost immediately after he saw Eric. “He's fucking dying to get a penny. Haha.”

Eric's brows furrowed in surprise and confusion as he looked up. Surprised and confused to see Ivy with Cole walking inside together.

Ivy was his girlfriend, the one who had been walking his buttocks off just to meet up with her high demands.

And Cole? Eric remembered how he’d always been asking Ivy, his girlfriend, about Cole, who had always been visiting her, and she claimed he was just her former coursemate and nothing was going on between them.

Abandoning the mop and the bucket, Eric rushed over to Ivy, his voice curious but calm. “Ivy, what are you doing here?” He asked, desperation dripping in his voice as he continued. “Please, you've got to leave now, my boss is still around.”

Ivy wanted to growl out but Eric continued, cutting her off. “You don't have to worry. The month is ending today. I'll get my pay today and I'll definitely give you some bucks. Just leave so my boss won't see both of us discussing. You know what that means if he does, don't you?”

As he tried to persuade her, a slap landed on his face, echoing in the lobby.

Bang! It was so loud that it drew the attention of everyone. Slowly, a gathering was formed. Curious eyes started moving and murmuring mouths began to whisper.

Eric staggered backward, his hand flying to his face to soothe the spot. His wide eyes glanced at Ivy in disbelief and shock. “You slapped—” His words trailed off, eyes blinking as if to understand things. “What's wrong with you, Ivy?” He stammered.

Cole stepped forward with a mocking smirk. “Ivy is perfectly fine,” he said. “She's just got a text to deliver to you.”

Eric ignored him and looked at Ivy, his cheek still burning from her slap. “What's he talking about, Ivy? What text?” He asked, looking puzzled.

Ivy glared at him with contempt. “Eric or whatever. Sorry, but I'm done with this relationship. It has to end here,” she said, her voice ice cold.