Resolve For Revenge

CHAPTER FIVE - RESOLVE FOR REVENGE

Amelia's POV

Sarah had just kissed Jeremy. My ex-husband. Not just my ex-husband, but the father of my child. And Jeremy, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me, simply patted Sarah's shoulder. It was just a casual gesture but it infuriated me. Jeremy’s eyes swept over the office, landing on me for a fleeting second before moving on.

Sarah meanwhile, turned back to her desk, humming a little tune. She caught my eye and offered another bright smile.

“He's always like that in the mornings,” she chirped, as if reading my mind. “A real workaholic. But he's a sweetheart once you get to know him.”

I offered her a tight smile. A sweetheart? My jaw clenched. I knew Jeremy. Sweetheart wasn't the word I'd use. “Right,” I managed, my voice a little stained.

The rest of the morning passed by quickly and the other staff came. Claire, a younger lady occupied the desk beside mine. Next was Sarah’s and then Mr. Clifford, a sadist whose response was a mere nod when I said ‘hi’.

I was grateful to Sarah. She was true to her word, guiding me through the company's systems and explaining my role. I was an administrative assistant, primarily supporting the executive team. Which meant I'd be working closely with Jeremy's office.

So far, my desk was comfortable, and the coffee Sarah made me was good. I tried to focus on the tasks at hand, but every time Jeremy's office door opened or closed, my head snapped up. He was in and out frequently, sometimes with other executives, sometimes alone.

Around lunchtime, Sarah walked over to my desk. “Want to grab something from the cafeteria? They have amazing sushi today.”

I hesitated. A little part of me wanted to decline and maintain a distance. But the better part, that craved for some normalcy and a distraction, agreed. “Sure, that sounds great.”

We walked together, towards the elevator. Sarah engaged me in gossip.

“He's such a catch, isn't he?” She sighed dreamily. “Every girl in the office has a crush on him. He's single, you know. And so dedicated to his family's business.”

I kept my expression neutral. “Is he?” I asked feigning mild interest.

“Oh, yeah. He's been here for a month now, and he's completely turned things around. The company was struggling before he came. He's a genius. And so handsome. I mean, who wouldn't want to be Mrs. Calloway?” She giggled, nudging me playfully.

My stomach churned, and it wasn't just the pregnancy. Mrs. Calloway. That used to be me. Thinking about that last felt like I was forced to swallow a bitter pill.

We reached the cafeteria. A space so vast and modern and filled with the aroma of various cuisines. Sarah led me to a table near the window. As we sat down, my eyes wandered, and of course, they landed on him.

Jeremy was at a table, deep in conversation with a woman. My eyes scanned the woman, with sleek black hair and blue eyes. She was laughing. Jeremy was smiling, a relaxed smile I hadn't seen on his face since… well, since before our divorce.

“Oh, that's Ms. Tanaka,” Sarah said, following my gaze. “Head of R&D. Brilliant. Inseparable from Jeremy's on the new project. They've been working together for weeks now.”

Inseparable. I forced myself to look away. “She seems nice,” I said.

“Oh, she is. I think they make a great team. I've heard whispers that she's even been helping him with some personal stuff too. You know, like home life. Boss seems to be under a lot of pressure lately.”

“You seem to know a lot about him,” I said.

“Damn right, I do. He's a great mentor. I've learned so much just by watching him.”

I nodded. “Let’s grab our sushi.” I nudged Sarah.

As we waited in line, the jealous lady in me wanted to confront Jeremy, and demand to know about his relationships with Ms. Tanaka. But then the reasonable part of me knew that I had no right to. I was no longer his wife, and he was free to do as he pleased.

***

The clock ticked five and the office began to empty. When Sarah walked over with her bag, I rounded up my tasks, shutting the laptop off and grabbing my bag as well.

“So, how was today? Think you've got the hang of it?”

I smiled, nodding profusely. The elevator descended and I leaned against the wall, condoning Sarah's unending gossip. When the doors chimed open and we stepped out into the lobby, now empty.

Outside the company, neon city lights were beginning to twinkle. The air was cool and natural. While Sarah got into her car, I hailed a taxi, giving the driver the address of the new apartment.

The taxi pulled up to a sleek, modern apartment building, far grander than our old one. I paid the driver and stepped out.

"Amelia! You're home!" Claudia lunged forward and we hugged.

Mum was next. Her face, etched with worry, quickly softened into a smile. "How was your first day, my dear?"

"It was... eventful," I replied, inhaling her homey scent.

Nana was in the living room, propped up comfortably in a plush armchair, a soft blanket over her legs. Mrs. Sato, her nanny was sitting beside her, reading from a book. Nana looked peaceful.

"My Amelia," she said. "You look tired. Did that young man work you too hard?"

"Something like that, Nana," I replied with a small laugh.

We ate dinner together, a simple but comforting meal Mum had prepared. And I kept the details of my day vague, focusing on the new office, the friendly colleagues. And the tasks I'd been given.

Later, as I lay in the unfamiliar bed of my new, spacious room, I placed a hand on my belly. "Twinkle," I whispered, "today was a lot, wasn't it?"

Tomorrow, I'll take an excuse to be late. It was my first ultrasound. The first glimpse of my baby. Jeremy would give anything to be there with me. But then… he'd have to beg.

And oh… I was going to make him beg.