Post-Divorce Remorse

The next morning, I arrived at the office early.

Everyone shot me a mocking glance once I stepped through the door.

“Yo, isn’t the kept man resigning? What are you still standing here for?”

“Yeah. Weren’t you pretty cocky yesterday? Thought Mr. Ward couldn’t be bothered to work with us anymore…”

Ignorance couldn’t be reasoned with; I had no time for these people.

Just then, Ivy’s personal assistant, Zachary, emerged from the office.

Bearing the tone of a superior, he said, “Tsk, little Jules actually showed up? As I said, youngins need to keep their cool. If there’s something to learn from others, then you should learn it.

“From now on, everyone should learn from our Julian here.

Zachary was currently Ivy’s pet.

Even though the other employees were annoyed by his bossy attitude, they still perfunctorily echoed him with nods.

Having basked in everyone’s approving glances, Zachary then looked toward me.

Acting as though he was concerned for my well-being, he patted my shoulder and said, “By the way, Jules, I’ve requested from Ms. Bennett that from now on, I’ll be mentoring you. I’ll try to get you more projects so you can climb the ladder.”

Sparing him no glance, I lit a cigarette and took a shallow drag.

“No need. What could you possibly teach me as an assistant? Besides, I’m resigning today. There’s no need to trouble you.”

The room gasped.

Someone couldn’t hold back laughter and blurted, “D*mn, bro, I gotta admit that I was way off about you before.”

“Holy crap, look at Zachary’s pale face flushing like crazy. It’s so d*mn satisfying!” someone whispered.

Another rejoiced and said, “Work’s annoying enough without j*rks like Zachary acting all high and mighty. Feels pretty good to see him get his comeuppance.”

Zachary was stumped by what I said, seething on the inside and unable to come up with a retort.

He could only stare at me with wide, furious eyes.

Ignoring him, I leisurely packed my belongings.

Seeing he couldn’t make a splash here with me, Zachary stormed off to Ivy’s office.

Soon after, Ivy strode out with her gaze coldly fixed on me.

I didn’t pay much mind and my packing was almost done. I lifted the storage box to take with me.

“Move. You’re in my way.”

Ivy raised an eyebrow, her tone icy as she said, “Resign if you want. I don’t need someone like you. But before you leave, apologize to Zachary.”

“For what, may I know?” I asked, puzzled.

“Zachary kindly offered to mentor you for a promotion, yet you responded with that half-dead attitude. Don’t you think you owe him an apology?”

Her voice rose as she spoke and the office was enveloped in pin-drop silence.

I didn’t feel like arguing. It was pointless anyway.

So, I turned to Zachary and said, “Sorry.”

As I turned back to leave, Ivy blocked my path and refused to let it go.

“Is that your idea of an apology?”

Zachary leaned in too.

“Jules, youngsters shouldn’t be rash. You gotta learn to be more composed.”

“My foot!”

These two were knuckleheads. I’d had enough and shoved Zachary aside.

I hadn’t used much force but he stumbled and fell to the floor with his face twisted in pain.

“Julian Ward!”

Ivy panicked and rushed forward to slap me across the face.

It stung.

She then shoved me away like I was nothing, and with a face of concern, she helped Zachary to his feet. He had clearly faked the fall.

“Zacky, are you okay? Did you hurt yourself? Should I take you to the hospital?”