Axel had to go back to the company for something urgent, but despite the tight schedule, he dropped me off at the building first.
I waved goodbye to him, shouldered my bag, and walked home in a good mood.
Just as I stepped out of the elevator, someone grabbed my arm, and I found myself pressed against the cold wall.
It's Derek!
It had been a while since we'd seen each other, and he looked haggard, his eyes filled with emotions I had never seen before.
But I no longer cared to analyze them.
"Riya, what's your relationship with Axel?"
What?
I quickly composed myself. "Derek, instead of spending time with your childhood sweetheart, you come here to cause trouble for me?"
Since when does he care about my business?
My words infuriated Derek. He pulled out his phone, opened Axel's social media, pointed at my silhouette, and said through gritted teeth, "Riya, do you think I can't recognize you? Why were you with Axel at the school?"
"Is Axel chasing you? Are you two together?"
"Riya, you've gone too far this time!"
Playing?
Ha…
Looking at his angry face, I felt nothing. All I could think was: What's it to him?
"Derek, do you have amnesia? We broke up. Who I go back to school with has nothing to do with you."
Seeing me reiterate our breakup, Derek's expression turned ugly, and I took the opportunity to push him away and continue walking inside.
"Riya!"
Derek called out my name, the sound echoing in the empty hallway.
"Are you with Axel to get back at me?"
"…"
I scoffed inwardly. How could I possibly use myself to get revenge on a scumbag?
"Derek, don't overestimate yourself. You're not worth it!"
After saying that, I didn't look back, ignoring Derek as he angrily kicked the wall behind me.
……
The next day was the weekend, and after a good night's sleep, I saw the messages Vivian had sent me.
She sent a string of "hahaha" followed by a big smiley face: "Riya, the sugar-coated villain finally failed. I heard that Derek drank himself into a stupor last night. No matter how Beatrice tried to console him, he called your name all night in front of everyone."
"Beatrice was so angry her face turned pale."
"That dog scumbag must regret it now. Hmph, too late!"
Vivian's messages kept coming, all full of gloating satisfaction.
I, however, was utterly calm.
Because whatever happens to Derek is none of my concern!
……
"Day 45 of the probation period."
Each day, looking at the notes Axel gives me, I feel like the water has boiled, and the frog is doomed.
But I'm willing to stay in this pot of boiling water, and the feeling isn't bad.
"Remember to bring an umbrella, I have a social engagement tonight."
Receiving Axel's text in the morning, I felt a warmth in my heart. "Okay."
When I left work, it was indeed raining, and the rain was heavy. My colleague, who was seven months pregnant, cradled her belly. "Oh no, I didn't bring an umbrella."
"I have one, you can borrow it." Without hesitation, I lent my umbrella to her.
Waiting for a bit, the rain grew heavier, and there were flashes of lightning and thunder outside.
This rainy weather always seems to be against me.
Just as I was considering calling a private car service, a man holding an umbrella walked towards me against the light, and I felt a glimmer of joy.
Axel!
But when I realized it was Derek, my smile was too late to disappear.
Clearly, Derek saw it and heard me call out Axel's name.
