When I turned on the coffee machine, the strong scent of coffee enveloped my nostril; my surroundings hummed with the sounds of printers and photocopiers. I was alone myself, waiting for my coffee to brew.

It was Monday. Monday has arrived. A whole two days after the incident. I couldn't stand it anymore; I couldn't face the notion of working with my ex, and I didn't want anything to do with him while the wound was still fresh. And that is why I did what I did: I ran away from the event as quickly as I could, I didn't go to congratulate him, I couldn't wait a single second, I felt as if all the walls around me had crumbled.

And I was just standing there waiting for my demise.

Except for Jacob, I didn't tell anyone. After I told him that I had a severe stomach ache, he let me go and hired an Uber for me.

I walked straight home, took a deep breath, bathed, and sat on the bed, contemplating how I was going to confront him. Coming home by avoiding him was an immature act on my part. But how long could I have managed to evade him? After all, he was my boss now.

When I closed my eyes, the apartment was filled with the sound of the door closing and moans resounding. I was aware of what was going on. The moaning became more audible, and the door opposite mine slammed loudly. I didn't know what I was feeling, but somehow I felt worse; I didn't even like him, and we had only exchanged a kiss.

A kiss that I couldn't quit thinking about. I'd been craving the feel of his hands on me all week. A kiss that messed with my head. It was only a fleeting desire that led to something that should never have happened. So why were my eyes welling up with tears and I wanted to smack him hard?

He's such an Asshole.

I despise myself for feeling awful, and I despise being disturbed by this; didn't I know it was destined to happen?

I don't give a fuck, I'm not going to allow myself to get wounded again. Enough is enough. My delicate heart requires toughness, a state of mind that I cannot alter unless I change my thoughts.

I'm not going to fucking care anymore, I'm going to cuss, and I'm going to live my fucking life the way I deserve.

Wiping my eyes, I swore to myself to not let my guards down around any boy.

Because I have had enough.

The moans didn't stop all night, the bed rocked hitting the walls, and their screams worsened my already busted night. That night, I didn't get a wink of sleep.

I didn't get out of bed on Sunday morning until I heard the doors close twice and grabbed something to feel my tummy. My phone was buzzing with text messages from Jen and Maver. And, of course, that genius knew, because I discovered that by simply reading his text.

He replied back with a smiley and thumbs up. Jen's texts were as usual filled with affection and stress.

I didn't want to bother her with my worries, but a part of me knew she deserved to know everything that Maver knew. After all, I would never be able to pick anyone between them.It's hilarious how, despite being two years older than me and only knowing me for a month, both of them are better friends than any of my college friends have ever been.

Her text brought a smile to my face. How did I get her as a friend?

And that's how I spent my Sunday: ice cream and Netflix. It was the same at night; I couldn't sleep because of the noises coming from the next door.

But I didn't feel anything this time. I didn't allow myself to feel anything. Even though my eyes watered, I didn't let them fall, just like I will never fall again.

The coffee maker beeped to indicate that the coffee was ready. I began walking after taking a small sip of hot coffee. The strong bitter flavor of coffee jolted me out of my slumber.

"Arabella," someone said behind me, causing me to come to a standstill.

"Yep?" I asked, turning around and tilting my head. It was Mark, one of my colleagues.

"The Ceo requested your presence in his office," he grinned.

Of course, he did.

''I will be there, thank you for informing me," I responded with a forced smile, while he nodded and returned to his work.

I know it shouldn't come as a surprise that everyone has taken a liking to our new CEO, whom we all loathed until last Saturday.

Luke had this allure that enchanted everyone, male or female, and everyone adored him. His aura has a way of ensnaring everyone, including myself. I sipped my coffee and tossed the plastic cup before proceeding to the freshly equipped CEO room. It was on the 11th level, and I had to take the elevator to get there.

After reaching the 11th level, the elevator tinged. I walked out of it and headed towards his room. The level was new and vacant; they had designated this floor only for the CEO; other rooms, such as the president's and chairman's chambers, were also there, but they were rarely used.

I knocked twice on the wooden door labeled "CEO," and received the response,

"Come in."

Before entering the room, I took a deep breath and straightened my back. The gentle sounds of vinyl, his regular go-to tune, greeted me the minute I walked in. The back of the chair was in front of me, and the person sitting in it was on the phone. There were no walls behind the table, only a massive glass enclosure showcasing New York's fascinating cityscape.

''Sure, talk to my secretary, he will arrange the meeting'' he said as he hung up the phone. My heart was racing, yet there was no sign of nervousness on my face. Despite my cool demeanor, my palms began to sweat and my legs trembled.

He turned around nonchalantly and returned his gaze to his computer, and I stood there like an idiot.

He chuckled gently, ''my apologies, it slipped my mind, that I had-''

He came to a halt the minute he looked up and his hazel eyes met mine; his face was expressionless at first, but he immediately concealed it with a malicious smile.

''Just the person I was looking for''

I didn't say anything and simply stared at him blankly.

"Don't you think it's impolite of you not to congratulate your new 'boss'," he asked with a malicious smirk, precisely like his cousin.

The Luke I knew never had any trace of any wickedness in his face, but well the Luke I knew wasn't exactly the real Luke.

''I am sorry, I had a bad stomach ache'' was my flat reply. He stared at me with interest before rising from his seat.

''It's okay, Ms. Brown; I'm sure anyone would suffer a stomach ache if they found out their ex was their new boss." He stepped closer to me, smirking. When I noticed him approaching from behind, I spun around.

''You mean the ex who cheated?'' I snorted while his eyes softened and then darkened.

"It was simply a drunken mistake," he gritted his teeth.

''You mean, those were just drunken mistakes'' I emphasized, crossing my arms over my chest. His gaze softened.

"Elli-"

"Don't call me that," I said coldly, "you lost that privilege the minute your dick was inside another bitch's vagina." He flinched.

''Baby, let me explain-''

''What will you explain Luke? What will you explain? Can you explain, why you cheated on me?!" I shouted, breathing frantically. ''Can you tell me why you didn't leave after the first time you cheated on me?! Can you explain why you kept cheating on me?" I yelled, my eyes brimming with fury. I had no idea tears were falling from my eyes until he pointed them out.

''Don't cry'' he murmured wiping my tears, I yanked his filthy hands away.

''Don't touch me!" I took a step away from him and answered harshly.

''Baby give me a chance!'' He pleaded, standing in front of me.

''You had it and you threw it away."

''One last time, baby. One last time, I promise I promise, I will make it worth it, I promise I will not raise my eyes to look at another woman'' he pleaded, holding my face in his palms. I attempted to pull his hands away from my face, but he wouldn't budge.

''Why can't you just leave me alone?'' I muttered, clenching my jaw.

''Because I love you!'' He murmured, while I froze.

''Because I love you'' he repeated, looking at me tenderly.

I didn't say anything and remained still. It's not because my heart had been longing to hear those three words, no, it's not because of that. It's because of how far he's gone wrong. He has no concept of what it is to be in love. Because if he loved me, he would never have cheated on me, and if he loved me, he would not have sought pleasure in other women's vaginas.

Because, ifhe loved me, I would have been worth the wait.

He clearly didn't love me and neither did I love him.

But he misunderstood my frozen posture for another connotation, for which he leaned in, and everything transpired so quickly that the door flew open just as his lips were about to capture my frozen ones.

"Hey, Cuz."