My Husband had a First Love Who Challenged Me Every Day

Mason definitely held a grudge. All I did was exercise my right to leave that pit of a job, but he wasn’t about to let me off easy. Instead, he doubled my workload.

I was suffering in silence, but I didn’t say a word. Instead, I mentally played out a movie about my petty boss being reincarnated as someone who lost his hearing and voice.

What a lovely thought.

“Carter, get me a glass of water.”

“Yes, sir. Here’s your Earl Grey, enjoy!”

“Carter, print these documents.”

“Right away, sir.”

“Carter–”

“Already on it.”

…

By the end of the day, I was utterly exhausted.

Rich people really know how to treat their employees – always got someone eager to play the loyal pet.

When the end-of-day bell rang, I practically bolted out of the office, feeling a rare rush of joy at escaping this workplace nightmare.

Mason was still calling my name, but sorry, pal, it was quitting time – Carter had officially shut down.

Can’t hear you, won’t hear you.

I sped out the door and hopped into the first taxi I saw, eager to leave Mason in the dust. What I didn’t see, though, was the smug little grin creeping up on his face.

Twenty minutes later, I arrived home… and realized my bag was gone. I stood there, dumbfounded.

That’s when it hit me. Mason’s fake, concerned calls earlier had been a trap. He knew exactly what he was doing.

Without a second thought, I called for another ride, racing back to the office.

To my shock, the place was completely locked up. The same company that usually never closed before midnight had decided to shut its doors early, just for me.

Mason, how could you?!

After standing in the cold wind for ten long minutes, I gave up and found a hotel to crash in for the night.

…

Lying in bed, tossing and turning, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much this hotel was costing me. What, was the bed made of gold or something?

Mason, are you sleeping right now? Because I’m not, and it’s your fault.

“Ding.”

Who’s texting me at this hour?

I reached for my phone and saw Mason’s name pop up.

“Carter, still awake?”

“When you left, you forgot your bag at the office. I hope you’re not upset I didn’t remind you sooner. I did try to call out to you, but you didn’t respond.”

Ugh, how could someone be so passive-aggressive?

“No worries, sir. I’m at a hotel now. Since you’re so kind, I’m sure you’ll cover the cost, right? I’ll send you the bill in a bit. Thanks! Goodnight, sir.”

Why aren’t you replying? I know you’re still awake.

Ever since finding out Mason was still my boss, my motivation for work had been at an all-time low. I mean, what’s the point anymore?

I kept repeating my work mantra, “If you’re not motivated to work, something’s wrong with your head”, hoping to salvage what was left of my drive. But Mason… it’s all your fault.

I hate this.

In college, I used to hate 8 a.m. classes, and apparently, nothing’s changed. But this time, I couldn’t let a comfy hotel bed hold me back – what held me back was the fact that checkout time was looming, and I wasn’t about to pay for an extra night.

Quickly, I packed my things and bolted out of the five-star hotel. Good riddance, and I’d be sure to avoid this one next time.

Back at the office, I felt as worn out as someone who’d spent years living in a cave. My anxiety levels were through the roof, and the headache pounding away in my skull wasn’t helping.

…

Mason showed up and left again, as usual.

How is it that he manages to juggle two companies at once? How many lives has this man ruined?

“Carter, the boss needs you to pack up and join him on a business trip,” the department head, Ms. Bishop, told me.

“What? I can’t. I’m not cut out for this!” I tried to shrink back, feeling like a turtle retreating into its shell. Who in their right mind would want to go on a business trip with Mason?

Ms. Bishop gave me a long, knowing look. “You’re new, and the boss sees potential in you. You should take advantage of this opportunity,” she said, patting my shoulder in a way that told me I didn’t have much of a choice.

“Sure,” I muttered, resigning myself to my fate. Being an employee means following orders, after all.

I rushed home, packed my things, and soon found myself on a plane with Mason and his assistant, Ian.

Mason kept to himself during the trip, staying tight-lipped and acting all high-and-mighty. He really played up the whole “silent and mysterious” routine, as if we were all strangers.

How did an executive spend so much time on business trips? We’d been out here for two days, and I hadn’t seen him meet with a single client or discuss any deals.

Turns out, this was just a glorified vacation.

So, why was I even here? To stop people from thinking you and your assistant were having a secret romance?

Anyone need a completely useless boss? I’m practically giving him away!