I Can Be Your Nightmare, Mr. Ex

Chapter 10

The seafood restaurant on the outskirts of the city was not very big, but the atmosphere was comfortable with dim lights hanging from the ceiling.

The aroma of the sea mixed with spices filled the air, making the stomachs of anyone who came there immediately rebel and ask to be filled.

Wilona sat opposite Josh, not saying anything because she was still feeling upset.

Her mood improved a little when the food was served. All the dishes ordered by Josh were very delicious and appetizing. Remembering that she had not eaten anything at the previous office dinner, except for some fruits, Wilona felt hungry.

"Eat," Josh said with a grin. "I'm sure, no matter how small your stomach is, the fruits you ate earlier still won't be enough to fill it."

Wilona raised her eyes upwards, but she was not the type of person who liked to pretend or be shy. Besides, driving from the office to this area was quite tiring because it was tense, considering that there was a big boss sitting quietly humming next to her.

"Are you allergic to shrimp?" Josh asked, staring at Wilona's plate, which was only filled with squid and crab dishes.

"Hm?" Wilona looked up. "No. Why?"

"Why aren't you eating the shrimp?" Josh asked. He pointed to the plate filled with plump prawns, coated with a tempting red spice.

Wilona winced. "I... Can't peel shrimp. I don't like the sensation of sharp shrimp shells scratching my fingers."

Josh chuckled at Wilona's words and without being asked, he took a shrimp, peeled it quickly and cleanly, then placed the peeled shrimp on Wilona's plate.

"Uh... Thank you," Wilona said awkwardly.

Josh just nodded and peeled two other shrimp and placed them all on Wilona's plate.

"Boss, can I ask you a question?" Wilona asked softly, while eating her shrimp.

"Okay, as long as you don't call me that again," Josh said irritably. "Or you can keep your questions and feel curious for the rest of your life."

Wilona couldn't help but laugh at Josh's words. She felt the awkwardness ease a little.

"Why didn't you ever tell me that you were Mr. Jarvis William's heir and the new leader of the company?" Wilona asked after eating the last bite of crab meat on her plate.

Josh shrugged casually. "You never asked, so I have no reason to tell you."

Wilona snorted in annoyance. "So you hid it on purpose? I'm sure you've known about me since the first time we met at the office that time. The spilled coffee incident?"

Josh chuckled. "I found out after meeting my grandfather in his office. He was getting ready to leave when I arrived and he grumbled about my lateness. But, it wasn't my fault at that time, because the plane I was on was delayed. Grandpa told me about you and I checked the data of all the directors after that."

Wilona snorted softly. "When we met at the apartment, you already knew that I lived there?"

"That's another matter," Josh said lightly. "I bought a penthouse there around the beginning of last year, because my grandfather had started giving signs that he would pull me into the head office. I was also surprised when I saw you move there."

Wilona felt a little embarrassed. She thought Josh had followed her on purpose, but in fact it was her who seemed to be following Josh.

"But you also didn't say anything about you being my boss," Wilona said softly.

Josh chuckled. "Tsk! That's not something to be exaggerated about. I don't like formal relationships that make friendships awkward and distant."

"And this afternoon? About choosing curtains?" Wilona asked. "You should have known that there would be a reception for you at the office, right?"

Josh laughed out loud this time. "Yes, yes, for that matter, I did want to prank you. Sorry, sorry."

Wilona pouted, but then started laughing because Josh's free laughter was contagious to her.

Josh's relaxed attitude slowly eased Wilona's awkwardness and feelings of irritation. She sighed, trying to accept the fact that Josh had indeed been keeping a secret, but not with bad intentions.

It seemed like he was a straight person who didn't like complicated things. He let Wilona be herself instead of being forced to be respectful just because he was Wilona's boss at the office.

Besides, the neighbor situation did happen naturally and even though Wilona sometimes felt annoyed, it wasn't like she didn't like Josh as her neighbor.

"How are you doing after taking on your new position?" Josh asked then, stirring his drink. "I've checked all the work records of the high-ranking staff and you're one of the ones that caught my attention. I was impressed with your achievements when you led the branch in Melbourne. But I'm curious, why did you come here before and then suddenly ask to move to Melbourne? And your status also changed, from married to single. What happened?"

The question made Wilona freeze for a moment. Her eyes stared into the distance, avoiding Josh's gaze. She didn't want to talk about her past.

"Listen, Wilona," this time Josh's voice sounded formal and quite firm. "I'm asking not as a nosy neighbor, or a nosy friend, but in my capacity as your boss. I need to know if your personal situation will have a big impact on your performance in the future. If every time there is a big problem you ask to move, what if the company doesn't allow it? Will you resign? I heard you threatened to resign at that time, if Aaron didn't give you permission to move."

Wilona's face flushed. Of course Josh must have known that. He had to control his company's resources and seeing how detailed he was, Wilona was sure he was no ordinary man, despite his relaxed attitude.

"One more thing, what are all the problems you have, including the grave you visited that day?" Josh asked bluntly.

Wilona was shocked and she just remembered that Josh had taken her to Maya's grave, even though at that time Josh was waiting in the car outside the gate to the cemetery.

"Is your husband the one buried there?" Josh asked. Her voice was softer and gentler.

Wilona thought for a moment and finally decided to tell about her painful divorce because her husband had betrayed her.

She also told about her daughter who died, a loss that almost destroyed her.

Josh listened without interrupting, just staring at her with an expression that was hard to guess.

After Wilona finished telling her story, she looked at Josh with teary eyes.

"I've long moved on from that jerk who hurt me, but I will never be able to move on from the fact that my daughter died at his hands and that woman he was having an affair with. I will never be able to let Maya go."

Josh patted Wilona's hand on the table. "I understand. I'm glad you told me everything. I need everyone who works with me to have unconditional trust, so it's easy for me to help when needed."

Wilona was touched to hear Josh's words. Josh didn't pity her at all, only offered his willingness to help if Wilona needed it and that felt like a relief.

After dinner was over, they left the restaurant. As they walked towards the parking lot, suddenly a girl ran and bumped into Wilona until she almost fell. Luckily Wilona held her hand.

However, unexpectedly, the child cried loudly. Wilona was shocked and immediately bent down to calm her down.

Before she could say anything, a woman came with hurried steps and a face full of anger. She reached for the crying child and pushed Wilona's hand away.

"You're not watching where you're going, are you?!" the woman snapped.

Wilona was surprised to hear the voice and looked up. Her eyes widened when she recognized the figure in front of her.

"You?" she muttered.

Their gazes met with tension clearly felt in the air. Before Wilona could react further, a man approached and looked at Wilona with no less surprise.

"Wilona?" the man's voice trembled.

Wilona swallowed. Her chest suddenly felt tight when she saw the man standing in front of her.

Sonny Kendrick. Her ex-husband.