Three Years After We Broke Up, I Punished My Ex-boyfriend

It had been three years since I broke up with Jack Harper. We crossed paths again unexpectedly right outside my office.

The night before, I worked late, so my dad picked me up, and I left my car at work. The next morning, he had a meeting and couldn't drop me off, so I decided to take a rideshare bike since I had time.

Just as I parked the bike by the curb, I heard a sneering voice behind me. "Wow, Josephine, still struggling, huh? It's been three years since we graduated, and you still can't afford a car?"

I frowned and turned around, curious who had the nerve. There was Jack, dressed in a cheap suit, looking at me with disdain. He jingled his car keys, clearly trying to show off. "Need a ride? I might do you a favor for old times' sake," he smirked, then glanced at his watch dramatically. "Oh wait, can't do it today—I've got an important meeting downtown." With that, he strutted off like a rooster who thought he'd just won a fight.

As I watched him walk away, the silence between us was deafening.

Realizing I was running late, I quickly headed toward the office entrance. Jack noticed me following behind and grinned smugly. "If you're hoping to get back together, that's not happening. I mean, you're looking better than ever, but you're still not up to my level. But hey, if you want to catch up later, I might be free after my meeting."

His sleazy grin made me sick to my stomach. Just then, a coworker walked by. "Morning, Josephine!"

"Morning!" I replied with a bright smile.

"You… you work here?" Jack finally caught on, stuttering in disbelief.

"The meeting venue's that way," I pointed with a polite smile. "I've got work to do, so you're on your own." I waved him off and headed inside.

At the meeting.

As a representative of my office, I delivered a speech that received rounds of applause. I smiled and bowed in thanks, only to spot Jack sitting in the back corner, his eyes wide in shock. But then, a confident smirk crept onto his face, like he was plotting something.

After my speech, one of the senior executives came up to me with an approving nod. "Josephine, you've made great strides in the two years you've been here. We've all noticed."

I gave a modest smile. "Thank you for your guidance. I still have a lot to learn from you."

He nodded, pleased. "Stick around after the meeting—we need to have a quick discussion."

By the time I finished up, it was almost 8 PM, and the office building was one of the few still lit up. Letting out a deep breath, I headed to the parking lot, only to be startled by the blaring of a car horn at the entrance. The bright headlights momentarily blinded me, and I raised a hand to shield my eyes.

When I opened my eyes again, I saw someone getting out of the car and waving at me. I walked over curiously, and it turned out to be Jack. I immediately turned to leave, but he quickly ran around to the other side, opened the car door, and said with a fawning smile, "Josephine, it's late—let me give you a ride home."

It was then that I really looked at him for the first time in three years. The stress of work had clearly taken its toll; he had a slight beer belly and looked older than his age. His smile had a hint of desperation, and he bent over slightly as he held the door for me. I stared at him in silence, and his hand, still hovering mid-air, trembled awkwardly. "You haven't eaten yet, right? Let's grab a bite first."

"No need," I said, twirling my car keys in my hand with a cheerful grin. "I'm not used to cheap rides. I have my own car now. Your office is pretty far out in the suburbs, right? You should head back before it gets too late. Coming into the city must be a rare treat for you, but don't overstay your welcome."

His face twisted in embarrassment. His hand tightened on the car door for a second before letting go. "Josephine, are you still mad at me? I had my reasons for breaking up with you back then."

His voice was so earnest that if I didn't know better, I might've believed him. But it was hard to take him seriously, considering he dumped me the day after he got a permanent job and immediately started dating a coworker.