2. HELLO, MY EX!

"Thank you, Sir," Serena said as Tommy praised her work.

The man nodded, "Oh yes, the GM is here too. It's not Mr. Tora anymore like he used to attend."

Serena's smile slowly faded as she heard the manager's words.

"Keep working, I want to accompany Mr. GM first," said Tommy who quickly left Rena.

             The woman in the maroon suit immediately nodded slowly. Because she also didn't know who exactly the GM was talking about. Moreover, it had only been three months since the hotel where she worked had changed leadership. Somehow an uncomfortable feeling just arose because of hearing the narrative from the manager just now.

            Serena's guess seemed to be right. Things were not going well. One of the waiters conveyed an obstacle that made her have to think fast and hard.

"This might be Wiwid's doing, Serena. She likes to provoke your emotions," said Amel who overheard the conversation.

"Really? Just watch out if she's the mastermind," Serena said almost frustrated.

             Before the girl could make a move, Tommy the manager immediately showed a worried look on his face. Rena stammered and then sighed softly.

"Why is this, Serena? Isn't everything set?" asked Tommy still trying to show his patience.

"I-yeah, sir. Sorry, I didn't know either. The dessert was ordered long ago, but the chocolate flavor came instead. I'll ask the chef directly," said Serena who immediately excused herself.

             Meanwhile, in the western part of the room, a white man was adjusting his hair back. He continued to enjoy Serena's face, which was already showing anxiety. Who else if not Barra? The only man who just realized Rena's presence in his territory at this time.

There was a moment of regret in his mind for never visiting the restaurant area of Erlangga's hotel immediately. If only he had known that his ex was already there from the start then it is certain that his revenge event would have been carried out faster.

"Done?" asked Barra who was now glancing at David the subordinate.

"Yes, Sir. As instructed," David replied with a bow.

             In his heart, David kept asking why it was the GM who wanted to disrupt the event. Moreover, this was the first time he had seen the man who had long been his superior smiling triumphantly. It seemed different from his usual days. Even if he won a tender, his famously cold and flat face was never as bright as it was just now.

             It was like being struck by lightning. Mr. Aaroon, the owner of the event, had a disappointed look on his face. The only daughter spilled the dessert dish that was not to her liking. While most children might be chocolate fans, that was not the case for her, a vanilla fanatic.

"Fluffy vanilla cake. I don't want another dessert," snapped the princess who had folded her hands.

What had been a festive and colorful event had now turned into a very tense atmosphere. Mr. Aaroon swore and demanded the hotel compensate him. Instead of worrying, Barra smiled. Oh, he succeeded in making Rena feel cornered now.

"Sorry, Serena. The manager told me that you were called to the Director's office right now," Amel said with an apologetic look on her face.

"It's okay. That's how it's going to be, Mel. I swear. I'm confused about where I went wrong. It's that simple, huh," complained Serena who then immediately disappeared from the pantry.

             Serena's heart was beating faster as she passed through the hotel corridor. Her steps were getting faster because she was curious about the complicated problem that she would have to face alone.

The girl with dusky brown eyeballs immediately lowered her face after being invited in. The Director seemed to be staring intently at her.

             Serena just nodded while saying endless apologies. She didn't know what to do anymore. Even her position was threatened at the moment. Having just been appointed four months as an assistant manager, Rena had already disappointed the F&B Director.

             The girl had kept her head down for a long time but she had yet to hear a decision from her superiors. Until a knock sounded from outside made Serena look up for a moment.

"Come in," said the director.

             She muttered as the secretary handed her a blue folder and then said something that Serena could not hear at all. Serena tried to smile wryly when she saw the secretary showing her little grin.

Oh, this girl does have a lot of female enemies around her workplace. Moreover, her sardonic gaze is not friendly. That was Serena who was already used to her haughty face. Especially now that she only lives alone in a tiny housing estate without any help from her parents. The divorce case between the two of them made Rena turn into a grumpy figure who doesn't like to be close to many people. She prefers to get closer to certain friends only. Like Fina and Amel.

"You are told to choose. Leave dishonorably or compensate for hotel losses. If you leave dishonorably, you might end up in jail. My suggestion is to reduce your salary," said the director.

             Serena was stunned for a moment. She took a slow breath and then let it out. It was clear that being dishonorably discharged would make it difficult for her to find a new job. Not to mention that her reputation would be ruined because of the case she had just made. There was no other choice but second ammunition.

"What is the range of costs I have to reimburse, sir?" asked the fair-skinned girl bravely.

"According to your salary here, it is written that you only receive 30 percent of your salary. The rest will be paid off after two years of employment. What do you think?" said the director.

             Serena lowered her shoulders which had been tense. There was nothing she could do but say yes. Surely a party like Mr. Aaroon's would cost a lot of money. What a misfortune today.

"Come to the GM's office tomorrow morning. I'll be there too. You may go."

***

             This is where Serena and the director awaited the GM's arrival. The girl had signed the contents of the new employment contract without further thought. Of course, she no longer read the sentences in the document.

"Morning, Sir," greeted the director to the highest boss in the hotel where they worked.

             Serena was no different. She was frozen in place with her lips pressed tightly together. Her face paled as she witnessed a sight she hadn't seen in eleven years. The wound gaped again after she closed it with great difficulty. So did the man who was now right in front of her.

"Leave us alone, Sir. I would like to have a one-on-one talk with Miss Serena Queen Adhisty," Bara said without taking his eyes off Rena's graceful face.

             True to his orders. No one else was in the room. Only Serena and Barra were staring at each other. Even within seconds, they were still both diving into those long-buried memories.

"Hello, My Ex!" greeted Bara while displaying her devilish smile.

             Slowly the man's body got closer until the distance created was only an inch between them.