CHAPTER THREE: THE BASTARD IN THE FLESH

SAVANNAH'S POV

"Levi?"

The shock of seeing him there was palpable, and the haunting memories flooded my mind the minute our eyes met. It was a sight that stirred up emotions I had desperately tried to bury.

Levi suddenly cut in with a sly grin on his face, it was not the kind of emotion I had wanted on his face when we met again.

I wanted revenge then and I still want it now. I wanted to have reached my dream and had enough money but look at me. I was the exact opposite of everything I wanted. I was a nobody, I didn't have any money and my daughter's health was on a shaky foundation.

Even now, Levi still had enough and was living fine, if I even got this job, he would be my boss. "Fate brought us back together" Was the first thing he said

Fate brought us together? I wanted to scoff and walk out because I would rather sell my soul to the devil than smile with this man. But I needed the job so I remained composed.

"We meet again" My response was short enough to make me keep my sanity and I liked it that way.

"You stand while I ask my questions" His voice sliced through the air, carrying a cold and unforgiving edge. I should be the one holding a grudge so how dare his voice sound like I was the one who hurt him?

"What makes you think you’re suitable enough for this job?" Came his first question. It was evident that he relished the opportunity to exert his power and authority, intending to be merciless and strict as he leaned back in his chair, deliberately locking his eyes with mine while he perused my documents.

The room felt suffocating, but I held myself together and met his stare head-on. "I possess the necessary qualifications and expertise for this position and that's why I should get the job" I responded, my voice steady, regardless of the unnerving situation.

Inside, my intestines twisted, but I refused to let it show.

His eyes narrowed, and a subtle smirk formed on his lips. "Qualifications alone are not enough savvy and you should know that" he retorted, his tone dripping with derision. I almost threw up when he called me 'savvy' He had lost the right to years ago when he walked out of my life without looking back.

"Miss Andrews" I felt the need to correct him and he burst into laughter before ignoring my words.

"I expect tangible results and undeniable achievements Miss Andrews so do convince me that you are worthy of this position because there are so many people outside that door with better qualifications than yours." The tension grew with each passing minute, and it became clear that Levi was not interested in pleasantries or easy answers.

I wasn't too

As he fired off one demanding question after another, I stood my ground, determined to showcase my resilience and competence. Levi's stern look bore into me, searching for any sign of weakness or hesitation. He was a master at extracting the truth, delving into the depths of my experience and knowledge.

Although he was relentless and kept trying to humiliate me, I still stood my ground. Is he trying to play some cruel joke on me? I could not help but wonder. The interview felt like a grueling ordeal, a test of my mettle. Maintaining a firm tone, "Your time is up."

I left the room feeling optimistic, although the encounter was challenging I might get the job. I had faced his strictness head-on, and though the outcome remained uncertain, I knew I had given it my all.

Now, all I could do was wait, hoping that my performance had been enough to touch him and get me the job. Before Sarah got in, we exchanged contacts and promised to keep in touch and maybe grab a few drinks at a club if one of us got the job. I prayed desperately that it would be me.

*****

I was staring at the email that the company had sent to me at exactly 8 pm that day and my hopes were crushed beyond repair. I wasn't qualified for the position. After everything that I had been through in the past and what I went through in that office earlier today?

What kind of a CEO was Levi and how could he even do this to me? He wronged me, he should be happy to see me after three years. He should have knelt to beg for my mercy and not act like I stole someone valuable from him.

He shouldn't be the one on the upper hand, why the fuck was life so cruel to me? I went through so much alone and now my daughter was going to die? I answered all his questions correctly, including the ones I felt offended by, he made this decision based on his emotions and not the company's growth.

Just while I was trying to process my emotions, another email came in and I clicked on it quickly.

"Dear Savvy, Why not try working as a motel toilet cleaner? I think it would suit you the best so think about it and get back to me before the week ends. With love, Levi,"

I didn’t realize when tears started to bubble up in my eyes, and soon enough, they were blurring my vision. I felt a sharp pain in my chest as if someone had punched me in the gut. Levi had become ruthless and appeared to take pleasure in my difficulties. And look at me, I was the same mess I was three years ago. I am still in my bedroom crying because of the same bastard.

I stared at my daughter who was already asleep now, seeing her like this, fueled my growing hatred for Levi and if I could kill him, I would.

"I will always be by your side," I couldn't forget the stupid empty promise that Levi promised me the very day we first met. I should have known that he was a fucking liar if it weren't for how good he was at lying.

As I clutched my chest tightly, trying to hold back tears, All those promises but he wasn't there in the past and even now, when I needed him the most.

He still wasn't here.