Winning My Ex-Crush

Alan’s POV

“Oh, yeah, I don’t know why people have been so easily offended lately, but really, no one is harmed, right?”

The man on the other end of the phone rambled on about general ethics, social norms, and various other nonsense. I stayed silent, swallowing all of his unhelpful lectures. My eyes rolled upwards every time he recited sections about advertisement broadcasting.

“Alright, sir. I understand. How about we meet to discuss this matter, hm? Talking in person will surely feel different, right?”

Usually, this trick works with some hush money. What else did they want but money? Moreover, in my opinion, this controversy was completely groundless.

“No, no. I’m not trying to bribe you, sir. I just want to discuss and find clues to resolve this controversy.”

The high-ranking official continued to rant loudly on the phone. My head throbbed just hearing the nonsense he spewed. Why did they seem to hate me? I should have been praised for airing a funny and creatively engaging ad. Our team might have even won the annual advertising trophy!

“Alright, alright. I understand. According to your instructions, I will write again officially as soon as possible.” I hung up the phone irritably.

My teeth gritted fiercely, and I threw my phone against the wall. Damn it all! Everything’s a mess! Mallory or Roger didn’t even pick up my calls. Fuck!

My phone rang again, indicating another incoming call. Before one problem was solved, another one arose.

I truly couldn’t understand why they were scrutinizing the ad that had only been broadcast briefly on a rented LED screen. Clearly, no children attended the event yesterday.

These journalists also wouldn’t stop calling me. For exposure, of course, I will entertain them. I picked up my phone from the floor and answered it.

“Hey, how are you?” I greeted him enthusiastically over the phone.

“Oh, yeah, have you seen the ad? What do you think?”

The man on the other end of the phone began confirming various things. Patiently, I explained everything while occasionally sipping my tea.

“Yes, Fenella is amazing. She can be very professional towards me regardless of whatever personal relationship we have at the moment.”

I scratched my head after hearing all the silly suggestions from this man. He even wanted to do more controversial projects with us. Was he crazy?! That’s opportunistic!

“Hey, listen. Right now, Fenella and I are still dealing with the ad issue. We haven’t decided to take on another project yet. Rain check?”

The reporter was furious. He ranted and started threatening me with all kinds of threats he could think of on the spot. Hoaxes and bad news about me and Fenella?

“Please do as your heart’s content, sir. I understand because most of the articles you write are such garbage.”

I hung up the phone on him. My lips pressed tightly together, and finally, I switched off the ringer and set my phone to silent mode.

Oh, what’s this? Laird sent me a message.

Laughter burst loudly from my mouth this time. Was he threatening me or what? Damn it! How dare he threaten me? What does he know about me?! He knows nothing!

I called Mike. “Where are you?”

“At home.”

“Call Jessy and make sure she’s with Fenella or not. If she’s with Fenella, drag them far away from Gene’s office,” I said as I started packing my things into my bag.

“For what?” he asked in his usual stupid tone.

“Someone is threatening to kill me.”

I didn’t know if he was serious or not, but we never know when someone will lose their temper to the breaking point. It is better to be cautious, be prepared, and run away as far as possible.

“So, you don’t want Jessy and Fenella to see you die?”

“Urrgh! For God’s sake, Mike! Stop your foolishness right now!” I yelled at him.

“What’s the point if I die?! Will they pity me if I die or get hurt?! Do you think that’s funny, Mike?!”

“Uh, ok. Sorry, I thought they would pity you. I will call Jessy to meet with them as far away from the office as possible.” Mike stuttered.

“Wait a minute!”

Suddenly, I felt an extraordinary inspiration. “You’re right, Mike. Women like to pity others, especially Fenella.”

I narrowed my eyes. A wide smile now spreads across my lips.

Yes, yes, yes! I could succeed this time. Let me die. If I die, they will pity me and report Laird to the police, and they will break up!

“Hello, Alan?”

“Yes, Mike. Just make sure they come to the office now and see it all,” I said with a calmer smile this time.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I’m sure. Call them and tell them that Laird Evans has gone crazy due to blind jealousy.”

“Alright.”

The call ended. I set my phone to block all incoming calls. Once again, I stared at my phone screen, showing Laird’s name as the sender and the message he sent. I took a screenshot and sent it to Fenella.

‘Please help me. It seems like Laird is going to kill me.’

Now, I just had to wait.

***

“Bastard.”

Laird burst into my office. Seeing the man, I flashed a wide smile. It seemed Laird Evans was truly furious this time. His eyes glared at me, his breath ragged, and he strode towards me with wide steps.

“Welcome,” I greeted him.

“Stop your pretense.” Laird slammed a brown envelope on my desk.

“What is this?” I asked, furrowing my brow.

“Don’t play games, Alan. I know who you really are.” His jaw tensed, and he advanced to intimidate me with his piercing gaze.

I then rose from my chair casually. Curious, I opened the envelope, took out the crumpled documents inside, and quickly read through each page.All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

“Oh, I’m impressed. I didn’t know you were such a big fan of mine to compile these clippings for me.” I placed the document back on my desk as if it meant nothing to me.

I slipped my hands into my pants pockets. I glanced at Laird’s hands, but there seemed to be no knife or gun there. So, was it all just empty threats?

“I will tell Fenella everything. You’re screwed,” he growled in a low voice.

“So, you haven’t told her yet?”

“I want her to see the truth for herself.”

“The truth is that it means nothing to her or to me.” I shrugged.

“Of course, it’s important to her. She will know your lies, and she will hate you forever.”

“So what if she hates me forever? Besides, she already hates me now. You’re just wasting your time.” I sneered, but he continued to glare at me with hatred in his green eyes.

“Enough, Mr. Schmidt. I’m sick of all your games. Just admit if you really like Fenella.”

“You’re barking up the wrong tree, Laird.” My smile widened lopsidedly.

“No. I know that I’m right. I know you’ve liked her for a long time, since high school.”

Once again, he cornered me. Laird Evans was indeed a smart man; I had to admit that. I was just curious-could he beat me? I glanced briefly at the open laptop screen on the desk. The CCTV footage showed Fenella and Jessy entering Gene’s office through the door.

“Listen, Laird.” I redirected my attention to the man.

“How many times do I have to tell you to believe that I’m gay? How can I prove it to you?”

I took long strides around the table. This time, I stood directly in front of him. Laird’s face remained stern, and there was not a hint of fear in his expression.

“You could lie about your sexual orientation.” He growled.

“Like you did in your office?” I smiled at him.

His eyes widened in shock at hearing me. Aha! It seemed he just realized that I had found out about him. Laird roughly grabbed the collar of my shirt with both hands. He growled low between his gritted teeth, holding back his anger.

“Listen, you scoundrel. You have proven yourself to be a big scammer. Now I’m going to kill you.”

“I am gay, Laird. You just turn me on with your rough attitude towards me. Don’t you realize that you’re actually quite cute?” I chuckled and didn’t mind our close faces breaking the privacy barrier. His warm breath swept over my face.

“I don’t give a fuck about labels anymore. One thing I’m sure of is that you like Fenella regardless of your sexual orientation, and you disgust me with all your deceit.”

“My, my, what a sick bastard you are.” I laughed heartily.

Then I stopped laughing, pulled his neck, held his head with both of my hands, and kissed his lips powerfully. Wow, that felt fantastic! Just for a moment, that’s all I needed.