My Big Boss is My ex-Husband

"This is a divorce letter."

James got a letter from Sheryl. He was disappointed with his wife's decision. He didn't expect it to have such a big impact.

Sheryl divorced James after five years of marriage. She was tired of his lack of romance.

Sheryl says James is a good husband. He met her needs, but she wanted more. She desired love, attention, and indulgence.

"Think again," James said.

"No," Sheryl said.

"Have I not done enough for you?" James asked again.

"No," Sheryl said.

James sighed. He looked at his wife.

"Let's talk," James said.

"I don't think we can talk anymore, James. You know why I'm divorcing you," Sheryl said.

"What about our parents? What do I say when they ask?" James asked.

James spoke a lot. He regretted Sheryl's decision. He couldn't accept it. Sheryl made a decision without talking to him.

James wasn't ready for his parents to ask about the divorce.

"Sheryl, you should have talked to me first," James said.

"Why would I talk to you about this? You don't care about me. I'm happy with the materials you give me, but I also need to be cared for. Your love is what I want," Sheryl said.

"Tell me if that's what you want," James said.

Sheryl cleared her throat. "You're more concerned with your work than your wife."

"I want to be like my friends who are always posting about their husbands on social media. They always share photos of them being intimate. As for me, I can't post anything because you never want to take pictures with me. Even on vacation, you're busy with your gadgets," Sheryl continued.

James was silent as he listened to Sheryl's words. All of Sheryl's frustrations seemed to just spill out in front of James. Sheryl hopes that James can realize all his mistakes.

"I'm saying this because I'm in pain. You stay up late at home. I sleep alone. There's no reason for me to stay with you. You can live your life. From this moment on, we will live our own lives.

"I'm leaving tomorrow," Sheryl said.

Sheryl finished her speech and returned to the room. James was still silent in the living room, staring at Sheryl's departure. The letter fell to the floor. James' body went limp, and he sat on the sofa.

****

Two years later, Sheryl got a job as a personal assistant at a well-known Florida company.

Sheryl was happy because her mother had a stroke after she and James divorced.

The other side of the family blamed Sheryl for the disaster that befell her own family.

Sheryl applied for a job to pay for her mother's treatment.

"Mom, I'll work in a real company from tomorrow. I'll cover your medical costs," Sheryl told her mother, Melinda.

"You have to work and take responsibility for what happened to your mom," said her father, Mario O'Conner.

Sheryl sighed. "I'll take responsibility. You don't have to worry."

Mario left upset, while Melinda cried. She couldn't speak, so she cried for her family, especially Sheryl.

Sheryl tried to stay strong. She couldn't be angry because it was her fault.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I just want to be happy. James doesn't understand me. I just want his attention. Am I wrong?" Sheryl asked.

Melinda shook her head and cried. Sheryl cried too and hugged her mother, who was lying on the bed.

"I promise I'll treat you, Mom," Sheryl said.

****

The next day, Sheryl got ready for work. She wore nice clothes and smelled good. This was her first day at work. She wanted to look her best.

Sheryl went to the dining room for breakfast, but the table was empty.

"Dad, why no breakfast?" Sheryl asked.

"I spent all my money on your mother's treatment. You can have breakfast outside," Mario replied.

"I don't have any money, Dad," Sheryl said.

"It's none of my business," Mario said.

Sheryl left. "Take care of Mom."

Sheryl left hungry. She walked to the yard.

In the yard, her cousin was ready with his motorcycle. Sheryl wanted to hitch a ride. She had to give up her pride.

"Robert, take me to the office," Sheryl said.

"I can't," Robert said.

"Please, Robert. I can't take the bus. Please," Sheryl pleaded.

Robert sighed. "You're a pain. Your office and mine are far apart. I'll be late if I drop you off."

"Robert, I'll pay you after my first paycheck. Please," Sheryl pleaded.

"I can't," Robert said. "I don't want to get fired."

Sheryl was disappointed by Robert's rejection. This was due to her divorce from James. Her family knew James was wealthy. They think Sheryl is ungrateful.

"This is a reply to a wife who doesn't know gratitude. You already have a good life, yet you still demand more," Robert said.

"It's none of your business, Robert!" Sheryl said angrily.

Robert grinned. "It's my business too. You've disgraced our family. What's James lacking? He's rich and can give you anything. But you, you demand more."

"I just want to be loved and spoiled by him! I want to make James understand that happiness doesn't always come from material things."

"You're selfish, Sheryl. You sued your husband for a trivial reason. You could have talked to him, but you didn't," Robert said.

"If you don't know, don't speak."

Sheryl left Robert and went to the office alone. She didn't want to argue with him.

"Get out of here, Sheryl! Go away and don't come back!" Robert said.

"Get off this earth, Robert!" Sheryl retorted.

Robert laughed at Sheryl.

"Stupid woman!" Robert mocked Sheryl.

"Shut up!"

****

Sheryl came to work looking upset. Today was supposed to be great, but it wasn't.

"Miss Sheryl?"

Someone greeting Sheryl kindly. She looked at the beautiful woman in front of her.

"Yeah?"

"I thought you wouldn't come, Miss Sheryl."

"That's not possible. I will definitely come because I need this job," Sheryl said.

"Sure, I'll go with you to see the Big Boss."

Sheryl just nodded and followed the woman's lead. They were in the elevator on their way to the top floor, which was the boss's office.

"We've arrived, Miss."

Sheryl smiled and watched as the woman opened the door. When she did, Sheryl was surprised to see who was in the room.

"Is it really him?" Sheryl wondered.

Chapter 2

Two hours had passed, but Sheryl and James had yet to speak. They were silent because of today's unexpected meeting. They had been apart for two years and were now reunited.

Rebecca, who came with Sheryl to meet James, was confused by their attitude. She wanted to talk, but it felt rude. She stayed silent.

"It's been a while, Sheryl," James said.

"Yes, it's been a long time, James," Sheryl says.

James smiled. "How did you get here?"

"I don't know. I didn't want this to happen," Sheryl answered.

James looked at Rebecca. "Is Sheryl the one you mean, Rebecca?"

"Yes, sir. Miss Sheryl will be your personal assistant," Rebecca replied.

"Okay."

"Sorry, but I'm not interested in being your personal assistant," Sheryl replied.

James nodded. He checked Sheryl's data as a candidate for his assistant. He smiled.

James looked at Rebecca. "Is this the only candidate?" He asked.

"No, sir. There's still one other candidate. I'll get in touch with her right away if you want," Rebecca replied.

"Okay, call her now. I don't think this woman needs much money to treat her mother's illness." James glanced at Sheryl.

Hearing James' words, Sheryl remembered her promise to Melinda. She would be selfish to give up the job. She felt ashamed if she had to beg her ex.

""Wait, James!"

"What's wrong?" James asked.

"I need this job. I might be your assistant," Sheryl says.

James laughed at Sheryl's sudden change of heart. "You're still bad."

"Shut up," Sheryl said. "Tell me what I'm doing today."

James stopped laughing and told Rebecca to leave. Rebecca left James and Sheryl.

After Rebecca came out, James said, "First, be nice to me. I'm your boss, not your husband. Obey me."

"Secondly, you must be available if I need you. You should also be prepared to work overtime. And..."

James stopped speaking when he saw his ex-wife's annoyed expression. "...thirdly, you must make a report if you can't attend. Will you accept these conditions?" He continued.

"Okay. I agree to those terms," Sheryl replied.

"Good answer. Start your work today. Check the documents for tomorrow's meeting. The meeting starts at 8:00 a.m."

James gave Sheryl the document. "Your office is next to mine. Check the document in your room," He said.

"Okay."

After Sheryl left, James called Rebecca.

"Hello, Rebecca."

"Yes, sir?"

"Please keep an eye on Sheryl. I have assigned her to review important documents. Don't let those documents ruin the company's new project because of her. I know how capable she is," James said.

"Sure, I'll keep an eye on her."

"Okay."

****

It was 5 pm, but Sheryl didn't get up. She didn't even have time for lunch. The documents she was checking were not ordinary. She didn't expect working in an office to be difficult.

Sheryl's only experience is as a waitress in a small restaurant. She got this experience when she was 20 years old and stopped working when she was 30 years old because she got married to James.

Rebecca was directing Sheryl, who still didn't understand the document. Sheryl was a fool for not continuing her studies. She could have paid for them, but she was lazy. She regretted it.

"Miss, checking this document is very easy. Just match the data here with the data on the computer. That's all," Rebecca instructed.

"I'm dizzy. I didn't even have time to eat lunch," Sheryl said.

"Alright. I'll get you something to eat so you can focus on this task," Rebecca said.

Sheryl just nodded. She had given up on that job. If it wasn't for her mother, Sheryl would have run away a long time ago.

Sheryl thought about what James said. Her ex knew Melinda was sick. How did he know?

"How could he know? I never told him. We never spoke. Is he psychic? Or maybe he has a spy watching me," Sheryl said.

"Should I ask him?" Sheryl muttered. "No. I won't. Let him know about Mom."

****

James walked to the elevator and bumped into Rebecca. She looked tired. It was 7:00 pm.

"Rebecca, why aren't you home yet? It's after hours," James said.

Rebecca sighed. "Sir, I give up."

"What do you mean, 'give up'?" asked James, confused.

"I gave up watching and teaching Miss Sheryl, sir. I've been teaching her how to check such important documents. But she still doesn't understand," Rebecca replied.

"What should I do, sir?" Rebecca asked.

James smiled. "I know her abilities. Why did you choose her as my assistant? Her education doesn't qualify."

"I don't know why I chose Miss Sheryl. Do we have to replace her? I can contact other candidates."

"No need. I'll teach that woman. You should go home. I'm sure your parents are waiting," said James.

Rebecca smiled happily. Her boss was always understanding of his employees.

"Yes, sir. I'm leaving. Excuse me," Rebecca said.

James nodded and went to Sheryl's office. Rebecca entered the elevator to go home.

"Not done yet?" James asked as he came into Sheryl's room.

Sheryl looked up at James. "Not yet."

James sighed. "Rebecca gave up for a reason."

"What do you mean? I don't like small talk. Just tell me why you're here," Sheryl said.

James sat down across from Sheryl. He took the important document from his ex-wife's hand. There was not a single ink scribble on the document.

To be honest, the contents of the document were correct. It's just that James wanted to see Sheryl's ability. And as it turned out, the woman's ability was still the same as before. Weak, but always pushing herself.

"Sheryl, quit this job," James said.

"You're firing me?"

"No, Sheryl. That's not what I meant," James said. "I know what you're capable of. Don't push yourself to do something you've never done before. If you need money for Mom, tell me. I'll help you."

Sheryl laughed. "You still think I can't do it. You never change."

"It's not like that, Sheryl. You should know what you can do. You've never worked in an office. Even when we were together, you never wanted to come to my office. Why are you here? Are you being pressured to work?"

"You don't need to know my business. What I wonder is, how did you know my mom was sick? Are you stalking me?" Sheryl asked.

"Why aren't you home? Your mom's been asking about you."

Marco scolded Sheryl, who had just come in. It was 10:00 pm, which was normal for Marco to ask.

"I have a lot of work. I have to work overtime because I have a meeting tomorrow. I was asked to check an important document," Sheryl replied.

"You should've asked your boss! Didn't you think about your mom? She won't eat unless you feed her! I have a headache taking care of your mom!" Marco shouted.

Sheryl was silent. She was too tired to fight her father. She went to see her mother.

If she had a salary, she could call a nurse to take her mother to the doctor.

Sheryl opened her room door and saw her mother asleep. She went to apologize for her mistake.

"Mom, I'm sorry. I had a lot of work and had to work overtime. I couldn't ask for permission because it was my first day. I hope you understand," Sheryl said.

Melinda opened her eyes. She smiled at Sheryl. She was happy to see her daughter home safe. She was worried about Sheryl.

"Why don't you want to eat? You must be upset. I just got scolded for that."

Sheryl took off her jacket and said, "I'll feed you."

She left to get food. There was mushroom soup in the pot. She heated the soup and made rice.

Sheryl went back to her mom's room. "Let's eat. I've warmed the soup."

Melinda nodded. Sheryl fed her mother. Sheryl was happy Melinda ate well.

"Mom needs to eat more. I'll take you to the hospital for therapy after I get paid. You'll recover," Sheryl said.

****

James arrived at 7 a.m. He went to get some documents but saw Sheryl's workspace was empty.

"Why isn't she here? Maybe she quit."

James muttered, "Never mind. Let her give up. I don't care."

He went to his room, but Sheryl arrived out of breath.

"Sorry, I'm late," Sheryl said.

"That's okay. I thought you quit," James said.

Sheryl shook her head. "I won't give up, James. You should see how persistent I am at work."

"James?"

"Oh, sorry. I meant Mr. James," Sheryl said.

James smiled. "Okay. Get the important documents ready and we'll go to the meeting room. Bring a notebook to record today's meeting."

"Absolutely, Mr. James!"

Sheryl rushed to her room, her eyes alight with excitement. While James just smiled at his ex-wife's words. James admitted that Sheryl's spirit never changed.

If only Sheryl had been willing to wait for James to change. Just think-maybe they would still be living together by now.

****

"Thank you so much, Mr. James. You really understand me and my needs. This meeting went so well. I'm so grateful for all your hard work on this project," Luciana said with a warm smile.

She gave James a kiss on both cheeks. Sheryl, who saw this, felt a little sick to her stomach. When he was her husband, James had never once been romantic to her. In fact, James always refused if Sheryl wanted to kiss him on the cheek.

Sheryl murmured, "Why is he more flexible now? It's so different from before."

"Will you come to dinner at my restaurant, Mr. James?" asked Luciana.

"I'm glad you invited me, Miss Luciana," James replied.

Sheryl clucked. She was disgusted by the scene. "When he was with me, he never wanted to be taken out to dinner. But now he happily accepts offers from other women. Disgusting!"

"Very well, Mr. James. I'll excuse myself then. I'll see you tonight!" Luciana said, her voice brimming with excitement.

"Absolutely, Miss Luciana. Let me take you to the front," said James.

"Okay!"

James looked at Sheryl and said, "Clear the table. I'll take Miss Luciana to the front."

"Absolutely, Mr. James!" Sheryl replied with a big, bright smile.

****

A few hours passed, and it was time for Sheryl to have lunch. She eagerly took out her lunchbox from her bag.

Sheryl prayed to God before eating, asking for blessings and good health for her food.

"Bon appetit!" Sheryl said with a big smile.

She ate a bite of her fried rice. It was delicious. The simple menu reenergized her after work.

"Oh my goodness, it smells absolutely amazing!" Rebecca exclaimed as she entered Sheryl's room.

"Oh, it's you, Miss Rebecca. Come on in and join me!" Sheryl said.

"Okay. By the way, I also brought lunch. I came here to invite you to have lunch with me," Rebecca said as she sat down across from Sheryl.

"Well, I'm very happy to have someone join me for lunch. Thank you, Miss Rebecca."

"No problem, Miss Sheryl. We are already friends. So there's nothing wrong with eating together every day."

Rebecca opened her lunch box. The menu was also simple. Sheryl thought Rebecca's menu would be fancy. But it wasn't. Sheryl felt very relieved.

"Would you like to try my lunch menu, Miss Sheryl?" asked Rebecca.

"I want to try it," Sheryl replied.

"Please take it. Sorry, my food is very basic. I'm on a diet program. So I have to follow the doctor's advice to eat food like this," Rebecca said.

"That's fine with me. I like vegetables too."

"Let's eat," Rebecca said.

Sheryl nodded and kept eating with Rebecca.

After lunch, Sheryl and Rebecca chatted before going back to work. This was a good chance for Sheryl to find out how James behaved in the office.

Sheryl noticed a change in James' attitude. She felt he was different.

"Miss Rebecca."

"Call me Rebecca. We're friends," she said.

"Okay, Rebecca, I have something to ask you."

"Say it, Sheryl! There's no need to be shy."

Sheryl cleared her throat for a moment, then asked, "Do you think Mr. James is nice or not?"

"Why are you suddenly asking about Mr. James? Do you like him?" Rebecca asked, her eyes twinkling.

"Just answer my question, Rebecca," Sheryl said.

"Okay. I think, Mr. James is nice. He cares about his employees and helps us a lot. He's also generous. If we work overtime, he always buys food," Rebecca said.

"Really?"

"Absolutely! You'll really feel his concern after working here for some time. He's an amazing person. Many women are crazy about him," Rebecca said with a big, bright smile. "You know Miss Luciana, right?"

Sheryl nodded with a big, excited smile. "Yes, I do! She also attended the meeting this morning. They look very close!"

"This is because Miss Luciana likes Mr. James. She always comes up with new projects to keep close to Mr. James. And you should know, Sheryl. Miss Luciana is a young billionaire. Her fortune is everywhere."

"Oh my God! It turns out she's a billionaire, too. I didn't expect that," Sheryl said, a little shocked.

Rebecca laughed and said, "That's an ordinary fact to me, Sheryl. There are even more shocking facts about Miss Luciana."

"What is it? Tell me quickly," Sheryl urged, her eyes alight with curiosity.

"Miss Luciana went to one of Mr. James' female clients. Her name is Valen. Miss Valen likes Mr. James. She makes appointments with him to get close to our boss. But she and Ms. Luciana don't like each other. They fought because of Mr. James. Everyone knows about it. Mr. James stopped working with Miss Valen because of Ms. Luciana," Rebecca said.

"Jesus Christ! Why does Mr. James obey Miss Luciana so much?" asked Sheryl curiously.

Rebecca sighed. "Because Miss Luciana is Mr. James' biggest client. This woman is very influential in this company. That's why Mr. James complied with Miss Luciana's request."