Chapter 3

"Never mind—let her do it all herself. It’s good practice for her," Radit said firmly.

"Very well, Sir. Excuse me," Desi said, stepping out of his office.

Let her struggle. This is what she deserves, Radit thought, watching Indah working away from a distance.

Soon it was lunch break. Everyone left to eat, but Indah remained glued to her computer. Hours passed. Her eyes burned, her head throbbed, yet she kept going. She rubbed her temples and yawned, exhausted.

Radit watched her, a wicked little smile playing on his lips. Eventually, everyone went home—except Radit. He stayed, observing her from afar.

Then he stood up and walked right past her without a single word, leaving her there.

"What a cruel boss! It’s only my first day and I’m buried under work that would take two days to finish! Fine. I’ll do it tomorrow morning. I’m going home now—I don’t care anymore," Indah muttered, frustrated by his unfairness.

She walked out to the main road and waited for public transport. A ride came, and she got in.

Heartless man. No compassion at all, she fumed silently.

Thirty minutes later she reached her boarding house and collapsed onto her bed.

"Such a cruel, heartless boss. Working me to the bone! My eyes hurt, my head is splitting—all because I’ve been staring at a screen all day without a break. Inhuman! Why should I waste another thought on him? I’ll just sleep and get there early tomorrow. If I’m late, he’ll probably torture me even more," she told herself, closing her eyes and drifting off.

About two hours later, her phone rang. She woke up groggily, found it, and answered.

"Hello?"

"Hello, love. Asleep already? That was quick," a voice said. It was Alfian, her boyfriend.

"I’m exhausted," she mumbled sleepily.

"So you started work today? Karina told me. I called earlier but you didn’t pick up."

"I was busy."

"Busy already? It’s only your first day!"

"There’s just a lot to do. I’m new, so I have to learn everything fast."

"I see. I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning, okay?"

"Sure, whatever. Goodnight, I’m so sleepy," she said, ending the call and falling back asleep.

The next morning her alarm went off. She got up, showered, and got ready. Then her phone rang again.

"Hello?"

"I’m outside your place."

"Coming," she said, hanging up and rushing out.

"Been waiting long?"

"Just got here. Where’s your office again, love?"

"Just drive straight, I’ll show you," she said, climbing onto his motorbike.

Thirty minutes later they arrived.

"Thanks for the ride."

"No problem. Go on in," Alfian said, watching her go inside before driving off.

Unbeknownst to Indah, Radit had seen her arrive with someone. He said nothing, though, and walked inside to find Ms. Desi.

"Good morning, Sir. How may I help you?"

"Check on the reports I assigned yesterday. Has the new employee finished them? Report back to me immediately."

"Right away, Sir." Desi went to Indah’s desk.

"Are you done yet?"

"Not quite, Ma’am. I’m still working on them."

"Hurry up—Sir Radit is asking for them."

"I’m doing my best. I’ll finish as fast as I can."

"Just get it done. I’ll check back later," Desi said.

This is impossible! How am I supposed to finish this all at once? He’s just exploiting me! If I didn’t need this job so badly, I’d walk out right now, Indah thought bitterly.

Desi returned to Radit. "Not yet, Sir. She’s still working on them. I’ll check again soon."

"Keep checking. Make sure it’s all done today. Understood?"

"Yes, Sir."

Serves you right. Seeing you struggle gives me satisfaction, Radit smirked to himself.

An hour later Desi returned. "How’s it going, Indah?"

"Almost done. Just checking through it now."

"Good. Bring it to me when you’re finished."

"Alright, Ma’am." Indah stood up, handed over the reports, and went back to her desk.

Desi took them to Radit. "Here you go, Sir."

"Everything checked?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Let me look it over," he said, flipping through the pages. Surprisingly good. Neat and thorough. And she’s only new, he thought, secretly impressed.

"How is it, Sir?"

"Not bad. Actually—have the new girl go buy lunch for everyone in the office. Including me. Got it?"

"Understood, Sir." Desi went back to Indah. "You need to buy lunch for everyone here. Here’s the money—go to the nearest restaurant. And don’t forget a drink for Sir Radit."

"Alright, Ma’am." Indah stepped out. When she arrived at the restaurant and placed her order, she stared at the huge pile of food.

How am I supposed to carry all this? That man is doing this on purpose. I know it, she sighed inwardly.