The Poisonous Surprise

The moment I stepped out of the prison gates, the sunlight hit me like a punch. I raised my hand to block it, my heart bursting with hope for what lay ahead. Three years have passed, and I can finally see Nola Thompson. Before I went to prison, she cried and told me that when I got out, she'd give me the biggest surprise. For these three years, that promise kept me going through countless sleepless nights. I called her beforehand and told her I'd pick her up early from her company today. Her voice on the phone was still gentle, making me even more eager for that so-called surprise. On the bus heading downtown, watching the streets blur past the window, my heart was pounding faster and faster. Nola Thompson's company is in a skyscraper in the city center. Three years ago, we watched this building rise up together. Back then, she said that one day she would have a place of her own here. Now, she's made it. The bus stopped, and I quickened my pace toward that familiar building. The security guard at the door stopped me. After I gave him Nola Thompson's name and position, he let me through. The elevator rose slowly, the numbers ticking up, and my excitement grew. Finally, the elevator doors opened—I had reached the top floor. This was the company's executive area, lavishly decorated. I walked slowly down the corridor, planning to surprise Nola Thompson without calling her first. Turning the corner, I saw Nola Thompson's office. The door wasn't fully closed—there was a crack left open. I was about to push the door open when a scene froze me to the core. Nola Thompson sat at her desk, and her assistant Kane Johnson stood beside her, holding a grape and feeding it to her. Nola smiled as she opened her mouth, her face flushed with shyness. That smile used to be mine alone. My mind went blank, and my blood seemed to run cold. Kane Johnson—I know him. Nola Thompson once told me he's really skilled at work. But I never expected their relationship to be like this. A surge of anger burst from deep inside me. I clenched my fists so hard my nails dug into my palms. I wanted to storm in and confront them. But reason told me not to lose my head. I took a deep breath, trying hard to steady my emotions. I gently pushed open the office door, making sure to make a sound. Nola Thompson and Kane Johnson both turned around. When they saw me, a flicker of panic flashed across Nola's face. Kane quickly pulled his hand back and awkwardly stepped aside. "Calvin, what are you doing here? Didn't you say you'd arrive later?" Nola Thompson stood up, her tone sounding a bit unnatural. I didn't look at her, my gaze locked coldly on Kane. "Assistant Johnson, isn't this kind of thing a bit inappropriate during work hours?" Kane's face flushed bright red as he stammered, "Mr. George... Mr. George, Ms. Thompson and I were just... just discussing work." "Does discussing work require feeding fruit?" I pressed on relentlessly, my anger almost out of control. Nola Thompson quickly stepped forward and grabbed my arm. "Calvin, don't get the wrong idea. I was just a little tired earlier, and Kane Johnson happened to buy some fruit, so he handed me one." Her explanation was weak and unconvincing; I didn't believe it for a second. But I knew this wasn't the time to lose control. I shrugged off her hand and said coldly, "Nola Thompson, we'll talk about this when we get home." Nola looked at me with a hint of fear, nodded, and said to Kane, "Kane, you can leave now. We'll discuss work tomorrow." Kane, as if granted amnesty, quickly left the office. It was just me and Nola Thompson left in the office, the atmosphere so heavy it felt suffocating.