The Humiliation Was Thrown At His Face

On December 25th, MoodSpresso was busy as early as its opening hours.

Most people were already on break. They came to enjoy a nicely brewed coffee with the dessert selections offered by the cafe. The kitchen was also busy fulfilling the orders.

Nearing afternoon, the cafe was at its peak. No table was vacant. Even Lucas and the other riders were fully occupied delivering the orders to the nearby address.

"Lucas! Your new orders," One of the staff, Abby directed Lucas to a few sealed paper bags sitting on the side counter, "The addresses are already inside your app."

"Alright."

Lucas carefully took the paper bags including the drinks. Abby had moved away from the counter, focusing on her following tasks. No one was idle at this time.

After Lucas put everything inside the big thermal bag strapped to the motorcycle, he scrolled the app for the cafe's delivery riders. There were three places he had to head to, all nearby.

But...

"Is this a joke?" Lucas instantly frowned.

One of them was the apartment building Lucas lived in with Daphne before, the one he got kicked out unceremoniously by her.

The customer surnamed Gao didn't specify which apartment was his. He just left the instruction to call him when Lucas arrived with the food.

"It's fine. Let's get over it," murmured Lucas while shaking his head. He tightened the strap of his helmet.

It hadn't snowed today but, the wind was still bitingly cold. Lucas endured the harsh freezing temperature in order to complete his tasks. Once he returned to the cafe, another would be waiting for him.

Lucas headed to the first two locations; a house in the neighborhood and the police patrol box. Then, he finally rode the motorcycle to the apartment.

Lucas slowly pulled up outside the apartment. He parked the motorcycle there before taking out the sealed paper bags from inside the thermal box.

The orders for the customer here were just two types of pasta, one slice of apple cake and two hot drinks. While walking inside the yard, Lucas made a call to the customer.

"Hello, Mr. Gao? I'm from MoodSpresso. Your orders are here. Which one is your unit?"

"Oh, you're here already?" The man laughed, "Come to..."

"...?!"

Lucas was stunned. He almost couldn't believe what he had just heard. His grip on the paper bags loosened slightly.

"Can you hurry up? My girl is hungry already."

"...yes, understood, mister."

Lucas pulled himself out of his stupor. He had to accept that today was really a shitty one for himself. Last night's fight was nothing compared to what would unfold soon.

The customer told Lucas to deliver the food to one unit. It was the same one lived by Daphne and Lucas before.

Was he her new boyfriend? The one he saw kissing her before? Had they started living together?

Lucas let out a heavy sigh, pushing the depressing thoughts away. No matter what, he had to complete his job. His personal issue shouldn't be dragged into it.

It was weird to walk on the same path leading to the apartment with a new identity. That was what Lucas felt as he dragged his feet to the place he shared good and bad memories with Daphne before.

Once Lucas stood in front of the door, the last memory of being insulted by Daphne flooded into his mind. He took a couple of deep breaths before knocking on the door.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"I'm from MoodSpresso. The delivery's here."

A man's voice echoed loudly from inside the apartment. The same one Lucas heard before.

"Baby! Your food arrives already! Come, come!"

A chill ghosted down his spine at the thought of facing Daphne. Lucas really hoped only the man would appear in front of him. He wasn't ready to meet her.

Creak...

"Hi! I didn't expect you'd be this early!"

A man in a navy blue sweater and gray cotton pants appeared once the door was opened. He was around the same height as Lucas. From just one look, it could be said that he was good-looking.

"No... it's within the expectant time," Lucas almost flustered. He quickly recomposed himself, "Here are your orders, mister."

"Oh, yeah, yeah," The man laughed pleasantly.

The man paid for the food and took the paper bags from Lucas. Once the money exchanged hands, his bright smile suddenly turned menacing.

"So, you're the failure who used to date my babe before? Isn't your name Lucas?" The man threw a sinister gaze at Lucas.

"...what?"

Lucas was appalled. His body stiffened in an instant.

The man laughed out loud. Looking at his back, he shouted, "Hey, babe! I got your useless ex to deliver our food here! Come and see him!"

"You did what!?"

Daphne's startled voice came from inside the apartment. Soon, she materialized behind the man. Her face was ashen the moment she met eyes with Lucas.

"...Lucas."

Daphne darted her gaze from the man to the quiet Lucas. The man's laughter still bounced in the corridor.

Right now, Lucas had the urge to just run away from them. Daphne's horrified look and the man's continuous laughter humiliated him. He barely could keep himself in check.

"Well, I heard that you work at my uncle's cafe," said the man in a teasing tone, "I just want to show you that Daphne is in good hands now. You can focus on your measly jobs. Alright, go now. The cafe's busy."

Daphne didn't say anything until the end. She pretended not to see the hurt in Lucas' eyes.

The man grabbed Daphne's waist and pulled her closer to him. With one motion, he slammed the door right in front of Lucas.

Their conversation drifted out from the door, entering his ears.

"Hahaha! That's so funny!"

"You... why did you do that?"

"I can't have him still being hopeful ah. It's better to show what a loser he is."

"Geez, you really..."

Lucas stared blankly at the door. His entire body started to shake while his eyes reddened. The disgrace that was thrown at him rose something from deep inside his heart.

He was not a failure!