SHADOWS OF THE PAST

Camilla

I couldn't take my eyes off my phone's screen. Another business deal.

My company has gotten so many bids lately that I'm even rejecting. This one, however, was unique. It was a brand-new company in New York that was making a significant offer. This is the kind of proposal that I wanted. They got in touch with me requesting that I partner with them in marketings their new product.

I calmed a bit, breathed deeply, and let everything to soak in.

This would have been impossible five years ago. I was just a sales person with just a dream and my tiny baby to look after when I first began. However, I had built a company and a name here. I thought back to those early days, the long hours, the strive to rise, and the several times I had to go extra miles just to get a job. Ava Ltd. has been created from the ground up by every transaction, late night, and lost holiday.

I was struck by how far I had come as I looked around my workplace, which had slick furniture, walls covered with awards, and pictures of successful campaigns. I had changed from an unknown single mother to the CEO of one of the top three marketing companies in the country. All of a sudden, companies were competing to sign a contract with me.

However, there was something about this particular one. One of the greatest billionaires in New York wants to launch a new product in his new company. Interesting.

That means, a partnership with them would increase our exposure even more. more financial security for Ava and me, better resources, and a bigger business reach. I had always dreamt of a chance like this, and I'll not let this go.

But the thought of Ava kept me lost in thought.

I had always been her friend, her father, and her mother. I had lived every moment, no matter how little. Even for a little while, I never wanted to give room to anyone else. I wanted to be everything to her. However, I needed to make space for myself if I want to keep growing my business, which meant getting help.

I took my phone with a sigh. I hated to say it, but it was time to look for a house help.

---

I went to pick Ava up from school later that afternoon. With her hair in two knots and a smile as big as the sun, she raced to me. She was my light, no matter what.

I took her out for ice cream after she spoke about her school day for a few moments. The late afternoon light offered a nice warmth as we sat on a bench and watched people going by.

I began quietly, "Ava, I need to discuss something with you."

She paused, curiously munching on her ice cream. "What's it, Mom?"

"Well," I paused, looking for the right words. "I have a new project coming up, and Mommy's job is getting busy. It's—well, it's important."

With her little fingers holding the cone, she tilted her head. "As in, really, really important?"

"Yes," I said, nodding. "Very important. And as a result, I will need some help at home. Someone to look after you and bring you to school while I'm away."

Her eyes widened, and I quickly assumed she was upset. But then she smiled softly, as if thinking about it.

"Will she also cook for us?"

I laughed with relief. "Yes, and keep you occupied when I have late work hours."

She took another bite and nodded. "Okay mom. But, that is if she's kind and beautiful, and knows how to dance" she said. "And likes pizza."

I said, ruffling her hair, "Deal." "We'll find a good person."

---

I hired Marta the next morning. She arrived early and with a nice smile and a laid-back attitude that quickly won Ava over. Within minutes, Marta got her to smile, and I watched with a mixture of relief and embarrassment. Was I missing anything? Ava is quick to get comfortable with people. I told myself that this was also for her future, so I pushed the thought away.

Ava quickly got used to her during the next three days, chatting with Marta as if they had known each other for ages. That's how Ava had always been: open, trustworthy, and able to make friends almost anywhere. Even though I had to tell myself to be careful, I always loved it since it was a gift.

---

I woke up earlier before the sun came up on the day of my trip. Ava gave me a gentle goodbye hug and promised to be fine until I returned. Despite my sadness, I promised her that I would be home soon.

My mind drifted while I sat on the plane. New York.

After all that had happened, it looked strange to return after such a long time. It's been five years. I hadn't returned since my divorce. I had buried memories of the city. I had memories of a man whom I thought would be my forever partner but who left me without thinking twice. But I was a different lady, and it seemed like a different world now.

I breathed deeply to regain my calm. I had fought all the way for this. I had started Ava Ltd. on my own, raised my child by myself, and now I was returning—not as a wife, but as an independent CEO. That thought gave me strength—I was going back to New York on my own.

---

Soon, our plane landed, and

I got a cab to the address of the company.

My eyes sprang wide at the sight of the building. Looking at the morning sunlight, it was a tall building made entirely of steel and glass.

" You're welcome, The CEO will be with you soon," the receptionist told me as she led me to a waiting room. I had a flash of happiness. It was this. Ava Ltd. would be more well-known than ever if I signed this deal.

A few minutes later, I was pointed out by the desk. "The CEO is prepared to receive you. Tenth floor, second office by the left"

"Thank you " I said, fixing my jacket,as I entered the lift. I had a mixed feelings of both joy and worry as it rose. I couldn't afford to make any mistakes since this deal may be a big step forward.

A luxury office area with floor-to-ceiling windows facing New York was available via the lift doors. It was a stunning view that told you that you had achieved.

Then, my eyes caught him.

The CEO was sitting at the desk with his head bent over his computer. My stomach turned with shock, and my heart stopped.

No. It isn't possible.

He looked up, and we looked at each other. It was as if someone had knocked the wind out of me. In fact, my ex-husband Alex was the CEO.

He said, "Camilla," with a hint of surprise—possibly even sadness—in his voice. "It has been a while."

I was short of words. I just stood there, frozen, as waves of memories returned. The vows he had broken and his cold attitude towards me. I was left to pick up the pieces when he left our marriage. I think his company was NIVSON, maybe he has started something new. A company that wasn't even his old one.

I forced myself to speak at last. "Alex... I never knew that you were the CEO."

Pointing to the chair across from his desk, he nodded. "Please have a seat."

With each step seeming heavier than the last, I pushed forth. Thoughts and memories were jumbled in my head, but I forced myself to stay calm. The only reason I came here was for work. I couldn't allow the past get in the way of what I had built.

He looked at me with burning eyes when I finally took a seat. "Ava Ltd. I've heard a lot about your successes and triumphs."

I nodded while keeping a calm tone. "A lot of hard work has been required."

"I see that." He paused, as if he was carefully considering what he would say next. "I know that things didn't end well with us. But now that you're here, I see how strong you were."

Anger flared within me. Did he really underestimate me? Did he really think he could suddenly celebrate my success after what he had done to me?

"Alex," I stated in a cool but angry tone, "I didn't come here for compliments." "I came here to discuss a business partnership, ."

He was surprised, but he nodded right away. "That's true. Let us go straight to the point"

I stayed focused on the talk, paying great attention and making mental notes as he began to explain the idea. The folly of being here, across from the man who had once broken me, explaining a future I'd built without him, however, made me understand the weight of the situation.

He led me to the elevator as the meeting came to an end. I felt that he was looking at me, as if he had more to say.

He softly said, "Camilla," as the doors opened. "I apologise. For everything."

I held his gaze as the memories ran through my mind, but I fought giving in. Now I was stronger. He was no longer able to shake me.

I merely mumbled, "Goodbye, Alex," and entered the elevator.

I breathed deeply as the doors closed behind me. I had refused him, I had challenged him, and I realised right then that I had really gone on.

I have a choice to make. This deal is really important to me and my work, but I've walked away from this past and don't want anything to remind me of him. I've turned down a lot of other ideas for this, but I can't do this. No

, not with Alex.

Let me first recover from this shock. After getting enough rest, I was going to make a choice.