He wants me back

BRENDA'S POV

I peeped through the door hole. Just a delivery man. A happy one, at that.

"But I didn’t place an order," I thought, hesitating before finally opening the door.

“H-Hi,” I stuttered as the young man flashed a polite smile.

“Good day, miss. Your order, ma’am. Please sign here.” He handed me a journal, his tone all business.

“Um, sorry, but there must be a mistake. I didn’t order anything. Maybe you have the wrong house number.” I forced a small smile, already turning back—until he mentioned Stefan’s name.

“It’s from Mr. Stefan Andres.”

My face heated up at the sound of his name, but I wasn’t going to accept the gift.

“Oh. Stefan… That’s thoughtful, but I’d appreciate it if you could deliver it to his office instead.” I scribbled Stefan’s office address on a piece of paper.

But just as I lifted my head, my gaze locked onto Michael and Maria—dressed in matching outfits. A couple’s outfit.

"Disgusting bastard," I muttered under my breath, my annoyance bubbling over.

The delivery guy shifted uncomfortably, his expression twisting in mild irritation.

“What?!” I snapped, suddenly annoyed by his reaction.

“Nothing, ma’am. I’ll just—um—thanks. Have a nice day.” He muttered and hurried off, though he kept glancing back at me on his way to the van.

I didn’t feel bad. If he had just minded his business, I wouldn’t have yelled.

I kept staring at Michael and Maria, bitterness twisting in my chest. Finally, they turned toward my house. Before I could retreat, they caught me—and burst into laughter.

Humiliation burned through me. Annoyed, I stormed inside, slamming the door shut. My back hit the wood as I slid to the floor, fresh tears spilling down my cheeks again.

“How long will this hurt last?” I whispered, my voice trembling as I clenched my teeth against the pain.

After what felt like hours of sobbing, I forced myself up and headed for the shower. Yet, the ache wouldn’t leave me. My dreams of building a life with him—having his children—were officially over.

I leaned my head against the cool edge of the bathtub, letting the steaming water cascade down my body. For a brief moment, the warmth numbed the ache in my heart.

—Bing—Bing—

The doorbell rang.

I groaned. “Who the heck is this again? Can’t I just be alone in peace?! This is getting frustrating!”

Ignoring it, I stayed put, hoping whoever it was would go away.

—Bing—Bing—Bing—

The ringing continued relentlessly. Huffing in frustration, I yanked my robe on and stormed toward the door, my slippers clicking sharply against the marble floor.

Just as I reached for the handle, the bell rang again, making my irritation skyrocket.

"Why don’t you just go ahead and break the do—" My words died on my lips.

Stefan stood there, a bouquet in his hands.

My stomach dropped. My face burned with embarrassment as I realized how disheveled I must’ve looked—hair still dripping wet, robe clinging to my skin.

“Can I come in?” he asked softly, flashing a warm smile.

I swallowed hard. “Y-Yeah. Sure. Sorry for my manners, I thought it was…”

“The delivery guy?” he finished, amusement flickering in his eyes.

I huffed, looking away.

As he stepped inside, he paused, scanning the space like someone on a guided tour.

“My mini apartment,” I muttered, following his gaze as if I were seeing it for the first time.

“It’s not as mini as you think. It’s quite luxurious.” He gave me a playful wink.

My breath hitched as I caught his gaze dipping toward my robe.

Oh, crap.

Panicked, I quickly glanced down, suddenly hyperaware of how exposed I was. My fingers instinctively toyed with the hem.

“I-I’ll be right back,” I blurted out before bolting into my room.

Gosh! I couldn't stop my hands from trembling. My wardrobe was a mess from my frantic search, frustration creeping in, until my gaze landed on the perfect outfit—a two-piece floral top and matching trousers. A gift from my mom on my twentieth birthday. It still fit like a second skin.

Before slipping into it, I dried my hair and did a quick touch-up. My eyes were puffy from crying, so a little concealer worked magic.

“Mmm—Perfect.” I murmured, smacking my lips.

As I stepped down, my eyes found Stefan, who was still admiring my apartment. My breath caught as he picked up my favorite baby picture, the one I had framed and placed beside the television.

“Mmm—” I cleared my throat.

His head snapped toward me. “Sorry. I was just admiring the picture.”

“It’s fine.” I moved closer. “That’s my baby picture. I love it. It’s beautiful.”

I reached for it, but in my haste, my foot slipped. A sharp gasp escaped my lips as the floor rushed toward me. Before I could hit the ground, Stefan caught me—his grip firm yet gentle.

His eyes—damn. They were even more stunning up close.

“You’re still beautiful,” he murmured, lifting me effortlessly.

A nervous chuckle left my lips. “Thanks.” My voice was sharper than I intended, a weak attempt to hide the chaos in my chest.

I turned away and sank onto a sofa, putting deliberate space between us.

“You look stunning, by the way,” he said, approaching with a slow, measured pace. “The dress—it fits perfectly.” I swallowed hard.

“What do you want?” My voice betrayed me, trembling slightly. He smiled, his gaze unreadable.

“What are you afraid of?”

I couldn’t answer. Or maybe I didn’t want to. My pulse thundered in my ears as his presence consumed me. My heart—the foolish thing—was seconds away from betraying me again.

“You missed your job interview,” he said, settling onto the sofa opposite mine.

I stiffened.

“How do you know that?” My brows knitted in confusion. “Are you stalking me?”

His lips twitched. “I don’t have time to stalk women.” He leaned back, crossing his legs. “I own the firm you applied to. Let’s call it a coincidence.”

My stomach dropped. “You—?”

“Unfortunately, the position was given to someone else.”

Disappointment curled in my chest. I exhaled slowly, feeling my shoulders sag.

“But,” he continued, “I have a better offer.”

I glanced up.

“My secretary is relocating. I need a replacement. Would you do me the honor of taking the position?” He stood, dipping his hands into his pockets.

My lips parted, but no words came.

“I’m a businessman, not a flirt,” he added, his gaze softer now. “I hope you’re feeling better after yesterday. Please take care of yourself.”

He pulled out a card and extended it toward me.

“Call me when you’re ready to accept the offer. I have a meeting in twenty minutes, so I need to run.”

Still in shock, I hesitated before taking the card. My fingers brushed against his, sending an unexpected jolt up my arm.

I walked him to the door in silence, my mind still processing everything.

Just as he stepped into his car, I found my voice.

“Mr. Stefan?”

He glanced back. “I’m sorry,” I said softly. “For assuming the worst about you.”

A flicker of something passed through his eyes, but he simply nodded. “Have a nice day, Miss.” Then, with a word to his driver, the car pulled away.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding and glanced at the card in my hand.

Then a familiar voice sliced through the air.

“Who was that?”

The warmth drained from my face. I turned to find Michael standing there, his gaze dark with fury.

I plastered on a smile, slipping the card into my pocket. Crossing my arms, I tilted my head.

“Do I know you?”

His jaw clenched. “Don’t play games with me, Brenda. I’m still your fiancé. You were the one who broke up with me, not the other way around. So, yeah, I have every right to know who the hell that guy was.”

I scoffed.

“Fiancé?” I stepped closer, lowering my voice to a mocking whisper. “In your dreams.”

His hand shot out, gripping my wrist.

“If you don’t take your filthy hands off me, I’ll call the cops.” My voice was ice.

His hold loosened.

“Was that why you left me?” His tone cracked, vulnerability slipping through the anger. “Because you found someone better? Richer?” He glanced toward the direction Stefan’s car had gone.

I didn’t reply.

Michael ran a hand through his hair, his breathing uneven. I can feel his frustration. I was enjoying it, at least, it's nothing compared to what I faced in his hands.

“We need to talk. We never really ended things. I thought you just needed space. I believed you’d come around.” His voice turned desperate.

“But replacing me in such a short time? That’s cruel.” I stared at him, unsure on what to say.

He reached for my hand again. “Brenda, please. I still love you.” His eyes glistened with unshed tears. “You’re just going to throw five years away? You know I moved into this neighborhood just to see you every day. Why are you breaking my heart now?”

I inhaled deeply, my gaze sweeping over him from head to toe.

“You’ll be fine,” I said finally.

“No—No, I’m not fine! And I won’t be fine!” He raked his fingers through his hair, sounding all frustrated and worn out

“Maria doesn’t mean anything to me. She’s just my best friend—nothing more. She knows I won’t marry her. She knows I don’t love her.” His voice softened.

“It’s you I want, Brenda. We can fix this. Please.”

Before I could respond, hurried footsteps approached.

Michael didn’t even sense her presence.

I did. And I smiled.

Showtime.

“Babe?” Maria’s voice rang out, confusion dripping from every syllable as she came to a halt beside us.

Michael’s body went rigid.

I folded my arms, smirking as I waited for the drama to unfold.