Chapter Three

Alina drank her morning refreshment after completing 18 hours of surgery. It was the second major surgery in the week. She is facing many complicated surgeries these days. But in the end, it always ended on a good note. Saving the patient and seeing the happiness on their loved one's faces is something she cherished. Her shift to New York is something she is proud of.

 After coming here, she actually realized how much her service was needed out there. These nine months passed easily with little conflict. She won't lie saying she is totally over her ex-husband. But she overcame the pain she went through.

 She no longer feels the loneliness and homesickness she felt when started to live here earlier. She accepted the fact, she is a divorcee who was rejected by her husband to be in the forced marriage. Somewhere that realization made her feel at ease. Now she is indeed an independent woman without any life commitments or not devoting her life to anybody. This new world makes her feel like a new person. And she likes it a lot.

“Hey buddy, what are you going to wear today for the party?”

Her thoughts were cut off by her colleague and friend Myra's voice. Surprisingly their wavelengths were quite matched. She was the only person who was close to Alina in Washington.

“Not decided yet. Maybe something casual”.

“Yeah lucky you, don't need to worry about it when dating the most popular fashion line Owner in New York”. Myra sighs sadly when saying that. But Alina knows she is just trying to pull her legs.

 “Isn't it amazing to surrender around the man who is the dream of every girl in New York ?”. Myra asked her, almost whining about her fate. 

“no, it's not. Because, to me, it doesn't matter if he is the owner of the AK Fashion Company. To me he is just Aaron. My boyfriend, and my VIP client”. 

“Huh, so boring. Anyways, it's going to be a big night for your man. Make sure you don't mess up with your modesty complex. Just give him whatever he demands today”. 

Alina shook her head unbelievably hearing her so-called advice. There is nothing to be over-excited about. It's just an Award Ceremony of the Business Industry. After the night passes, it's again going to be her usual busy life. Only if she knows how her life is going to change after this event.

….

Continuing operations, overtime without rest indeed spoiled her mental health and calm mind. She forgot there was a world outside that hospital. After a long break, wearing a dress and giving a makeover to her made her feel blessed and fresh.

She admires the decoration of the ceremony hall which was arranged in the luxurious hotel in New York. She usually avoids attending such events. But this time she can't refuse after Aaron asks her nicely. But it's worth the choice.

 She sipped the wine looking around. She carries a warm smile as usual seeing almost everyone's eyes on her today. She is not sure if it's because she looks good or if they find her weird. But it's not a negative vibe much to her relief.

“They do look at you a lot. I should hide you from all their eyes”. She smiles hearing Aaron's soft voice. He circled his arms around her waist and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

 Dating him is something she did not plan at all. He was her client after he had a stroke a few months ago. After a few of their encounters, he asked her out. She told him about her being a divorcee. But he cared less about it. 

After a few dates, she accepted his proposal to be her boyfriend. He undeniably treats her well. And respect her decision to take things slow. There is nothing to complain about him. She feels it's okay to give him a chance to woo her. 

“After this event, I have a surprise for you”. She suddenly gets mixed feelings about it. She already had a little doubt about him sending a red dress with a rose bouquet. She hopes he doesn't do something which will disturb their relationship,  this time.

She gave him a forced smile and got her attention back to the stage. The event has already started. As time moved, she felt like somebody was staring at her from afar. She slowly looked around. But there was nobody. But that feeling is so real.

“I'll be back”. She soon left towards the restroom side after telling Aaron. She did a little touch-up and took out a few relaxing breaths before stepping out. When she was about to go back to her seat, a voice made her get stuck on the spot.

“after a long time. How are you, Alina?” Hearing this voice after nine months made her knees weak. She gripped the clutch on her hands tightly and slowly turned to see the owner of that voice.

“Leo”...

“Hello Leo. It's good to see you here”.

Leo was staring at her with cold eyes. Seeing her after a long time made him feel all the emotions that exist. When he saw her entering the venue wearing that red dress, he recalled their wedding day. That's exactly how she looked that day. All gorgeous and beautiful to stare at. His dreadful heart danced with happiness seeing her again, but it was short-lived when he saw with whom she was entering. His rivalry with Aaron is not something that can be explained within a few words. In short, they two just want to witness each other's endings.

"Look at you. As always charming and beautiful. You took the divorce well". Alina couldn't believe what she just heard from his mouth. Did he just comment about her look? It's never happened before. She hid her surprised face and stared directly into her eyes.

"I have to take it well, otherwise people will judge you for being a bad husband. My normal self tells them we never get things ugly". He smirked with arrogance hearing her reply. She tries her best to not get intimidated by his presence. Somewhere he still has that effect on her. He got a little closer, his breath almost touching her face.

"I really admire your generosity, Alina. After whatever happens, you still care about my reputation. I'm indeed stupid for not seeing this before". Her heart beat to an unusual rhythm hearing his soft voice for the first time. What is he trying to say? It's definitely not sounding like the Leo Hart she knows. But his next words made her feel paralyzed.

"but it's okay. I'm ready to know about you again from the beginning". 

"What The". That's what came out of her mouth hearing his sudden uttering. What the hell is that supposed to mean? He smirks seeing her shocked face. He slowly circled his both hands around her waist and told her almost whispering.

 "Let's get married again, Wifey!"

She was completely stunned to speak the next word. What in the world is happening right now? Before she reacted angrily to his ranting, her lips got sealed by his unexpected intimating touch on the lips. Her mind totally went blank after realizing her ex-husband just kissed her on the lips.