05: Meeting His Ex

Brian’s POV

She instantly reached to take Sabrina out of my grip as she took steps back away from me, as if I was some kind of beast who wanted to snatch her away. She held Sabrina tight to her like her life depended on it. She stood there, looking so different and elegant.

I was shocked to see her. What was she doing here?

My eyes hovered over her again and I blinked, not believing Jessica was the one standing before me. She attempted to hide Sabrina from me and I moved instinctively toward her.

It was at this moment I realized how much I had missed her. Five years. Five years since we divorced and I realized how much of a mistake I had made. I was still paying for that. Sleepless nights. Loneliness. I felt it all at once.

“Jessica?” I called again, hoping the person I was staring at was my wife... No, I meant ex-wife.

The shock that coated her face disappeared and was soon replaced with indifference.

“Mommy, this is Mr. Brian and he was the one who helped me with my uniform,” Sabrina said, still smiling at me.

Wait, did she just call her mommy?

“Is she—”

“Thank you so much for helping her. I appreciate it.” She bit out in a clipped tone as she did not wait for me to finish.

“Jessica!” I rushed after her and overtook her, holding my hands out to block her way.

“Wait,” I told her almost breathlessly. “You…”

“Brian,” She gulped hard as she stared at me squarely in the eye. “Thank you and please stay away from me. I want nothing to do with you ever again.” I noticed the way she was trying hard not to tremble.

“Jessica-”

“What is going on here, Brian?” Angela slurred as she came into view and Jessica’s eyes glanced between her and me.

She uttered a snort. “What did I expect?” She shook her head.

“Jessica, I—”

“Oh, hi. Jessica.” Angela who also seemed shocked at her presence but was quick to cover it up, raised her hand up to wave.

“Jessica, it is not what you are thinking. I am-”

“Stop it, Brian. My daughter is here.” She glared at me as she straightened her shoulders into a square and gave me a last look. “Stay away from me, Brian. That is all I ask for.” With that, she bypassed me and Sabrina waved at me, grinning and probably unaware of what was happening.

I swallowed hard, my throat bobbing as I watched her leave. Angela’s hands rounded my neck and she hissed. “What is she doing here, Brian?”

I jerked her hands off, glaring daggers at her. “I said you should not touch me.” I sneered angrily, turning to leave.

“Brian!” She yelled, stomping her feet on the floor. I glanced at her over my shoulder. “Your attention is needed outside. I came here to tell you that it was your turn to donate and Mr. Royals is around. You might as well link up with him right now.”

I clenched my fist as she told me. She was right. I was here to meet Mr. Royals, the CEO of De’ Royal Corporation. I was once again reminded that I didn't come here for any pitiful charity event. I came to meet up with a developed corporation and I hope he would be willing to strike a deal with us.

“You do not need to remind me, I know.” I bit out then walked away, leaving her.

As I returned to where everyone was, I scanned around the crowd for Jessica but she was nowhere to be found. Has she gone already?

Disappointment settled within me as my face fell.

“The highest donation was made by Holly Empire. Today, they have not only facilitated helping these orphans but also given them a chance at survival and freedom. Thank you so much!” The host’s voice boomed through the speakers.

“And the second highest donation was made by De’ Royals Corporation. We really say thank you for your donation.”

Then he continued till he got to the name of my company that was just listed without any appreciation talk. I did not blame them.

I was not here to donate. I was here to meet… I looked around for Mr. Royals but it was too late as he had already stepped into his car and after waving at some kids, the window slid up and he drove away.

I felt stupid and useless as I watched his car’s flashlight blink from afar. What was I going to do now? He was a busy person who allegedly hardly had time for his family. He was even said to be a workaholic and only cared about his business.

“Don't tell me you did not get to speak with Royals, Brian.” Angela hissed from behind as she placed her hands around her waist, glaring at me.

I swallowed hard. I didn't need her anywhere close to me at all right now. I wanted her far away as I tried to think of the next step to take.

“What? Do you know what I did to make sure he came? Brian, you know how hard it was to get him to be here today? So you did not speak to him or even try to receive his appointment card?” She asked again, disbelief coating her words.

There was nothing I could say. Seeing Jessica had thrown me off balance and I could not spiral back. It had been so shocking that everything I had rehearsed to discuss with Mr. Royals disappeared at that moment.

“Brian, I am talking to you. Do you know that we've lost the chance to get to speak to him right?” She asked, letting out a ludicrous scoff.

“Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with you. It must be her. It must be Jessica. You must have told him to leave. That bitch—”

“Stop!” I sneered, meeting her eyes. “She did nothing. He went on his own accord. And as for the deal, it is not necessarily that we struck a deal with him. There is another one. Holly Empire. I could not get to meet the CEO today because I was busy—”

“Of course, you were busy. Busy talking to your ex-wife when you should securing deals.” She cut in, hissing angrily.

I pinched the bridge of my nose. “You know what? Fuck off! I will do this by myself. I have set up a meeting with Holly Empire and we will meet tomorrow.”

With that, I walked away from her. Anger collided against fear and pain within me and I knew at that point that Holly Empire was my only HOPE.