Disbelief

Lillian’s POV

My eyes were playing games with me.

Yes, that had to be the only explanation as to why my despicable ex husband, was hugging my client.

Either that or I was having a nightmare.

However, the moment Stefano pulled away from my client, Mrs Laughlin, and I didn't wake up from the nightmare doused in sweat, I realized that this was very much my reality.

Today was only my first meeting with Mrs Laughlin and everything had already started going downhill.

Clearing my throat, I looked away from Stefano, my heart scudding at his intense gaze, and moved closer to Mrs Laughlin.

“Good afternoon, ma'am. I am Lillian Baker, from Watkins. ” I greeted her as Stefano helped her to sit.

“Good afternoon,” She responded, her face creasing in a slight frown as she regarded me before recognition flashed across her eyes. “Oh, the wonderful spring rolls maker. I had your spring rolls at an event in Manchester some months back and they were the best I had ever had, so I knew I had to get you to cater for my event no matter what.”

“Thank you, ma,” I replied, rubbing my clammy palms together, as Stefano's stare didn't leave me for a second.

Fuck, I really needed this gig because the pay was mouthwatering and the conditions perfect.

But the fact that Stefano was here and obviously had a close relationship with my client was making me rethink the whole thing.

“Please sit down,” Mrs Laughlin said, and I managed a smile before taking my seat a chair away from Stefano.

“Forgive my rudeness, I haven't introduced you to my grandson,” She continued, and cold shivers raced down my spine. “His name is Stefano and he recently moved to London.”

“Hello, Miss Baker,” Stefano said, outstretching his hand to me. “It's nice to meet you.”

It took all the strength I had for me to repress my anger and give him a dirty slap, as I looked at his outstretched hand.

So he had a grandmother and never even bothered introducing us during our marriage.

Probably because he didn't seem me worthy to meet another member of his family, who wasn't his mother.

The nerve of the egoistic bastard.

Here he was, acting all noble like a humble man of integrity, even though he was the most detestable scumbag I had ever met in my life.

I worked in the hospitality industry which meant that I had met a lot of douchebags in the past, yet Stefano managed to be the worst of them all.

But then again, I didn't want the elderly woman to know about my past relationship with Stefano.

Shaking his hands, I mustered the most pleasant expression I could. “Same here, Mr Stefano.”

For some reasons, he didn't let go of my hand which aggravated me, but since I couldn't say anything bad to him in his grandmother's presence, I wordlessly pulled my hand from his hold.

“The event is in three weeks and it will happen for a week. I have a list of the delicacies I want there. Let me get someone to bring it,” She said then yelled, “Nancy!”

“Yes, ma,” A woman yelled back before coming out of a room.

She was smartly dressed in a black pant suit and her hair was neatly packed in a bun.

“Say hello to my grandson and the caterer for my birthday event,” Mrs Laughlin gestured at Stefano and I. “Nancy is my assistant.”

We exchanged pleasantries before Mrs Laughlin told her to get the list.

“Would you like tea?” She asked me, as Stefano poured some for her.

“No, ma'am. Thanks.” I replied.

As Stefano took his seat again, I finally allowed myself to take a full look at him, and for an inexplicable reason, my heart churned as I did.

He had lost weight, and his cheekbones were more prominent than they usually were. I almost pitied him but quickly took it back when I remembered the hell he put me through while I was married to him.

“Ma'am, I can't find the note,” Nancy returned to tell Mrs Laughlin, who sighed then stood up, aided by her walking stick and Stefano.

“I could help you check, ma,” Stefano offered, but his grandmother just shook her head in negation before following Nancy upstairs.

Leaving me to sit in the uncomfortable silence with the bane of my existence.

“How have you been, Lillian?” His husky baritone cut into my thoughts like a jagged shrapnel.

“Why are you asking?” The response was out of my mouth before I could stop it.

“I mean no harm, Lillian,” He replied, and I huffed, keeping my gaze rooted to the empty chair in front of me because I didn't want to look at him.

“Save it, Stefano. I'm not here to reunite with you,” I retorted. “I'm here for business and it doesn't even concern you, so paddle your canoe and stop trying to act like we are so close.”

There was silence for a moment.

“I'm sorry for everything, Lillian,” Stefano broke the silence and I scoffed. “I know I can never make it up to you for the evil treatment I have you back then but I'd like to try. Please forgive me.”

“Forgiving you will mean I want you back in my life and I don't, so pocket that apology of yours,” I replied.

“Meryl and I are not together anymore,” Stefano continued. “I should have never gotten back together with her and I truly regret it. I will do whatever it takes to atone for my mistakes, Lillian. I mean it.”

“I don't remember asking about her and for the last time, you don't deserve my forgiveness.” I said, clasping my hands together, as a lump clogged my throat.

Thankfully, Mrs Laughlin returned then, and I didn't have to continue listening to Stefano's lame excuse of an apology.

“My dear, I misplaced the note,” She said. “I will draw up something as soon as possible and send it to you. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience.”

“It's alright, ma'am,” I replied, standing up. “I'll take my leave now.”

“Very well then,” Mrs Laughlin replied. “By the way, you are really pretty.”

My cheeks warmed up at her compliment, as I smiled shyly.

“Thanks, ma.”

“Grandma, I also have to be on my way now,” Stefano said, standing up. “I have to put some things in place ahead of tomorrow.”

“Okay, dear. I will see you soon.” She said, as Stefano pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Clutching my satchel bag, I turned and made my way out of the mansion, where a black BMW was waiting.

Probably for Stefano.

“Let me drop you off,” His voice wafted into my ears, before I could take further steps.

Shooting him a glare, I snarled, “Drop the nice act, Stefano. It doesn't suit you one bit.”

Afterward, I trekked out of the estate with my heart pounding.