chapter 6: NEVER

Tessa's pov

As I settled into the taxi, a smile still plastered on my face due to my daughter's cheerful voice.

I buckled my seatbelt while still giggling with my daughter.

just as we were about to pick up speed, a sharp screech pierced the air,

making me jolt, I looked out of the window to see what had caused the commotion.

“Mamma, are you alright?" my daughter asked, noticing my slight action.

"Hold on, baby, Mummy will call back soon," I said, before quickly ending the call. I stepped out of the taxi, my eyes scanning the scene before me, still in shock.

The taxi driver was cursing under his breath, frustrated. My gaze landed on the two Bentley cars standing in front of us, their sleek designs and tinted windows radiant in the sunlight. The drivers of the Bentleys didn't bother to come out or open the rearview mirrors, seemingly indifferent to our presence.

Suddenly, the second car honked, and the rearview mirror opened, revealing Elvis's handsome face. My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met, his piercing gaze holding a hint of amusement and uncertainty. A smirk played on his lips, giving me a look of challenge. I felt a shiver run down my spine, but I am not supposed to show any weakness.

I walked closer to where the car was parked.

"Mr Elvis, why are you blocking my way" i asked with a serious look

" Get into the car," he said, gesturing to his driver, who opened the other side of the car swiftly while still standing there.

The cab driver is still trying to call the attention of the first driver but was interrupted by Elvis' sudden action who tossed a wad of cash at him, he caught it without hesitation.

The transaction was fast and brief, the driver drove off, which means Elvis successfully paid him off, leaving me alone with Elvis.

I stood there stunned and silent, still trying to process what had just happened.

"Get in," he repeated.

“I will find my way", I turned around to walk out.

he leaned back in his seat, "it won't surprise you to know i own this city", he said, with arrogance and confidence.

Of course I understand exactly what he meant. In a city controlled by Elvis, I am at his mercy.

I will be banned from entering any ride, no public transport will dare pick me up with his permission.

I turned to face him, my eyes narrowing.

"you are threatening me?, what do you want?" I asked, my voice firm.

" I'm sure, you will love to listen, so get into the car” he replied with a low and smooth voice

I walked around to the other side of the car, where a driver stood holding the door open.

now sitting with my ex-husband, the father of my child.

the man who had left me for another woman, treated me like i meant nothing, broke my heart into pieces and left me to pick up the pieces.

I had worked hard to move on, to build a new life for myself and my child. The thought of him being back in our life, disrupting the peace I have built, was unbearable.

I had shielded my daughter from knowing that her father abandoned her, and I am determined to keep it that way. I would never allow her to recognize him as her father, not after everything he had put us through.

His question caught me off guard, and I was pulled back into the present. "How have you been?" he asked, his voice low and calm with a serious look on his face. But I was having none of it. The memories of our past, the pain he had caused me, came flooding back, and I felt my defenses rise.

"Go straight to why I'm sitting here, and where are you taking me?" I asked, my voice firm and direct. I refused to let him get under my skin.

Just then, I realized that the car was moving, and a sense of unease washed over me. Where were we going? What did he plan to do with me?

Elvis's expression changed, and he leaned forward, his eyes locked on mine. "You don't have to be hostile," he said, his voice low and even. "Remember, you still want a deal from my company." The words were laced with a subtle threat, a reminder of the power he has. He knew I needed something from him, and he was using that to his advantage.

He has always been known as a man that uses one weakness to his advantage, I am not surprised he hasn't changed.

As I gazed at him, I couldn't help but notice the familiar contours of his face, the sharp jawline, the piercing eyes. But my attention was drawn to his hands, specifically his ring finger. I had expected to see an expensive ring, a symbol of his commitment to the woman he had left me for.

But to my surprise, his finger was bare. No engagement ring. and no mark of a ring being there, it's obvious they have never been a ring there, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Shock, curiosity, and a hint of satisfaction.

I continued to stare at his ring finger, my mind thinking of possibilities. Had he and his childhood sweetheart parted ways? Was he still in a relationship with her? The questions swirled in my head, but I refused to ask them out loud.