Chapter Thirteen

-- Grizelda --

“Grizelda,” He called my name from behind and my breath seized.

I knew he was coming to talk to me and most of all, I'd seen him speaking with my son but pretended not to notice. I was pissed at Vicky for not keeping to her word and I had to hurriedly send a random woman to help me rescue Leo. Thank goodness that she had quickly agreed to help me. After all, the woman had seemed so excited to witness me talk to her like I was some goddess or angel.

Slowly, I turned away from the group of women I was giving a bit of my attention to and faced Alexander. Silently, I prayed to God that this wasn't about Leo. That he hadn't noticed Leo's resemblance with him or I doubted I was ready to answer any of his questions. He didn't deserve any answers. He didn't deserve anything at all that concerned me and my life. Not anymore.

I tried to keep a cool and distant expression as I stared into his hazel eyes that was no different from Leo's ones. Leo was the cutest child I ever laid my eyes on and it was all because of this man. I hated to admit it to myself. It was painful to do so.

“Alexander,” I said flatly, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. “What do you want?”

“I need to talk to you.” He said it like it was an order. I tried not to clench my fists.

"Go on."

"Privately." He pressed.

Even if I didn't want to speak with him, it would be better I thought through it well and allowed him have what he wanted than let him say things I wouldn't let anyone having the opportunity of hearing right there and then. Just this once, I'd let him have a private discussion with me and it would be the last.

"Please, excuse me. I won't be long." I turned first to my guests and back to Alexander. "Follow me."

Together, we stepped away from the group as I guided him to a quieter corner of the room. 

"What's going on here, Grizelda?" He began, his brow furrowed. "Would you care to explain?"

A waiter passed by us with a tray of champagne and I grabbed a glass for myself before giving way for the waiter to continue down the hall. Alexander didn't bother taking for himself and the waiter gave me a quick dazed smile before leaving our side.

I took a sip from my champagne glass before fixing my gaze on Alexander. "It's Miss Williams to you, Mr Kingston." I said.

He raised one eyebrow. "Miss Williams? And you say it like it's not proof that you lied to me through the years of our marriage? I want to know why you had me deceived, Miss Williams. Why you've made me feel like such a fool." I felt the tension in his words, leaving his mouth like sparks from a hot flame.

I didn't care that his blood was boiling and I planned to look as unbothered as I could.

"What does it matter now? After all, we're divorced and you have a son and wife to replace me already. What more do you want?"

What about Leo? Wasn't he going to bring up Leo?

"Is that all you've come to say to me?" I asked. I had suddenly lost taste for the champagne and I wondered why I picked it in the first place when I should've known what kind of conversation to expect to receive.

Near me, I let my eyes dance around until I found a nearby table and dropped my glass on it, abandoning the fine liquid that should've rather calmed my system.

"I want to know why you kept it all from me." Alexander continued, his jaw evidently tight from the way he spoke.

"I don't have any answers to it, Mr Kingston. If you would excuse me, I have better things to attend to." I was about to walk away, but he pulled me and our chests collided.

His grip on my waist was tight and there was anger in his eyes but his lips were so close and I felt something I never thought I could feel for him in my life, again.  The hairs on my skin rose and there was an unexplainable warmth in my chest. It was like I half expected him to kiss me, instead. Take me in his arms like he always did. Gently, yet rough and aggressively just the way I liked it.

It was too late by the time I realized what was going on. My cheeks were hot and red as a cherry. With all my might, I pushed him away from me. He staggered backwards a little like he hadn't expected me to use so much strength. I adjusted myself quickly and turned my gaze to find anyone that might have noticed us in such an awkward position and right there across the room was my father's gaze gravely fixed on us. Observing intensely with a twisted expression like he always did whenever he noticed an alarming situation.

The flutters in my tummy was quickly replaced by a storm as I realized how terribly Alexander had failed to recognize his boundaries with me. I was no longer his wife and he should get that straight in his head for goodness sake!

"Don't you dare touch me, again." I said through gritted teeth while I tried to keep my voice low. "Or you will regret it, Alexander."

And with that, I turned around and walked away, hoping to myself that it would be the last time he tried to confront me. Or I swear...

I was no longer in the mood to greet anymore guests and I found myself a quiet spot to sit. I refused to look into anyone's eyes even if I knew they were staring at me. Especially the men. Some had the courage to approach but I simply turned my head away. Luckily for me, my father came to my aid.

"Hey, Princess. Let's go talk outside."

I nodded my head and followed him. Outside was cold and quiet. The cool air felt like therapeutic oxygen to my lungs. I realized I was about to cry. After everything I’d been through, after clawing my way back up from the wreckage of my old life, I should feel stronger, more in control.

How dare he care that I had lied to him, now?

Till this day, I scolded myself for believing that such a plan to make him rich from the shadows would work smoothly. I should've seen through what a jerk and ass he was. Highly undeserving of me.

My father's comforting hand draped over my shoulders and I felt protected in his arms. I rested my head on his chest.

"Your mother noticed at first then nudged me to see or I wouldn't have known that he was having the guts to pester you, my sweetheart." His voice was calm, yet I felt the subtle weight of wrath in them. He cared greatly for me. "I see he's trying to waltz his way back into your life. But do not give in, Grizelda. You're stronger than that and I know it."

I nodded my head against his chest, my ears digesting every statement.

"If you ever need anything. We're here to help. Your family loves you more than you know it. You're not alone. Your return to public life, and the choices you've made since leaving him is something I can't bare to see you lose, again. You must not allow weakness. You must stand your ground."

I felt the weight of his words pressing down on me. The need to take him seriously and find complete truth in his words couldn't be more certain.

"Yes, father." I sniffed. "I'll deal with Alexander Kingston. I'll never let him get through to me." I said, my voice steady as I finally made up my mind.