Ashes of Yesterday

Lena’s POV

“Lena, that went incredibly well,” Damien’s voice was full of pride as he walked beside me, matching my pace. 

I smiled, still riding high from the successful meeting. “It did. The Asian market is tough to break into, but we nailed it.” 

“You won them over without even trying hard,” Damien said with a grin. “How could they not sign the deal? You were brilliant in there.” I smiled. Damien wasn't economical with his compliments. 

I shrugged, smiling. “That’s what I’m here for.”

His eyes seemed to sparkle as he glanced at me. “Speaking of which… How about we celebrate tonight? Dinner? You know, something to unwind.”

I swallowed and paused. “Damien, I appreciate the offer, but I’ve got a lot of unfinished work on my desk to think about something else. ”

He chuckled softly, not backing down. “Come on, Lena. You work too hard. You need to let loose sometimes. What harm could a dinner do?”

“I’m sorry,” I replied, my voice firm. “I’m not ready for such distractions just yet. We still have major deals to seal.”

Damien had been a good partner in the last two years. But I was okay with that - just partners. 

Damien smirked, seeing through my facade no doubt. “I get it. But you’ll change your mind eventually. Maybe you’re just stressed. I can help with that.”

I rolled my eyes, quickening my steps. “The Wells partnership is critical, Damien.”

“Right, right. I’m looking forward to seeing how this plays out. I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job yet again.” 

Before I could answer, we reached the conference room. I saw the tables empty and only a young woman who clearly looked like a secretary was seated at the long table, typing away on her tablet. 

My eyes narrowed. “Where’s your partner?” 

She looked up and offered a handshake. “Mr Wells was called back to the office for something of the utmost importance. He'll be with us shortly," she said. He glanced at her watch. 

Unbelievable. “This is an important meeting. What could be more relevant than this? I will not speak with a secretary.”

The secretary winced. “I’m sure he’s on his way, Ms. Reynolds.”

“That’s unacceptable,” I replied coldly. “This meeting will be rescheduled until your boss is ready to act responsibly.” 

“I've been called a lot of names, not irresponsible," a voice said from behind me. 

I froze. That voice. That familiar baritone. I could tell it from an ocean away. 

I turned slowly, my heart dropping into my stomach. Heart hammering wildly. 

There he was. Grant Wells, the man who had ripped my life apart two years ago. CEO of Wells Inc., and my ex-fiance.

Grant’s smirk was in place as he stepped inside the room, every bit the confident business person he always was. “Good to see you, Miss Reynolds.”

I straightened, forcing myself to remain composed despite the shock. “We have a meeting to conduct, Mr. Wells. Shall we?”

Damien, standing beside me, extended his hand toward Grant. “Welcome to Mega Hawk. Good to see you again, Mr Wells.”

Grant shook his hand. Both men clearly knew each other. “Likewise.”

I tried to focus on the task at hand, but my pulse raced. Grant’s sudden appearance and calm demeanor made me want to pull my hair out. How could he stand there as if nothing had changed?

“Let’s get started,” I said, my voice clipped. “We’ve reviewed the proposal, and while the numbers look promising, I’m not convinced this partnership is the right move.”

Damien faltered and looked at me in confusion. “Lena, I think we decided the Wells deal was acceptable..”

I ignored him, my eyes focused on Grant. “That was before he showed up late for such an important meeting and,” I added, “And it wasn't good. On second thought, it's rather a weak offer." 

Grant leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. “That’s funny, I had the impression we were coming to finalize, not debate over this anymore.”

Damien raised an eyebrow. “Lena, are you sure about this?” he mouthed mutely. 

I didn’t answer, my eyes locked on Grant and I stood up, grabbing my purse. “We’re done here. Let the security escort you and your secretary out.” 

I was out of the room before Damien could ask all the questions that were no doubt floating in his head. Thankfully, he didn't argue with me. He trusted my judgment that much. 

I stepped inside the elevator, exhaling slowly as the doors slid shut. But just as I thought I’d escaped, Grant appeared, stepping inside with me.

I stiffened. 

“It's good to see you Lena,” Grant’s voice was casual, but I could feel the emotions in them. 

“I can't say the same." 

He laughed softly. “Is that why you refused the deal?” 

I gritted my teeth, refusing to engage. “It's a trashy offer.”

“Lena,” his tone shifted, ego wounded. “You know this partnership is a good move. Why not look past this pettiness?”

I finally turned to face him, my eyes cold. “Because I’ll never work with you, Grant. Ever.”

His jaw tightened. “You’re letting your personal feelings get in the way of a business opportunity.”

“You think this is about feelings?” I snapped. “You have no idea what you did to me.”

Grant’s eyes darkened, but before he could respond, the elevator doors opened. I stepped out, refusing to let him see how much he still affected me.

But he wasn’t done. As we stepped outside, Grant grabbed my arm, pulling me to a stop. “Lena, listen to me—”

“Let go of me!” I hissed, yanking my arm free.

“Why are you still being so stubborn?” Grant’s voice was high now. “We could work together—

“I said no!” I shot back, my voice sharp. “Get lost, Grant.

Just then, I heard footsteps behind me. “Lena?”

I turned to see Damien, his expression concerned. I pulled away from Grant, plastering on a smile. 

“Damien, I was just heading home." 

“You forgot these," he said, handing me my keys.

Before I could react, he grabbed my face softly, and kissed me. Hard. I was stunned. 

Later, Mr Wells,” Damien

He said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and leading me to my car, leaving Grant standing there, speechless.