Xander
The embossed invitation felt slick with a kind pressure in my hand. The designer hosting the event was a top name in the industry, the kind of person every trendy woman like Sasha, my girlfriend, worshipped. Sasha had been raving about the jewelry for weeks, especially the new piece Adie Luxe was set to unveil. Personally, I couldn't care less about jewelry or fashion. When the invitation arrived, I wanted to skip it entirely, but Sasha wouldn’t hear of it. “Xander, you don’t understand,” she had said for the hundredth time, practically bouncing with excitement. “Adie Luxe is releasing a new piece! We have to go. I need to see the face behind the brand. Everyone’s talking about it. This is the biggest event of the season! Did you know their last piece sold for half a million at auction? That’s how influential they are. Just imagine seeing their work up close!” I nodded absentmindedly, her words blending into the background. I didn't share her enthusiasm for jewelry or fashion. But Sasha was relentless, yapping on and on. “They have always ahead of the curve, setting trends, not following them. And the craftsmanship! Each piece is like a work of art. Do you remember the necklace they designed last year? It was featured in every top fashion magazine. Oh, and the rumor is this new piece will have some kind of rare gem that no one’s ever used before. I can’t believe we’re actually going to see it. And to think, they started just a few years ago and now they're the talk of the town. Can you imagine the connections we could make tonight?” She paused, and then continued, “Adie Luxe is amazing! I can’t believe we’re seeing them in person. Did you know they had been featured in Vogue? They came out of nowhere and now they're dominating the industry. I can’t wait to see the new piece they're unveiling. It’s going to be groundbreaking, I just know it!” I couldn’t get a word in, nor did I particularly want to. Jewelry wasn’t my thing. But seeing Sasha so animated, so desperate to attend, I couldn’t refuse her. “Alright, alright,” I finally conceded. “We’ll go. Just promise you’ll enjoy it enough for the both of us.” “Oh, I will!” she said, her eyes gleaming. “This is going to be the event of the year, Xander. You won’t regret it.” The dinner party was in full swing, clinking glasses, and murmurs. The designer had truly outdone themselves, with every detail carefully planned to exude luxury. I moved through the room, making polite small talk. As I moved around the event, I couldn’t help but overhear snippets of conversation from the ladies. They seemed very much like Sasha. Why was everyone so smitten by this “Adie Luxe's” work? “I can’t wait to see the face behind Adie Luxe and the new jewelry,” one woman said to her companion. “It’s so funny how no one has seen the face of the brand.” “I know, right?” the other person replied. “I have no idea why they’ve been so secretive. Who could he or she possibly be?” The lady groaned. “Maybe some celebrity who wanted to prove they could make her barand thrive without their fandom? Kylie Sprouce? Something tells me she's the one.” The first woman chuckled. “Oh, well, I can’t wait to see them in person. Who knows what they are? He? She? They? Them? And that new jewelry she’s unveiling tonight? I’ve heard it’s going to be absolutely gobsmacking!” These women were utterly engrossed in. I wondered why they were so fascinated, why the mere mention of the name and work evoked such excitement. Just as I was about to excuse myself to the balcony for some air, the lights dimmed slightly, drawing everyone's attention to the stage. A hush fell over the crowd, and the announcer took the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen," she began, her voice commanding the room, "thank you for joining us tonight. It is my distinct pleasure to introduce someone who has redefined elegance and innovation in our industry. Please welcome the visionary behind Adie Luxe, Ms. Adeline." Murmurs swept through the audience, and my grip tightened on the glass in my hand. The name replayed in my mind, triggering a flood of memories. Adeline. Could it be…? Then they walked onto the stage. Adeline. “It's a woman!” Someone exclaimed. “Adeline Armstrong!” A voice called. A collective gasp filled the hall. I felt my heart skip a beat. “What?” I muttered under my breath, unable to process what I had just heard. “No way! She's Michael Armstrong's daughter!” one woman exclaimed, her voice full of shock. The first woman shook her head, clearly baffled. “I have no idea. This is unbelievable. I mean, how could no one have known?” “Maybe she wanted to succeed on her own terms,” her friend suggested. “Not rely on her family’s name. It makes sense if you think about it. She’s built this incredible brand all by herself.” “I still can’t believe it,” another woman interjected. “The Armstrongs are so well-known. Michael Armstrong, as in the big CEO's daughter! How did she manage to stay under the radar?” The room seemed to hold its breath as she moved with an effortless grace, her eyes scanning the crowd before settling somewhere above us, unfazed by the attention. She was dazzling, more radiant than I remembered, and carrying herself with a confidence that made it impossible to look away. My heart stopped as the truth sank in. This was the Adeline. The same woman I had once called my wife. The same woman I had ruthlessly divorced, now standing before me with a new identity, a new life. How was this possible? My mind raced with questions, none of which I could answer. The applause was thunderous, but it felt distant, almost surreal. I was rooted to the spot, my mind fuzzy. Adeline''s eyes briefly met mine, and I tried to look for something, anything. Recognition, perharps? But there was none. Nothing. she turned her attention back to the audience, a serene smile on her lips. How had she transformed so completely, so beautifully? My jaw dropped as I watched her, the woman I had let slip through my fingers now shining brighter than ever. The applause was thunderous as Adeline walked the stage. Next to me, Sarah seethed with jealousy. She continued to huff, and roll her eyes when any subtle pleasant comment was made about Adeline's new piece. She had always outshined Adeline, but tonight, it was clear who the true star was. I could feel Sarah's eyes darting between Adeline and me, trying to gauge my reaction. But I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Adeline. How could the woman I had left behind become so poised, so elegant? It didn’t seem possible. My heart pounded as I watched her, trying to reconcile the confident woman on stage with the one I had once known. The memories of our time together flooded back. I remembered the way I had dismissed her, the coldness with which I had ended our marriage. How I had never appreciated her efforts, how I never even bothered to eat the meals she lovingly prepared. My heart sank as I recalled the look in her eyes when I told her it was over, the pain I had caused her. I had been a fool to let her go. She was breathtaking, and I couldn’t believe how much she had transformed. Part of me felt a deep pang of regret, a realization of what I had lost. I wished I could turn back time, undo the mistakes that had driven us apart. I barely acknowledged Sarah's comment, too engrossed in the sight of Adeline. She had always been beautiful, but now there was a confidence and grace that took my breath away. I wondered how different things could have been if I had appreciated her more when we were together. **** After the shock of Adeline’s reveal, the mood in the room was calmer, but it didn't last for long. “And now, without further ado, it is my honor to present the latest masterpiece from Adie Luxe,” the designer announced, gesturing towards a covered display. A staff member stepped forward and dramatically pulled the cloth away, revealing a breathtaking piece of jewelry. The room erupted in gasps and exclamations of awe. The women went in twos and threes to admire the necklace. “Oh my God!” someone screamed. “It’s stunning!” “It’s even more beautiful than I imagined,” another voice gushed. “Look at those details!” Women were practically pushing and shoving. I nudged Sasha gently. “Don’t you want to check it out?” She crossed her arms, her face twisted. “I don’t. It’s probably so mid,” she said. I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her response. “Really? You’ve been talking about this all week.” Sasha scoffed, her eyes narrowing as she watched the other women fawn over the jewelry. “It’s just a bunch of hype. I bet it’s not even that impressive up close.” Ignoring her, I looked back towards the crowd, where people were still marveling at the piece. “Did you see the cut on that diamond?” one woman exclaimed. “It’s flawless!” “And the design!” another agreed. “Adie Luxe really outdid herself this time.” Sasha huffed beside me, clearly irritated. I glanced at her. It was obvious her jealousy was clouding her judgment. “Come on, Sasha. You know it’s more than that. Look at their reactions.” She rolled her eyes, refusing to engage further. “Whatever, Xander. If you’re so interested, go ahead. I’m staying right here.” I sighed, deciding not to push her any further. Instead, I turned my attention back to the stage, where Adeline stood, focusing instead on her. Finally, I saw an opportunity to meet her. It was my table's turn to go up close to see the necklace. I took a deep breath and started walking toward her. Sarah, realizing what I was doing, raised her voice. “Xander, you can't be serious.” But I didn’t heed her. I was drawn to Adeline, compelled to reconnect, even if just for a moment. I reached her and cleared my throat. I paid more attention to her than the jewelry I was supposed to be admiring. “Hi, Adeline,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “You look so good. You- I mean, your jewelry, is a masterpiece.” I couldn't stop myself from continuing. “You’re doing so well. I have to say I’m impressed. Really, it’s incredible what you’ve achieved. This piece, it’s just…wow. I mean, I always knew you were talented, but this is beyond anything I could have imagined. You’ve really outdone yourself.” She turned to face me, her expression composed and unreadable. “Hello, sir,” she said, her tone polite but distant. “Do I know you?”ADELINE ‘S POV"Adeline," I caught a hint of pain in his voice , and my heart skipped a beat. I glared at him as he spoke, and my face hardened. I feigned confusion, and I tilted my head to the side. He moved closer, and I raised my hands to stop him. "Adeline, it's me, Xander your–" He stopped halfway as he tried to find the appropriate word. "Ex-husband," He completed. I reached out my hands for a handshake, and I smiled at him as he took it. His features brightened up, and I finally spoke. "It seems you are confusing me for someone else," His smile disappeared, and at the corner of my eyes, I saw Sasha throwing death glares at me. "But I do hope you find her. Please enjoy the night," I dismissed as I pulled my hands away. I walked away from where I stood to find my assistant."Adeline!" A voice called, and I turned my head to see the head of one of the biggest magazines in the country. "Mrs Claudia!" I beamed happily as the woman pulled me in for a French kiss. "O
AdelineI stood close to the window as I took in the morning mist and the strong smell of coffee and vanilla that filled my office. My office was at the top of my building, and I took in the view before me. I had the best one on the entire floor. My legs were still a bit sore from yesterday. Wearing heels around the hall for hours was a hassle.I tried not to think about what happened with him last night. I didn't expect them to show up at the party last night. Who would have thought he was interested in jewelry. I had a lot of deals at the opening, and a lot of people offered collaborations with me, a ton of good brands. And I couldn’t be more excited. At least I know I will be fine until the end of the year before I reveal another rare gem.I heard a knock on the door before the door was pushed open, and Bea, my assistant, walked in with a box in her hands."Sorry for being late," She replied as she placed the box on the table."What kept you? Traffic?" I asked as I turned ar
XANDER'S POVI watched as she walked away from us. My hands still gripped Sasha's hands as I felt a part of me walk away with her.Sasha pulled at my clothes, and I felt a surge of irritation at her, as she made me lose the opportunity to speak to her.I grabbed her gently to the parking lot where one of my cars was parked, and my driver was waiting for us to come. "Why don't you go home to rest? It has been a stressful day, and you said you don’t like this year's review," I said to her, and she refused. "Are you trying to send me away so you can find a way to go back to that whore? Why are you behaving this way? Why are you trying so hard to get her attention? You rejected her years ago, so why all the interest in her all of a sudden?" She pestered me with questions, and it felt more like a reality check than questions. Personally, I had no idea what was wrong with myself and why I was suddenly interested in Adeline. "I never said I wanted to go talk to her. She is probably g
Adeline I grabbed my coat from the hanger and dialed the driver's number to have him wait for me downstairs. Despite my reluctance, I had to go home to have dinner. My high heels echoed through the empty hall, and I stretched and got into the car. "Where are we going?" The driver asked when he saw my reflection in the mirror. "Take me to my father's house." I nodded in response. My father's house, not my home. From the day I left five years ago, I knew that no one in this home welcomed me. And now, my father called me to come home for dinner. I wonder how they will react to seeing their daughter after five years of absence. A few minutes later we arrived at the house. I asked the driver to go back first, I had my plan. Looking at the familiar house in front of me, I pulled my bag closer to myself and walked to the door. I rang the doorbell, and when it rang a second time, my father poked his head out. He pulled me into a hug, "Adeline, my daughter. I miss you so much, we
XANDER'S POVI wanted to see her. I lurked around the neighborhood as an excuse. It was already evening. I didn't want to make it obvious that I was already close by. I waited a good thirty minutes before I reversed the car, and I drove towards their house. My phone rang, and it was Sasha. I ignored the call, I had promised her I was going to make it to her today, I was on my way anyway. I arrived at the house and I parked my car in the driveway. The car that was driving her was no longer here. Perhaps she hasn't arrived?I rang the doorbell, and I waited for a reply, but I received nothing. I tried again for the second time, and her father came to the door."Hello, son," He said as he pulled me into a hug. "Hi father, i know it's late, but i had to come over, I can't go a day without seeing my A–sasha," I almost slipped, but he wasn't quick enough to catch. "Adeline, she came over to see us," He said, giving me a heads up; little did he know that I was truly here to se
ADELINE’S POV"Are you surprised to see me?" Matt asked, grinning as I got into the car. His smile was perfect and his eyes crinkled with amusement as I stared at him."Of course, I am! What are you doing here in town and how did you find me?" I asked, waiting for an explanation.“I missed the ball and I had to make it up to you. I wanted to take you to dinner immediately I landed in Manhattan but you weren’t at the Company and your secretary told me you’d be here. I was about to call you when I saw you.” He explained.“I remember telling you it wasn’t a big deal and you didn’t have to come.” I say even though I was happy to see him."What can I say," he started, "You left, and Washington became boring. And a little bird told me you turned Manhattan upside down with your unveiling. I had to come see it myself. You’re the talk of the town and your face is everywhere right now," he continued, his smile widening."Don’t flatter me," I said, smiling hard. "You left your company to come he
XANDER’S POVI watched whoever it was step out of the car while Adeline walked towards him.She seemed comfortable and relaxed, and the tall man, whose features I couldn’t clearly make out from a distance except that he was dressed to the nines, pecked her cheek with his hand on her waist.“Fuck,” I swore as I watched her giggle and enter his car, and he started to drive away.I rushed to my car, my mind racing with a thousand scenarios as I followed them, hoping they wouldn’t notice a car tailing them.Who was he? Did she remarry? Was he a boyfriend? I needed to know. My phone rang, jolting me. It was Sasha.Seeing her call seemed to get me back to my senses because it dawned on me that I was stalking my ex-wife, but I couldn’t stop even if I wanted to. I was so curious about finding out who she was with.I didn’t want to answer, but the ringing persisted, so I picked up and put her on speaker, my eyes still on the road.“Hello?” I said impatiently, trying my best to sound normal.“A
SASHA’S POV"I'll see you later, babe," Xander said, giving me a quick kiss before leaving the house.I watched him go, feeling a knot of anger in my stomach.Xander left right after Adeline, and it annoyed the fuck out of me. He tried to act like he wasn't in a hurry, but I could tell he was rushing after her and the fact that he showed up right after she arrived bothered me.I stood up, lost in thought, when I heard my dad's voice."Sasha, aren't you happy to see your sister doing so well? Finally, our family is complete again," he said.I flashed him a toothy grin and nodded. "Of course I am. I never imagined that bitc... Adeline would ever come back into our lives again," I said before storming off to my room.I couldn't stand having Adeline back. Her return felt like a terrible storm sweeping through my life, about to drown me.She was here to take what was mine, and I knew it. Worse, she had this smug confidence that got under my skin.At dinner, seeing Xander stare at her like