My throat suddenly felt dry at his request. I was still uncomfortable being here today, and he's talking about bringing me here for the second time for a dinner."Erm, that would be great," I said, masking my emotions. "But honestly, you already know how busy I am lately, and I use weekends for my home chores and spending time with my girl.""Oh, alright. It's not a problem at all," Jason replied, smiling as if nothing had happened.To be honest, this is one of the reasons I like him; he never tries to force things on me or persuade me to accept his requests. He would just say it's fine and pretend as if nothing happened.Unless it's business-related, he would then look for a proper time to make the request for the second time, which I would hardly decline."So what would you like to drink while we wait for the Zech Holdings representatives?" he aske
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," the first man remarked, stretching out his hand in request of a handshake with Jason, and he accepted."You're welcome, sir," Jason replied with a smile on his lips as they exchanged handshakes, and he turned to greet others, only to see me approaching."Oh, there she is, Zora Paulson. The mastermind behind our revolutionary project," he said proudly with excitement and a smile all over his face.I couldn't help but force out a smile to greet the men as they turned to see me. However, my smile froze for some seconds as I and Zayn locked eyes. He's the one opposite Jason, and he's facing me."Zora! Finally, I found you," he said with excitement. The happiness was evident on his face, just like someone who had found a hidden treasure.My legs trembled, and I nearly lost my balance. I never expected this to happen. To see Zayn again in the same room where he humiliated me together with his wife Paige."What is he doing here?" I found myself questioning
"I can see you're yet to forget the incident. Hence, you have refused to talk to me. Well, I bought it under your name as compensation for what I did.""Erm..." I was choked with words. I didn't even know what to say at this point because I hadn't expected to hear that from him."Please, can we just focus on the reason we're here?" I said, trying to look serene, but deep down inside me, I was seething. I was dying of embarrassment that I wish the ground could just swallow me whole.I knew Zayn is always full of surprises, but not to this extent. Doesn't he know what to do with his money any longer?Why purchase it with my name? What happened to Paige?"Please, I'm lost here. Could any of you tell me exactly what's going on?" Jason asked, confusion flickering across his face and eyes."Well, I really understand how you're feeling right now," said Zayn, completely disregarding Jason's existence, let alone answering his question."I will feel the same if I were in your shoes," he added,
Zayn flashed me a glare with a smile and then responded, "Calm down, dear. Don't be in such a haste, dear."He then turned to Mr. Luke, who had already started fretting. "You still couldn't remember her?" he asked with a wry smile on his lips."My apologies, sir. Pardon my short memory. I've started aging so bad that I hardly recall recent incidents, let alone old ones," he remarked with a pleading tone. He was already shaking.I couldn't believe my eyes. This man was full of dominance and fearfulness back then. How did he end up in such a condition, being a mere worker, a cook even in his own established company?Zayn sighed. "It's fine," he said and paused for a few seconds, staring at him with scrutiny. "Do you know why I bought this place?" he added.Mr. Luke shook his head in disapproval, and Zayn cleared his throat to continue. "Great. Do you remember that day when a reckless and useless digger brought a complaint to you?"At this point, I could tell Mr. Luke had realized who I
"You mentioned buying this place for me... Fine, what happened to your lovely wife, Paige? She doesn't deserve it."Zayn was astounded by the question. He literally didn't expect me to react this way. Even Jason was shocked to his bone marrow.At first, Jason's expression was laced with disappointment, although he was at a point glued to the incident. However, there's this betrayed look he usually snaps at me, which I couldn't fathom.By now, I thought he must have realized that the man in front of me was my ex-husband.After staring at me for some while with a doubtful facial expression, Zayn finally exhaled a deep sigh and sat back on his executive chair. "Alright then. Let's get back to business," he remarked.I sighed and gulped hard. I was really furious. I sat back on my chair and picked up my glass of wine in front of me and sipped from it just so I could calm my emotions. So I could refrain from saying all the things in my head I intended to lash at Zayn. However, I was still f
Zayn let out a wry smile. He was unfazed by my response."Well, you can say that. Time passes, and people change as well," he said, gritting his teeth without the wry smile fading.I was surprised because the more I tried to subdue him, the more he found new tactics to defend himself. Was he trying to tell me he had changed? How did he expect me to believe that? I swallowed hard, and a faint smile escaped through my lips. He was indeed very brave. "Anyways, let's not get distracted. Since you've refused to go through the project demo, I'll give you a brief explanation then." With this being said, I brought out the 10.1-inch screen tablet phone from my bag and turned it on.I went to the gallery and scrolled to our company's illustration image, then handed him the tablet."We decided to come up with a new advertising system that not only helps in improvements in model marketing but also makes it more ey
ZAYNI couldn't believe what just happened a few minutes ago. It's been my wish to set my eyes on her again, even if it's just a quick glance.I couldn't believe I messed up the opportunity I had been praying for—I ruined the beautiful moment I had—being with Zora.I had rehearsed multiple times and stood in front of the mirror to practice how to keep my facial expression while presenting my words. I chose my words correctly so they wouldn't trigger her to remember the past.Despite everything, as soon as I saw her walking out of the restroom, I forgot everything and started fretting as I noticed how much better she had become. I was scared she wouldn't even listen to me or would embarrass me in front of my subordinates, which just happened.Well, I should blame myself for how she reacted. I should have apologized to her straight without beating around the bush. I should have been more loving and used appealing words instead of acting as if I was trying to buy her love with my money,
ZAYN —Blake, you wouldn't believe what just happened today." A smug grin tugged at my lips as I spoke."Really? Tell me then," Blake replied, his tone dripping with curiosity.I breathed a sigh, and a wry smile crept onto my lips. "I saw her—I mean, I saw Zora.""For real? So how is she? I bet she couldn't recognize you," he said, obviously teasing.My brows creased, and a faint smile curled across the corner of my lips. "Of course she did. And she is doing fine, even. I wasn't surprised though, because I know what she's capable of.""I second that. Zora is such a vicious lady. You really fumbled," Blake retorted, mocking me for my action. Well, I won't get offended because I created the problem for myself."You're right, Blake. I fumbled, but that's why I called so you could be of help with my problem." I crossed my legs, massaging my temples. Beads of sweat were dripping on my forehead.There was a brief silence from his end for some seconds. "And how can I help? How sure are you th
I exhaled a deep sigh and gazed at his face for a few seconds before swallowing the lump in my throat."I don't know who gave you the advice that you could win me back by adding pressure despite my threats.""If this gift is solely for business reasons to make my work easier, I have no problem with it, and I would appreciate it greatly. However, if it has to do with my past marriage with you, I'm sorry, I don't need a car. Thank you for reminding me of my miserable marriage with you. Hope you're satisfied now."I hissed and turned to leave, but Zayn grabbed me by my wrists."How are you going to embarrass me in the presence of my workers? At least save me some shame, Zora," he whispered into my ear.I chuckled wryly, and a smirk replaced it."Of course, that's what you wanted. For you to gather them here, you want them to witness everything that will happen, don't you?" I said, and he creased his forehead in astonishment."I should have yelled this so they could hear it, but like you s
The next day, being Friday, I woke up earlier than usual to prepare for work and also get my luggage ready as I would be traveling back to Northville City today because it was already the weekend—the long-awaited day has finally approached.After taking a bath, I was about to get dressed and leave to board a cab to the office when I noticed my phone ringing.I rushed to the sitting room where I had left it at night after having the conversation with Daisy. I was so drowsy that I couldn't even think of my phone but managed to go to my room to sleep.However, upon getting to the sitting room, I was disappointed to see that Zayn was the one calling me.I ignored him and left to continue dressing up.After a few minutes, I was done dressing and left for the office.However, upon arrival, I noticed the company was kind of scanty."What happened? Where are the rest of the staff of this place?" I wondered, gazing around to see at least one person, but everywhere was empty.Does it mean that
"But I'm curious, Zora. How sure are you that Jason hasn't been doing all this just to hit? I don't trust him. He seems to be a player," Blake raised a topic."Don't say that, Blake. Jason is such a good guy. If his intention towards me wasn't genuine, he would have stopped being kind towards me and my child long ago, especially the moment I declined his proposal at first," I remarked, defending Jason.Daisy immediately nudged him with her elbow. "It seems you and Zayn are birds of the same feather. Don't be surprised if Zora kicks you off from this call," she warned him, but Blake ended up laughing, infuriating me.Witnessing this, Daisy burst into laughter. "That serves him right. It's good he's revealing his true colors so we know how we dish out some certain information about you to him," she said, standing up from her seat to change position."Absolutely. He's working for Zayn," I added."He better not get himself involved in Zayn's deep shit. Unless he doesn't like the way I sti
ZORA —"Don't tell me he has found out, Blake. Did he? How did he find out?" I asked incessantly, worried about the news as Blake told me what he had discussed with Zayn while on a video call with him and his wife, Daisy, in the evening."Calm down, Zora. It's nothing to worry about. After all, he's yet to know the child is his, so nothing happened," Blake said, trying to comfort me."How? Who would he think the child belongs to then if not him?" I asked him, running my hand through my hair as I felt my long-held secret had been exposed."From what Blake told me, Zayn thought Jason was the baby daddy. Relax, Zora. He hasn't found out," Daisy chipped in.I exhaled a deep sigh, bent my head, and fixed my gaze on the floor. "But why would you let him know about that? How could you let that slip out of your mouth?" I asked, feeling betrayed.It was only the three of us that knew I was pregnant for Zayn before leaving Southampton City. Unless recently, I made it known to Jason that Zayn is
"If that were the case, Blake, I think it would be better," I said, ruffling my hair as I felt my world crumbling apart."Can you calm down, Zayn? Calm down and tell me what the problem is," Blake said, trying to help my situation."Blake, is there any other problem I have aside from getting Zora back? Why do you sound like a novice? For goodness' sake, I've lost her, Blake. It's all lost," I screamed in anger, heading to the parking lot so I could hide in my car and cry out my frustration where none of my staff would see me."What do you mean by that statement, Zayn? You lost who?" He asked, feeling surprised."Tell me you're joking, Zayn, because it hasn't even been long since I spoke with her, and I could tell you that there was progress. You just need to keep seducing her and adding pressure.""I did everything...""So what went wrong? What did you do this time to warrant this sudden reaction from her?" He asked with a reprimanded tone."That's what I can't answer for now, Zayn. I
ZAYN —"Calm down, Zora," I took a deep breath, fixing my gaze directly into her charming eyes."Why are you here? What do you want from me, Zayn? I thought I told you something in my office earlier today."I sighed, taking a few steps back as I sensed her fear. "What if you believed me, Zora? What if you believed that I had changed? Would you accept me back? What would it take to make you believe me?" I asked her softly.I could feel her cool breath on my face, her alluring scent enveloping me, making it hard to concentrate. Her blue eyes kept drawing me closer to her.Suddenly, she regained her composure and let out a sigh. "Well, I also wish it could be possible, at least for the sake of your replica, but it's too late.""Late? How? And what do you mean by my replica? Since when did I have a replica?" I asked, furrowing my brow."Yes, it's already late, Zayn. I'm already dating," she stated, causing my expression to darken instantly."And about the replica, don't dwell on it too muc
"Absolutely, Zora. Honestly, I feel for Zayn because he's about to lose his long-term acquired wealth to that lady. He really got himself into some deep trouble," he said, leaving me with a lot of thoughts swirling in my head.Not gonna lie, even though I want Zayn to suffer for his decision, I feel for him because of the horrible situation he's about to find himself in. He doesn't deserve to lose everything to that woman."How could he make such a decision? I thought he was smart," I said, condemning Zayn's decision to agree to such terms in their marriage."Honestly, it was as if the lady cast a spell on him because I doubt he did all that with a clear mind, despite the fact that he had already purchased a lot of property when they were still flirting and mingling.""Well, whether he was under a spell or not, he is the one to blame for this. After all, a spell doesn't work on someone who is innocent," I responded, sighing."Yeah, he did, but I don't think it's the right time to blam
As soon as Zayn walked out of my office, I let out a smile of satisfaction, as I had just fulfilled my long-term wish for Zayn since our separation.It was as if a burden had been lifted from me. I had waited for a day like this when I'd make him feel exactly the way he made me feel five years ago.Albeit I wasn't harsh enough towards him, it's really satisfying seeing him feel the same way he made me feel on our divorce day.I went to the window to gaze through the city of Southampton. It was amazing to know the powerful and fearful business tycoon who's dreaded in this city almost cried in front of me."Amazing!"I went back to my chair, and thoughts started consuming my head. "Has he really changed? Is it worth telling him I've forgiven him? What will happen to my relationship with Jason?"I sighed and picked up my phone. I wanted to call Blake so I could get some vital information from him.The phone rang for a while, and he picked it up. "Wow, I can't believe I just received a ca
"Or should I go into detail about how much I miss you?" He sighed, regret evident on his face."I miss how you used to wake up early in the morning to prepare my breakfast. How you would iron my clothes before finally waking me up for work.""I miss your words of encouragement and prayers for my protection. I miss your delicious meals." He gulped hard, his words choking him."You miss me?" I said, a smirk forming at the corner of my lips.I was satisfied that he missed me. They say you don't value what you have until you lose it; I guess Zayn is the perfect example of that."Well, you don't miss me. You're just missing your home robot and not me because you made it clear that you never loved me," I told him confidently.Of course, Zayn never missed me because all he mentioned here was my virtuous qualities. I had devoted myself to that marriage; even his friends would praise him in front of me for having a good wife.His cousins and his grandmother adored me, saying that Zayn made a p