Chapter 7

MELISSA’S POV

As I forced myself through the crowd, trying as much as possible to endure the curious stares of the people around, Wendy’s image played relentlessly in my head.

She looks like a literal model. Her slim pretty face, her hair, make-up, dress and the jewelry she was adorned in screamed nothing but luxury.

At a glance, anyone can tell she's a typical spoiled rich brat.

The kind of glare she shot me when our eyes met is what startled me and caused me to pull myself from Listowel’s embrace. I must admit, I got frightened by her unexpected presence. I felt like I had taken something that’s not mine.

Just like seven years ago, I couldn't help but think that I'd stolen her man. I did it once and I don't plan on repeating it. Things naturally crawl to their owners no matter how far they wander.

Seeing her wrap her hands around Listowel’s arms caused a stir in my chest. It was as if she was asserting her ownership of him even when he had me tight to his chest.

I swung the door open, boarded the lift adjacent to the conference room, and headed to the garage. The elevator door ding opened, ushering me out. I strolled towards my car, the hollow sound from my heels echoing through the empty parking lot.

“Such a waste!” I muttered under my breath as soon as I sat in the car.

Today would have been a wonderful day, if not for Listowel. Never in a million years did I imagine to have met him at a legal conference. I mean, what would a CEO of a construction company be doing at a legal conference?

A sigh escaped my lips as I started the engine.

“Screeeee……” my tires screeched on the asphalt floor as I hurriedly stepped on the brake, causing me to stagger back and fro.

“Who the f***k was that?” I cursed as I raised my head which had almost hit the steering wheel to look for the culprit.

The sight before me sent a shiver down my spine. “Listowel?”

Without a flinch, I zoomed off without looking back. The car almost hit him, but I don't care. I would rather face the law than engage with this man again.

LISTOWEL’S POV

“No, I can’t lose her again” I mumbled as my eyes fell on her back. I can’t bear the thought of being separated from Melissa again. I've endured seven whole years without her presence, warmth, and love and I will be the biggest fool in history if I let her go again.

I don't care how many times she’s going to push me away and act like I'm a stranger. I'm willing to endure. I will endure all the harsh treatments she throws at me so far as she doesn't slip out my fingers. The despair from her absence is nothing to compare to this.

As I watched her squeeze way through the crowd, I couldn't resist the desperate urge to follow her. But the tight grip on my suit had held me back. My eyes trailed down to the sleeves of my suit where Wendy’s grip on it was between tearing the fabric or letting me go.

I raised my bloodshot gaze at her but she fiercely shook her head in denial, as if she could read what was going on in my mind.

“You can’t do this Listowel, Don’t go” she demanded between gritted teeth, possesiveness evident in her voice.

I could feel the tightness in my chest at her words. How dare she tell me what to do? She should be the last person to say something of this sort to me.

“People are looking, do you want them to talk—”

Before she could finish whatever she wanted to say, I cut her off.

It’s always been like this for her. She cares about nothing but what people will say about her.

“Let me go,” I growled in a low tone shaking her grip off but it didn't come off, she had held on tighter. My eyes turned black as it raged with fury. The last thing I would want to do is disgrace her in front of these people.

Yes, I don't care about what people will say but I don't want my name to be tagged with abuse. I know how misleading the media can be nowadays.

I shook her hands off once more but that didn't budge her. “Listowel, we are engaged. We have an image to protect. You can’t leave and follow a stranger”

I don't know if I had reached the end of my patience or the fact that she referred to Lisa as a stranger that caused my blood to boil with rage, I yanked her hands away, causing her to retreat some steps backward.

Without looking back, I rushed towards the door. I could feel how heavy my heart was racing as tried to catch up.

“Lisa!” I called out, trying to gain her attention. She didn't look back. She swiftly opened the door to her car and the next thing I heard was the screeching sound from her tires.

“Damn it!” I cursed under my breath as I ran after her. Lisa seems to be keen on ignoring me. She didn't spare me a look even when I almost got hit by her car.

My hands trembled as I fumbled for my phone. I took it out and dialed my butler’s number, my fingers trembling. He answered in a matter of seconds.

“Follow the white Range Rover that just left the building. I don't care how just make sure you don’t lose her!”I ordered.

“Yes sir” he responded firmly, the sound of the starting engine echoing through the phone.