What the hell is he doing here again?

We all stood up to welcome him as he entered the room, each of us eager to make a good impression. I felt my heart race as his gaze swept across the group, finally resting on me. His expression was blank, as if I were just another face in the crowd. Seriously?

“Welcome, everyone,” he said, his voice smooth and authoritative, as he gestured for us to take our seats.

I swallowed hard, my pulse quickening Why was my heart racing so fast?

My boss cleared his throat. “Thank you for being here today, Sir Astor. I’m excited to discuss potential collaboration with your company.” My boss said and Jake nodded, his eyes studying the room.

As the meeting commenced, I tried to focus on the presentation, but my mind kept lingering to the past, the moment I woke up beside him, the way he walked out on me.

'What were the chances?' I had shared something intimate with this man, and now he was sitting across from me as if we were merely colleagues. It's obvious he sleeps with different ladies, because why the hell does he not remember me?

“Every partnership needs to ensure mutual benefit,” he said, his tone steady and confident as he turned to my boss. “I’m interested in what your team can bring to the table.”

My boss turned to me and I felt my breath cease. “Alice, why don’t you present our recent market analysis? You’ve been working closely on this project.” Perfect. Just perfect.

“Sure,” I replied, my voice steady despite my nervousness and the whirlwind of thoughts in my head.

I stood up, clutching my notes tightly, and began to speak. As I detailed our findings, I could feel his gaze on me, but it was different now—observant but distant. Like he still didn't recognize who i was.

“...and we believe these insights could significantly impact our strategies moving forward,” I concluded, trying to maintain my composure. I glanced at him, searching for any hint of recognition, but his expression was neutral, as if he were listening to just a random employee.

“Very insightful,” he said, nodding. “I appreciate your analysis, Alice. It’s clear you know your stuff.”

A rush of warmth spread through me at his compliment, but it was tinged with disappointment. 'Did he really not remember me?'

JAKE ASTOR'S POV.

I walked into the room, my eyes landing on a familiar figure. Her. The one girl who I had prayed never to come across again. Ever since I walk out of that house, I can't seem to get her off my mind. It's weird that I don't know why.

Maybe it's because I feel bad for her. Her husband dumping her for her bestfriend. How cruel is that? Or maybe it's the sex. The way she moaned, Her soft delicate skin, the sound of her gentle voice mixed with her alcoholic breath, or maybe it was her slow movement. No! Get it together.

I walk into the the conference room, my eyes leaving her to the rest of the people in the room who had stood up to welcome me. I can't afford to let my guards down.

ALICE'S POV.

The meeting came to a close, my boss practically buzzing with excitement. We had a chance to close a deal with one of the wealthiest and most successful CEOs in Los Angeles. That was a big deal, and I should have felt proud.

“I'll definitely get back to you. It's nice to see you Mr George,”

“I will be waiting on you, Mr Astor. Oh! And it's nice to see you too,” I overheard both their conversations as I step out of the door, my file clutched to my chest as my mind raced with thoughts.

Why do I have to feel bad? I mean, what was I expecting? I clearly told Mia i didn't care about who he was, and I never thought of seeing him again. Bu—but, why do I feel this way? Why do I feel heartbroken?

******

It was closing time already. I began to pack my items from the table, putting them into my black handbag. I zipped my bag closed but hesitated, unzipping it again to retrieve my lip gloss. I wasn’t a makeup expert, but I loved the way my lips looked shiny. it was a thing for me.

As I stepped outside, waiting for my cab, a sleek white Bugatti pulled up in front of me. The window slid down, revealing Mr Jake once more.

What the hell is he doing here again?