Ex husband

Chapter 5

"That's your ex-husband, right?" Xavier asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he gazed at Maria.

Maria nodded, her hands rubbing together in a nervous gesture. "Can we please not talk about him?" she asked, trying to brush off the uncomfortable moment.

Xavier's eyes locked onto hers, his expression curious. "No problem If you want to avoid it, but I sense you're bursting to confront him for what he did to you," he said, his voice gentle but probing.

Maria's lips trembled, her eyes flashing with a mix of emotions. "I really want to," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I've decided to accept that it's over. It was just a contract. There's nothing to hold onto."

Her words trailed off, and she bit her lip, trying to contain the emotions that threatened to spill out. Xavier's gaze remained on hers, his eyes filled with empathy and understanding.

"It's okay then, you shouldn't hold onto it anymore. He didn't deserve you," Xavier said, his voice filled with conviction, as he offered a warm smile. "I know it's difficult because you see him around, but it will be over soon, after you go abroad."

Maria's face lit up with gratitude. "Thanks so much for that," she said, her voice sincere. "Even though we've only known each other for a short time, you're a good person. Thanks for being my friend."

Xavier smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're welcome, Miss," he said, with a playful nod.

They both erupted into laughter, the tension and sadness dissipating.

Five years later

It was Maria's shareholders meeting, her first since returning to the country a few days ago. Since leaving, she had been consumed by work, barely having time for her newborn son. The demands of her business had taken priority, with meetings and conferences filling every waking moment. But now, after being away for so long, she had vowed to take a break from the chaos and spend quality time with her child. 

As she entered the meeting room, Maria exuded confidence and poise, her diligent dressing commanding attention. Her sharp heels clicked on the floor, her strides purposeful, as her PA struggled to keep up with her pace. Maria's gaze swept the room, her eyes locking onto the expectant faces of her shareholders, her mind focused on the task at hand.

As Maria was about to take her seat, her eyes locked onto Alejandro's, and she wondered what he was doing there. When did he become a part of their shareholders? Her mind racing with questions, she settled into her chair, her gaze still fixed on him.

She discreetly called her PA over, whispering urgent instructions in her ear. "I need to find out who accepted him, and have it brought to me immediately after this meeting," she said, her voice low and urgent.

But as she turned back to face the room, her anger boiled over. She couldn't bear the sight of Alejandro, his presence a reminder of the past she thought she'd left behind. Her fury getting the better of her, she stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor.

"I don't feel good," she announced, her voice firm but shaky. "I think we should do this another time. Apologies for this," she said, her eyes flashing with anger as she turned to leave.

Her heels clicked loudly on the floor as she walked out of the hall, her departure as sudden as it was dramatic. The room fell silent, all eyes on Maria's retreating back, wondering what had just happened. Alejandro's gaze followed her, a mixture of surprise and concern etched on his face.

Storming into her office, Maria couldn't shake off the feeling of frustration and betrayal. She couldn't wait to confront the person who had accepted Alejandro as a shareholder. Who in their right mind would do such a thing?

Her PA, Tiana, entered the office just moments later, looking hesitant. "Are you able to find out who accepted him?" Maria demanded, her voice firm and authoritative.

Tiana nodded, "Yes, Ma'am, the chairman accepted him. I don't know his reason for doing that."

Maria's eyes widened in shock and anger. "My dad," she scoffed, her voice laced with disgust. She faced Tiana, her expression stern. "Don't worry, you can leave," she instructed, dismissing her PA.

As soon as Tiana left, Maria grabbed her phone and dialled her father's number, her hands shaking with rage. She couldn't believe he would do this to her, especially after everything she had been through with Alejandro. The phone rang, and Maria's anger grew with each passing moment, waiting for her father to answer.

"Hey my princess" Mr Lefevre said from the other end. 

"Hey, my princess," Mr. Lefevre said, his voice warm and affectionate from the other end of the line.

"Dad, why would you accept Alejandro as one of the shareholders? And you didn't see the reason to inform me beforehand?" Maria asked, cutting straight to the point, her tone firm and accusatory.

"About that, I am very sorry for not informing you earlier," Mr. Lefevre replied, his voice apologetic. "You were busy looking after our business abroad, and the day I tried telling you, you said you were busy. So, I guess it slipped my mind."

Maria's anger flared up at the excuse. "Goodness, is that even an excuse? For how long was that?" she demanded, her voice rising.

"It's been three years already," Mr. Lefevre replied, his voice sheepish.

Maria's eyes widened in disbelief. Three years? Her father had kept this from her for three years? She couldn't believe it. The feeling of betrayal and hurt deepened, her mind racing with questions and emotions.

"Damn, I am withdrawing and returning all his shares, there's no way I can work with him," Maria said, her tone dismissive and final.

"I am sorry, daughter, you can't do that," Mr. Lefevre replied, his voice firm but gentle. "Alejandro has also contributed to the growth of the company. Remember I told you the company was on the edge of bankruptcy the last time? He was the one who saved us. He's one of our biggest shareholders."

Maria's frustration grew, her mind racing for a solution. "What if I buy all his shares? Can't you still let him go?" she demanded, her voice laced with desperation.

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Mr. Lefevre spoke up. "Maria, even if you buy his shares, it's not that simple. Alejandro has a contract, and it's binding. He has a significant amount of control in the company. You can't just buy him out and expect him to leave."

"So what are you saying?" Maria demanded, her voice rising in frustration and anger.

"Maria, you have to learn how to work with him from now on," Mr. Lefevre replied, his voice firm but gentle.

Maria's eyes widened in disbelief. "Work with him? Are you kidding me? After everything he's done to me?" She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Yes, Maria. Alejandro is a crucial part of this company's success, and you need to find a way to put your personal feelings aside and work with him. For the sake of the company, and for your own sake," Mr. Lefevre said, his words firm but laced with a hint of empathy.