Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Christiana’s POV
The next day, I decided to meet Alex on my own. No bodyguards, no entourage–just me and my determination to see what was so urgent that he had to reach out. I chose a sleek, navy–blue dress that flowed elegantly with each step I took. My hair was pinned up in a neat bun, and I wore minimal makeup. I wanted to exude calm authority, an opposite to the wide range of emotions Alex stirred in me.
I arrived at the café, a quaint spot nestled near the park, and my gaze immediately found him. Alex was seated at a corner table, engrossed in his iPad, his back straight and posture commanding. The soft hum of the café barely registered as I walked towards him, the memories of our past flashing through my mind with every step. We had once been in love, planning a future together. Now, the mere sight of him filled me with a cold defachment that was almost liberating. The thin line between love and hate had never been clearer.
As I approached, I watched him look up. Our eyes locked, and he looked stunned, almost as if he’d been expecting this encounter for too long. I could see the shock in his face and the mixture of apprehension and hope in his eyes. It only made me feel more resolved, more detached.
I reached the table and took a seat without waiting for an invitation. “This better be worth my time,” I said, my voice cold and deliberate,
Alex’s gaze never wavered from mine as he composed himself. “Thank you for coming,” he began, his voice steady. “I wanted to discuss the arrangements I’ve made regarding the children’s safety and well–being.”
Alex took a deep breath and began outlining what he had planned for the kids. His eyes stayed locked on mine, his tone steady and measured.
“I’ve arranged for enhanced security measures,” Alex said, his voice calm. “This includes a private security team that will monitor the premises around the clock. I’ve also hired additional staff to ensure their safety both at home and when they’re
He continued, his hands moving to emphasize his points. “There will be a dedicated team to handle their daily needs. This includes a personal tutor to help with their schooling, a therapist to provide emotional support, and a recreational coordinator to make sure they have activities they enjoy.”
I watched him, trying to keep my anger in check. “And what else?” I asked, my voice cold. “Is that all?”
Alex nodded, still focused on me. “I’ve also set up a trust fund for their future. This fund will cover their education, health, and any other needs that may arise. I want to make sure they have everything they could possibly need.”
His eyes were earnest, but my frustration was mounting. “So you’re telling me you’ve arranged for all this as if you’re buying their happiness? Is that what you think will make up for everything?”
Alex shook his head. “It’s not just about buying their happiness. It’s about ensuring they have a secure and stable environment. I want to be involved in their lives and make things right, starting with their well–being”
I could hear the sincerity in his voice, but it didn’t ease the sting of his past actions. “And this is supposed to make everything okay?” I asked, my tone incredulous. “You think you can just waltz back into our lives and fix everything with money and security?”
Alex’s gaze remained steady. “No, it’s not about fixing everything with money. It’s about taking responsibility and making amends. I want to be there for them, and for you. I know I’ve made mistakes, but I want to show you that I’m committed to changing things for the better.””
His words hung in the air, and I struggled to maintain my composure. His determination was clear, but so was the deep hurt he had caused. I needed to hear more, to understand what exactly he was hoping for. But at that moment, I felt overwhelmed by the weight of his promises and the betrayal that lingered.
“And?” I inquired, barely masking my frustration. “Is that all you needed to say!”
Alex’s expression turned serious. “There’s more,” he said, his voice carrying an underlying tension. “I want us to get back together.”
The words hung in the air like a thunderstorm. My heart raced with disbelief and anger. “Are you out of your mind?” I shot
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back, my voice a harsh whisper that cut through the cafe’s hum
“I’m serious,” Alex said, his eyes never leaving mine. “I want us back together. I’ve made mistakes, but I want to make things right.”
I couldn’t believe the audacity. I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing. “You want us to be together again after everything you did? After you shattered my life and left me to pick up the pieces? Never in this lifetime will I go back to you.”
Alex’s face fell, his gaze dropping momentarily before he looked up with a pained expression. “Christiana, I’m sorry. I’ve realized what I lost. I still have feelings for you. I want to fix things, to make amends Please, give me a chance to show I’ve changed.”
you
The words only fueled my rage. I grabbed the glass of water on the table and hurled it at him. The water splashed across his face, causing gasps from nearby people. I could feel the fury boiling over as Alex sat there, drenched but eerily calm.
“You really think a few apologies will erase the heartbreak?” I shouted, my voice rising. The cold divorce? The five years of torment and pain? You want to waltz back into my life like nothing happened? You’ve got another thing coming. Alex!”
that
I stood up, my heart pounding in my chest. The people around us watched in stunned silence as I stormed out of the cafe. The anger and betrayal that had been building inside me erupted in that moment. I needed to get away, to escape the suffocating presence of the man who had once been everything to me but had now become a symbol of my deepest wounds.
I felt a surge of fury as I walked away from the table, each step showing my anger. The cool air didn’t ease the heat rising in my chest. I needed to get away from Alex, to clear my mind, and get back to my life. I headed toward my car, the clicking of my heels sharp against the pavement.
Unlocking the car door with trembling hands, I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn’t notice the figure closing in behind me until it was too late. I turned around suddenly, and a pair of large, firm hands pressed against my shoulders, pushing me gently but firmly against the cold metal of the car. My heart raced, and fear gripped me. I had no idea what was happening, and for a split second, I thought I was being attacked.
But as I looked up, the grip was surprisingly familiar. It felt protective rather than threatening. Before I could react further, Alex’s face came into view. His eyes were intense, filled with desperation and longing..
And then, before I could protest or even think, his lips crashed against mine.
The kiss was urgent, demanding, and everything I had been trying to push away.
My body tensed, but the warmth of his lips, the scent of him–it all felt too familiar, too overwhelming. NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.
For that fleeting moment, time seemed to stop. My mind was a whirl of confusion and shock. All I could do was feel the intensity of his kiss, his
emotions pouring into me, leaving me breathless and stunned.