Chapter 5 : Six Months Later

SIX MONTHS LATER

Lucia’s POV

“Well Lucia.” He came in and studied my reflection in the mirror. “You look very beautiful in that dress. So very elegant and regal.”

I studied myself, appreciating his compliment. “Thank you sir.”

“I bet everyone’s eyes will be on you tonight Mrs Lyon.”

“How kind of Mr Lyon. You're most gracious with your compliments.”

“Only the best of course. Ready to put up an act for tonight?”

“Let's give them a show.” I grinned as I took his hands. I made the decision of taking a crazy deal with Ezra six months ago and for once, I have never regretted it.

“How’s the venue search going?” He asked.

“Oh, the wedding planner said she’ll get back to me tomorrow. The florist said she’s getting the floral arrangements ready and will begin as soon as I send her the venue for the wedding.” I told him.

It was our wedding In few weeks’ time. Preparations were being made.

Though we had recently just arrived back to the country. Over the time, my fiance had grown his empire and became one of the most important business personalities.

In fact, the event for tonight had been based on invitation.

I’d just learned that my ex-husband, Harry, was celebrating a promotion as the new COO. A position I had asked Mr Lyon to give him.

“Why give him that when you want him to go down?”

“The higher he goes, the bigger the fall.” and it was settled.

He had invited many personalities to the event.

It was a while later before we got to the event. There was the press and other social media personalities taking pictures and trying to fetch for gossip.

The atmosphere was celebratory and welcoming as my fiance and I stepped in.

“I hope this is not uncomfortable for you?” Ezra asked, genuine concern swimming in his eyes.

I offered him a brilliant smile. “No. He’s my past and he’ll always remain there.”

His lips lightly brushed my cheek. “I’m glad. Now, let’s go greet acquaintances and friends.”

He had spotted some of his business friends and acquaintances.

“Hello, Mr. Lyon .” That familiar voice took me back to the past but it was only for a second before I composed myself.

Ezra and I turned to see Harry. He was taken aback when he saw me.

“Hello, Mr Stone.” Ezra greeted.

But Harry’s attention had been drawn to me. “Lucia ?”

“It’s Miss James to you. Soon-to-be Mrs. Lyon.” I flashed my engagement ring in his face.

Ezra pulling me even closer to himself didn’t go unnoticed by Harry who could only stare in shock.

“If you don’t mind, my fiance and I were making pleasantries.” I said in a slightly rude tone. “Babe, can we go?” I turned to Ezra .

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Stone and thank you for inviting us. Also, congratulations on your new position, we will be working closely together to make this company the best in the world.” My fiance uttered politely and nudged me to leave with him.

I was in disbelief when Harry held my other wrist to pull me back.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Where have you been?” Harry inquired.

Anger flooded my system. “You must be out of your goddamn mind, Harry. Your audacity is shocking! How dare you?! You think you have the right to pull me back when I’m with my man?”

“I’m sorry.” He apologized and though it was sincere, I didn’t care.

“This had better not repeat itself again.” I gritted, then turned to leave. “I need to use the restroom, babe.”

Ezra, who had been quietly watching the drama, nodded. “Alright, babe.” He kissed my cheek.

And I knew it was to quell my anger. I gave him a smile, showing my appreciation.

Glaring at Harry, I left.

But not before I heard Ezra say to Harry. “You lost your chance, man. Stay away from her. She’s mine now.”

My smile would not reduce. It just kept widening. Ezra really kept up with his part.

That was the kind of man that deserves my loyalty and love, not Harry.

I was a good wife to Harry, but I was going to be the best wife to Ezra .

I entered one of the ladies and went about my business.

The bathroom door swung open, and instinctively, I glanced up at the mirror. Tania.

Trouble clung to her like cheap perfume—I sensed it before she even spoke. But this time, I was ready for her.

Straightening my spine, I refused to acknowledge her presence.

“So you still want him?” Her arms folded across her chest, her sharp gaze drilling into me with pure malice.

I met her stare with ice-cold indifference. “You and your boyfriend are insignificant. I’ve got better things going on in my life than wasting my time on either of you.” My tone was sharp, laced with disdain.

Her eyes darkened. “You bitch!” She lunged forward, raising her hand to strike me.

I caught her wrist midair. Without hesitation, I shoved her arm away and delivered a stinging slap across her face. The sound echoed through the tiled walls.

“This isn’t six months ago, Tania—or whatever the hell your name is.” My voice was low, lethal. “Don’t you dare try that again.”

She stumbled back, clutching her cheek in shock. “You dare to hit me?”

I took a step closer, letting her feel the weight of my fury. “If you ever lay a hand on me again, I’ll do more than hit you. I’ll beat you into a coma.” Each word dripped with warning. “Don’t try me, Tania. And tell your man to stay the hell away from me.”

Her nostrils flared as she seethed. “You whore! I’ll deal with you for this.”

I scoffed, unimpressed. “Bring it on, Tania. I’m not scared of you. But just know—whatever you throw at me, I’ll hit you back twice as hard.”

I turned on my heel, heading for the door, but paused at the threshold.

“And before you call someone a whore, take a good look in the mirror.” I tilted my head, my smirk widening as her fury bubbled beneath the surface. “What do you call a woman who wrecks a marriage?”

Her lips curled, her rage barely contained.

I laughed softly. “Exactly, Tania. You’re the whore.”

With that, I stepped out of the bathroom, my pulse still thrumming from the confrontation. All I wanted now was to find Ezra and down some flutes of champagne before I lost the last shred of my patience.

But before I could take another step, a strong hand clamped around my arm, yanking me backward.

The hallway blurred as I was dragged into a dark corner, my body slamming against the cold wall. I barely had time to gasp and then scream, before a rough hand clamped over my mouth.

“We need to talk, Lucia,” Harry whispered, his breath hot against my ear, his tone dripping with menace.