Chapter 3: Old friend

Briella’s hands trembled as she unboxed the package, who had sent this? Inside lay a bottle of her favorite wine, a box of delicate chocolates, and an assortment of cupcakes, each decorated with intricate frosting. But it was the final item that made her breath hitch was the latest edition of a Chanel handbag, sleek and elegant.

A card laid within the gifts, her fingers grazing over the paper. It read only two words:

"Welcome back."

No name. No hint of the sender.

Her first thought was that it was probably her brother. He had always been thoughtful. But before she could dwell on it further, her phone buzzed in her hand.

Unknown number.

Her brows furrowed as she hesitated, then swipe to answer.

A deep voice pierced her ears.

Did you get my gift? He asked.

"Who’s this?" Briella asked, gripping the phone tighter.

A low chuckle rumbled through the receiver. "It’s been two years, and you’ve completely forgotten my voice? Come on, Briella.  it's Brian "

Her breath caught in her throat. "Brian?!"

“Omg Brian….!. Briella squealed. She completely lost contact with him since she married Hayden.

He chuckled. “I guess we should meet up.”

The call ended, but Briella remained frozen in place, staring at the screen. A slow smile crept onto her lips. Brian. After all these years.

That evening, Briella got ready to see her father since she had promised to visit.

Briella arrived at her father’s mansion, the familiar warmth of home wrapping around her like an embrace. As her cab pulled up to the grand estate, she spotted Mr. Garland Milton seated in the lounge outside, his silver hair neatly combed back, his eyes as sharp as ever.

The moment he saw her, he stood, his expression unreadable at first. But as she stepped forward, his arms opened wide.

“Dad!” she breathed, rushing into his embrace.

“Dad I've missed you.”

He chuckled, patting her back. “Are you sure you missed this old man? If you did, you would’ve visited yesterday.” His voice carried the same teasing warmth she had missed.

She pulled back, smiling. “You know I did.”

“Come, sit,” he said, gesturing to the chair beside him.

As she settled in, she glanced around. “Where’s Lex?”

Her father exhaled, rubbing his chin. “Tidying up some things at the company. You know you’ll be taking over soon.”

Briella’s chest tightened.She'd be back to her old life soon but leaving it was no use because she couldn't get what she wanted.

“How are you coping… with the divorce?” her father asked carefully, his gaze searching hers.

She forced a smile, though something inside her ached. “I feel better now. He betrayed me, and there’s no use moping over him.”

Her father’s expression darkened. “Good. That bastard just touched a tiger’s tail. Measures are already in place to deal with him.”

"Dad," she warned, placing a hand on his. "Calm down. Leave him to me. Hayden isn’t worth your time."

His face softened, but the fire in his eyes remained.

They went inside and talked over wine, her father briefing her about all that had transpired since she left.

*

Hayden's villa.

Hayden walked into his home, the grand space around him feeling unbearably empty. The maids greeted him, but he barely acknowledged them. Something felt… off.

Was it because he missed Hilda? Or was it the gnawing frustration of losing a multimillion-dollar deal that had slipped through his fingers that afternoon?

"Sir, should we serve your dinner now?" the butler asked hesitantly.

He exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. 

Even though Hayden didn't have the appetite for food he had to force himself to. Since the doctor strictly warned him not to skip meals.

"I’ll eat after I shower," he muttered.

The butler bowed slightly. "Understood, sir."

The butler noticed something was off about Hayden but he didn't pry.

Hayden climbed the stairs and by the time he returned downstairs after showering, dressed in casual silk loungewear, his dinner was set.

The scent of stir-fried spaghetti and chicken filled the air, it was one of his favorite meals. He picked up his fork, twirled the pasta around it, and took a bite.

Something was wrong.

The taste. Off.

His jaw tightened as he slammed the fork onto the plate. "Who made this?" His voice came out sharper than intended.

The butler flinched slightly. "The chef, sir."

"Does she not know that I despise cinnamon? Why am I tasting it?"

The butler hesitated. "Sir... she didn’t know because… Mrs. Briella has been the one preparing your meals."

Hayden’s entire body went still. Briella?

“What do you mean by that? What was the chef's duty then?”

“Mainly to assist sir.”

Hayden was already angry. His brown eyes are deep. “You know what, have the maid pack this away.” He said as he stood up.

He didn't want to regret saying harsh words to the old butler.

As he headed to his room he phone rang.

‘What??” He retorted.

His personal assistant's heart throbbed due to the cold voice of his boss.

“Sir, I found the owner of the car.”

Jayden forgot he had informed him about the matter after his security man displayed incompetence.

“And?”

“Well the car was purchased by Mr Milton….”

A cold chill settled in Hayden’s chest. "You mean Mr. Garland Milton? The Chairman of Tons enterprise?"

“Yes sir..”Jed answered.

Hayden’s fingers curled into a fist. How is the retired CEO related to Briella? 

Or did Briella follow wealthy old men when they were married. That could be the only explanation.

His mind was in rage at the thought. Such filthy young girl. If only his grandmother was alive to see the girl she spoke so highly of.

*

At Briella's father's mansion.

When Lex returned home, he looked exhausted. But the moment his eyes landed on Briella, his expression transformed.

"Big sister!"

He rushed to her, pulling her into a tight hug. Gone was the cold, ruthless CEO. For a moment, he was just Lex, her little brother.

"It’s so good to have you back," he murmured.

She smiled. "It’s good to be back."

Briella was happy to see her dad and only brother were doing well in her absence.

Lex never liked the idea of being the acting CEO, even though he studied business in school for his father's sake he wanted to be an artist and now seeing that his sister is back he can finally go chase his dream.

Mr Garland cleared his throat. "Lex, did you terminate the contract?" He asked.

“Yes dad and the slot has already been taken now.”

Briella didn't understand their coded language. Since she would soon be brief about the new development of the company she didn't ask.

*

Tons Enterprise 

Everyone was excited to see the CEO was back. They've heard about Briella being the heir but no one has actually seen her.

Three years ago when chairman Garland Milton retired he announced that his daughter would take over But after some time they saw his younger son instead.

As she entered the boardroom, the executives eyed her with curiosity. But as the meeting progressed, their skepticism faded. Briella wasn’t just a name. She had the qualifications, the experience, the confidence. And as she walked out, they welcomed her warmly.

The meeting ended and she walked hand in hand with her brother. She introduced her to all the other staff..

When everything was finalized. She headed to her office. Seeing her name on the plaque she felt excited.

She was two years behind but at least she was here now. 

Finding love wasn't worth it then.

As she sat on the swivel chair. There was a knock on the door.

Her assistant peeked in. "Ma’am, you have a visitor."

"Let them in."

She glanced at some files, expecting an executive.

Then a familiar voice sent a jolt through her spine.

“Briella.”