CHAPTER THREE

DOMINIQUE'S POV

I sat on my chair as I listened to the presenters for today’s meeting. I was in a conference with the CEO and the Board members and we are currently discussing about the company’s monthly monitoring. The Finance Department is currently discussing about the company’s Sales and Trend over the past month, but that’s not where my attention is. I tried to focus and forget about everything that happened, but it's like a nightmare squeezing into the depths of my mind.

I looked at Dazzle who was speaking in front of me, but I felt like I couldn't hear her. It was as if I was just looking at them, but I couldn’t see them. I fell into a deep thought and did not realize that I was going to be the next speaker.

“Dominique? Hey, Dominique!” I was shaken when I heard Dad shouting my name.

It was only then that I realized that I had everyone's attention. Embarrassed, I lowered my gaze, unable to meet Dad's gaze. I disappointed him, I know he won't say that, but I still feel bad.

“Okay, everyone, the meeting’s adjourned for now. Let’s just resume the discussion in a week,” Dad announced.

I heard people whispering as they left the conference room, and I felt even more embarrassed. Dad left, along with Camille of the Marketing Department who was my friend. I could see the worried look on their faces. I know that even if I don't say anything, they know and feel whenever I'm going through something. Dad just shook his head before standing up and leaving the conference room.

“What was that, Nikki? You’ve been spacing out lately, is something bothering you? If you have personal problems, don’t let it affect your work,” Camille said out of the blue.

I let out a deep sigh. To be honest, I don’t like how I feel right now. My chest was so heavy and I felt like something heavy and huge was stuck in my heart. It's hard to admit, but Vonn did not only hurt my heart, but also my pride.

I want to curse just to get rid of the pain I’m feeling right now. No matter how many times I think about it, I still don’t understand how they were able to hurt me, even if all I showed them was kindness and love.

“Nikki? Are you even listening? ” Camille asked me irritatedly.

“What did you say? I’m sorry, I’m quite out of focus lately,” I sincerely apologized.

“You know what, why don’t we go out for a while? Let’s grab some coffee to freshen up ourselves. You’ve been working really hard, you deserve a little rest,” she said to me and we left the conference room together.

It’s almost three o’clock in the afternoon. We were supposed to get back to work, but instead, we found ourselves walking towards Heaven’s Corner, a coffee and pastry shop that’s located a few blocks away from our office.

Camille went for a cappuccino while I ordered caramel macchiato. We sat at a table for two while waiting for our order.

"Spill the tea," she said, taking a deep breath before speaking.

"There's no wedding to happen between Vonn and I," I began.

“What? Why? ” she asked so loud, causing some customers to turn their attention to js. I immediately glared at her but the damn, she just grinned at me.

“I caught him cheating, Mille. They cheated behind my back. I want to hurt them so bad, but what’s the point? I will only prove to them that I am a loser. It hurts so much, Mille,” I began to sob, remembering what they had done. I still can't believe how they made a fool out of me.

Camille took my hand and caressed it to say she was just there for me, willing to listen and be a friend.

“Of all the people, why does it have to be Krisna? Being cheated hurts like fucking hell, but to be betrayed by the person you trusted the most, it’s like killing me slowly with torture,” I cried.

Am I too bad if I wish I had never met them? To wiish they hadn't been a part of my life? To wish that I hadn’t just loved them?

“Cheer up, Nik. Just look on the brighter side. At least, you've learned his true colors before you married him. That’s what we call ‘redirection’. God saved you from being married to an asshole,” she said, still comforting me.

I took out my handkerchief and wiped the tears from my cheeks. Maybe she’s right, God has redirected me. I’m just glad I discovered it sooner, but still, it didn’t lessen the pain I felt.

Our order arrived shortly after. Camille and I just continued talking while drinking coffee. I looked up when the coffee shop door opened and my eyes met the man who had just entered. I was more than surprised and once again dumbfounded, as I stared at him. I did not expect that after a few days I would see him again.

He was the man who helped me at the bar!

I didn't realize that I had been looking at him for a long time until Camille tapped me to get my attention.

“Girl, are you okay? Do you know that hottie?” she asked in succession.

I shook my head in response, but Gale suddenly turned to me and grinned. He walked over to our table and suddenly spoke to me.

“You’re here, Milady. I didn’t expect to see you here. Why didn't you tell me you were going to visit me here?” a sly grin flashed on his lips when he said those words.

I automatically raised an eyebrow at what he said. How can he act like this, as if we were close to each other? As far as I can remember, we’re not even friends.

“What the hell are you talking about? Why should I visit you, are you going to die?” I asked, mockingly.

I would have said more, if I hadn't heard Camille's faint giggles. For some unknown reason, my cheek suddenly heated up. I feel like he caught me flirting even though I wasn't. I barely even know this guy, and I can’t understand why I suddenly felt embarrassed when I shouldn't have.

“Hi, I’m Camille, Dominique’s friend. And you are?” she asked Gale while looking directly into his blue eyes. As Camille looked into Gale's eyes, I suddenly felt annoyed so I looked away. I averted my eyes from the two of them.

“My name’s Gale Andrew, mademoiselle, at your service. Ii am the owner of this cafe,” he introduced himself.

I turned to him and raised an eyebrow again at what he said. He is the owner of this café, how come we never saw him here before?

"No one's asking," I replied without interest.

“Yes, no one’s asking. I just want to make an impression on you, Milady,” he explained.

I just stared at him and continued drinking my coffee. Even if he owns the whole world, I still don’t care.

"I'm still not interested," I raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, is that so? Then, I’ll find a way to make you interested in me, Milady.” He leaned in closer to me and whispered those words into my eara, making my breathing hitch. Just what the hell happened?

“Oh, my God! Hello? Seriously, what am I here, a display? Stop flirting in front of me, Goodness! Have some respect!” Camille exclaimed exaggeratedly, making us turn to her.

My eyes widened with her words. She call it flirting? This is ridiculous!

“I’m sorry, mademoiselle. I'm automatically becoming a fliet whenever I see your friend's beautiful face. Aren't I, Milady?’ Gale answered teasingly and looked at me.

I glared at him and looked at him dangerously. However, instead of being scared, he grinned even more foolishly. This guy, why is this man so mean? Ever since I met him, he has done nothing but to tease me like we really knew each other all our lives!

"Hey! Stop it Gale, we're not even close! ” I shrieked angrily and turned to him.

“Is tht so? Aren't we close 'friends' yet? We even slept next to each other last saturday, didn't we?“ he asked innocently, but amusement displayed in his eyes.

I stood up and hit him but he quickly avoided me. He laughed at my attacks, then he grabbed my hands and held them tightly. And just like that, my heart started to beat faster! What the hell?

“OMG, that's enough please! You're making me feel envious!” Camille screamed as she smiled at the two of us.

I quickly pulled my hand, realizing how shameful I was acting. Damn! I just want to disappear out of shame! It was as if I had just realized how we acted in front of Camille. Goodness, this is literally embarrassing!

“Come on, Camille, don’t believe whatever that guy's saying. I don't even know him!“ I said, denying the fact that I knew him.

“Ouch! Milady, you're hurting me. Did you forget what you did to me that night?” he moved his face closer to me and asked.

My face immediately flushed and my eyes widened, even though I know what he said isn't true. Still, I couldn't help but to feel ashamed, knowing Camille is with us and she might think we did something. Jeez! This is probably the sign that I will never drink at a bar alone, no matter how broken-hearted I will be.

"Oh fuck! Stop acting like we did something, when we haven't!“ I sneered at him.

"No, you have to admit it first. Tell your friend we slept together,” he grumbled in front of me like a child.

I was silent, and didn't even know what to say because I feel like I was embarrassing myself even more with every word I uttered.

"Shut up!" I cried out in a hushed voice. I can feel myself losing control, and one word from him might me make me lose it all.

“Milady, you're embarrassing me,” he pouted at me and looked at Camille, showing her his cellphone and said, “I'm telling the truth. See, I even have her number!“

Camille covered her mouth when she saw that my number was registered in his contacts. I grabbed his cellphone but he quickly pulled it away from me.

“Shit! So what? It’s just a number, it’s not like we’re exchanging calls and texts!” I retorted.

“Omg, you gave your number to him? Why?” Camille asked curiously, as if she hadn't heard what I said.

I shook my head. This is pointless and ridiculous!

“Let’s go, Camille! We came here to relax, and yet, I feel stressed even more,” I said while pulling hee upright.

My heart was pounding as I dragged Camille. I can’t believe this man and I crossed paths again. Of all the places in the world, why did we met here again? Is it coincidence?

Before we could get out, Gale's loud shout grabbed our attention.

"Wait!"

Camille and I turned to him as he ran in our direction. He stopped in front of us and I didn’t expect what he did next. He took my hand and kissed the back of it. I turned to him, my lips parting in absolute shock.

“I’ll call you one of these days, Milady. Wait for my call, okay?“