004 ~ Unexpected Encounter

KRISTINE

~FIVE YEARS LATER~

"Mommy is beautiful..." The small voice of a toddler broke into my thoughts as I stared absentmindedly at my reflection in the mirror.

I instantly felt all of my nerves unravel as her sweet compliment sailed into my ears. I couldn't help the smile that stretched on my lips as I shifted my gaze to her-- My little Angel, Mia Devereaux.

She was currently settled in the arms of my best friend as my make-up artists tended to me in the dressing section of my room. It was a celebratory moment and I couldn't deny how nervous I had been until I heard Mia's compliment.

"Please, excuse me for a second," I whispered to the make-up artist, who nodded curtly and withdrew from me as I swiftly rose to my feet. I then crossed the room to the other corner, approaching Amelia and Mia.

"Hey, baby," I grinned as I gently pinched my five-year-old chubby cheeks, and she giggled in response, her reaction causing my heart to melt with affection as I admired her cuteness.

But then, I was abruptly interrupted.

"Oh, my goodness, Kristine, this is the fourth time you're coming over to play with her tonight..." Amelia frowned. "Could you just let these people finish their jobs so we can get the event started already?... Guests are waiting, you know? It wouldn't be nice to be tardy to your own event." Amelia scolded me, her tone laced with frustration as she retracted from me, deliberately withdrawing Mia from my reach.

I pouted at Amelia's words. But then again, I couldn't really blame her frustration. She was right, this was the fourth time I was going over to play with my child-- the literal bane of my existence.

Even though tonight was a significant night for us all, especially me, I couldn't deny spending any moment I got with my child, given the opportunity. I loved her so much and she was literally my favorite person in the world. Her birth gave me a new purpose in life. It's true what they say, that children brought blessings because I could attest to the fact that Mia's birth literally changed my life for the better, though the process wasn't as easy as I'm making it seem now.

Sebastian's betrayal and rejection crushed me and left me hanging on the brink of self-destruction five years ago. It wasn't easy and I really thank the heavens for having a friend like Amelia by my side. We both worked our asses to ensure we received the best life has to offer, not just for our sake, but for my little angel.

Five years ago after my abrupt divorce to Sebastian due to his betrayal, I had vowed I would get my revenge on everyone who wronged me in the past, especially him. But after fleeing the country and bringing my precious baby into the world, I decided it was time to let go and start a new life, considering also that I was already finding success in my new career and I now have a man who was slowly starting to mend my broken heart. I couldn't see the need for revenge anymore as I was now away from Sebastian and I was living happily. I believed it was time to move on and bury the past.

However, I also made a decision to go back on my choice if a day ever came that Sebastian and I crossed paths again, but that seemed unlikely as I was now a thousand miles away from him and hadn't been in contact with anyone from that city in five years.

Though Mia was a constant reminder of my past, given the striking resemblance she bore to my ex-husband, Sebastian, with those piercing blue eyes and raven-black hair, I didn't resent her for it. She was too lovable to be caught up in the grudges I have towards them. If anything, for her sake, I had put a hold on my plans for vengeance against them.

"Kristine, what are you doing? We don't have the time... The guests are already coming in." My thoughts were interrupted as Amelia's stern voice resonated in my ears.

I glanced at her and nodded briskly. "Alright, fine. I'll finish up now..."

"You'd better," she replied tersely as her phone dinged with a notification pop-up. She quickly glanced at it before returning her gaze back to me. "It's Dave... He's asking if we're ready."

My eyes widened with amusement. "Well, are we?" I chuckled before returning to finish up my makeup as Amelia shook her head pathetically at me. I grinned childishly at her frustration.

Nearly twenty minutes later, I was done and all ready to see my guests. Forgive me for not telling y'all what the significant event is, It's the grand opening of my big brand tonight. I couldn't suppress the joy and excitement that radiated from me as I stared at my gorgeous reflection in the mirror. I was clad in a red evening dress with my long brown hair flowing down my shoulders in soft waves. My lips were tainted with red lipstick, matching my outfit and giving me that fierce look of a boss bitch that I am.

I was impressed with the finished look of my makeup, and I couldn't help but commend the artist for her talent. Just as I was returning my gaze to the mirror after dropping my remark, there came a knock on my room door.

I stiffened with anticipation as I already knew who it was.

"Come in!" I called out in response, and the door swung open immediately, revealing a tall, handsome gent dressed in a forest green suit with a bouquet of roses in his hand.

The smile on my face widened as I stared at him through the mirror.

"Uncle Dave!" Mia was the first to screech with excitement upon spotting my boyfriend.

Knowing the affection they harbored for each other, Amelia released Mia, who hurriedly scampered to Dave's open arms. I watched as he crouched to his feet and enveloped my little girl in a warm embrace before planting a kiss on her temples.

"How are you, my princess?" He asked softly as he gazed at my toddler.

My heart swelled with love as I watched their interaction. It was a beautiful sight.

Even though I had only begun dating Dave for merely two weeks, the bond Mia and him shared was unbreakable. That's because Dave has been in my life for almost three years now. He had liked me and he didn't stop chasing my affection even after rejecting him countless times. He was persistent and determined to win my love and eventually, he did.

I had been reluctant to accept him into my life as I was still healing from the emotional damage Sebastian inflicted on me. It was only recently I started warming up to Dave, considering Mia already had a good relationship with him, and maybe because I was already falling in love with him gradually.

Dave Filler was one of the amazing people Amelia and I encountered when we newly moved to this city. He showed us our way around the city and even helped us secure a job in his company. Yes, he wasn't just a handsome gent, he was also the CEO of one of the biggest companies in the city. He was every woman's dream man and I'm glad I'm the only woman after his heart.

As I peeped at him through the mirror, awaiting him to finish with Mia and come up to me, I couldn't help but admire how hot he looked in that suit. He looked so perfect, and I felt shivers travel down my spine as I momentarily preoccupied my mind with wild thoughts. We hadn't gone all the way yet, but I had already decided that tonight I would give myself to him after the close of the event.

"My Queen," His velvety voice pulled me from my reverie as he stood closely behind me, his eyes fixed intently on my reflection in the mirror.

Goosebumps broke out on my skin at the proximity of our closeness and I couldn't help the rosy hue that rose to my cheeks.

"Hey," I drawled as I gazed at him through the mirror with a smiling expression.

"You look so gorgeous. So beautiful and so exquisite." He emphasized, his tone laden with adoration.

Everyone had already exited the room and it was just the two of us left to ourselves.

Dave gently turned me to face him and a coy smile creased my features as I averted my eyes from his.

"I got you these, baby. Congratulations once again." He said softly as he handed me the bouquet, which I collected from him as he added. "I'm so proud of you, my millionaire girlfriend."

I blushed at the title and scoffed Incredulously. "Oh, please stop it," I said, rolling my eyes playfully.

His orbs were dazed with admiration as he stared down at me. I could feel the heat of his intense gaze on me and it made my heart race nervously. To compound my anxiety, I felt his warm fingers on my chin suddenly as he tilted my face till our eyes met.

His orbs bore into mine and I felt a lump form in my throat as I already knew what was incoming. I saw it in the way his eyes darted between my eyes and lips that he wanted to kiss me badly. Don't be surprised when I tell you that I haven't even kissed Dave since we began dating. I'm not certain, but for some reason, I was always reluctant when the moment came. But not tonight. Not with the way he was looking so hot, and the way he gazed at me like a finished man. I wanted to kiss him; to get a taste of his lips on mine.

I was about to carry out my plans when the door to my room swung abruptly, causing my heart to be fraught with shock. I instinctively backed away from Dave as my eyes shifted to the woman who had come rushing in.

"Something's happened. There's been an accident." She announced frantically, her eyes filled with trepidation as she reciprocated our gazes.

My brows creased with bewilderment and I exclaimed. "What?"

"It's your friend and your child. They've just been hit by a car outside." She continued. "Come, we must hurry."

My heart pounded with shock as those words hit my ears. I felt my heart plummet to my feet, my body momentarily stiffening as I struggled to regain my composure.

Dave's tender tap on my shoulder jolted me from my trance. "Come on, Kris. Let's go!"

With that, I swallowed nervously and we raced out of the room. Tears were already brimming in my eyes as I ran to the scene, imagining the worst that could have happened. How did this even happen? I questioned inwardly as I scurried down the hall. Amelia and Mia were just with me a minute ago. How the fuck did they get involved in an accident just now?

Tears rolled down my cheeks as these distressing thoughts gnawed at me. I couldn't fathom what was going on, but my heart palpitated with trepidation. I silently prayed it wasn't as bad as I thought it to be. I didn't know what I'd do if something happened to either of them, especially my child! The reason for my existence.

The crowded scene unfolding pulled me from my thoughts as I finally stepped outside with Dave in front of me. He made the way, his hand wrapped around mine protectively as we scurried to the scene.

My heart dropped when we finally reached the main scene of the accident. But confusion marred my face as I saw Amelia was still okay and judging by her countenance, she was looking around for someone. When I noticed the absence of my child around her, I immediately scurried to where she was.

"Hey, are you okay? What happened?" I asked desperately, glancing around to see the vehicle that had stopped in the middle of the road, affirming there had indeed been an accident, just not a fatal one as I had assumed it would be. I was grateful for that but my gratitude dissipated when I couldn't find my child around Amelia. "Where's Mia?" I questioned further after Amelia confirmed she was okay.

As if on cue, I heard my toddler's voice calling out to me.

"Mommy!" She exclaimed, prompting me to immediately turn my gaze in her direction.

I was surprised to see she was okay too, but what surprised me even more was when I noticed she was holding onto a stranger's hand... A strange gentleman, to be precise.

I froze momentarily as they approached my side and as my eyes gradually shifted from Mia to the strange man she was holding onto willingly.

Starting from his feet, my gaze trailed up to his face and even if the lighting of the evening was dim, I recognized him regardless. My eyes widened with shock, my heart sinking to my stomach as I locked eyes with the man who was holding my child's hand. I couldn't believe it.

I blinked severally, hoping the person approaching me currently was just a figment of my imagination. But my hopes were shattered when he finally spoke, his gaze holding mine with a mischievous smirk etched on his face.

"Hello, mi vida." He greeted in his familiar taunting tone.

My heart sank. I couldn't believe it.

And I wasn't mistaken. It was him. It was really him. My ex-husband. Sebastian Weston!