005 ~ His Regret

SEBASTIAN

How much time has passed since I last laid eyes on her? Five years.

And how long has it been since I've been searching for her? Four years.

It took me an entire year to realize I had made a grave mistake divorcing my wife. A year to come to terms with my true feelings for her. It wasn't until she left and I had spent an entire year without her that I recognized I had made a terrible mistake. I never should have let her go. Letting her leave remains my biggest regret.

My relationship with my mistress, Lydia Walker, wavered merely months after my separation from Kristine. I realized I didn't love her as I had thought I did. But I had to put up with her for an entire year due to her assertion that she was expecting my child. It was simply after the birth of the baby that I discovered the shocking truth that Lydia had deceived me about being pregnant with my child. Her child was never mine --- It was a bastard pregnancy.

This revelation was the final blow that prompted me to end this with her for good and remove her from my life. Even after that, she's still persistent to come back to me, apologizing that she never knew the child wasn't mine.

I couldn't help but scoff as I recalled her excuses -- Such lame excuses.

I had been hurt by what Lydia did. She not only ruined my life and self-esteem, but she also ruined my chances of being eligible to inherit my family's fortune; My family had a long-standing tradition where the first male child to produce an heir would be the one who inherited the fortune.

As it stood, I lacked an heir so I couldn't claim the fortune just yet.

But all that was about to change soon. Throughout my search for Kristine during the past four years, I discovered something intriguing. Something I was still skeptical about. My aide, who was in charge of the search team, had informed me that Kristine might have been expecting a child after our divorce.

That could only mean one thing -- She was carrying my child.

I struggled to accept this claim since Kristine never mentioned anything like that to me. After all, we had been trying for a child for so long, and she had never wanted the divorce. I had forced her to sign the documents, and given her efforts to save our marriage, I felt she would have shared such significant news instantly, especially if it meant a chance at reconciliation. However, she did no such thing. This often made me wonder if Chris, my assistant, had misinformed me.

Anyway, none of that mattered to me. My sole aim was to see Kristine again. I wanted her back. I missed her so much and the hollow feeling in my chest was evidence enough.

It had taken me four whole years to find her whereabouts after she disappeared without a trace five years ago. The last time I saw Kristine was the day that incident had occurred between her and Lydia at the company.

I couldn't really blame her for leaving; I was such a blindfolded fool then. I neglected her truth and chose to believe Lydia's lies instead. Recalling how I had reacted aggressively to defend Lydia's accusations made my heart churn with anguish and despair. Heck, I don't deserve Kristine. That's all I could say. I don't deserve her forgiveness at all. But I'd have to try to earn it somehow as my stubborn heart wouldn't stop calling her name.

As I gazed out the tinted windows of the limo speeding towards the airport, my thoughts were consumed by Kristine. A sudden wave of guilt and anxiety washed over me as her image flickered in my mind. I closed my eyes, wishing to relive the moment, knowing it had been so long since I had last seen her in person.

The only way I ever got a chance to see her captivating smile was from the photograph she had inadvertently left behind -- I'm sure it was by mistake, given she had taken all of her belongings with her when she departed.

Heaving a sigh, I glanced down at my elegant suit and reached for the photo I'd carefully stowed in my pocket.

Pulling it out, my eyes lingered on her radiant smile, feeling my heart race as I admired her beauty. Kristine was stunning—tall, blonde, with a model’s physique and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right into my soul, making my heart ache all over again.

I swallowed and exhaled nervously, sliding the photograph back into my pocket as I couldn't bear to look at her any longer. Although her smile was pure and genuine, it was torment for me; it was a painful reminder of how my foolish choices had led me to lose a rare gem like her.

"Boss, we're here," my chauffeur announced, interrupting my thoughts as we pulled up to my private airport.

My heart skipped a beat but I quickly sighed and regained my composure. I remained quiet, trying to gather my thoughts -- more like trying to mentally prepare myself for what lay ahead over the next few hours.

I was about to embark on a six-hour flight to another country, one that held the absolute love of my life. It had taken me four long years to track her down because she had fucking relocated abroad after our divorce. That's the perks of being a smart billionaire; I had the means to locate anyone I desired with my resources.

"Where’s Dan?" I finally inquired as I pulled out of my thoughts.

"He's on his way, boss," The chauffeur replied.

Dan was one of my personal assistants, the one who was in fact, in charge of the search team.

As if on cue, I heard a gentle knock at the car door, prompting me to turn my gaze to it only to realize it was Dan who was standing there.

I opened the door, my brows rising in question.

"All set, boss. We're ready to take off." He told me respectfully.

I nodded curtly in acknowledgment-- I was a man of few words. I spoke only when it mattered.

"Where will she be tonight?" I asked, and he swiftly responded as he understood what I was inquiring about.

"She's holding an event at the City Hall. A grand event, boss."

"Time?" I asked.

"8 PM."

I glanced at my watch and sighed. It was just a few minutes past one in the afternoon.

"Think we can make it there on time?" I asked worriedly though my expression was neutral.

"Yes, boss." He nodded briskly.

I hesitated before sighing once more. "Alright then," I replied, stepping out of the car.

We made our way to my private jet and I got settled in within minutes, with Dan by my side to ensure he was at my service whenever I needed it. It didn't take long before we took off.

I rested my head against the seat and closed my eyes, drifting into a reverie as I anticipated my upcoming meeting with Kristine. I'd been waiting for this moment for so long.

It had been four years. I couldn't help but wonder how she was going to react upon seeing me again. I wondered if she still loved me like before or if her heart harbored nothing but hatred and resentment for me now. My mind swirled with uncertainties and I could only sigh exasperatedly as I couldn't find the answers I was searching for.

***

By the time we touched down in the country, it was already past 8 PM. I quickly instructed Dan to take us to the event location, and he did so without delay.

However, something occurred when we had nearly arrived at the City Hall. Dan almost collided with two pedestrians crossing the street. Thankfully, he managed to swerve just in time.

Quickly pulling to a stop as we realized what had happened, I swiftly stepped out of the car with agitation, rounding it to check on the victims.

To my utmost surprise, I recognized one of the individuals to be Kristine's best friend, Amelia. Just beside her was a little girl, which was likely her child.

"I'm so sorry," I apologized, extending them a helping hand as I pushed my emotions aside.

Amelia hadn't noticed me as she was too busy cleaning herself up. To my surprise, the little girl abruptly ran away from the scene.

I was fazed but I quickly chased after her to retrieve her back to her mother.

When I finally caught up with her, I crouched down to her level to inquire what was wrong as I tried being friendly with her.

"Hey, what's wrong? Are you okay?" I asked softly, my eyes shifting between hers. At that moment, I recognized the uncanny resemblance she bore to me. I felt my heart twinge but I couldn't make sense of it as I continued to stare at her.

"Please, take me to my Mommy, Stranger." She replied politely, her innocent orbs glinting with worry.

I pulled out of my thoughts and nodded curtly before straightening my stance once more. "Alright, come on, let's go back to your Mommy."

But just as I walked back to the scene with the intent of returning the little girl to Amelia, I felt my heart plummet as I lifted my gaze and locked eyes with her. I mean HER. Those enthralling pairs of blue orbs caused my heart to race nervously as she held my gaze in disbelief.

I felt a lump form in my throat as I regarded her facial reaction upon seeing me. I could see sheer disbelief, shock, and a flicker of anger maybe?

For some reason, it caused my heart to ignite with amusement and I ended up greeting her tauntingly with a mischievous grin etched on my face.

"Hello, mi vida.”