Chapter 3

Zerah

Ryker was standing in front of me. 

My head cycled around that for several more minutes before I blinked out of my thoughts.

My mind was racing with questions and panic. Why was he here of all places?

Why did he look exactly like before?

My heart couldn't door racing as his grey eyes pierced mine. 

“Ry?” I tensed as a voice came up from behind him before SHE came into view. 

Alice.

With her blonde hair curled in ringlets, she slipped onto his side like it was second nature before turning to face me. My gaze shifted to their intertwined arms and hands to their hands.

Matching rings.

A wave of nausea filled me at the sight. So they had gotten married. He had cast me aside for the wife he truly wanted.

My chest ached, but I forced myself to look back up where Alice's eyes were on me.

“You…” Alice said, her gaze narrowed in shock and suspicion. She obviously recognized me.

“How are you here?” her tone was accusatory as though implying that I couldn't be here. Like I didn't belong. It made my hackles rise.

I made to speak when a voice suddenly cut me off 

“Alyn!”

I froze at Nathan's voice right before I felt him reach my side, a bright smile. Shock filled me at the familiarity in his voice.

Did he know them?

“Ryker, Long time no see.” He greeted,

“It's been years. I'm glad that you're back ,” Alice said,

“I'm also glad to be home.” Nathan laughed before turning to me,

“Oh right, Zerah, let me introduce you. This is Alice, my cousin and this is Ryker, my soon to be Cousin in law.” he smiled brightly, 

My mind went blank as I processed the information. I was left winded, looking at Alice, whose smile looked more like a grimace and back to Ryker. 

He hadn't taken his eyes away from mine all this time.

“Zerah, you'll have to get used to seeing me grumpy face over there now that we're in the main company,” Nathan's words made me snap towards him instantly.

What?

“What do you mean?” I asked him, a knot forming in my throat.

“He's the head of both My family's company and his. Geronimo corps was just a subsidiary, but now we'll be working directly with him.” He said.

“It's really admirable how you've been heading both out companies Ryker. It's like they're one. Oh wait, we’ll have to wait until the wedding for that,” 

Nathan's words might as well have been a gunshot. I could barely process his next words as everything blurred. Suddenly the room felt too bright, suffocating and overwhelming.

“Excuse me,” I broke out, interrupting Nathan mid-speech to excuse myself. Fighting the penetrating stares, I turned away and walked out of the hall, rushing to the nearest restroom.

 Thankfully the place was completely empty as I stumbled in, letting the cool air pierce my senses. I leaned onto the sink, shutting my eyes as I tried to process everything.

This was insane. It had to be some sick joke.

Not only was Nathan related to Ryker and Alice, but he was going to be my boss?

I was going to have to work alongside him. Have to see him near me everyday. It was the last thing I ever wanted. And now it was happening.

I had returned to the city in hopes that this wouldn't happen.

I couldn't help but wonder if the universe was playing jokes on me. 

“So, all those things you said were for nothing.” 

I jerked back in shock facing the door. Ryker was standing right at the door looking at me.

What was he doing here?

I was already upset and facing him felt even worse.Gathering myself, I walked forward to leave the bathroom.

His body moved, blocking my path to the door cornering me. 

“What are you doing?” I asked, keeping my voice composed. 

“I should be asking you that. What are you doing with my cousin in law?” 

“It's none of your business,” I snapped, reaching for the door handle again only for his hand to grasp my wrist 

“All these years and you haven't changed.” He huffed, “I thought what I had paid was enough to sate you but here you are, going after your next victim.”

“Excuse me?”

I reared back at his words. What the hell was he implying?

“I suppose you've spent all that money. I'm not surprised, considering it was gotten through unruly means. But  is trying to get money from Nathan your scheme wouldn’t work.” he said,

This is the last straw for me.  Without thinking, my hand flew across his face in anger. Rage filled me instantly.

“Disgusting. You and your thoughts are disgusting.” I choked out fighting back tears.

“I suppose that hasn't changed either,”

He gaped at me, shock clearly on his face. His surprise was enough to give me the chance to slip past him, opening the restroom door and leaving.

I stumbled out into the hallway, trying to keep myself from crumbling. Shutting my eyes tightly, I forced myself to stop crying.

Why did he always find a way to hurt me? Why did I always let him?

There was one thing that hadn't changed, no matter how much I wished it would; my feelings for him.

It was too much. I couldn't stand being in this place anymore. Sending a quick text to Nathan with the excuse that something came up with my children, I managed to find the nearest exit and left without a second glance.

I knew Nathan wasn't going to be angry. He was always lenient with me.

On the drive home with a taxi, my.mind raced with thoughts of how I was going to handle working near Ryker. But most of all…

How was I going to make sure he didn't find out about our children?