CHAPTER 2

 

Jeff’s POV

The moment I stepped out the manor and into my car, I felt overjoyed. For some reason, i couldn't control the excitement building within me as I drove to the airport. Within my head it scream so loud that at last, my first love, Stella Magno, was returning from Italy.

My desire for her continued to spring even stronger over the years. I had always believe that our temporary separation was just for a while and that a time would be available for us to be together again—and that time is now.

As for Demi? She was a mistake. 

A fleeting obligation forced upon me by my father’s incessant demands. Marrying her had been a sacrifice for me and as well as the Ortega family’s image, nothing more. 

I’ve endured so much as I’d given her the required five years, but now, I was free. And I would claim back the lost years I should have spend with Stella.

As I pulled the car at the airport, I quickly spotted Stella waiving her hand. She was radiant, her delicate physique and warm smile was stark contrast to the cold bitterness that had festered in my marriage with Demi. 

Stella made an abrupt sprint as she fell into my arms, and I held her close, inhaling her familiar scented hair.

“Jeff,” she murmured, her fingers trailing lightly over my chest. “Are you sure this is the right time? You’re still technically married.”

I chuckled, brushing her concerns aside. “Demi knows her place. She won’t cause any trouble.”

***

“Master Jeff! Master Jeff!” The butler’s panicked voice interrupted the celebration.

“What is it?” I asked, irritated by the disturbance.

“It’s Madam Demi… she’s gone!”

“Gone?” The word felt foreign on my tongue. Demi had always been compliant, always present. Yet now, she had simply vanished?

Storming upstairs, I found our bedroom eerily empty. The only trace of her was the signed divorce papers on the bedside table, stained with tears. My jaw tightened as I stared at the delicate marks of her pain.

A glimpse out the window revealed a black Porsche speeding away. Suspicion flared within me, and I immediately called my secretary.

“Find out who owns that car,” I demanded.

Minutes later, the answer came back. “The vehicle belongs to Brent Costales, acting chairman of Hermosa Group.”

Brent Costales? And Demi? The connection made no sense. She had no ties to the corporate world, no friends of influence. And yet, she had fled with a man of immense power?

“Mr. Ortega,” my secretary added hesitantly, “Did you know that today is Madam Demi’s birthday?”

The words hit me like a blow. I’d been so consumed with Stella’s return that I’d forgotten completely. A strange unease settled over me. Had I been too harsh? No. Demi had always been resilient. She would be fine.

Wouldn’t she?

****

It was a dreary dinner. The sound of silverware clinking and courteous conversation seemed insignificant in comparison to the storm that was building inside of me. Stella was beaming, completely comfortable around my family, as if she were supposed to be here. However, I was barely able to withstand a bite. Every word was tainted by the specter of Demi's absence.

Adam, my father, glanced at me with concern. "Where’s Demi? Why isn’t she joining us for dinner?" he finally asked.

I set my fork down and looked at him. "We’ve divorced, Father. The papers are signed. We’ll finalize everything soon."

A stunned silence followed my announcement. Then Adam frowned. "Divorce? But why?"

His new wife, Rebecca, let out a sigh before I could respond. "Adam, I told you Jeff and Demi weren’t a good match. But you still insisted anyway."

Leaning back, she spoke in a frustrated tone. "That poor girl has suffered enough. It’s good for both of them to move on. Jeff has always been in love with Stella, after all."

"Jeff, marriage isn't something to be taken lightly. And Demi—" Adam interrupted sharply.

"Dad," I cut in, getting annoyed. "It’s done. Demi’s gone. She didn’t even take anything with her, not the mansion, not the money. Nothing." 

Rebecca gave a snort. "That country bumpkin must have some plan. She’ll probably spread rumors about how we mistreated her." 

Her words made my jaw tighten, but I forced myself to stay calm.

Adam sighed heavily. "This decision will have consequences, Jeff. How do you plan to explain this to the public?"

"I’ll announce my marriage to Stella next month," I said firmly.

Stella's joy was evident as her face brightened. "Demi and I had no feelings for each other. I’ve spent five years in a marriage I never wanted. It’s time I made things right." I held her hand in the hopes that the gesture would help me ground myself.

Adam gave me a disappointed shake of his head, but I looked away.

Stella was staying at the Imperial hotel, and the black Volvo stopped close to it. Stella clung to my arm as we went outside because she was so happy. Her warmth stood in stark contrast to the cold as she embraced me tightly.

She said, "Look, Jeff! The fireworks are beautiful," with sparkling eyes.

I smiled faintly but couldn’t shake the nagging thought in my mind. Today was Demi’s birthday. The coincidence gnawed at me, but I dismissed it. Surely, she wasn’t here.

As we drew closer to the railing, Stella, with a note of jealousy in her voice, gestured to the sky where drones had formed the words "HAPPY BIRTHDAY. It’s someone’s special day, huh?" 

I shrugged, though my chest tightened. Demi’s face flashed in my mind. It couldn’t be… could it?

Stella and I made our way to the top building but it would seem like it was a bad idea. A man and woman stood on the roofdeck, their figures silhouetted against the city lights. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized Demi.

The evening breeze was crisp, but the heat in my chest burned hotter. When I saw her—Demi—standing with a man, his arm encircling her waist in a possessive manner, my jaw tightened. They appeared to be a happy couple as they walked off together. I curled my fists at my sides.

"Demi!" I yelled, interrupting their lovely moment. She turned to me and stopped, her shoulders tensing. 

The man at her side regarded me coolly, but my focus was solely on her.

"Who is he?" I demanded, my tone sharper than I intended.

Before she could respond, the man stepped forward, all smug confidence. "Mr. Ortega, we’ve met before. Brent Lawson, acting chairman of Hermosa Group."

I barely spared him a glance, my gaze fixed on Demi. "Demi, answer me."

Her chin came up, and she gave me a direct glare. "Jeff, who Brent is doesn’t concern you. We’re divorced. What I do now is none of your business."

Though I wasn't going to give her the last word, her words were a slap in the face. My response was, "We haven't formally divorced yet." "The papers aren’t processed. You’re still my wife."

"And yet," she retorted in a cool but brusque voice, "don't lecture me about decency. You're here with your mistress." 

My jaw tightened. The nerve of her. Stella, standing just behind me, let out an indignant huff.

"How dare you call me a mistress!" cried Stella, but I hardly paid attention to her protest. For some reason, I just couldn't take my eyes off of my wife,of Demi, who had always been so quiet, obedient, and predictable. She was always so easy to tame, and yet now she was standing there with fire in her eyes while her words were tinged with deadly venom.

I stepped closer, anger simmering beneath my skin. Brent stepped in front of her like a shining knight, and I found his defensive stance annoying.

"Back off, Ortega," he said in a low voice. 

I was ready to lash out, but Demi’s hand on his arm stopped him. Her touch, light but deliberate, sent a wave of frustration coursing through me.

With an even tone, she said, "Jeff, let it go. We're done. You made your decision, and I made mine."

Her words, each one a purposeful blow to my pride, lingered in the air. I couldn't imagine how gallant she was to behave in this manner. I didn't know this woman.

"You…" was what I started to say, but my throat caught. Stella cried out behind me before I could finish speaking.

"Jeff, my ankle!" she exclaimed before tumbling to the ground in a magnificent heap.

I hesitated a moment, not sure if I should run to her side or talk to Demi. I was annoyed by Stella's loud whimpers, so I muttered a curse and turned to help her get to her feet.

I turned to see Demi and Brent leaving, her figure fading into the background.

My chest twisted painfull with a knot of regret, rage, and something else that I couldn't seem to describe. And as I watch her walk away with another man felt like a hard slap in my face, and I wasn't prepared for it.

Demi was always there for me every single time that I needed her, even though I didn't deserve her devotion and unwavering support as wife. Now that she was slipping away, I realized for the first time how irrevocably we were parted.

I slowly witnessed how Demi fade away from my sight,  her laughter blending with Brent's deep voice and it made me see how compatible they were. In the end, Stella clung to me and whined, which somewhat annoyed me for I don’t feel like pampering her at the moment. Because my thoughts were elsewhere, they were focused on Demi's remarks and the defiant look in her eyes.

I began to question whether it had been a mistake to let her go.