chapter 19

I walked out of the changing room without looking back, I couldn't. I hated the fact that I was powerless, held at chokehold due to decisions my younger self made.

My jaw tightened again in anger.

I'd worked hard everyday to give her the life I thought she deserved but there she was belittling my effort.

I stepped into the hallway ignoring the guests who greeted me as I walked past them.

The gala suddenly felt suffocating.

Everywhere I looked, I saw people smiling for cameras, shaking hands with people they secretly hated, people dressed in expensive clothes pretending their lives were perfect while desperately seeking validation from everyone around them.

Pretentious.

All of them.

“Kane?” Jayson called me as I turned to leave and I stopped reluctantly.

“Where are you going?

“Home.” I shrugged.

“You can't be serious. The gala isn't even halfway over, need I remind you the reason we're there.” I could see the slight irritation in his face. “You need to be here to welcome our guest as a dutiful host.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but glanced at my phone instead when the CM screen lit up with a new message.

Kings Steel Rigs- secretary.

‘The chairman will be at Piazza Navona tomorrow afternoon. This may be your only opportunity to meet with him personally. I strongly advise that you take it.

Thank you.’

I read the message twice, pizza Navona is in Italy, my eyes narrowed.

I'd tried reaching the chairman for weeks now, but the old man had refused to speak to me. Our contract was unlawfully breached, and I could understand his reasons.

“I'm going to Italy.”

“What!” Jayson shook his head in disbelief. "You can't just decide to fly to Italy in the middle of a gala.”

“Kings Steel chairman is going to be in Italy tomorrow, I have to meet up with him or there's no more chance of reconciliation.” I responded vaguely, pocketing my phone.

“Besides, you're better at hosting than I am anyway.” I started walking again, then I saw Adrian by the bar speaking to Albert completely relaxed.

My blood began to boil again, when our eyes met. “Brother,” he waved in greeting.

"I'm never your blood.” I sneered within.

“Kane,” Adrain stood in front of me blocking my line of vision. “Now is not the right time, don't do anything you’d regret.”

“Move Adrian,” I responded as calmly as I could. “I have more important things to do, than air out my dirty linens in public for the world to see.” With that I turned and left.

***

By the time I boarded the plane, I already decided I wouldn't think about my shitty marriage.

At least not tonight.

But one thing remains, that was my dick straining against my zipper, despite my best effort I couldn't stop thinking about her touch, what could have happened tonight…. had we not been disturbed.

I needed a distraction. Someone who wouldn't ask questions I didn't have answers to.

As I scrolled through my phone, I saw her on my news feed. Josephine, she was also in Italy.

Apparently, she had arrived for a fashion show and had been photographed at one of the city's most exclusive venues.

I stared at the picture longer than I should have, then, before I could change my mind, I called her.

“Kane Ravello? What a pleasant surprise” She answered on the first ring, her voice sounding surprised.

I leaned my head against the seat. “I have been watching the news.” I started. “I decided to call since I was in your vicinity.”

“Are you just calling me because of that? Or do you need something else?” She teased.

“Maybe.”

“Don't worry, I understand the terms of our agreement.” She said with a quiet laugh. “But really something is wrong isn't it?”

“Josephine….” I let out a sigh.

“I understand we're not like that.” She said after a long pause. “Let's meet up at the Novona suites, I'll have my assistant mail you the room details…… Kane, are you listening?”

“ill see you when I get there.” I ended the call, and closed my eyes.

For several seconds, I sat there with the phone still in my hand. For the first time in my marriage, I was willingly stepping out.

And I don't regret it.