5

Two years later

Leo pov

Dennis knocked softly on my office door, peeking in.

He cleared his throat as if he was trying to announce his presence.

“Mr. Rathore, it’s time for the business banquet. The car is ready.”

I adjusted the cufflinks on my shirt. “I’ll be down in five," I said, without looking up.

"Yes sir," my assistant nodded before taking his leave.

I slipped my suit on, got to my feet after closing the laptop on the desk and headed towards the door.

The secretary—her name escaped me—followed me as I stepped out of the office. She walked quickly, her heels clicking against the floor with every step.

Her dress was bright red, tight, and it showed off her curves. It looked like she was trying a little too hard for an office outfit. Her lips were painted the same bold shade, matching her dress perfectly.

She kept her expression focused, but there was something off about it. Her eyes flicked over me, not just looking at my face but taking in everything else, too.

As she spoke, telling me the day’s schedule in her rehearsed tone, I noticed the way her smile lingered just a bit too long. It wasn’t just the work she was interested in.

“The banquet begins at eight sharp. You’re scheduled for a brief speech, and afterward, Mr. Hart will meet you privately to discuss the merger—”

I stopped abruptly, cutting her off mid-sentence. She turned to face me, her expression faltering. She visibly swallowed and her voice was almost reduced to a squeak, "is anything the problem, sir?"

“You’re fired,” I said coldly.

Her eyes widened, confusion and panic flashing across her face. “Mr. Rathore, I—”

“Effective immediately,” I snapped. “Collect your things and leave.”

The distant sound of office chatter around us seemed to pause. I didn’t care for her protests or the whispers that would follow. My mother’s meddling had gone too far. This secretary, like the others, was one of Carla’s pawns, beautiful, polished, and conveniently eager to please.

I didn't wait for the newbie to process my words. I didn't care that the rumor would continue.

I’d made my stance clear. No female secretaries. No more tools for my mother’s schemes.

As I entered the elevator, my phone buzzed. Carla.

I stared at her name flashing on the screen but didn’t answer. I could already hear her voice in my head, repeating the same script: “Leo, when will you take your marriage seriously? When will I get my grandchildren?”

I let the call go to voicemail. Her concerns didn’t matter to me. Not now.

Bella came to mind. It had been months since she left. I’d thought ignoring her would force her to reflect on herself, to see reason. But instead, she sent divorce papers. Papers I hadn’t signed.

I almost laughed at the thought of it.

She was the one who walked away.

I couldn’t see what I’d done wrong. Stella had nearly died, and I’d taken care of her. Bella had been bruised, nothing more. Did she expect me to abandon someone who had been on the brink of death because of her mistake? And she dare left, throwing all gifts I bought for her, like I was her biggest trash.

I've searched this goddamn city for two years, yet not a shred of clue to her. Bella, you better hide yourself deeply. I tugged at my tie, feeling suffocating frustration.

I pushed the thoughts away as the elevator doors opened. There was work to do, and business came first. Always.

Or so I thought, until I saw her.

The banquet was filled with the usual crowd of suits and sparkling gowns. But my focus reduced to a single point, a face I never thought I would see again.

I almost lost my balance on my feet as I stared at her.

Bella.

She was standing by the window, a glass in her hand, laughing like she'd heard the funniest thing. I felt my stomach tighten to a knot. Her beautiful blonde hair was in a bun and the way her black gown hugged all of her curves in the right places was making me insane.

“Oh sir, you’re just in time to meet the designer I told you about,” Dennis called from behind me but I couldn’t focus on his words.

“Mrs Bush?” He called, and she turned around. Her smile was still as beautiful as I remembered.

Mrs?

“My boss is here,” Dennis continued to say. I stood there in utmost shock as she started to make her way towards us.

She was as stunning as ever, but it wasn’t just her presence that caught my eye.

A man stood beside her, his hand resting too casually on the small of her back. And in front of them, holding Bella’s hand, was a little boy.

My chest tightened, the air leaving my lungs. The boy couldn’t have been older than two or three. His soft features and big eyes were eerily familiar, and I could feel the calculation happening in the back of my mind.

The timeline didn’t add up. Or maybe it did.

I felt the anger in my veins as my fists balled by my sides. My jaw clenched so hard. Bella had moved on. She’d remarried. She had a child.

Had she been with this man even before our wedding?

I struggled to keep my composure. I’d let her leave, thinking she’d come to her senses, and instead, she built a new life without me.

But this wasn’t over.

I hadn’t signed those divorce papers she had sent my way and until I did, Bella Rathore was still my wife.