Chapter 11

Briar’s POV

A loud gasp escaped my lips as I opened my eyes. I swallowed hard, my eyes darting around the room desperately. It took my brain a few seconds to process where I was. I exhaled slowly in relief. The nightmare had me running for my life. checked the time and I only have about two hours to get ready for work. Peeling the sheet off me, I staggered towards the bathroom almost losing my footing.

Staring at my disheveled hair in the mirror. My face already looks stressed and it's only been twenty-four hours of resuming work. I was quite on edge all through yesterday and only did my best to keep calm just so I wouldn’t get my friends worried. They already suspected that I wasn’t in a good state of mind. I tried not to get myself bothered about the fact that I am working in my ex-husband's company. It's just work, it can’t be beyond that. And I am sure he wouldn’t think much about knowing me. I never mattered to him from the beginning, nothing must have changed.

Now that I think about it, I really should have changed my first name. What was I thinking? Having had enough of beating myself up and remembering that I have got work to do, to fend for my little boy, and also pay for Gina’s hard work, I got into the bath.

“oh, my goodness. Gina, you are awake already?” I uttered as I made my way into the kitchen to make coffee and prepare Knox’s meal for the day.

Gina beamed brightly at me. “Good morning, Miss Briar. I am just about to prepare breakfast and Knox's lunch.”

“But you only just arrived. I was hoping you would be resting after the flight.” I said.

“I am doing just fine. If not for your generosity, I would have had to take a road trip down here. So you don’t have to worry about me, I am good.” she assured.

I held up a grateful smile. “Thank you so much. You don’t know how glad I am to have you here. Where is Knox, please?” I asked as he should be awake already. I would usually go to his room first before preparing his meal, but I got distracted by Gina.

“Mummy!” his ever-bubbling voice hollered as he hurried towards me still in his pyjamas.

“My baby.” I cooed, lifting him off the floor. “Good morning, honey. How is my champ doing this today?”

He chuckled cutely, “I am fine, mummy. Good morning.”

“Are you ready to head to school?”

“Yes.”

“Let Aunt Gina get you ready while I prepare your lunch.” I mused, placing a kiss on his forehead. “Please help with him, Gina,” I said, putting him down.

Breakfast was just toast and eggs, so it was quick just as his lunch was too. I ensure to prepare his breakfast and pack his lunchbox myself. No matter how busy I might be, I do my best to be present in Knox’s life. Making money doesn’t stop me from being a present parent. It is the least he deserves from me.

After dropping Knox off at school, I headed to work. Just as Liam promised, my car key was handed over to me yesterday so I wouldn’t have to ride with Rissa. On entering the building, I noticed the elevator was about to close and quickened my step.

“Please wait.” I blurted, jumping right in before it left me behind. “Thank you,” I uttered breathlessly to the person without turning to see who it might be.

“Good morning to you, Miss Smith. I was just about to ask you to see me in my office.” The voice said and my heart skipped for a split second.

I swallowed with difficulty, counting backwards in my head to get myself together. Clearing my throat loudly, I turned to look at him with a smile a bit too wide plastered to my face. “Good morning sir. Sorry for keeping you waiting and thank you.”

Adrian had a strange look on his face as he folded his arms across his chest. “Are you always this polite or are you just keeping up the pretense?”

I furrowed my brows in confusion. “Is something wrong sir?”

His gaze burned into mine while he took a step closer causing me to back away. For a moment he didn’t break eye contact before he trailed his eyes down my neck. My hand instinctively wrapped around my neck in concern. He looks thirsty like a vampire ready to suck his victim.

“Briar Prescott Sterling, it is you isn’t it?” he mouthed, startling me.

My lashes fluttered rapidly and I could feel my heart thumping hard against my chest. “I..I am Briar Smith, sir.”

Adrian scoffed, his eyes darkening. “Do not play that stupid game with me, Briar!” he raised his voice, bringing out his phone from his chest pocket. Then he went ahead to show an old picture of me from college pushing the phone to my face. “Isn’t this you? You have the same birthmark as this picture on your neck.”

I tightened my grip on my neck, inhaling sharply. “I really don’t know what you are talking about, sir. This is clearly harassment. Is this how you treat your staff?” I questioned, trying to keep my voice steady.

“You…” The elevator opened just in time and I hurried out. Adrian came after me, pulling me back to him. I gasped, holding my breath."How can you stand in my face and lie to me, Briar? I can’t be mistaken. You are exactly the Briar that I know. Just because you have a different hair color and style now and have added a little weight. It doesn’t change the fact that it is you. I thought you died five years ago? How are you here now?”

Shutting my eyes tightly, I yanked my arm away from his grip. I had cut my hair short and dyed it auburn just to appear different from the plain Briar I was years ago. Still, even though it seems like my identity is busted, I am not about to expose myself. “What is this about, sir? You do know I can have you sued for harassment?” I seethed.

“Sue me for touching my wife? Briar I had a burial done five years ago. You had a car accident and the car was burned beyond recognition. How did you survive it? Did you lose your memory or something? Why are you acting like you do not know me?” His voice broke.

My hands shook as he spoke. I folded it into a fist, determined not to give myself away. “I am not your wife, Mr Sterling. I get that you might be mistaken because I have the same name as her. But I am not her. please. I understand that grief comes in different forms for people. But if you harass me this way again, I really won’t take it lightly with you.”

Adrian ran a hand through his hair, scoffing. The pained emotions in his eyes almost made me feel sorry. “Briar, is this some sort of a joke? Are you trying to drive me crazy? I had doubts earlier before I confronted you. But now I am convinced that it is you. Your voice is still the same and there is no way you would have a birthmark that appears the same as someone that you are not related to. I don’t know what this is you are doing, but I will get to the bottom of it.” He gritted, flaring his nose.

I gnashed my teeth, breathing heavily. I hate the confidence in his tone. It is getting on my nerves. “I think you need to accept your truth, sir. It is unfortunate, but your wife is dead, and I am sorry for your loss. If you will excuse me, I will take my leave.”

“Does your mother know?” he inquired, halting me in my steps. “I bet if Sophie knew you were alive, she wouldn’t stay still. Should I tell her?” I didn’t respond and kept walking away. “If you were determined to remain dead all these years, why come alive now? And you didn’t see anywhere else to work, but it had to be my company? Are you here for some alimony?”

I turned to him sharply, fighting to keep my cool. He had a pleased smirk on his face as if he had won. I snorted, sighing. “I think you should book an appointment with your therapist sir. You are imagining things.” I said with a sniff and stomped off with more determination. All the while begging my shaky legs not to bail out on me just yet.