CHAPTER 6

AUDREY’S POV

The rest of the day at work passed in a blur. I attended to meetings, worked on the files on my desk and responded to my emails, but my mind was else where. All i could think of is Lucas and his fiancee Isabella.

As the day drew to a close, I rounded up with my work, cleared my table, packed up my things and was ready to head home. I couldn't just wait to see Claire and tell her about everything that happened at work, I need to talk to someone badly to get the feelings off my mind.

As soon as I walked in the door, Claire pounced on me, “My dear, how was your day?, how was Lucas expression when he saw you?”.

I shook my head feeling a bit hurt, “I don't think he recognized me, cause he behaved like today was the first time he's seeing me when we met at the office. But that's not even the case, can you believe his engaged?”.

Claire couldn't believe it as her eye's widened in shock, “Engaged! to who?, I didn't expect Lucas to move on so quickly”.

I sat onto the couch at my back, feeling hurt. “He's engaged to Isabella, one of the famous model in town, I never expected Lucas to move on so soon to the extent of him getting a finance, considering the love we once shared. Maybe my thoughts are right, I'm worthless to him. I don't even know how I'm going to be working with him, I can't forget all the pains he caused me five years ago.”

Claire sat down close to me, putting her hands on my shoulders, “I know it's not easy to forget about the past, most especially in the case of what Lucas did to you, but what I think you should do is to use this opportunity you have now as you both are working in the same company and show him that you are not the same girl he messed with five years ago”.

I shook my head in disapproval as I felt a lump form in my throat. “I don't think I can do that Claire, I'm happy he couldn't recognize me, what I think I should do is to leave before he remembers anything. I'm not ready to take him back or even allow him take part in Aiden's life.

Claire grip on my shoulders tightened, “No Rey, don't say that. You can't leave now, if you leave how will you get the finance to take care of Aiden and yourself. You need this job and you shouldn't even think of trying to get rid of it”.

I sure knew that Claire was right, It would be a great loss for me if I quite my job but at the same time, I couldn't shake of the feeling of hurt and betrayal. I was going to be working for someone I consider my enemy and it won't be easy for me.

The next morning, I woke up feeling unhappy. I didn't want to go work, and i didn't want to see Lucas again. Seeing him reminds me of all the pains he caused me five years ago, but I knew I had to go, I can't afford to risk my job not after the stress I passed through before securing it and again I need the money to take care of myself and Aiden, I just had to be strong for Aiden.

I took my bath, got dressed and headed to the kitchen to get my breakfast when i met Claire already waiting for me with a cup of coffee and a plate containing some pancakes, she stood at the kitchen cabinet facing me with a reassuring smile. “I believe in you Rey, you can do this”.

I took a deep breath before taking the breakfast from Claire, I needed those words and Claire just said it. A feeling of determination washed over me as I was ready to face Lucas and was positive I would come out on top.

With the feeling of determination, I walked into the company building with my head held up high as I proceeded to the entrance leading to my office. As I walked passed the entrance, I couldn't help but notice Lucas who was standing by the air conditioner, having a conversation with some of my colleagues.

He looked up the minute I passed and I could feel his stare all over me. I became a bit scared and hoped he doesn't embarrass me like he did at the previous meeting.

I got to my office door and pursed to bring out the key to unlock my door when I noticed he was walking towards me, I felt my heart raced fast as I became anxious.

As Lucas walked towards my direction, I could feel his gaze bore hard into my soul. Lucas stare was so strong that it made me almost feel like I was the only person in the room. I dipped my hands into my bag and brought out my purse to collect the keys to my office door but my hands trembled almost making me the keys to fall off my hands as I inserted it into the door to unlock it. I took a deep breath trying to compose myself so I don't look anxious, but it didn't work as Lucas has already noticed me and I felt embarrassed.

As Lucas was about to reach me, he was stopped by Isabella who walked up to him from the other end. “My darling” she said as she planted a kiss on his lips, “I have been looking for you all over the place, where have you been?”.

Lucas turned to face her, “Isabella, I have been with the workers trying to put somethings in place”.

Isabella turned her face from Lucas and her eye's landed on me, she beamed with a sly smile on her face.”Look who we have here Lucas, this is the lady I told you about. The one that bumped into me yesterday without apologizing”.

My heart sank, I pray I don't get into another trouble. Lucas eyes narrowed as he turned to face me.

“Audrey, were you the one that bumped into my queen yesterday?”, Lucas asked with his voice firm but controlled.

A cold breeze ran down my spine, as I swallowed hard. What was I going to say?