Chapter Four.

Sparks of War

Damian's POV

 “Damian, you seriously need to take a look at this,” Carter’s voice came out more like being hurried, though low, but also urgent as he grabbed my arm. “Isabella… she’s the one speaking.”

I froze mid step as I couldn't believe it, the champagne glass getting heavy, and slipping off my hand. “Speaking? Here?” I asked, still in disbelief at how things were turning around. My pulse pounding vigorously. She was on the Wall Street?

“Yes, that's the news I got. The press, even the investors… the whole city’s watching her perform right now. Manhattan is buzzing because of her commanding aura. You need to witness how tough she’s handling Selene.”

I listened as he narrated all that's happening. I couldn't place my hand on how she turned out to be this strong, despite being very fragile when I divorced her. How did she turn out to be this ruthless, when she could barely stand up for herself when we were together? I still can't explain if what I feel is jealousy or just happy that she can boldly stand up for herself now?

I reached the venue of the conference hall just the exact time she mounted the stage to speak.  “Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we are here to announce the incredible U.S. expansion of Adeniran Holdings. This isn't just any kind of expansion, but one that marks a milestone which is not only for the company, but a way of committing to innovations, transparency, and integrity.”

I watched in awe as she spoke. This isn't just leadership, this has to do with power. It isn't any kind of power, but raw, commanding, and undeniable.

Then Selene’s was heard thundering, very sharp and bitter. “Did you just say integrity? The same that was mismanaged and left a certain former CEO bankrupt?” She laughed, venom obvious in her speech. "The same integrity...."

Isabella's response shocked everyone around. How she effortlessly disengaged Selene's talk, terming it childish. The crowd were moved at the strategy she used to handle her. Her presence was full of dominance, very commanding, and making the investors nod, as they were obviously intrigued.

After the event, I waited the minute the crowd reduced to have a moment with her.  "Isabella, why choose to come back now? Why now after everything that happened?"

She turned to face me for the first time since her return. "To completely destroy those who planned my downfall, those who joined forces to ensure my memory was completely erased from the street of New York." Her words are like sharp blades, piecing deep into my soul.

"And what happens to...us? Did you ever pause to think about me for a day?"

Her lips curved slightly, but a dangerous one. "Think about you?" I don't consider you as anything. You are nothing but a collateral damage. A casualty waiting to happen.

"Collateral damage? How can she think of me in that way?" My voice unnecessarily calm that I feared it wasn't me. It shocked that I hadn't how much I needed more of her in my life. The commanding aura she has is too much. Very untouchable, unstoppable. This wasn't the Bella I allowed Selene to humiliate years ago.

"Did you ever think of leaving me being that easy?  She asked, clearly mocking me. "You think taking a walk away from me suddenly erases your bad image. Your conscience will continue to torment you. You concluded that time will take card of what you shattered in me? That's not how it works. I may have healed, but I can never forget what you did to me.

I swallowed hard, as I watched her keenly for any sign of softness, of that Bella that I fell in love with, but nothing feminine was there for me. All I could see was fire, ice, something I knew I can't outsmart with the rate she was moving.

Hearing her say those things made me to become jealous suddenly. My chest full of regret, I wondered why it bothered me that much that there's no memory of us that she holds dear to her again. "So, is there someone else that might have made you to return? What actually made you to return?"

I swallowed hard, the shame unbearable to me. I couldn't take off the scene where she handled Selene like she was worth nothing. But what I still don't understand is why I'm very drawn to her this much even after everything. After all the years apart.

“Elena told me everything,” I muttered, my voice become too tiny that I almost didn't recognize. “that you've built an empire. That in Dubai, London… that you are the talk of the town, now unstoppable. And now… here you are in again to take over New York. How did I miss this party of you? That I never imagined this day would ever come?"

Isabella smiled, her lips curving into a smirk. “You were rather too busy, never cared but thinking about yourself to even notice, Damian. Too busy erasing my memory from your mind. You are seeing me now, everything that I have achieved, all the calculated moves taken. That I didn't just survive, but I conquered."

My chest ached as I listened to her. A greater part of me desired to hold her, to beg her to come back. Or rather to let me hold her and feel the warmth we once shared once again. But another part again, the rational part knew it would be impossible. That I can't eat my cake and still have it. That she would mock me if I make such attempt to get back with her. And I would be termed weak.

“Isabella…” I suddenly called her, almost in a pleading tone. “Do you… still have an atom of care for me?"

Her eyes softened, but suddenly turned dark before I could realize they were meant for me. "Did you just say care?" She repeated. "I only care about taking revenge on all that planned my downfall. To reclaim all that belonged to me that was forcefully taken away from me. You of all people were never meant to have me to begin with."