To Love You Again, My Husband
Chapter 6: His Goal
Evan took a deep exhale. He glanced at the driver, then to Airina. He couldn’t clearly remember what had happened last night since he got so drunk everything was hazy. But he was certain that there was another presence.
Evan questioned, “Was it Jackson who gave us a ride last night?”
Airina opened her eyes at his question, “Mhm, you remembered?”
Evan snickered, “A little bit,” he clicked his tongue, “How dare he show up in front of us and act almighty?”
Airina tugged her lips upwards. She would be lying to say that her heart didn’t flutter at all. She didn’t expect him to come. Despite that she had been informed by Matthew since he rarely participated in such events, she assumed it’d take longer for them to meet each other again.
She folded her hand, instantly frowning as she was reminded when he bit her shoulder. Thankfully it was not that hard, if it was, it would have been slightly throbbing from pain.
“You said he hit you. Where exactly so I could give him ten-fold of what he did?” Evan worriedly and threateningly asked.
Airina shook her head in disagreement, “He didn’t hit me, don’t worry so much.”
Evan heaved a relieved sigh. At the same time, the car pulled over in front of his University. Evan smiled at his sister and bid her farewell.
“I won’t be able to come home tonight because I’ll be living in the dorm till I graduate.”
Airina simply nodded her head, “I get it, but do visit if you have time.”
He beamed in delight, “I should. Bye.”
“Mhm, take care.”
*
Matthew stared at her, who was unusually pondering about something solemnly. Earlier in the board meeting, she also didn’t raise her hand to inquire. Normally, she would endlessly inquire about those who were presenting but for some reason, she didn’t and remained quiet.
It might be because of last night’s event. He blinked his eyes.
“What is the matter?”
Airina almost immediately fixed her eyes on him. “U-uh, nothing?”
He frowned. His auntie, Wendy Halton, Airina’s biological mother, had told him about Airina’s circumstance and couldn’t even sympathize with her since it may come off unintentionally offensive. He still remembered the first time he saw her and could only shake his head in disbelief.
Her eyes were swollen and red – obvious that she spent most of her nights crying. He felt so bad that she had to go through such a miserable marriage. And the same man who hurt her heart came into the Founding Anniversary and made quite the unforgettable scene.
Matthew discerned her expression, “The most emotionless face is the most expressive face there was.”
Airina powerlessly sighed. “Why are you adamant about knowing?”
Matthew smiled, “You worry too much about Jackson.”
Airina unwillingly nodded her head. “It’s not that I worry about our relationship, but I am likely just annoyed that I had to see him in such a situation.”
“But you didn’t have to spend alone time with him.”
Airina was well aware. It is a courteous thing to invite other CEOs to the Founding Anniversary to commemorate the years the company was established. Matthew also thought he wouldn’t come since it wasn’t the first time he had rejected appearing at parties, nor was it his first time of inviting him.
Airina sprang from sitting with a sigh.
She clicked her tongue, “I just hate his face.”
“Rip him apart, I say.”
Airina chuckled, “Rather, I’d like to see him cry and beg.”
Matthew nodded his head. No one knew how dangerous a woman could be after being cheated on and wanted to get revenge. Matthew could only swallow how saliva roughly knowing that Airina would prevail in this path even if it meant she might get hurt in the process.
He followed her figure and averted his eyes with a wistful click of his tongue.
*
Airina folded her arms at the sight before her – Jackson.
Weren’t last night’s ‘coincidental’ occurrences with each other insufficient? Moreover, it was clear that he was merely interested in her and not because he harbors deep affection. She wouldn’t call it a deep affection, but a faint of his emotion carved that way. Is this what he meant by ‘return anyway’?
While she was having her leisurely time having coffee and cupcakes, Jackson had to appear right in front of her and act pretentious as though they were close. Pushing him away is not her forte, instead, an exchange of greetings should be done.
Her ex-husband was sitting in front of her with an amusing smile.
“I thought it would take me a long time to see you again.”
“Perhaps.”
A word. Airina responded to him with one word. Why? With a dark frown, he coldly asked her.
“Is something the matter?”
His voice contains both worry and confusion.
“Yes.” She straightly answered without waiting for a beat.
He offered, “Something I could help with?”
“Absolutely.”
In an instant, his face became brilliant to which she quirked her brows in bewilderment.
“What is it?”
She smiled, “Nothing, I suppose you’re too stupid even if I tell you.”
He arched his lips, leaned on the chair, and stared at her cupcake before looking at her again.
“Did you get a good night’s sleep?”
The waiter, whom Jackson ordered from, served the same cupcake Airina ordered on the desk wordlessly. Airina noticed his pettiness and stood up.
“Where are you going?”
Airina deeply sighed. “Not that I need to inform you.”
Just like that, she smoothly headed out of the restaurant without an expression on her face. Early morning surprise from him does her no good. It had been ten months – quite a long time.
Jackson didn’t bother chasing after her as he was certain they’d see each other again. Mainly because he has ‘something’ to give. He stood while witnessing her car driving away.
“Did you see her?”
The assistant confusedly frowned. Since earlier, his boss had been out of his mind after seeing Airina whom he had spent a time with for a moment. He didn’t know what kind of camaraderie they had but it felt suspicious for some reason.
“Oh, that woman in the restaurant? She left, Sir”
“We should see her again, don’t we?” He emphasized coldly.
“… Per… perhaps.”
It was fortunate that he had the chance to see her again. Because he dearly missed her.
He proclaimed firmly, “I’ll make you mine…”
What will Airina do to Jackson? Hehe
To Love You Again, My Husband Chapter 7: Questioned, and Threatened Past ten in the evening. As Airina glazed her eyes with her frame, she was reminded of her previous wedding photo with Jackson. She was the only one smiling happily whereas he was hostile and intimidating. A gloomy expression was plastered on her face and remembered the conversation she had with him on the balcony. Jackson hid his hand in one of his pockets, and asked her with a solemn voice, “Are you in a relationship with Matthew?” “Perhaps.” “It doesn’t matter, since I will make you mine.” Why would he be interested in her affairs when back then he wouldn’t even glance her way? She used to look at his face which removes all of her worries and stress. But now, he was becoming her stress. She mumbled a question that seemed to be forced out from the deep hatred she had for him. “You smile as if you had done nothing wrong.,” She plopped on her bed, sighing listlessly. “How cruel.” * Jackson, on the other han
To Love You Again, My Husband Chapter 8: Gentle, and Cunning Airina used most of her time checking documents. She was helping Matthew arrange the statistics of the Halton Company which could defeat Georgiñia’s in a year and a half. Airina was always a clever child. She was only a fool for believing and caring for Jackson and Nicole who didn’t appreciate what she had to offer. She didn’t directly return to her house. She idled in a grocery store, eating ice cream and reliving the good moments she had with her family. Both her father and mother loved each other; had it been not for cheating, her family wouldn’t have been broken. She mumbled. “Why do sweet things end so soon?” She licked the ice cream with gusto while happily stomping her feet on the tiles. “Because too much sweetness will aftermath rather ugly.” A voice answered beside her and she gasped as she discovered who it was. “… Daniel.” It had been three days since the Founding Anniversary. She didn’t want to admit but D
To Love You Again, My Husband Chapter 9: A Not-So Lovely Reunion Upon washing up, Airina adorned herself with a luxurious and customized dress for her. If it was before she had become successful, she wouldn’t even dare to dream of wearing such kind of things. However, things were different now and she seemed to be expecting that life for her in the future would be but blissful and bountiful. She had enough of suffering. Which was exactly why she was dressing up. For this very occasion, she spent thousands of dollars to face Nicole – either to put Nicole down or give herself the courage to talk to her again. Nicole had never been good to her, there were times when she’d ask for money, but she never paid it back as she had never borrowed from her. She didn’t know why Nicole hated her so much. Was it because she married Jackson or was it because she was a legitimate child unlike her, who was illegitimate? Airina’s parents were complicated. Her mother remarried someone powerful and
To Love You Again, My Husband Chapter 10: Belonged Airina looked at the notification from her phone and then tilted her head. It was a text from Matthew saying that she was invited to a dinner with the Halton family. During the ten months of negotiating with them, the Halton family had kept their privacy from her, and even when they invited her to dinner, it was only with Matthew and her mother. Thus, if this dinner was with them again, it doesn’t feel appropriate to be called ‘Dinner with Halton family’. A family contained parents and their children if they had, if not, Airina felt she was being picked on. Was it because she had never contacted her mother previously, so they thought she was merely using her? Airina had contacted her mother a few times but when her stepmother got to know of it, she banned her from doing so as it would ruin her marriage life. Airina, still dubious, headed inside the restaurant and took a deep breath. She is working in Halton’s company so it wouldn
To Love You Again, My Husband Chapter 11: A Little Longer After the meal, her mother went to her. She apologetically spoke, "Child, I’m sorry for not being a good mother to you all along. I… lacked and had my shortcomings.” She responded after contemplating, “I understand, Mom. You… haven’t met Evan, right?” Her mother shook her head, “I did see him with his friends occasionally, but I knew that deep inside, he must be blaming me.” Airina assured, “Nothing to worry about. In fact, Evan was just awkward around you.” Once again, a look of disappointment was presented on her mother’s face. Their parents parted ways, and Evan, who was young and lacked the necessary understanding, disliked his real mother for abandoning them and had them suffer at the hands of their stepmother, Linda. Airina patted her mother’s shoulder, “It will take time. Well, it’s quite late so I should get going now.” “Ah, let us drive you.” “I’m fine, Mom. I'll take you to my house next time."Her mother smil
To Love You Again, My Husband Chapter 12: Between Courtesy and Toleration She nodded her head at Matthew who was conversing with an influential figure in the business world then approached them. If it was previously, her heart would have thumped loudly and nervously yet having experienced them each day for the last ten months, she had been used to it. She calmed herself, extending her hand to the woman in front of Matthew. “An honor to meet you, Miss Montage. I am Airina Beverly.” The woman Airina called Miss Montage cordially accepted her hand, shaking it gently. “Yes, truly. How about we continue this talk elsewhere? I’ve reserved a restaurant for us to have our lunch. Have you eaten lunch, Miss Airina?” Airina smiled, “I’ll just eat fruits.” The woman smiled, leading them to a new, shiny black Lamborghini of hers. As such, Airina signaled her driver to follow along wherever they’re going so that she’d have a service after this business talk. Along the way, Matthew, and the w
To Love You Again, My Husband Chapter 13: Series of Disbeliefs Jackson was left dumbfounded at the fallen words she had blurted. Nothing was felt other than discomfort – it was a perturbed feeling that he had felt for the first time in his life. Her words hit her like being nailed by a laborer over a roof, helpless of what to do. Did her feelings change that fast? It’s impossible since she liked him so much as Nicole had described. Strangely, he clenched his fists, aiming to stand closer to her yet she took a step back, with her hand raised in the air. She snickered, “Don’t tell me a person like you didn’t fully understand my meaning?” She felt so free upon realizing that they were not married anymore. He even cheated on her so making moves like this wouldn’t change a thing between them. Jackson finally responded, “… Do you hate me?” “Yes”, without hesitation, “After what you have done to me, do you think I’d like you? Wake up, why would I still like you after cheating on me?”
To Love You Again, My Husband Chapter 14: Unexpected Encounter Sir Montage happily replied, [“Oh my. Are you also curious about this? Haha, several people had wanted this piece, too but I won.”] Based on his merry voice, no one would have discerned that he had just been scammed for thousands of dollars. Airina wasn’t sentient that Nicole was this desperate to use her paintings for her own gains. She even had the guts to threaten her for ‘owning Jackson’. She squinted her eyes, revealing. “Yes, Sir. In fact, I am very curious as to how my paintings became one of your collections. To be frank, I had never sold my paintings. For the painting’s legitimacy, I don’t have an official name as a painter. However, I could present you sold proof that I am the one who painted that. Thus, Sir, it would be very helpful to me if you share with me the contacts of the person who sold that piece to you.” Sir Montage was surprised, [“Wait, Miss Beverly. This painting is yours, but you have never sol