A Surprise

Roman's POV

"Roman, why are you looking so distracted lately? Is it because of that ex-wife of yours?" Vanessa wanted to know. She sidled up to me and ran a hand down my chest.

I wanted to push her away and growl at her to leave me alone, but this bitch was making me hard with the way she was touching me. She knew what buttons to press, ever since the first day she walked into my office as my new personal assistant.

Cherry, my previous assistant, had died tragically in a car accident, and I needed someone to fill in fast. Vanessa had seemed perfect, but she was also destructive, turning up for work in short skirts and blouses that showed off her cleavage. She had a smile that made me curious and eyes that made me catch my breath.

Eight months later, she was about to give birth any day, and she was driving me insane.

I thought that getting rid of Ellena would make me feel better, happier, but it wasn't working. I couldn't help wondering where the fuck she was, who she was with, and why Vanessa couldn't be more like Ellena, organised and always making sure I ate properly.

A stab of guilt hit me, and I swallowed hard, pushing Vanessa away as she rested a hand on my cock.

She glared at me, surprised.

"What is it? You don't want me anymore?" she sulked childishly, crossing her arms over her chest and pouting her lips.

I rolled my eyes and cleared my throat. I had no interest in dealing with that sort of behaviour. Work was exhausting, and I was hungry and tired.

"Let's eat out tonight," I suggested.

I noticed how her face suddenly lit up.

"Really?"

I nodded. "Yes, it's getting late, and we could both use some time to get out of here," I said, but what I really wanted was to get my mind off Ellena.

"Let's go to that fancy restaurant in town," Vanessa quickly chirped, grabbing her coat and slipping on her shoes.

I shrugged my shoulders and picked up the car keys.

"Then afterwards, we go to the villa," Vanessa insisted. "I will be much more myself there, you know how much I love that place and a happy mum to be means a happy baby in my belly." She smirked, rubbing her very pregnant stomach.

I glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "We'll see Vanessa."

Her smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered, slipping her arm through mine as we headed towards the lift.

I wasn't particularly interested in spending the evening at the villa, but arguing with Vanessa was the last thing I wanted. She had become increasingly demanding over the last few months, and with the baby due any day, I was trying to keep the peace.

The truth was, I was beginning to question what the hell I had got myself into.

Eight months ago, everything had seemed exciting. Vanessa had been new, attractive and more than willing to give me the attention I craved. She had made it perfectly clear that she wanted me, and I hadn't exactly resisted.

Ellena and I hadn't been getting along, and Vanessa had been an easy distraction.

Now, I was paying the price.

"Are you even listening to me?" Vanessa asked as we reached the car.

I opened the passenger door for her before walking around to the driver's side.

"Yes, Vanessa."

"What did I just say?"

I sighed, starting the engine. "I have no idea. Just tell me again."

She huffed, folding her arms across her chest.

"You're impossible sometimes, Roman."

I said nothing.

The drive to the restaurant was mostly spent listening to Vanessa talk about the baby, the nursery and how she wanted to decorate the villa. I nodded whenever necessary, but my mind was elsewhere.

I couldn't explain why Ellena had been occupying my thoughts so much lately.

Perhaps it was because I had grown accustomed to having her around. Five years of marriage wasn't something you simply forgot overnight, no matter how much you convinced yourself that you had made the right decision.

She had always been there.

Every morning, she would make sure I had breakfast before leaving for work. She knew exactly how I liked my coffee, what food I enjoyed and when I needed to be left alone.

She had never needed to be asked to do those things.

Vanessa, on the other hand, seemed to think the world revolved around her.

I tightened my grip on the steering wheel.

Perhaps I was being unfair, but I couldn't help comparing them.

By the time we arrived at the restaurant, I was already in a foul mood.

Vanessa, however, seemed delighted.

"Oh, Roman, this place is beautiful!" she exclaimed as we stepped inside.

I glanced around, barely taking in the expensive decor and elegant lighting. A waiter approached us, and I gave him our reservation details before he led us towards a table.

Vanessa immediately began examining the menu.

"I think I'll have the lobster," she announced. "Actually, perhaps the steak. What do you think?"

"Whatever you want."

She looked up at me.

"You really aren't yourself tonight."

"I'm tired, Vanessa. Can we just have dinner?"

She pursed her lips but eventually returned her attention to the menu.

I loosened my tie and leaned back in my chair, reaching for my glass of water.

My eyes wandered around the restaurant, taking in the other diners.

And then I froze.

My hand stopped halfway to my mouth.

No fucking way.

Ellena.

For a moment, I genuinely thought my mind was playing tricks on me. But there was no mistaking her.

She was sitting across from a man at a table near the large windows, looking more beautiful than I remembered.

My eyes narrowed.

That was not just any man.

I could recognize him anywhere, even in a crowded room.

Damien Cross.

What the fuck was she doing here with him?