Lahat ng Kabanata ng Kneel Before Me, Ex-husband: Kabanata 11 - Kabanata 20

A second passed and then blinked. I gave nothing away in my expression to reveal my brief wonder. In my head, however, gears whirred as all this weighed through my mind. Marriage? Playing the power play? Was he really infatuated with the Amethyst Amadeus image I've built? Does he really believe I would roll over and just fall into his arms like some kind of trophy to be won?I leaned back in my chair, fingers drumming lazily around the rim of the glass. Studying him very, very carefully, before I'd ever open my mouth and say a word."Mr. Montero," I said, my voice steady and cold, "you and I both know that I don't need a man in my life to secure my position, further my success, or define my power. I've built everything I have from the ashes of betrayal, and I've done it alone."He furrowed his brow slightly, but he remained composed, waiting for me to continue."Call me no longer Mr. Montero, Nicolai, please" he said softly."Marriage isn't somethi

A chorus of voices began to rise from inside, filling the air with an unexpected softness and cheerfulness in a melody:"Happy birthday to you…"I just stood there in awe. My office is filled with my employees. They were smiling, holding balloons and confetti poppers. Center stage was a gorgeous cake that was so white with gold decorations on it with lit candles and my name beautifully written across the top.My birthday?The thought struck me like a tidal wave. How could it be that I had forgotten that today was my birthday? On beholding this scene, teardrops pricked the corners of my eyes, and I could feel the emotion inside rising like froth on a stormy sea. With a quick blink, I pushed my sentiments far back, yet the warmth of the moment didn't let me do so. It had been so completely drowned out with work, lost in the never-ending tedium of keeping my empire afloat and productive that I'd forgotten something as mundane, even pe

The night air cladded around us as if refreshingly cold among the coziness of an intimate dinner we had just shared the moment we stepped out of the restaurant. Nicolai's hovering hand lingered at the bottom of my back, guiding me toward his car, but I stopped some distance from there. My back remained straight, my chin slightly raised, standing firmly in control of the moment."I can take myself home," I told him firmly, my voice leaving no doubt as to the subject of this conversation being closed.Nicolai looked at me. His eyes searched mine for a second, perhaps for a crack in the armor. I held my ground, letting the brief silence between us stretch long enough for him to understand.A small smile tugged at his lips as he inclined his head, hands dropping into his pockets."You always do like to be in charge, don't you?" His tone was playful, but the respect seemed to ring through.He was accustomed to women fawning over him, bending themselves

I paused, letting the tension simmer only for just a moment before answering. Nicolai's voice was rich with anticipation, a hint of smugness already present as if he knew my answer. He knew what showing up with me at Gideon's party would meanwhat kind of message it would send to Gideon and everyone else in that room."Yes, Nicolai," I said, dripping with seductive confidence. "I'll be your date to the party."I could almost hear his grin through the phone, satisfaction radiating from him. "Amethyst, you've made me a very happy man," he said, his voice full of delight. "It's going to be a night neither of us will forget. I'll have my team send the details to you shortly."The call ended, leaving Nicolai practically brimming with excitement. For me, though, this wasn't about going to some bash-it was a tactical step-a chess move. Nicolai would be my human shield, my human asset, but the real prize was what I would do to Gideon. Witnessing me there, arm-in-arm with the man who outclasses

"Yes," I said finally, my voice strong and commanding. "Gideon Grayson is my ex-husband. Emphasis on ex." I leaned forward by just a little, my eyes sharp as needles. "And that's all he'll ever be. A mistake I left behind, just like the old me."Nicolai angled an eyebrow up, his relaxed posture just a little at odds with the interest simmering in his eyes. "Not exactly the type of response I was expecting," he said with an easy flow, though I could feel the admiration lurking beneath his words. "I thought there was still some unresolved business between you two.".I laughed. Short and cold. "unfinished business? With him? " I said, letting a deadly edge creep into my voice. "He tried to break me. But he failed. " A smile danced at the edges of my lips. "I'm here for my reasons, not his. If I attend that party, it's because I want to go. He's nothing to me."Is that why you're going? To prove something? " Nicolai's voice was still questioning, his tone sliding with the hint of curiosit