Arabel's POV
The moment I step out of the car, I feel his gaze on me. I look up immediately but I can't see him.
For a second, I think to myself that this is just one of my imaginations.
Richard would be busy by this time of the day, not slacking around watching me from somewhere. I guess his sudden visit to me yesterday brought about this impossible thought.
The more I think about it, the more I can't figure out what his intentions are. I am his ex.
Why does he want to relate with me now?
It was apparent he didn't like me so why does he want to keep showing up in my life and doing things to stop me from going ahead with my plan to pretend to be someone he doesn't know.
I know he has his doubts about me. More reasons why I am confused. His visit last night scared the shit out of me. The fact that he has been speaking with Daisy behind my back is even more scary.
All night, I couldn't sleep.
My eyes were wide open till the break of dawn when I had to take the available flight back to NY.
I almost missed my flight, making me think of his offer to bring us back to NY. I wouldn't have accepted, not in a million years.
He is someone I shouldn't relate with. Someone I can't get close to and that is what I intend to do. If not for my sake, then for Daisy's sake.
This is why I have come to a conclusion. The idea of a branch here in NY is totally over. I don't care about the amount of effort I have exerted into making this branch a success.
I can't do it. I should have known it wouldn't be possible from the very moment I got the offer from this company. I thought it was a way to achieve my dreams but now I doubt it.
Richard is in the picture already. The contract is one of the things I need, not only for the success of the NY branch but also for the success of other branches I would be opening in the future. I don't need to be here in NY.
There are other places I can go to. Letting go of the branch idea and signing the contract with Richard meant one thing; getting what I wanted halfway which meant not necessarily coming to New York like I was supposed to.
All I need to do is get the contract signed and go back to London. My workers will sort the others out.
His secretary meets me halfway with a shy smile, reminding me about what she did the other day.
It makes me feel a little guilty for being too harsh to her so I smile back genuinely.
“How are you doing?” I demand from her as she greets me politely.
“I am good, Mrs. Portillo. What about you?” She asks me too.
“I am fine, thank you.”
She signals to the direction of Richard's office and mutters. “The boss is waiting for you.”
I nod at her in appreciation as she leads the way. When we get to the door, she knocks on the door and opens it before his voice reaches out to us.
“Come in.”
Seeing Richard again brought back painful memories. The memories I thought I had buried and forgotten. They were back, as painful as a fresh wound. Everything that reminds me about him is back too.
Everything I used to admire about him. His hardworking nature, his personality, his aura, and his scent.
His voice.
His voice always sounded like music to me. It was soothing especially when he was speaking to me with concern.
The tone just now reminded me of the voice he used to tell me how much he wanted me the night we consummated our marriage which led me to conceive Daisy.
“Mrs. Portillo?” Ashley's voice jerks me out of my thoughts, making me blink and step into the open office. I avoid Richards's gaze so he won't see my flushed face.
As I approach the seat before his desk, I know I have to look up so it won't look suspicious.
I stare at him to see him still standing, his back to the window which shows a view of the city. Just then, it hit me.
Had he been standing by the window all along?
If this is it, then it means the gaze I felt settled on me was indeed true. He was watching me from the window. I felt it. It was as intense as a hawk's stare.
My body shivers at the thought but I sit and greet.
“Good day, Mrs. Portillo, how was your trip back to NY?” He smiles at me, making my heart jolt widely.
I thought he would be mad at me for how I treated him during the brief visit to my house but he isn't. He is all smiles as though we had a great time together.
It makes me wonder what exactly he wants from me and why he is doing this.
Is this because I am different from the woman he divorced years ago? Is this because he likes me without giving a care in the world if I am the same Arabel or not? Does he think he can get to me when no man has ever done for years, not even Alex?
He caused it all.
Richard caused my stone-heartedness.
The moment I signed that paper five years ago, I vow to become the woman I am today and to ignore any man that comes my way.
Even Alex. I know he likes me.
Anytime he wants to bring the topic up, I also manage to wave it away because I know I am not ready for any relationship and will never be. I thought I had healed from the pain of my divorce but obviously, I haven't.
Seeing Richard again made me realize that. It is as though the wound had been there all along, covered only to be opened again, as fresh as ever.
“Mrs. Portillo?” Richard inches his face closer to me, pulling me back to life. He is already sitting and embarrassment flashes across my screen for being lost in thought again.
Ashley is also watching me with curiosity and concern. She must be wondering what the problem is. I cleared my throat and presented the document containing our contract to Ashley who took it immediately.
The contract is signed. Richard goes through the document and I see relief wash down his entire body when he sees my signature at the end of the contract.
Looking back up, he smiles and stretches his hand for a handshake. I stare at his outstretched hand for a second, thinking of what to do; whether to take it or ignore it. If I ignore them, Ashley will be suspicious.
There are already enough reasons for her to wonder what is going on between me and her boss. So I lean forward to take it.
The moment our palms meet, it sends an electric jolt up my arm and my stomach into disarray. My heart slams against my ribcage with force and then our gaze locks.
Unreadable expressions are locked behind his eyes. There is more to the signature smile on his face and I have no idea why I am feeling this way. I try to pull away immediately but he holds my hand more firmly.
“We should celebrate this partnership, shouldn't we?” He demands, turning to Ashley for support. She nods gingerly with a big wide smile on her face but I shake my head.
It's a no.
Coming here and accepting this partnership is enough. I can't risk more.
With determination, I finally pull away, managing to keep calm. “I'm sorry but I really need to be on my way. I have some stuff to sort out.”
Disappointment spread through his face and the knot in my throat pulls tighter. I plaster a smile on my face before demanding a copy which is presented to me.
We talk for a while and when I am certain, there is nothing more to talk about but to begin work immediately, I excuse myself and stand up calmly.
“Thank you, Mr. Richard. I should go now,” I murmur. Richard nods at Ashley and I see her excusing herself. She walks to the door and before I know it, she is out, leaving me alone with him.
My pulse spikes. The heavy silence and the huge tension aren't doing any good to ease my heart and calm my nerves.
Why isn't he saying anything?
“I'm sorry for the sudden visit last night. I promise it won't repeat itself again,” he apologize calmly like a gentleman would do.
I nod when he adds.”I would definitely ask for your permission next time.”
“What?!” I almost scream.
He would ask for my permission. I never said I wanted him to. I just don't want him near me or my child. I shake my head, finally summoning the courage to look him straight in the eyes.
“No. No need for that.”
“No, it's fine. I don't mind if my friend wants…”
“Daisy is a child. She doesn't need you or anyone.” The words came out harsh but I am not sorry. He needs to know his place and that is exactly what I am doing; putting him back in his place.
“This is strictly business. I don't like how unprofessional you work, Mr. Richards. Just because we are partners doesn't mean you should come visit me at an ungodly hour and become friends with my daughter. Let's keep business and our private life separate.”
His mouth is agape. Perhaps, he didn't expect I would take it this way. I don't care if I am overreacting, but he deserves every bit of my anger.
“I'm sorry, Arabel…Bella. Mrs. Bella,” he calls, stammering, making me stop with my back to him and my eyes closing on their accord.
Shit!
That name.
He still thinks I am Arabel. He just doesn't have enough evidence to say to my face that I am here. I'm sure he won't hesitate when he finds one. I hear him move away from the desk and approach me.
Before he can think I am acting strange because of the name, I twirl around as a wave of nausea hits me hard, making me stumble.
He is quick to grab me by the waist, sending a jolt of adrenaline and warmth down my spine.
Our eyes meet.
Those intense blue eyes that managed to send my stomach into turmoil five years ago stare right back at me with every inch of intensity, as though he can read through me.
Realizing the position that we are in, I try to stand upright and get away from his embrace, but he holds me down, our faces inches away from each other.
He is observing me. Like a hawk would watch over its chick.
My face is hot.
Before I begin to flush hard, I yank at his hand and stand upright. I do not have time to yell at him for his unprofessionalism again before another wave hits me.
This time, he doesn't catch me. I stumble backward with force, my body slamming against the wall as I fall with a heavy thud.