Freya's POV
Since my last meeting with Kingsley, I've always thought of him, consciously or unconsciously. There have been a few times when I mistakenly used the wrong spice in my work, which is almost unthinkable for me.
"Ms. Freya, are you alright? You could have rested more at home if you weren't feeling well," Bardier said, looking at me with concern and noticing that my mental condition was a bit different from usual.
"Thank you for your concern; there's nothing wrong with me. I probably just didn't rest well last night," I replied, offering a polite smile and a slight nod to Bardier to indicate that I was okay.
"Ms. Freya, if you're okay, I'd like you to take a look at this new bottle of perfume I've mixed up," Bardier said, pulling out a bottle of peach-colored perfume from the counter. After opening the lid, the delicate scent filled the air and made my heart skip a beat.
"This smell is so strong, Bardier. What's the name of this perfume?" I asked absentmindedly as I gently wafted the perfume with the palm of my hand.
"Reunion," Bardier replied, lifting his head. He looked at me with a smile and gently nodded, unsure if it was intentional or not.
For a moment, I couldn't help but let my heart beat faster, my thoughts returning to Kingsley's face. Although I had resolved to start a new life, I couldn't ignore the burning sensation at the base of my neck whenever I entertained such thoughts of Kingsley's reappearance.
There were several times I wanted to confide in Finley about what was bothering me, but I could almost imagine Finley's reaction when he found out about Kingsley's reappearance. He wouldn't be able to resist stepping in and teaching Kingsley a lesson for the trials and tribulations I had endured. That was something I couldn't allow to happen in any way.
"What's wrong? You've been staring at me for a while," Finley chuckled softly before reaching out to gently pin the bangs on my forehead behind my ear.
"Nothing, just the occasional strange thought that crosses my mind," I shrugged and gave Finley an 'I'm okay' smile.
Because I had already decided in my heart that I wanted to handle this matter on my own, to embark on my brand new life, and to no longer indulge in fantasies about the past, I summoned the courage to dial Kingsley's number once more after I finished work.
We agreed to meet at an upscale restaurant in the city center, where tall, floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city at night. This was a place Finley had once taken me, and it occurred to me that since I was planning such a significant parting, it should be a grand one.
I had barely taken my seat when I spotted Kingsley, not far from me, approaching in a white suit. I couldn't deny the innate charisma that seemed to draw the attention of several noblewomen around us.
"Freya, as I mentioned, it seems you followed your heart in the end."
A smile graced Kingsley's face as he casually swirled his red wine in the glass.
"No, Kingsley, you've got it wrong this time. I've come to bid farewell."
I raised my red wine glass and took a sip, then exhaled deeply.
"Where are you off to now? Haven't you had your fill of time away?"
Kingsley looked slightly perplexed, his eyes reflecting a hint of dismay.
"Heh, did you really think I'd spend every day in depression after leaving you? Did you think the world would stop turning without you?"
I couldn't help but burst into laughter, wondering where he found such confidence.
"Is this about Finley? I always suspected he had ulterior motives from the start. Call him out, and we can settle things amicably."
Kingsley gazed at me affectionately while tightening his grip on my hand.
"Remember the oath we made under the Moon God's watchful eye? Come what may, we promised never to be separated again, and this reunion should be guided by the Moon God. If you hadn't left without a word back then, I believe we would have been living happily together to this day."
"What gives you the right to make such bold assumptions about my life? Who says I have to be with you to be happy? I'm telling you, every day since I left you has been happier than when I was with you."
With all my might, I wrenched myself out of Kingsley's grasp, and the anxiety on his face captured the attention of those around us.
"What did I do to cause you to harbor so much animosity towards me? You're my mate!"
Kingsley snapped to his feet, and everyone around him turned their gaze towards him.
"Enough! You have no idea how hard I've worked on myself during this time to heal from the trauma that the past brought me. Whether I appear happy to you now or not, all of this has nothing to do with you. I'm enjoying the person I've become and the life I'm living. I would ask that you don't disrupt my life in the future."
I didn't care about the stares of the people around me. I jerked up from my seat and locked eyes with Kingsley.
Kingsley paused for a moment, taking a few panicked steps backward. He barely managed to hold onto a stool to steady himself.
"No, this can't be!"
His eyes were disoriented, and he shook his head gently.
"It's not impossible. Your presence is like a nightmare, a reminder of what I've been through. So, starting today... please stay out of my life."
I got choked up at the end of my sentence, and my eyes inexplicably filled with tears, but I did my best to keep my head down so Kingsley won't see.
That way, I wouldn't let my tears betray my heart.
"Good. Freya, you've really changed since before. Since you're speaking like this, then... see you later."
Kingsley tilted his head back and quickly downed the red wine in front of him before leaving the restaurant without looking back.
I stood in place, feeling a loss inexplicably welling up in my heart. I didn't know whether the decision I just made was right or wrong.