6

~ Chloe ~

It had been three years already.

Three years since the embarrassment that led to my transformation.

Because here I stood, three years later far stronger than I was then.

“This event will be one of a lifetime, I can already sense it.” Emery spoke while dusting the wine dress she had on which suited her perfectly.

A nod was all I offered, then slipped on the three-inch high heels. “Let's get going.”

“Hmm, Cole is waiting outside already.” She took her purse in one hand, handing me mine, which I placed my phone in, then we both left the huge duplex out to where Cole Praizon stood, leaning against his car, with two year old Donald playing beside him.

“Mimi! Mummy!” Donald rushed to give Emery a hug.

“How've you been my lil’ champ? Was Uncle Cole nice to you?” Emery asked, her tone dropping to match that of a cute kid.

“Hmm. Uncle Cole was manageable.” He replied with a chortle, moving to me. “Mummy, he bought me a new shoe.”

“That’s nice hon.” I ruffled his hair slightly, and with that, we all got into the car where a driver sat, ready to lead us to the event.

Once a four of us were in, he started and we were soon on the road.

Donald wasn't just any child, he was Emery's. One as a result of a cryptic pregnancy.

Seven months after breaking up with Sam, she gave birth.

She'd wanted to tell him, but it was too late. He was already in Australia and had this blonde girlfriend, so Emery was going to raise her child alone.

Obviously, as I was the main reason, I decided to be of help in the assistance, where Donald just randomly developed calling me ‘mommy’ and his mother ‘mimi’.

Emery was cool with that though.

And then there came Cole, the one person who'd assisted in my success.

He was the CEO of a millionaire company and had led me to the right paths, which ended with my company out passing his and many others.

Out passing Dale's and his families (one of my biggest pride).

“We've arrived.” Cole's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

A guard from the event rushed over, opening my side of the car, while another moved to do Emery's and the third headed to Cole.

Helled legs first, before my full body emerged, face unsmiling, emitting power I'd carried over the years.

Emery stood by my right, Donald in hand, while Cole took the other side.

And together, the four of us strutted in, heads automatically bowing upon our arrival.

The event was huge, housing people of wealth and influence, but as I got in, most acknowledged me with a bow.

I mean, that was expected from the CEO of the biggest company in New Jersey, second biggest in the US, third in America and fourth worldwide.

And within a space of three years (what many haven't achieved in three decades).

Yeah, seeing that type of person demands instant respect.

We went to take our seats and were greeted after the greetings I very much ignored.

Our food was served, next with three glasses of margaritas.

It would've been nice if Cole hadn't made the mistake of spilling some on his shirt.

“Ah shit.” He stared at it with a frown.

“When you're not a child, how did you do it?” Emery rolled her eyes.

“A mistake, as you can see.”

“Alright, no arguments.” I stopped what might've lasted till the end of the event. “Cole, you can head to the toilet and clean it up.”

“Hmm.” He got up after a nod.

“I'll tag along as well.” She was already rising to her feet, then the two left, leaving me and dear Donald alone.

“Good morning ma'am.” A female appeared beside me, her smile too wide for her face.

I stood up to answer. “Hmm, morning.”

“I'm Winty from the Zeal company….” And there she started the usual advertisement I was used to.

One most companies told me.

Usually, I'd stop it, but I just didn't feel the need to.

At least not until I felt the weight of a stare land on me.

So intense that my body had to turn on its own accord.

My eyes instantly locked against his.

The guy I hadn't seen in three years already.

My ex-husband.

Dale.

His face expressed pure surprise which I managed to swallow.

“Mummy.” Donald stood up, clutching my dress. “I'm sleepy.”

I didn't bother replying to him. My mind filled, as he stared from Donald, back to me, a frown growing.

Who would've thought of me meeting him after three years.

And at such a big event.

Our gaze held for what felt like an eternity, both of us obviously unsure what the next action should be.

So, I decided to be civil and head to him, dismissing Winty while taking Donald's hand, then strutted towards him.

“M—”

All I wanted was to offer him a greeting, when that was cut short by Nora's sudden appearance.

Without even glancing my way, her arms flew straight around his neck. “Baby, I thought you were going to wait for me outside.”

It took much effort to not scrunch my face in disgust, but the scene alone bought back irritating memories.

Once when I was still dumb.

And that was when my eyes caught it— the diamond ring flashing on her finger like it belonged there.