Mia’s POV
I took.
My heart was almost in my mouth as I paraded the hall, greeting my guests. I could feel Xander’s gaze on me with every step that I to and it was a miracle that I didn’t trip over the five–inch heels that I wore.
I was never a fan of heels, I always found them uncomfortable, but for the course of my revenge, I needed to always have a pair me. Glancing at Xander from across the stage, an influx of our bittersweet memory ran through my head and I felt my eyes pool up.
I was too carried away, avoiding his gaze, that I barely noticed Irene’s presence behind him. Like a running tap, the memory from that night revisited my head. With forced steps. I paused at a table and gripped it, masking my anger with a smile as I thanked the guests and provided answers to their questions.
My attention was diverted when Irene stood up and practically ran out of the hall. I expected Xander to follow suit, knowing how much of a team they were.
I couldn’t deny that I had anticipated to react differently when I saw him again, perhaps nonchalantly. Xander picked up his glass of wine and headed to the back of the hall. He was now interacting with the few guests who had approached his space but his eyes still found me. I tamed my labored breathing as 1 stealthily stole a glance at him. He was attired in an Armani suit, and his height easily six two OT six three towered above his counterparts as they conversed, or better still, as they talked to him. Xander didn’t seem to be entertaining whatever was being discussed as he continuously sipped his wine.
He was a bit slimmer than I remembered and even though I was in charge of the event, his presence exerted dominance.
“Your creation is indeed a masterpiece, words cannot describe how amazed I am. I look forward to owning a piece from Amor Luxe!” Imogene Miller, one of the big shots in the fashion industry, complimented.
“I appreciate that. Mrs Miller. I’m glad you like the designs, and I look forward to your participation at the auction. Thank you for making time to come here today.”
“Most definitely, and the pleasure is all mine. I would have been so sad if I hadn’t!” She beamed. “This is my son.
of v
[ your work since the online auction.”
“It’s lovely to meet you. Lucas,” I grinned..
“I’ll believe you if you have a dance with me when you’re done
1 chuckled, feigning ignorance of his motive.
“Of course. Find me when it’s time!”
son, Lucas, he has been a fan
After a few more tables, loads of worthy compliments, and Xander’s increasingly annoying gaze, I decided to call it a day and leave the
rest to Nathan
I needed to take a breather else I might do something unplanned and dishevel my resolve.
“Aren’t you forgetting someone?” My heart skipped at the sound of his voice, laced with its usual arrogance and a hint of mystery
“Or am I not deserving of an appreciation?”
Thankfully, the majority of the guests were now occupied with gushing over my handiwork again as the bidding commenced.
Taking a quick exhale, I faced him and our eyes met. Standing this close to him, the only thing I expected to feel was fury, a burning desire to claw at his face and make him experience as much pain as I did, but with these feelings of disdain came something else that I didn’t want to admit.
Once again, I buried these feelings deep within me and held up a slight smile at him.
“Seeing you again is more than a surprise, Mia”
“I’m sorry, do I know you?” I feigned confusion.
A glint of shock rested in his eyes and he appeared speechless.
“Is this a joke?” He half–chuckled, his brows furrowing. “Mia. I’m your-
“Oh, you must be one of the invites, I have an issue with my memory, so permit me if we have met in the past, and I do not recall.
Chapter 11
I was in a hurry before you stopped me but you can talk to my assistant if you have any inquiries. Thank you for coming!”
Xander’s brows contorted, exposing his annoyance and I instantly knew that I had struck a nerve. Seeing that there was someone who didn’t recognize the almighty Alexander Schaeffer must have bruised his ego.
“Wait-” Xander grabbed my wrist and as though my skin had been grazed by hot coal. I yanked my wrist out of his grip.
“Don’t touch me!” I unexpectedly yelled, fury burning in my eyes with tears. What right did this murderer have to touch me?
Before any attention could shift to us. I turned around and sprinted out of the hall
I locked myself in one of the restroom stalls, gripping the door handle firmly as my lungs burned, I struggled to catch my breath.
With a surge of adrenaline. I fumbled through my purse, my hands shaking as I rummaged through the content for the familiar shape of my inhaler.
After a worthwhile search, my fingers finally closed around it, and I yanked it out.
I leaned against the wall, my hands trembling as I raised the inhaler to my lips and took two deep measured breaths.
The medication hit my lungs like a cool breeze on a summer day, easing the constriction that had been suffocating me.
In no time, I felt my airways start to relax, my vision cleared, and my breathing slowed.
After a deep breath, the attack subsided and I regained my composure.
I dabbed the tears from my eyes and stepped towards the mirror, the inhaler still clutched in my hand.
It was astonishing how Xander’s touch, which once set my heart racing with excitement and desire, now erupted fierce and overwhelming anger within me.
Contrary to my earlier thought, I realized how much I had changed. In the past, Xander’s mere presence was enough to
now not so much.
He was the devil and I was no longer that innocent, naive girl who was desperate for his love and attention.
As I retouched my makeup and fixed my hair, my mind wandered back to the doctor’s words two years ago.” started two years after I recovered- an after–effect of my traumatic experience.
melt me
but
ago. The panic attacks had
My doctor had warned me that stress and anxiety could trigger them and had recommended long–term therapy
Unwilling to waste any more time recovering and allow Xander to steal my idea, I opted for something else- temporary inhaler use.
It was a secret between Nathan and me, as I knew my father would be againsky decision if he learned of it.
Satisfied with my camouflage of nonchalance, I took a few more breaths, tucked my inhaler into my purse, and smoothened a hand over my dress. I checked the time, I had exhausted ten minutes. It was more than enough time to miss Xander’s departure.
all, he had come here with a motive, and now it was time for him to strategize, but while his strategy was still in planning, mine ready in motion.
tep in my plan.
is a newfound sense of calm, I stepped out, ready to conclude the event and carry on with the next step in
With my head held high. I pushed open the restroom door but my steps faltered when I saw him.
Xander was standing at the exit and he was blocking the path, giving me no room to escape.
He held up a wineglass, “join me”
I forced a smile, grateful for his ‘kind‘ gesture. “Maybe some other time, Mr. Schaeffer.”
“I see you recognize me now,” his eyes held a smile. A smile that sparingly yelled got y
yal
“I was enlightened. It’s an honor to have you here, Mr. Schaeffer, I heard it was a tough decision to make,” I maintained my smile. “Again, thank you for the invite, I have to go now”
Hut Xander’s large frame remained on the doorway, the amusement vanishing from his expression.
“We need to talk,” he implored, his calm tone masking a subtle but unmistakable air of authority that felt more like a warning
2/3
Chapter 11
Do as I ask, or I will cause a scene and ruin your party!‘
3/3
