Chapter 13
A week later, Chesca secured the storefront.
Given the excellent location and price, she signed a five–year lease and wrote out a check for the property owner.
With the economy in a downturn, the five–year commitment made the owner quite thrilled.
After the owner left on business, Chesca sat finishing her coffee–a habit she’d developed over the years.
Suddenly, a sweet voice called out. “Chesca!”
Chesca was startled–It was Lillian Cortez, Zeno’s sister.
Lillian was still in college and normally wasn’t close with Chesca, but today she was
unusually friendly, running over to hug Chesca’s arm and chatting affectionately.
The girl was lively and charming. Even someone as reserved as Chesca found herself
charmed. She called over a server and ordered two desserts for Lillian.
When the desserts arrived, Lillian ate with obvious delight. It wasn’t until she finished the
first one that she seemed to remember something.
“Tomorrow’s my brother’s birthday. There’s a little party–come with me?”
Zeno’s birthday?
Without much thought, Chesca politely declined. “I might not be able to make time.”
Lillian looked understanding. “Don’t worry! Fabian definitely won’t be there. He never attends these ‘boring‘ gatherings… I swear on my brother’s life.”
Chesca thought Zeno would need nine lives to survive Lillian’s casual guarantees.
Nice Try My Ex But The Heiress Doesn’t Do Rewinds.
Chapter 13
After some consideration, she agreed anyway.
She did owe Zeno a favor.
On her way back, Chesca detoured to a mall to buy Zeno a gift.
Considering their relationship, she decided on a gold pen–maintaining social distance while avoiding appearing cheap.
After careful selection, she chose one priced at $26,000.
After Chesca completed the purchase, the sales associate enthusiastically continued. “Ma’am? Buying a birthday gift for your husband? We just got a collection of top–tier lapel pins and cufflinks in–want to take a look?”
Before Chesca could explain, the woman had already brought out a tray.
Not wanting to make things awkward, Chesca picked one up. Four years as Mrs. Elkedonia, managing all Fabian’s clothing and accessories, she had excellent taste by now.
She smiled slightly. “This tie pin is quite nice.”
The associate praised her taste, hoping for another sale.
Though $23,000 wasn’t much for Chesca, she gazed at the pin for a while before murmuring: “Too bad… I don’t have anyone to give it to anymore.”
By the elevator, Fabian stood quietly.
Just a week ago, Leshine had acquired this mall. He’d come to inspect the property–not expecting to run into Chesca.
Chesca was selecting a tie pin for him.
He couldn’t help thinking that she must still care for him if she was still buying things for
him.
Nice Try My Ex But The Heiress Doesn’t Do Rewinds.
Chapter 13
His thoughts drifted to their past–their marriage hadn’t been that bad.
Except for being somewhat reserved in bed, Chesca was faultless in every way. Besides, she’d grown softer now, more delicate, making him want to pull her close, kiss her, maybe fuck her senseless.
Now, he felt a definite desire for Chesca.
Noticing his distraction, Taylor quietly reminded him. “Mr. Elkedonia, Michael is giving his
report.”
Fabian finally pulled his gaze away.
Surrounded by his team, he walked off–but in his mind, one thought remained clear:
Four years of marriage couldn’t be easily severed–reconciliation was just a matter of time.
The next day, Chesca got stuck in traffic.
By the time she arrived at the private room in the club, she was half an hour late. She pushed open the door and apologized naturally. “Sorry I’m late.”
The luxurious room was terrifyingly quiet.
Zeno’s group of about a dozen of childhood friends sat in silence, some rubbing their noses while secretly enjoying the drama:
[Fabian’s wife attending another man’s birthday behind his back.]
[Fabian catching her in the act.]
[But Fabian doesn’t love Chesca, so maybe there won’t be drama.]
Fabian reclined on a corner sofa, dressed all in black, blending with the darkness.
Even in a setting like this, he exuded an aura of aristocratic distinction–like some god on a
Chapter 13
pedestal, completely untainted by the mundane world
Fabian’s eyes were dark and deep as they tracked Chesca at the doorway.
Clearly, she had dressed up specifically for the occasion.
A misty gray–blue silk dress hugged her waist perfectly. A long mother–of–pearl necklace draped over her neck, diamond tassel earrings dangled from her ears, paired with at matching handbag and wristwatch.
She looked both elegant and sensually feminine.
Somewhere along the way, Chesca had changed.
There was something magnetic about her now, her every gesture captivating the men around her, including Fabian himself. But Fabian believed this was merely hormones at work, nothing to do with love.
One good night would fix it.
His
gaze shifted to her hands, where she held an exquisite box, obviously a birthday gift prepared for Zeno…
So she was buying things for Zeno.
Not for him, Fabian!
The faint trace of joy he’d felt yesterday evaporated like mist. His gaze turned cold, watching Chesca like a man watching his wife cheat in broad daylight.
The atmosphere in the room was extremely awkward…
Finally, Lillian bravely stepped forward, bringing Chesca in. “I’m so sorry! I swear I didn’t know Fabian would show. He never comes to Zeno’s parties. Always calls them boring.”
Chesca didn’t blame her.
She wasn’t afraid of Fabian either. They were getting divorced. Who she associated with
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was none of his business.
She presented her gift. “Happy birthday, Mr. Cortez.”
Zeno accepted it with a faint smile. “Thank you for the thoughtfulness.”
Someone joked. “Zeno never smiles! And his first time is for Fabian’s wife. Mr. Elkedonia,
come on, be cool about it tonight.”
They were all childhood friends–close enough to tease Fabian like this because they knew
he didn’t love Chesca.
Who would care about a woman they didn’t love?
Fabian’s heart belonged to someone else.
Little did they know, the man sitting in the corner had an ice–cold gaze, though his face
revealed nothing. He smoked casually, observing Chesca with detachment…
Now, she no longer cared about his feelings. She was openly showing interest in another
man.
Chesca ignored Fabian, and Fabian didn’t try to win her over in front of others. They
seemed to have reached the end…
Everyone in the room was shrewd, all guessing that Fabian and Chesca’s marriage was
effectively over. Their attitude toward Chesca changed–warmer and bolder.
She looked stunning tonight.
And really, who could resist a beautiful woman?
Chesca was pulled into a game of “Truth or Dare.” Her seat was beside Zeno. The occasional contact when drawing cards/created a hint of intimacy,
At the very least, Zeno’s intentions weren’t pure.
Previously, Zeno would never have played such a childish game–but tonight? He was
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clearly making an exception for her.
Zeno drew the King card.
Everyone perked up, ready to dig into the man of the hour’s secrets.
“Alright, Zeno,” someone called out, “Be honest. Got someone on your mind?”
Zeno responded calmly. “I’ll answer honestly.”
The room instantly fell silent.
Nobody was stupid.
They all knew who he meant–who would have believed this possible before?
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