~ 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.
And I wasn't even talking about physical strength, but power that made the physical bow.
“This event will be one of a lifetime, I can already sense it.” Emery spoke said, straightening her gray gown.
A nod was all I offered, as I 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 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 the four of us were settled, he started, driving off.
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.
I'd told her to let him know, but she refused, deciding to raise her child alone.
Okay, not fully alone, as I'd ensured to be of help in as many ways as I could, 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, ending with a great increase in my company's rank.
Out passing Dale's and his family's own.
“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.
Heeled 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 California, 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).
Something that automatically birthed respect.
We went to take our seats.
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 the weight of a stare landed on me.
So intense that my body had to turn on its own accord.
My eyes instantly locked on 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. “Can I go to play with the music men?”
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 I'd ever see him again. 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.
“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.”
Baby?
And that was when my eyes caught it— the diamond ring flashing on her finger like it belonged there.
He was married to Nora?
