CHASING MY EX WIFE BACK

Chapter 9

Cassidy's POV

“Book an appointment with Nelson ltd. legal team.” I instructed the crisis management team before dismissing them. I was looking for a way to resolve the issue fast before noon. When my mind brought up the idea of contacting Dave directly, I threw it away.

Minutes later, I got a report that the legal team had agreed to meet that day. “When is the agreed time? I hope it is before noon.” I told my personal assistant.

“Yes, ma'am. I made sure of that because it will interfere with your flight scheduled at noon. The meeting with Nelson's legal team is by nine this morning, scheduled to end by ten. You will have two hours to get ready for your flight by noon.” My ever competent personal assistant said.

“ Good work, Tessa.” I commended her as we walked out of the company. I needed to get to Nelson ltd. as soon as possible if I wanted to leave on time.

Hours later, I found myself sitting in a conference room, waiting for Nelson ltd. legal team to attend to me. Whenever I asked for them, I would get a response saying that they would be coming soon.

An hour to noon, I stood up agitated. I was frustrated with how they kept me waiting. I was about to leave when I heard the door open. Instead of the legal team I was expecting, I saw Dave, my ex husband.

My body stiffened. My heart quickened at the sight of the familiar face I had once trusted. He still looked attractive with his jet black hair that reached his broad shoulders. His gunmetal gray eyes looked intensely at me as he took a seat facing me. His aura commanded attention and the black coat framing his large body frame made him look like a brooding giant.

Instinctively, I recalled the way he had treated me. How he had easily tossed me aside without listening to me, how he had thrown me out of his house and life for his childhood sweetheart. My heart hardened and I faced him with a glare.

“Good morning, Cassidy. It's been awhile.” He said like we were old friends catching up. I didn't respond to that comment. Bringing out the files that my personal assistant gave me earlier, I brought it in front of him, on the table.

“ You agreed to let us use your part of the land for construction three years ago. What changed?” I went straight to the point.

“ Relax, love. We still have enough time to attend to business. If you comply well, there won't be an issue with the land.” He said, leaning back to his seat.

“Please, refrain from calling me any form of endearment. I am Miss Peyton to you.” I emphasized to the last word, trying to calm myself. The way he casually addressed and spoke to me like what he had done three years ago didn't happen, it irked me to no end.

“Alright, love. Whatever you say.” He said with a cunning smile and with all the audacity the world had to offer.

“Miss Peyton.” I repeated.

“Yes, love. I heard you for the first time.” He conveniently disregarded what I said. “What would you like for refreshment? They should have gotten you one earlier.” He muttered the last sentence under his breath as he dialed a number.

“I don't want anything.” Not from him anyway.

“Why? You need to have something. You've waited here for two hours. Let me treat you to something nice.” He said calmly.

“No, Mr Nelson. I would prefer to settle this issue once and for all and leave.” I said formally.

“Dave.” His gaze settled on mine, softly. “You can call me Dave. We were once married. We are way past these formalities.”

“You severed any relationship we had, remember?” I said coldly, trying to keep my anger from leaking in my voice.

“ That was three years ago, love. And, I'm sorry. Let me make it up to you.” His voice softened unimaginably. Even I couldn't remember him ever being this way before.

“ There is nothing to make up for, Mr Nelson.” I responded formally. “ Let us come to an agreement about this land issue so we can both go our separate ways.”

“ It will be in your best interest that you address me as Dave and comply. That is, if you're still interested in coming to an agreement.” He subtly threatened me. That's right there! That has always been his specialty!

“Is that what this….” I said, gesturing with both my hands in the air. “ …is all about?” I asked him and he simply shrugged.

“It's simple, love. Y'know, I would do anything for you.” He leaned closer to whisper the last sentence like it was a secret.

“You can't fool me, Mr Nelson.” I said, deadpan.

“Fool you?” He looked at me perplexed. “ You fooled me!” He still believed I cheated on him. “That's besides the point. I want you back and my son. I'll do anything to get you both back.”

“He is not your son, Mr Nelson. I believe his last name is Peyton, not Nelson.” I countered but he calmly said.

“ I plan on changing that soon.”

“ What is your deal? I need to be out of here in the next thirty minutes.” I grew agitated by the minute. Not only was this man wasting my time, he was also annoying me.

“ Go out with me. Three times and I'll let your company have that part of my land.” He plainly said with his face relaxed on one of his hands, his head c****d to the side and his eyes staring at me like a predator would to his prey.

“You must be kidding, Mr Nelson.” I scoffed.

“It's Dave.” He corrected with his annoyingly deep voice. “You get what you want and I get what I want; a chance to prove I can make things right.”

“You can take that so-called deal of yours and shove it down your ass.” I stood up abruptly. I wouldn't let him waste anymore of my time. “If you think you can make me do your bidding just because of a land that isn't even up to a plot. Then, you're sorely mistaken.” I told him straight in his face before adding. “ I can salvage this situation. All I need to do is hold a press conference and explain to everyone why the project launching has been delayed. I know a few creative ways to tell the story in my favour and have you looking like the bad guy. When I back it with a few rumours, you'll be losing stocks and investors.

“You wouldn't do that.” He said with a confidence that made my rebellious side itch.

“Try me.” I dared him with an intense glare.

“Alright. if you do that, how will that benefit your company?” He asked and I simply smiled.

“Yes, this method will be expensive but I'll be having too much fun bringing you down.” When I said that, I expected him to worry but he was amused.

“Feisty! I love this side of you.” He said with a wide grin on his lips, spreading from one end of his face to the other. “I believe you, love. Whatever plan you cook up will work. You can sit back down.”

“The only reason I'm here is to see if there are safe options to try out. “ I said, refusing to sit down.

“Alright. I have a deal for you.” He said before leaning forward. “Just three events. Be my date to those events.”

“You sound like you're high on something, Mr Nelson. Should I call a doctor?” I asked, feigning ignorance.”

“ I am high on you, love.” He said with a smirk that I wished I could clean off his face.

“There's no way, I will go out with you!” Not willing of course. Just the mere thought of it made me frown. I stood up to leave as I felt like I had only wasted my time coming here.

“ It seems like you want to spend more money on this issue when you can just easily get it settled by going out with me.” He stated in a matter-of-fact tone. The smirk that had been on his face earlier disappeared.

“That is how much I would prefer not being anywhere around you.” I countered. In a matter of seconds, he stood up and walked to where I was. The height difference was more evident as he got close and I found myself craning my neck up just to glare at him.

“Just one outing with me and I'll drop it.” He said. “You are already late for your flight. Have dinner with me tonight. Just one chance and I'll prove to you that I can fix it.”