With My New Love, We Made My Ex Pay

Chapter 5 Expose My Lie

Davina's POV:

I heard Xavier suddenly ask, "How did Edie get lost?"

Both of these men were legends in the business world, while I was just a nobody. If I'd crossed paths with them at a social event or work environment, I wouldn't have even had the chance to say hello. Yet, here we were, sitting at the same table, talking because of Edie and because of this strange, special bond we shared.

They treated me with respect, as though I were their equal, like a friend.

I didn't want to expose the raw, bleeding wound in my heart, but I decided to answer his question out of gratitude for Xavier's kindness.

"After I broke up with my ex, he stole Edie..." I said awkwardly, bitterness creeping up in my throat.

Sadness flooded me again, and I couldn't stop myself from continuing, the words tumbling out in a rush. "We raised Edie like she was our child, but now my ex hates me. He thinks I'm not worthy of her..."

"He wouldn't let you raise Edie, but then he abandoned her?" Xavier scoffed, a touch of contempt in his voice.

I didn't know how to continue. I didn't want to break down in front of them, to lose control and cry.

Xavier leaned forward, his eyes sharp as a beacon, focusing on me. "Edie's back with you now. Will you forgive him?"

"No." I shook my head, my voice firm. "Not even for Edie. I can't risk it. I don't know if he'll abandon her again... Edie and I won't always be lucky enough to have someone as kind as you in our lives."

Xavier seemed satisfied with my answer. A slight smile softened his features, and the furrow in his brow relaxed.

Hudson, who had been silently watching, took a slow bite of his dessert before asking, "What if he repented, got down on his knees, and begged you back? Would you give him that chance?"

Xavier's brow furrowed once more, his gaze flicking between us.

I shook my head again, more resolute this time. "No. I wouldn't."

Xavier's gaze softened with pity, and a flicker of unease sparked within me!

I couldn't let him misjudge me!

I had to prove I wasn't just some naive woman who'd been brainwashed by a toxic man.

I was a smart, clear-headed businesswoman, and I would use this moment to create value and opportunities for myself.

After finishing my dessert, I seized the chance to make my request. "Mr. Francis, I know your Radiant Mall is about to bring in a new batch of brands, and our company's Redbreast collection has consistently ranked in the top ten for cosmetic sales. Please, consider giving us the opportunity..."

Xavier thought for a moment before responding, his tone serious, "Davina, I'll speak with my assistant and have her set it up. But I have to be upfront with you. If your brand doesn't meet the competition standards, I won't be able to convince the others."

I smiled, grateful. "That's all we need, a chance to compete!"

"If things move forward, I'll contact you right away," Xavier said, glancing at his watch. He added, "Davina, it's getting late. Let Samuel drive you home."

I stood to say my goodbyes, handing my credit card to the waiter to pay the bill.

Hudson immediately stopped me, his tone exaggerated. "No, no, I've got this! Let me treat you, Davina. You can't refuse. If you do, you're saying I'm not your friend."

With Hudson insisting, I had no choice but to accept his generosity.

Xavier walked with me and Edie out of the restaurant.

Edie seemed to sense that she was about to leave Xavier, rubbing her face against his pant leg in a silent plea for affection.

Xavier chuckled softly and said, "Look at this poor little thing. She finally knows who's been good to her."

I smiled, my heart full of gratitude. "Mr. Francis, if there's ever a chance in the future, please let me do something for you. I really want to repay you for everything you've done."

Xavier bent down and gently stroked Edie's head. "I don't need anything from you. I just... I'll miss her. Can I visit her often?"

"Of course! You saved both Edie and me. You can visit her anytime," I said eagerly, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

I immediately felt a pang of guilt, hoping Xavier wouldn't notice my slip-up.

But Xavier was sharp. He immediately caught the inconsistency in my words.

He gripped my shoulder tightly, his expression turning serious, even a bit angry. "When I found you in the forest... were you planning to kill yourself?"

I stared at his face, the scent of cedarwood filling the air. His words hit me like a jolt of electricity. His voice and gaze cracked through the ice around my heart, sending a rush of warmth through me.

His concern overwhelmed me again!

Despite only knowing each other for a short time, I could feel that he saw me as a real friend, not just some stranger.

I didn't want to disappoint him. I smiled, trying to brush off the tension. "You misunderstood. I was just watching the moon. Didn't you notice? The moon in the water looks different from the one in the sky..."

Xavier, ever the kind, thoughtful, and gentle one, saw right through my lie, but he didn't call me out on it.

He gently tousled my hair with a soft sigh, his touch as light as a breeze. "Promise me you won't go back to that forest to watch the moon alone. It's a hunting ground. There are wolves, lions, bears, buffalo... You won't always be lucky."

"I promise," I said, feeling a strange warmth in my chest.

"Good. Take care, Davina. Text me when you get home."

I got into the car, the engine humming as it carried me into the night. Xavier's figure disappeared from the rearview mirror, his presence already fading, though his words and the way he'd looked at me stayed with me long after.