Ex Husband Wants Me Back

Chapter 12

Lessie's POV

I blinked to regain my composure before heading to our table. How did I let that slip into my thoughts? It must be a different Freddie Green—or even if it’s the same one, it shouldn’t matter to me.

“Oh my, Lessie, you look stunning today!” Lucy exclaimed, standing up to hug me. Even Charlotte and David joined in.

“Thank you,” I replied, admiring Lucy's wine-colored dress. “You look gorgeous too, Lucy.” She blushed, and I greeted Charlotte, David, and the others before taking my seat.

A server passed by with a tray of drinks, and I grabbed a glass, sipping slowly while checking my phone.

Suddenly, someone snatched the phone out of my hand. I looked up, almost annoyed.

“Benjamin? You took my phone?” I asked, confused as I stared at his frowning face.

“Yes, I did,” he replied without hesitation.

“Why?” I questioned, still puzzled.

With that, my other colleagues, who had been chatting amongst themselves, turned to watch us.

“Do you really not know?” Benjamin asked, sounding a bit irritated, and I shook my head.

“We've all been here since you arrived, but you haven't shared anything with us about how things have been for you here.” His tone carried a hint of grievance.

I opened my mouth to speak but closed it, feeling embarrassed.

He was right. I had arrived in the city before them, so I should have at least shared some stories with them, especially with Benjamin. But I hadn’t done that. Well, to be fair, I hadn’t exactly gone sightseeing.

Before I could explain or apologize, Charlotte’s enthusiastic voice broke through the moment.

“Hey, Lessie, isn’t this your old city? You should know all about this place, so tell us something!”

“We're bored, so don't hold back,” she added.

My expression faltered at her words, and I couldn’t hide it before everyone noticed.

They all stared at me quietly, and I bit my lower lip, feeling their gazes.

When I finally gathered myself, I hesitated. “Um, you want to hear stories?”

No one replied, sensing my discomfort, but Charlotte, oblivious to the tension, nodded. “Yes, we’re waiting.”

I forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood. I had decided not to dwell on the painful past I’d experienced in this city, so there was no reason not to satisfy Charlotte’s curiosity.

“Syracuse's very—” I started, but Benjamin quickly interrupted.

“Let's focus on the business deal we’re here for,” he said.

“Yes, absolutely,” the others agreed, shifting to a more serious tone at the table.

I lowered my head, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. I knew why Benjamin had steered the conversation that way. He was trying to save me from having to answer Charlotte, and my other colleagues seemed to understand, even though they didn’t know much about my history with Syracuse.

“Hmm, yes, yes, let's talk.” I nodded, grateful I didn't have to say much. I only chimed in occasionally as Benjamin discussed the company we were partnering with.

In truth, even without Benjamin's words, I had already done my own research long before we secured the deal.

Suddenly, a wave of murmurs spread through the hall, interrupting the conversation. I turned absentmindedly towards the entrance, just like everyone else, only to see a tall man walking in.

Freddie?

I froze, glued to my seat, unable to hear the sounds around me.

My eyes were locked on him as he was approached and quickly surrounded by people.

“Lessie, Lessie, Lessie...” The sound of my name snapped me out of my daze. I turned to see my colleagues staring at me with confused expressions.

I breathed a sigh of relief. From the looks on their faces, it was clear they hadn't noticed who I was staring at.

“Why were you so distracted?” Benjamin asked, his voice laced with concern.

“I'm sorry, I'll be right back,” I replied, not waiting for their response. I quickly left and headed toward the bathroom, hoping to avoid being seen by him as the crowd around him began to clear.

Once inside, my legs were trembling as I splashed water on my face, trying to calm myself.

I kept pouring water over my face until my breathing steadied.

Why, Lessie, why? Why do you have such a strong reaction to seeing Freddie? I smacked my forehead, berating myself for letting my emotions get the best of me.

But out of all places, why does he have to be here? I hate coincidences like this!

I had come here intending never to see him before leaving again, yet here I was, face to face with the very thing I was trying to avoid. Why?

After spending some time in the bathroom, trying to clear my mind, I considered going back outside.

The hall is big; maybe he won't see me. I knew I should stay hidden, but I couldn't stay in the bathroom forever, especially since I hadn't come alone. I just had to hope I wouldn't run into him.

Just as I gathered the courage to return to the hall, the bathroom door creaked open, and someone stepped in.

Gasp!