Ex Husband Wants Me Back

Chapter 17

Lessie's POV

“Don’t ‘Freddie’ me! Don’t think you’ve hidden everything so well—I know everything now!” he shouted furiously.

I had already calm myself, but his yelling only brought on a heavy headache.

Why on earth is he shouting?

“Just ignoring me at the party yesterday, that’s what you thought would get under my skin? You’re despicable!” His voice cut through the phone, laced with anger, his heavy, furious breathing even audible.

“Could you please stop shouting and speak calmly?” I asked softly, trying not to escalate things further. I couldn’t understand his fury, or why he was calling me after all this time. And yet, all he could do was yell.

Unexpectedly, frustration welled up in me. How could his first call in years be filled with shouting? Then again, what did I really expect from someone who despises me?

Without thinking, I snapped back, “Enough!” Silence fell on the other end, and I could sense his shock. “Now, can you tell me how you got my number?”

I scowled. I clearly remembered changing my number when I left Syracuse, how could he have possibly found it now?

Wait… could he maybe have… investigated me? A chill ran through me; that seemed to be the only answer.

I felt a sense of unease washed over me, not for myself but for the kids.

“Did he find out? Oh no.” Freddie’s next words confirmed my worst fears.

“Yes, I had you investigated. You thought you were so sneaky…” he sneered.

I couldn’t even process what happened next, I must have dropped my phone in shock.

“He must have found out everything,” I whispered, my whole body trembling.

Adele wasn’t in the room; she was out on the balcony with the kids, so they didn’t see me fall on the floor.

I stayed in that position with no thinking of my own. I couldn't stay like this for long otherwise the kids would see me like this.

After calming down a little, I stood up and took my handbag before going to the balcony.

“Sweethearts, mommy is going out for a while. Take care of yourselves.” I said gently,

James looked at me with an unclear look.

“Uhm my boy, you want mommy to get you something?” I quickly asked, breaking James stares on me. I don't know why I felt James must have known I wasn't fine.

I wanted to say something else, but James beat me to it.

He shook his head. “I don't need anything mommy. Just come back quick.”

My heart melted at his childishly mature voice.

“Alright, mommy will try coming faster.” I moved closer to them and kissed their faces.

As I tried to pull away, Jasmine held me tighter, her arms clinging around me. I kissed her again, knowing she loved the closeness.

Once I finally stepped out of the hotel, I sighed, my mind heavy. I wasn't sure if Freddie’s investigation had anything to do with finding out the children, but the thought unsettled me. I hoped I was just overthinking.

After a moment’s hesitation, I grabbed my phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Hello, Benjamin," I greeted.

"Hey! Hope last night’s party didn’t mess up your sleep," he teased, and I shook my head.

Thankfully, he didn't seem down about yesterday when he dropped me off.

"No, it didn’t," I replied, though it had taken me a while to fall asleep, but eventually, I managed.

"Glad to hear it. So, what’s up? Why’d you call?" he asked.

"Actually, I had a question. Are you busy?" I hesitated, nervously fiddling with my fingers.

"What’s on your mind? Go ahead." Perhaps sensing my tension, he sounded reassuring.

"Um… did you hide everything about me all those years ago?" I asked softly, feeling my hands start to tremble. I was worried about what Benjamin's answer might be.

Since leaving Syracuse, he’d been my constant support, ensuring no one could trace me. Freddie was powerful, and if he set his mind on finding me, he had the resources to do it. Benjamin had helped me stay hidden all this time, but now that Freddie was having me investigated… my thoughts were in turmoil.

"Lessie? You there?" Benjamin’s voice pulled me back to reality.

"Yeah, I'm here. What were you saying?"

"I did as you asked. You didn’t give me many details but asked me to keep your location hidden, and I did."

I exhaled heavily, but it was no relief. If Benjamin had done everything, then what was Freddie after?

"Lessie, did something happen? Why are you suddenly asking about this?" Benjamin sounded concerned. I knew he’d sense something was wrong, but I didn’t want to explain.

"Can we just leave it at that?" I replied softly.

"Fine." He didn’t push me further.

"Alright, I’ll hang up now." I was about to end the call, but he stopped me. "Are you sure you’re okay?"

"Mm," I mumbled, though he couldn’t see me nod. Benjamin had done so much for me, and I didn’t want to keep burdening him.

With that, I hung up and walked aimlessly down the road, frustration building up inside me.

Freddie… why? Why did I have to see him again when I was trying so hard to avoid him? And now, after so many years, he’s investigating me?

If anyone saw me at that moment, they might have mistaken me for a madwoman, kicking the air in frustration.

My phone rang in my bag, but I ignored it, too drained to care who was calling. I kept walking, feeling lost and helpless. Part of me considered packing up and leaving Syracuse, but the partnership we’d established with Mr Rodriguez company held me back.

"Damn it, Lessie, what are you going to do?" I muttered, scowling as my phone rang again. I pulled it out, ready to vent my frustration.

"Who the hell—"

"Lessie," a familiar voice interrupted, and I froze. Quickly, I glanced at the caller ID.

"Ella?" I stammered, surprised. "Oh no, sorry! Forgive my rudeness." I flushed with embarrassment.

Ella chuckled. "I haven’t talked to you all month, and the first thing I hear is you cursing! Nice to know you’re still the same."

"It’s not like that," I sighed, flustered.

"Sure, sure." She sounded unconvinced.

Ella was my friend, and despite losing contact with most people when I left, she was the one person I stayed close to. She was my anchor through the hard times, always checking up on me.

"Alright, tell me why you called," I asked, eager to refocus.

"Do I need a reason to call?" Ella teased, pretending to be hurt. "You’re so mean, Lessie."

I sighed. "I didn’t mean it that way, Ella. Sorry. You don’t

have to answer that."

"Okay then," she replied, her voice brightening up. "How are my babies? Are they doing well?”