Ex Husband Wants Me Back

Chapter 13

Lessie's POV

“Freddie!”

It was really him… standing right in front of me. Our eyes locked for a moment.

I forced myself to stay calm, even as my head throbbed with pain. Slowly, I stepped back, keeping my gaze lowered, then turned and started to walk away as if I hadn't seen him at all.

Running into him like this was unexpected and irritating, but I knew I needed to leave immediately.

Just as I was about to walk away, relieved that I hadn’t been stopped, I felt a hand grab my arm.

“Lessie,” he said, blocking my path.

I sighed but kept my eyes down. I just wanted to get out of there, as if our paths had never crossed.

“Lessie,” he repeated, his voice insistent.

“Excuse me, can you step aside, please?” I asked, glancing at the door he was blocking with his body.

After speaking, I suddenly felt the temperature drop. Was it because of him? I was curious but resisted the urge to look up.

I fiddled with my hands, waiting for him to move, but he stayed rooted, like an immovable object.

I was beginning to grow impatient, on the verge of raising my voice, when he spoke again.

“Lessie, it's you..” he said, and I frowned.

Was it just my imagination, or did Freddie’s voice carry a hint of longing? No, that couldn’t be it. I brushed the thought aside and finally looked up, no longer averting my gaze.

“Mr. Green, please step aside,” I said, my tone no longer polite but cold and distant.

I watched as his expression shifted to something I couldn’t quite understand. He seemed momentarily stunned, almost lost in thought as he stared at me. Taking advantage of his distraction, I quickly pushed past him and rushed out.

I kept running until I was sure I was far from the bathroom. My breath was ragged by the time I found a wall to lean against.

Even now, far from him, the lingering scent of his cologne seemed to follow me. The image of his broad chest, which I’d glimpsed earlier, was still fresh in my mind.

I didn’t even want to think about his face… that sharp jawline. Damn it, Lessie, you shouldn’t be this affected. I haven’t forgotten everything he did to me, and my disdain for him remains strong.

After gathering myself, I returned to the main hall. I’d only gone to the bathroom to avoid him, but now that we’d seen each other—against my will—there was no point in hiding anymore.

When I got back to our table, I noticed everyone’s concerned faces turned toward me.

“Where were you, Lessie?” Before I could respond, another worried voice chimed in.

“Why did you rush off like that? You almost gave us a scare.”

I pressed my lips together briefly before replying, “I’m sorry. I just felt a bit uncomfortable and needed to go to the bathroom.” I lied.

"Really?" They clearly didn't believe me, but I nodded anyway. "Yes, really."

I thought that would be the end of it, but then I caught Benjamin giving me a curious look. "Are you sure that's all there is?" he asked.

My face flushed with guilt; I knew Benjamin wasn’t easily fooled and had noticed I was fine, yet still rushing to the bathroom.

“Yes, I’m sure,” I said, biting my lower lip but still denying it. Even Benjamin didn’t know about the past connection between Freddie and me, and I didn’t want to bring it up because it wasn’t necessary.

Benjamin wasn’t convinced and seemed ready to press the matter further, but suddenly, there was a commotion as cameras began to flash around the room.

I was momentarily confused until Benjamin explained, "That’s the CEO of the company we're partnering with."

When I glanced over, I saw the man at the center of attention and immediately recognized him as the CEO, Mr. Rodriguez, whom I had researched earlier.

“Should we go greet him?” I asked.

Benjamin shook his head. “No need, he’s surrounded by people right now.”

I nodded and decided to drop the idea, returning to my drink. As the event neared its end, I noticed the CEO approaching our table, greeting people along the way. When he finally reached us, we all stood up to greet him.

“It’s great to be working with your company,” he said, initiating the conversation.

Benjamin responded respectfully, acknowledging the CEO's seniority. “Thank you. We’re grateful for your trust, which made this partnership possible.”

Mr. Rodriguez chuckled warmly and patted Benjamin on the shoulder. “You’re too polite.” He then turned to the others and looked at me. “You must be Mrs. Green, right?”

“Yes, sir,” I replied, nodding. I wasn’t surprised he knew who I was. Anyone who knew Benjamin knew me as well since I worked hard in this company and was quite known.

“Wow, you’re not only hardworking but as beautiful as I’ve heard,” he said, making my colleagues beam with pride as I blushed at the compliment.

"Thank you," I said, noticing Mr. Rodriguez extending his hand for a handshake. I was about to reciprocate when I paused, seeing a tall, slender figure approaching our table. The scent of his cologne hit me, and I looked up, startled.

It was Freddie. But why was he coming over to our table?

I watched in confusion as he took a seat in an empty chair without saying a word, my gaze shifting quickly to Mr. Rodriguez. What was going on? How rude of Freddie to just sit down like that.

"Mr. Rodriguez, excuse me, but why is he here?" I asked, noticing Benjamin's curious expression as well.

I knew that Benjamin was aware of Freddie's status in the country, but that hardly seemed like a reason for him to intrude on our conversation so abruptly.

As soon as I asked, my colleagues turned their attention to Mr. Rodriguez, waiting for an explanation.

"He's Mr. Freddie Green, and he's also our new partner in this project deal," Mr. Rodriguez replied.

"What?" Everyone gasped, their faces a mix of surprise and disbelief.