New week, new battles
1113 Words
Chapter 5- New week, new battles
I scoffed.
It was definitely Susan. I mean who else would send such a desperate message from an unregistered number?
I rolled my eyes and deleted the message. It wasn’t even worth a reply but I couldn’t help the tiny chuckle that escaped my lips.
The woman was delusional because I wasn’t chasing after Lucas. He was the one haunting my life like a curse refusing to be broken.
Still, something about the message lingered. The possessiveness and the desperation.
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Monday mornings always came with a rush of energy, especially in a company like Martins holdings but this particular Monday carried an extra weight.
My official appearance in the upcoming press meeting was on everyone’s lips and tension hung in the air like a static calm before a storm. Still, I kept my chin high, my shoulders straight and walked into my office like the queen everyone whispered about.
The weekend had ended with a strangely satisfying feeling. Susan’s anonymous message, though venomous in intent, hadn’t disturbed my peace. In fact, it confirmed my assumption: she was already drowning in the very ocean I had escaped. If she wanted Lucas, she could have him. I wasn’t going to let a bitter woman and a broken man dictate my peace anymore.
My phone buzzed while I was sipping my morning coffee. It was a message from my lawyer. The divorce agreement had been officially sent to Lucas.
Finally.
I let out a deep breath and allowed myself a moment to imagine life without Lucas’s toxic presence and believe me, freedom has never tasted sweeter.
The day moved briskly with meetings, calls and contract reviews. The press meeting was just days away and our team was working relentlessly. Jenna had organized mock sessions, the PR teams were drilling me on the dos and don’ts of camera etiquette and my wardrobe team had already selected outfits that screamed power, elegance, and grace.
I had never appeared on camera before as the C.E.O of Martins Holdings because I treasured my privacy but after the hell I had hone through for three years, I wasn’t going to sit in the corner again. The world must hear about me, ISABELLA MARTINS!
Despite the whirlwind, I felt alive. I was finally stepping into my own light.
During lunch, I received a message from Ava.
AVA: “Guess who just landed back in town? You better clear your schedule, Bella. I’m k********g you for a hangout, no arguments!!”
I chuckled. Ava had always been part of the few people in my life who never demanded more than I could give and always offered more than I thought I needed. Lucas hated how close we were, so for a long time, I had distanced myself from her but those days were gone.
ME: “I’m free now. Let’s do it.”
AVA: “Wait... you said yes? Isabella Martins, you’ve changed! I love it.”
I smiled to myself. Yes, I had changed and it felt damn good.
Later that afternoon, Ava and I met up at one of our favourite rooftop lounges downtown. The view was breathtaking, but not nearly as beautiful as the way Ava gasped when she saw me.
“Girl! What in the goddess transformation is this?” she squealed, hugging me tight.
“Ava,” I laughed, “Stop hyping me before my head swells.”
“No, seriously. You look rich, powerful and untouchable. I need the secret to your glow.”
“The secret? Well, that happens when you kick out a manipulative husband from your life and you are now finally living your life on your own terms,” I said, sipping my wine.
Her smile faded for a second. “You did the right thing, Bella. I always hated how he isolated you and to think you went through that much pain all alone... I’m proud of you.”
Her words warmed me. We spent some time catching up on everything like her travel stories, my new ventures and of course, the chaos Lucas continued to bring. She was furious when I told her about Susan’s message and Lucas’s drunken ambush at the restaurant.
“He’s unhinged,” she said flatly.
“And that husband snatcher deserves a beast like him. You know they say, ‘Misery loves company’.”
I agreed. Ava had a way of putting things into perspective with her no-nonsense wisdom.
After our laughter-filled reunion, I returned to the office for a quick review before closing. The driver was about to park the car at the office garage when suddenly, another vehicle swerved recklessly into our lane.
Crash!
The sound of metal grinding against metal sliced through the air. My driver tried to regain control, but the damage was already done.
Before I could register the shock, the other car reversed as if attempting to flee. Rage coursed through me.
“Stop the car!” I yelled, flinging open the door.
Without thinking, I rushed to the car and dragged the man by his collar from behind the wheel through the window.
“Where do you think you’re running off to?” I barked.
The man, clearly drunk, swayed a little before responding. “It’s not your car, lady. Mind your business.”
“Well, unfortunately for you, that’s my car and your reckless just damaged it!”
“Fuck...... Your driver ran into me. I have somewhere important to be and I don’t have time for this drama, so let me be otherwise, I will involve the police.”
“Oh, we’re doing this? Good, because this entire building is lined with CCTV cameras. When the police arrive, we’ll find out who’s truly to blame.”
I watched his evil smirk fade and just when I thought he’d retreat with an apology, he pushed me.
I stumbled back and nearly hit my head on the concrete, but my driver caught me in time.
“You psycho!” I yelled.
But he didn’t care. He reversed his vehicle and sped off.
Shaken but unbroken, I composed myself and told the driver to get the car to a repair shop. I wouldn’t allow some random nigga off the street to ruin my day, no way.
I walked into the building with as much dignity as I could gather, ignoring the trembling in my hands.
Just as I began to unwind in my office, Jenna entered with a file and a determined look.
“Ma’am, here’s the list of individuals and companies interested in partnerships following the upcoming press meeting.”
I opened the file and scanned the names.
Then my eyes stopped.
- Writer
