Trapped by My Ex's Love Curse

Unpredictable Encounter

Bryan woke up from a few hours of sleep because all night, he had been looking everywhere for Shienna. He scratched his face roughly, recalling Jun's words that kept him up all night and sleeping when the rooster crowed.

He got up discouragedly. There had been no word from Shienna for two days, ever since she left the police officers and detectives investigating her penthouse. Had Shienna arranged a scheme to escape from Bryan?

No, no, no ... Bryan couldn't believe that Shienna would do that. He got up, and his footsteps were erratic, heading to the study, then sitting down to stare around the room. There was a feeling of resentment rushing through his chest that made Bryan think of Shienna again.

Where was Shienna right now? Was it true that someone had kidnapped her? Or was it her wish to leave?

If someone tried to harm her, there was only one possibility: Jun Hashimoto. Only that man, because Selena wouldn't do that because she couldn't even hurt an ant.

Not long after, a woman, one of Bryan's assistants, walked into the room, ready to announce her schedule for the day. However, Bryan raised his hand to stop her before she could speak.

"I was wondering if Jun Hashimoto wanted to see me again?" Bryan asked. The woman checked the tablet screen in her hand, then raised her head hesitantly. "Just tell me. If he does, I will see him."

The woman was wide-eyed in disbelief upon hearing Bryan's words. "Are you sure, sir?"

"Yes. Even if Jun doesn't want to see me, arrange our meeting. Advance the meeting with him and swap it with another schedule. I want to do it the official way. We'll see what he's up to until he's not heard from me for a few days. Whereas before, he kept terrorizing me with his ridiculous meetings and proposals."

The assistant nodded, walked out of Bryan's room, and did as he was told. Before long, the phone rang to inform Bryan that his assistant had advanced his appointment with Jun Hashimoto and said the man would arrive in thirty minutes.

"You seem to be very impatient, huh? I see; you must be the one who's been hiding my wife," Bryan muttered.

However, after waiting thirty minutes, the man did not show up. Bryan was tired of waiting and started to lose his temper. He called his assistant into the room and explained about Jun missing their appointment.

"Are you sure you told him, Tam? Now, call the guy again. I don't have much time, and I have other work to do."

"Um, I'm sorry, sir. Mr. Hashimoto just informed me he might be coming with someone related to this business. However, that person can't make it this morning. They would like you to talk at L'Restaurante while they enjoy lunch."

Bryan clenched his fists, feeling like Jun was playing him. He wanted to refuse, but his gut told him that Shienna was in the man's hands.

"Tell him I'll come and not take any more of his attitude!"

"Yes, sir." Tamara was about to turn around, but then she didn't and turned back to face her boss. "I'm sorry if I was presumptuous. I'm just worried about one thing now that word has spread. Have you found your wife yet?"

Tamara's question instantly stunned Bryan. He had tried to put the matter aside for a while, but yet again, someone else was prying.

"I'm not in the mood to talk about that."

"But, sir, several reporters have been gathered outside the building since morning and are waiting for your clarification."

This time, Bryan felt like a criminal caught in the act. He didn't know how to dispel their evil thoughts about Shienna's disappearance. How could they know everything and come for a story they could spin in such a way?

Before the rumors about Shienna being Selena's fiancé's snatcher were over, new news broke.

"Leave the reporters alone. We can't keep pleasing them with news that they'll change at will."

"That means we have to be prepared for whatever they assume. Have you prepared yourself for any eventuality?"

BRAKK!

"You're an assistant who only deals with office work and business and has no business with my personal life, Tamara. Don't forget your boundaries!"

"I know, sir. But I'm concerned that your life has not been gossip-free since you married Ms. Miller."

"She's a Sanders now, Tamara. So, watch your language."

Neither Tamara nor Bryan said a word. Bryan was thinking that Tamara's words were actual. He never rested for a second because every time he got home, he would check the television channel to see what other news was breaking about him and Shienna.

Tamara didn't want to say anything more, afraid of crossing the line. She was just worried about the company's fate if Bryan continued to be exposed to cheap gossip.

"Yeah, I feel sorry for Mr. Sanders. His life seems to have changed three hundred and sixty degrees since he got married. Why didn't he marry Ms. Denver? She's less famous and would have been better able to maintain Mr. Sanders' good name," said one of the employees who was unaware of the existence of someone who knew the ins and outs of the company and Bryan as the owner.

"As Mr. Sanders said, he loves Miss Miller. So much so that Mr. Sanders is determined to build his business much bigger to have the famously materialistic Miss Miller." Others added.

"Really?" another asked incredulously. "I thought they were good together. Mr. Sanders is handsome and well-established, while Ms. Miller is so beautiful and charming and has amazing talent. If only Miss Miller could care for Mr. Sanders' feelings, everyone would see them as the couple of the century."

"They are indeed a match made in heaven. I was even fooled at first. They appeared in front of the media so convincingly. And now, Ms. Miller is running away."

"Ahem!" Someone cleared their throat, dispersing the crowd and leaving only two people. "Get on with your work. Mr. Sanders doesn't like anyone gossiping about him, let alone his beloved wife. You don't want to get punished for your behavior."

"Did you not get an answer from Mr. Sanders about his wife, Tam?"

Tamara shrugged. "I'm telling you, let's not even talk about Ms. Miller, okay? Mr. Sanders loves and adores that woman. I can see it in his eyes when I say her name." Tamara then sighed. "I just feel sorry for Mr. Sanders. It's like he's lost his passion for life. He's neglected so many things since he met Shienna Miller."

"Tamara, you're coming with me to meet Jun at L'Restaurante. Organize everything, including reservations. I want to get everything in order and be able to finish my business with that asshole!" Bryan's sudden appearance interrupted some of the staff's chatter.

Bryan knew and heard what they were talking about, but he didn't want to react to it. He tried to save his energy for dealing with the sneaky Jun. And when it was time for lunch, Bryan had everything ready.

"Do I take another vehicle with the guards, sir?"

"No, you don't. You sit in the front with me because I'll be driving myself. No bodyguards."

"Wait, sir. It could be that the reporters are already gathering at the restaurant. Shouldn't we bring Edward and the others to look after you?"

Bryan again didn't answer but hurriedly drove his vehicle through the crowded streets. He couldn't wait to show everyone what Jun Hashimoto had always been like.

The two were friends a long time ago. However, since his split with Shienna, things have slowly changed.

Bryan pulled the vehicle over and got out. With Tamara following behind, they entered the restaurant. Just as Tamara had expected, reporters had gathered there as if someone had told them that Bryan and Jun, the dynamic duo divided by a misunderstanding, would now meet each other.

Bryan waited as he ordered a cup of coffee while Tamara continued to look around anxiously.

"Mr. Sanders, I'm afraid they'll gossip about you and me. It'll ruin your image."

"I don't care, Tam. There's no way they would unless something has been going on behind my back. Someone must have planned all this."

"What do you mean?"

"It all started with Jun's proposal, and then someone put stimulants in my wife's juice, and then when Shienna left, she didn't come back until today. And can you guess what Jun did?" Bryan asked. Tamara shook her head. "He stopped terrorizing me with all those crazy meeting requests and proposals. Don't you have any suspicions?"

Tamara didn't say anything, but her eyes were fixed on a spot where two people came and walked toward their table.

"Mr. Sanders, that's—"

Bryan frowned, then quickly turned his head toward the arrival of Jun and the other person he had been waiting for.

"Hey, Bryan Sanders. Are we ready to discuss this business matter?"

The other person who had come with Jun was now staring at Bryan, feeling the same shock. Neither of them had expected to meet like this after several days apart.

"Shienna? What are you doing with this asshole?"