Dear Ex, Please Come Back To Me

CHAPTER 3

Abigail

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice quivering with a mixture of fear and curiosity. The figure stood up and slowly walked towards me, his steps deliberate and filled with an air of confidence.

As he moved closer, I could make out his features - a strong jawline, piercing blue eyes, and a dishevelled mop of dark hair.

The stranger smiled, his lips curling up slightly. "You can call me Nathan," he replied, his voice smooth like melted chocolate. "I've been watching you from afar, Abigail."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I took a step back, my heart pounding in my chest. Nathan! Who was he? I knew almost everyone, then why did I not know him?

"Watching me? What do you mean?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Nathan's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "I've been following your musical journey, Abigail. Your voice, your passion - it's captivating. I've heard the pain in your songs, the longing for something more. And let me tell you, I believe in your talent."

I stared at him, a mixture of disbelief and hope swirling within me. No one had ever shown such belief in me, not even Xander. The mention of Xander brought back the painful memories, and tears welled up in my eyes.

Fuck! What am I thinking? Why am I talking to a man I do not know? What different is he from Xander and the other men? Sweet talkers. I know what he wants. When he gets it, he'll toss me aside like Xander did!

“Um, thank you, Mr. Nathan, but I have to leave now. Thank you for you help, but I'm good!” I said and stood up.

But just as I placed a step in front of the other, he grabbed my hand. His grip was firm, yet warm. What nonsense? Why would he do that? And why wasn't I trying to free myself?

“Look, you are sad and I know it. You have dreams and Xander shattered them.”

I looked at him. “You know Xander? Who really are you, sir?”

Nathan chuckled, a low, melodic sound that echoed through the empty hall. "I have connections, Abigail. Let's just say I have a knack for discovering hidden talents. And you, my dear, are a diamond in the rough."

He handed me his card. It was a f*****g gold card. Gold!

Nathan's eyes gleamed with a mischievous glint. "There's a national singing competition coming up, Abigail," he said, breaking the momentary silence, "And I believe you have what it takes to win. Look, you have an extraordinary talent, I want to help you unleash it."

I gently took the card from his hand and left his presence.

That was too quick! One moment I'm signing divorce papers in my hands and in another, I'm collecting the gold card of a music producer.

I was supposed to be happy, smiling. I mean, I've met a rich dude like in those stories. Then, why am I still sad?

I drove to my house. Yes. My house. Ever since Xander began to behave strangely towards me, I figured I'd get my own apartment. This may sound cringe, but in all honesty, I expected a break-up between us. My husband was a popular singer with a big name, and me?

As I pulled over in front of my 1 bedroom apartment surrounded by neighbours who didn't care if I lived or died, I hit my head on the steering wheel of my car. My life was crumbling. I cried as I remembered the movement of my hand on the divorce papers.

Somewhere in the depths of my broken heart, Xander still remained there. The truth was simple. I refused to believe that Xander hated me. He was only clouded by Doris's external features. Why didn't I notice before now? How he always stared hungrily at her.

I hopped down from the car and headed to the door but stopped as soon as my eyes caught sight of a woman.

It was Doris. Doris! Her luxurious Audi Q5 was parked a few feet away from the neighbourhood on the other side of the road.

“Hello, pretty.” She began cryptically with a mischievous smile of satisfaction.

I said nothing in reply. I simply stared at her. I clenched my fists. The truth remains; Doris was a goddess. From the crown of her head to the sole of her feet, everything screamed ‘perfect’.

Doris was admired by literally every soul in California. She was the definition of an idol. Her voice was angelic and she gained traction as soon as she entered the music industry.

Little wonder Xander left me for her. I was a cockroach in comparison to her. At least, he has called me a roach before, so I know it for a fact.

“Okay, I'll just go straight to the point. About the upcoming competition. Did you really think anyone would even allow you to step foot into the auditorium?” She laughed and gave me a ‘trash’ look.

“You don't even have a single fan yet. No one listens to your songs but you. You really think Xander would be able to put up with you? It's not how the industry works, baby! The men follows the bitches with the poppy and the bitches follows the men with the cash!” She said and rubbed her palm together.

I was getting really furious. I was trying to heal my broken heart. A heart that this wizard shred, and here she was, in front of my own home, mocking me? God knows that she wouldn't leave this place in one piece. I would make sure I disfigure her face so her ‘fans’ would see and laugh.

“Are you done, Doris? Are you done insulting me? I got things to do!” I said sharply. Inside, I was hurt because I knew that she was right. I had nothing to give the industry. I wasn't exactly beautiful, my voice still needed work.

The only thing I was f*****g proud of was my lyrics. I write lines, but Doris sniff lines from a paper and gets high on them.

“Okay. Look, I won't let your name just fade away. I must admit, your songs are great. So, I'll make you a deal. During the competition, serve behind me as a background singer and I can spare you some change to push through with your career! What do you say?”

“What?!!”