Chasing my Runaway Ex-Wife

9: Reunited with an Old Friend

Lavender's POV

She scoffed. "Not long enough."

I clenched my fingers into fists, but I refused to let her see how her words affected me.

"People change, Laura," I uttered evenly, keeping my tone civil.

Laura chuckled, shaking her head. "Not you. You will always be the same pathetic embarrassment to the Graystone family. How dare you come back after being cast out?"

I met her gaze, refusing to back down. "Because I have every right to. My life isn't dictated by your judgment."

Laura's smirk widened as she glanced at the jewelry I was examining. Her expression twisted into mock amusement.

"Oh?" she sneered and gazed into the jewelry in front of me. "Are you actually trying to buy something luxurious? My, my, how times have changed." Her eyes gleamed with cruel amusement. "Tell me, has your sugar daddy finally given you enough money to afford something this expensive?"

I inhaled sharply, my grip tightening around my purse. The sheer audacity of this woman.

But I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of seeing me angry.

Instead, I gave her a slow, calculated smile. "No, Laura. Unlike some people, I don't need a man's wealth to survive. I built my success on my own."

Her expression faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly recovered.

"Success?" she laughed coldly. "Is that what you call it? You're nothing but a stain on our family's name."**

I held my head high. "Funny. Last I checked, the contract I just closed with your son would say otherwise."

Her lips parted slightly, and for the first time, I saw the faintest flicker of unease cross her face. "What did you say?"

I smiled. "Nothing. If you'll excuse me, I have a gift to buy." I turned my back on her and gazed at the staff. "How much for this one?"

"This bracelet is a limited edition, Ma'am. It's $90,000."

"I'll take it," I hastily replied and handed her my black card.

The staff widely smiled. "Excellent choice, Ma'am."

The staff's eyes widened slightly before quickly regaining her professional manners. She took the card with both hands.

I could feel Laura's eyes boring into me, her previous arrogance now tinged with disbelief. I slowly turned my head just enough to catch the flicker of shock on her face.

She hadn't expected this.

The staff returned with my card and the beautifully wrapped bracelet. "Here you go, Ma'am. Thank you for your purchase."

I accepted it with a graceful nod and turned fully toward Laura. I tilted my head, offering her a polite yet insincere smile. "It was good to see you again, Laura."

***

The drive to the café felt longer than it should have, though that was probably because of my growing excitement to see Belle.

It had been a few months since I had last seen Belle, and despite everything that had changed, she was still one of the few people I considered family.

When I finally arrived at the cafe, I stepped inside and scanned the room. But the sight of a familiar figure waving enthusiastically from the corner caught my attention.

“Lavender, oh my gosh!” Belle's voice rang through the room while smiling.

A grin spread across my face as I hurried over. Before I could even sit, Belle had already pulled me into a tight hug.

“You look amazing, girl!” she said, pulling back to examine me. “Seriously, is this the Lavender Greene I used to know? The one who used to cry over spilled coffee and stress over her final exams back in Kingston?"

I laughed, shaking my head. “You’re overreacting! We just didn’t see each other for months, girl.”

“Sorry, sorry. I was just too excited to see you," she teased, motioning for me to sit. “I mean, look at you. Powerful CEO. A woman who just casually drops black cards in luxury stores. It's like a whole new you."

“You make it sound like I've transformed into some kind of villain," I joked as I slid into the chair across from her.

“Oh, please. If anything, you're the main character now," Belle said with a wink before waving down the waiter. “We're celebrating, by the way. This reunion calls for something sweet. Dessert's on me."

I smirked. “Go on. Anyway, what are you doing here? I thought you were going to get your Masters in London?”

Belle became my friend when I enrolled in Kingston University a few years ago to study fashion.

Belle rolled her eyes. “There are lots of things I gotta tell you right now, girl.”

“My ear is ready. Go ahead,” I replied and chuckled.

We quickly placed our orders. Some coffee and a slice of chocolate cake for Belle, and a matcha latte with a fruit tart for me.

As soon as the waiter left, Belle leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “I’m really sorry about your dad, Lav. Uncle Josh was a really great guy.”

I heaved a deep sigh. “Everything just happened so suddenly but I guess Dad’s with my mom now. I hope they’re proud of me.”

Belle's expression softened. “They are so proud of you, girl. Even I am proud of you. I mean look at you! The Lavender Greene of Greene Creations!”

“You know I don't have a choice," I admitted. “After everything that happened, I knew I had to be strong for me and Angel. She's my priority now."

Belle sighed, shaking her head. “And what about your filthy ex-husband?"**

I scoffed. “What about him?"

Belle raised a brow. “Lavender, don't play dumb with me. You just closed a deal with August Stanford. Your ex-husband. The man who—" she stopped herself, sighing. “Why would you even agree to work with him? Dee told me everything.”

I took a sip of my latte before answering. “Because it was the best business move. Stanford Corporation is a powerhouse, and despite my personal history with August, I won't let my emotions get in the way of my success."

Belle studied me for a moment before smirking. “As you should, girl. The old Lavender would have thrown a coffee in his face and walked out of that meeting."

I laughed softly. “Trust me, I was tempted. But I have bigger things to focus on now."

Belle hummed, tapping her fingers against the table. “And what about that wench? Your dear half-sister.”

I stiffened slightly at the mention of my half-sister. “She isn’t my concern now.”

“Come on, Lav. You and I both know she's probably not thrilled about your return. She always despised you."

I sighed, leaning back. “Lily's never wanted me in her life. She sees me as the stain on her perfect family name. I don't expect that to change now."

Belle frowned. “And does that bother you?"

I shrugged. “Not really. She can hate me all she wants, but I'm here to stay. Besides, I won’t probably see her again.”

Belle studied me carefully before nodding in approval. “Good. I’m proud of you, girl.”

After a few moments, our desserts arrived, and we momentarily paused our conversation. I picked up my fork and took a small bite of my fruit tart, letting the sweetness settle on my tongue.

Belle, however, was still watching me. “Are you doing anything this afternoon, Lav?”

I placed my fork down, meeting her gaze. “I think my schedule wasn’t full today. Why?

Belle raised a brow. “I want to invite you to play golf with me. I’ve been meaning to do it here. Pretty please?”

I smiled and bit my lips. “Fine. Just send me the address and I’ll go.”

Belle hastily pinched my cheeks and smiled. “I really love you, girl. Don’t worry, you’ll love it there.”

I chuckled, taking another sip of my latte. “I know you’re the best when it comes to that.”

She smiled, lifting her coffee cup in a mock toast. “Then here's to new beginnings. And maybe... a little well-deserved revenge along the way."

I clinked my cup against hers, smirking. “To new beginnings.”