Chasing my Runaway Ex-Wife

8: Unexpected Encounter

Lavender’s POV

I ignored his remark and tapped on my screen, pulling up the contract. "Everything is in order, as reviewed by my legal team. The terms are favorable for both parties, and all that's left is your official approval."

August tilted his head slightly. "Favorable for both parties? Hmm." He reached for the document I slid toward him, skimming over the pages before looking back at me. "You've always been thorough, Lavender. I admire that."

"And yet, you insisted on meeting in person," I pointed out, folding my hands on the table. "Why?"

A smirk played on his lips. "Because emails are so... impersonal, don't you think?"

I arched a brow. "You mean to tell me that's the only reason?"

August leaned back, tapping his fingers against the table. "Fine. Maybe I was also curious. It's been a long time since we last saw each other. I wanted to see how you were doing."

I scoffed. "You could've just searched me on the internet."

He laughed, low and smooth. "Where's the fun in that?"

I shook my head, tapping a manicured nail against the contract. "Sign the papers, August. We both know this partnership is beneficial. Your company gains access to our international market, and mine gets the manufacturing efficiency of Stanford Corporation. It's a win-win."

August took his time flipping through the pages, as if savoring every moment just to annoy me.

"You know," he muttered. "This reminds me of the time we used to work late nights in my office. You, focused and determined, just like this."

I refused to take the bait. "And you, always trying to distract me," I countered.

He grinned. "You never minded back then."

I held his gaze, unyielding. "Back then, I was naive."

Something flickered in his expression, something almost unreadable, but it was gone just as quickly.

August sighed dramatically. "You really don't make this easy, do you?"

I crossed my arms. "I'm not here to make things easy for you. I'm here to finalize this deal."

He tapped the pen against the contract, his gaze never leaving mine. "And what if I want to renegotiate the terms?"

I didn't flinch. "Then you'll be wasting both our time, because I'm not changing them."

August chuckled, shaking his head. "You always were a force to be reckoned with, Lavender. That hasn't changed."

"And neither has your tendency to avoid getting to the point," I shot back.

He exhaled, then finally, after what felt like an eternity, he picked up the pen and signed his name with a flourish.

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. "Finally."

August closed the folder and pushed it back toward me, his fingers lingering on the edge of the paper. "So... now that business is done, how about that meal?"

I let out a dry laugh. "Not happening."

He placed a hand over his heart, mock-offended. "You wound me."

I stood up, gathering the documents. "You'll live."

As I turned to leave, his voice followed me.

"Lavender."

I stopped but didn't turn around.

"You can keep pretending all you want," August said, his tone softer now. "But I know you still feel something."

I took a deep breath before glancing back at him, my expression unreadable. "Yes, I do."

His lips curved into a victorious smirk, until I added,

"I feel regret."

After I got out of the restaurant, I already spotted Dee waiting by the entrance. As soon as she noticed me, she lifted her head and walked toward me with a knowing smile.

"Judging by that look on your face, Miss Lavender, I'm guessing the deal went well?" she asked.

I smiled faintly, adjusting my coat. "Yes. August and I finally signed the contract."

Dee clapped her hands together. "That's amazing! Congratulations, Miss Lavender."

I gave a short laugh and shook my head. "Don't congratulate me just yet. Working with August is going to be another challenge on its own."

Dee smirked. "Well, at least you got him to sign. That's a win."

I nodded before shifting the conversation. "Anyway, before we head back to Greene Creations, I want to stop by the mall first. I need to buy Angel's favorite and I also want to get her a little gift."

Dee's expression softened. "You really spoil her, Miss, you know that?"

"She deserves it." I smiled at the thought of my daughter's face lighting up at the sight of her favorite dessert.

Just as Dee and I started walking toward the car, she suddenly stopped and checked her phone again. A tinge of curiosity crossed her face before she looked at me.

"By the way, someone was reaching out to you just now, Miss Lavender."

I furrowed my brows. "Who?"

Dee hesitated for a moment before saying, "It's Miss Belle."

I froze. "Belle?"

Belle was my best friend from London. The one who had been by my side through some of the darkest moments of my life. The last time we spoke, she was still in London.

What was she doing in New York?

"Did she say where she wants to meet?" I asked, trying to contain my excitement.

"Yes, she wants to meet you at a cafe here in New York."

A genuine smile spread across my lips. "I can't believe she's here."

Aside from Lucas, Belle was one of the few people I truly trusted. After everything that had happened in my past, I never thought I'd get to see her again so soon.

"Alright," I said, straightening up. "Let's head to the mall first, and then we'll go meet Belle."

Dee nodded as we got into the car.

When we arrived at the mall, I turned to her before stepping out. "You can just stay in the car. I won't take long."

She raised a brow. "Are you sure, Miss? I don't mind coming with you."

I waved a hand dismissively. "It's fine. I'll be quick."

As I stepped inside the mall, making my way toward the bakery. I easily found Angel's favorite cheesecake and had it carefully packed before deciding to make one last stop.

When I was strolling, a luxury jewelry store caught my eye. I thought about getting something meaningful for Angel, perhaps a bracelet or a necklace. Something that she could cherish.

I walked inside, and almost immediately, one of the store attendants approached me with a polite smile.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am. How can I assist you today?"

I glanced at the elegant display of jewelry before me. "I'm looking for something special, a bracelet, perhaps."

The staff nodded eagerly. "We have a beautiful collection. Let me show you some of our finest pieces."

As the staff carefully laid out an array of delicate, finely crafted bracelets on the velvet tray, I examined each one thoughtfully. But before I could make a decision, a familiar voice cut through the air.

"Lavender?"

I stiffened. That voice... I hadn't heard it in years.

Slowly, I turned around.

Standing in front of me was Laura Stanford, August's mother. The woman who had always made it clear that she despised me.

Her gaze raked over me with the same disdain she had always held for me.

"I can't believe my eyes," she said, her voice laced with mock surprise. "What a disgraceful sight to see you back in New York."

I forced a polite smile, reminding myself to stay composed. "It's been a long time, Laura."