Chasing my Runaway Ex-Wife

2: Five Years Later...

Lavender's POV

Five Years Later...

"Welcome to the Green Private Villa, Miss Lavender!"

The high gates of Greene Villa swung open, revealing the path to the place I once called home. Holding Angel's tiny hand, I felt her fingers tighten around mine, seeking reassurance. As our black luxury car came to a halt in the circular driveway, I drew a deep breath, steadying my racing heart.

"Mommy," Angel's sweet voice broke through my thoughts. "Is this going to be our new house?"

Kneeling beside her, I gently tucked a stray curl behind her ear. "Yes, sweetheart. This is our new home."

Five years had passed since I last set foot in New York. A city filled with memories of heartache and betrayal. The place where ex-husband had discarded me without hesitation, and my family had severed all ties.

But today was different, I had returned stronger, with my precious daughter by my side.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "It's so beautiful!"

I offered her a soft smile. "It is, darling," I agreed, standing as the chauffeur opened the door for us.

Stepping inside, the familiar scent of polished wood and fresh roses enveloped me. Before I could fully absorb my surroundings, Dee, my personal assistant, approached, tablet in hand and a focused expression etched on her face.

"Miss Lavender, your schedule for today," she began promptly.

I nodded, appreciating her diligence. "What's on the agenda, Dee?"

She glanced at her tablet. "You have a meeting with a potential investor at noon, a Mr. Michael Smith, a renowned tycoon and retired manager. The meeting is scheduled at a downtown steakhouse."

A subtle smile tugged at my lips. "Interesting."

Turning to Angel, who was mesmerized by the chandeliers and marble floors, I crouched down to her level. "Sweetheart, I have to step out for a bit. Auntie Marie will look after you, okay?"

Angel's face fell into a pout. "Can't I come with you?"

I chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Not this time, darling. But I promise I won't be long."

After ensuring Angel was settled, I grabbed my purse and followed Dee out the door, ready to face the day's challenges.

Arriving at the steakhouse at 11:50 AM, I noted its refined ambiance. Michael Smith sat at a reserved table near the window, exuding a commanding yet approachable presence.

As I approached, he stood, extending his hand. "Ms. Greene, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."

I accepted his handshake with confidence. "Mr. Smith, the pleasure is mine."

Our conversation flowed seamlessly, diving straight into business matters. Michael's sharp insight and appreciation for efficiency resonated with me.

By the time dessert arrived, we had finalized our agreement, and the contract was signed.

"Well done, Ms. Greene," Michael remarked, leaning back with a satisfied expression. "You have a natural skill for this."

I allowed a smirk to surface. "Necessity has a way of honing one's skills."

As Dee and I exited the restaurant, her eyes shone with admiration. "That was impressive, Miss Lavender."

I glanced at her, determination burning within me. "Greene Creations isn't just a company, it's my father's legacy. I'll do whatever it takes to honor and expand it."

Dee's expression softened with sympathy. "I'm truly sorry about Mr. Josh's passing. His death was so unexpected, Miss."

A pang of sorrow tightened my chest, but I maintained my composure. "Yes, it was. But I won't let his legacy be trampled by anyone."

Settling into the car, I allowed myself a momentary sigh of relief. However, Dee's voice soon interrupted my brief respite.

"Miss Lavender, there's one more thing. You've been invited to a gala tonight."

My head snapped toward her in surprise. "Tonight? I thought that was scheduled for next week."

She consulted her tablet. "It appears the date was moved up. Fortunately, I checked, or you might have missed it."

I rubbed my temples, a sigh escaping my lips. "So much for a quiet evening."

Dee's lips twitched into a grin. "Welcome back to New York City!"

Resigned yet determined, I pulled out my phone. "Contact Joseph. Tell him I need the most exquisite gown he has. If I'm attending, I intend to make an impression."

Dee chuckled, already typing out the message. "Consider it done, Miss Lavender."

As I gazed out at the sprawling New York skyline, a frowning determination settled within me. The timid, abandoned girl of the past was gone. In her place stood Lavender Greene, ready to reclaim what was rightfully hers.

When we returned home, I found Angel peacefully napping and Joseph was already waiting for me in the living room, his piercing green eyes alight with excitement.

"Darling, you're going to be thrilled when you see this," he exclaimed, his voice dripping with enthusiasm.

Dee crossed her arms, a skeptical brow raised. "It better live up to the hype, Mr. Joseph."

Joseph feigned offense, clutching his chest dramatically. "Have I ever let you down?"

With a flourish, he unzipped the garment bag, revealing a masterpiece, a limited-edition gown from Greene Creations. The midnight blue fabric shimmered like the night sky, adorned with delicate silver embroidery resembling cascading stars.

Dee let out an appreciative whistle. "Okay, I'll admit it. This is stunning."

Joseph beamed with pride. "I know." Turning to me, his expression grew serious. "This isn't just a dress, Lavender. It's a statement. The world hasn't seen you in five years. Tonight, you remind them who you are."

I traced my fingers over the intricate fabric, a surge of determination coursing through me. I met Joseph's gaze and nodded. "Let's make it unforgettable."

In no time, my glam team transformed me. My hair was styled into an elegant updo, makeup accentuated with a bold red lip, and the custom heels completed the ensemble. Staring at my reflection, I barely recognized the woman before me.

Lavender Graystone was a relic of the past, Lavender Greene had emerged, poised and powerful.

***

As Nathan opened the car door upon our arrival at the grand venue, I sensed the shift in the atmosphere. All eyes turned toward me, whispers rippling through the crowd.

"She's back..."

"She looks... different."

"Isn't she the new CEO now?"

"I thought she'd vanished for good."

I ignored them, keeping my chin high as I walked inside.

This was exactly what I wanted.

The ballroom flowed in golden light. Waiters carried trays of champagne, and business elites mingled, their conversations a blend of corporate deals and idle gossip.

I made my way toward the bar, reaching for a glass of champagne, when...

"Lavender? Is that you?"

The familiar voice sent an ice-cold shiver down my spine. I turned, my fingers tightening around the stem of the glass.

And there he was.

August Stanford. My ex-husband. The man who had thrown me away without a second thought.

Of all the people I could meet today, why it should be him?