Chasing my Runaway Ex-Wife

3: The New CEO Lavender Greene

Lavender's POV

My eyes were immediately drawn to him. August stood tall and broad-shouldered, his sharp features exactly as I remembered. However, there was a flicker of surprise in his eyes when he noticed me.

Taking a slow sip of my champagne, I met his gaze. "August."

He studied me, his expression unreadable. "You're back."

I raised an eyebrow. "Clearly."

A muscle ticked in his jaw. "You didn't tell anyone."

I smirked. "Did I owe you that courtesy?"

His eyes darkened. "You—" He exhaled sharply, gripping his glass. "Why are you here? Did you marry some tycoon to get your way here?"

I tilted my head. "Surprised?"

He let out a low chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "I shouldn't be. You always did have a way of landing on your feet."

I took another sip of my champagne, my gaze unwavering. "No, August. I had to learn how to survive."

For the first time since our encounter, something flickered in his expression. But I didn't give him the chance to speak again.

I placed my glass down, flashed him a small, knowing smile, and walked away. Tonight was my night. And nothing, not even August Westford, would take that from me.

I exhaled slowly as I walked away from August, keeping my composure intact. The last thing I wanted was to let him see that he could still affect me in any way. Tonight wasn't about the past; it was about me.

But just as I was about to take my seat, another familiar voice called my name.

"Lavender?"

I turned, and to my utter surprise, standing before me was Lucas Smith.

"Lucas?" I blinked, taken aback. "What on earth are you doing here? I thought you were in Europe."

Lucas grinned, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. "I was. But things change." He adjusted his suit and smirked. "For one, my father asked me to take over our business here in New York."

I raised an eyebrow. "And for two?"

His smirk deepened. "You."

I let out a short laugh, shaking my head. "You're ridiculous."

"And yet, you're smiling," he pointed out, offering me his arm. "Shall we?"

I rolled my eyes playfully but took his arm anyway as he guided me toward our table.

As luck would have it, we were seated together. At least the night wasn't entirely dreadful.

Lucas pulled out my chair for me before taking his own seat. "So, how does it feel being back in New York?"

I sighed, swirling the champagne in my glass. "A mix of things, honestly. It doesn't feel like home, but it doesn't feel foreign either."

Lucas nodded, watching me closely. "Well, whatever happens, you won't have to face it alone. You've got me."

His words, so sincere and effortless, made warmth bloom in my chest. I was about to respond when a familiar figure appeared in front of us.

"Mind if I join?"

That voice.

Damn!

Why can’t he leave me alone?

I stiffened, my fingers tightening around the stem of my glass. Slowly, I turned to face August, who stood before us, his expression unreadable, but his presence, uninvited.

Lucas leaned back in his seat, casually placing an arm along the back of my chair. "I thought there was a seating arrangement."

I smirked at Anthony's subtle jab before turning to August. "He's right. There is."

August didn't even flinch. He simply smirked. "Let's find out, shall we?" He turned to a passing waiter. "Where's my seat?"

The waiter checked his chart before pointing directly to the empty chair beside me.

I froze.

August looked back at me, amusement flickering in his dark eyes. "Looks like we're tablemates, Miss Lavender."

I bit back a groan. Of all the tables, of all the seats, why here?

Lucas, to his credit, remained completely composed. "Well, this just got interesting," he murmured under his breath.

I had no choice. I couldn't cause a scene, not here.

So, with a forced, polite smile, I gestured toward the chair. "By all means."

August took his seat, and I braced myself. This night just got a lot more complicated.

***

After the party, I immediately made my way toward the exit. I didn't want Angel to wait for me at the house.

Soft murmurs followed me, whispers of recognition, curiosity, and, of course, speculation.

"That's Lavender Greene... The new CEO of Greene Creations."

"She's Josh Greene’s daughter, isn't she?"

"Didn't she disappear for years?"

I just smiled. Let them talk.

I wasn't here to explain myself to anyone.

With my head held high, I continued toward the entrance, ready to leave behind the suffocating air of pretentious elites, until someone appeared in front of me.

"Lavender."

I stopped in my tracks, every nerve in my body tensing at the voice. It was August. Again.

I rolled my eyes before slowly turning around. "What do you want?"

August smirked, taking a step closer, his hands in his pockets, exuding that same arrogant confidence he always had. "You're impressive."

I tilted my head, feigning amusement. "Oh? Do elaborate."

He let out a low chuckle. "CEO of Greene Creations. And finally found your real father." His gaze swept over me, his smirk deepening. "You've changed."

I simply smiled, tilting my chin up. "I had to. I'm not the girl you once knew, August."

His dark eyes studied me, as if searching for the cracks, waiting for me to waver. But I didn't.

His voice dropped slightly. "Yeah. You really are different now."

I took a slow step toward him, looking him dead in the eyes. "Good. That means you can stop thinking I'll ever be the fool who begged you not to leave."

A tinge of something, anger? surprise?, crossed his face, but I didn't give him the satisfaction of seeing me care.

Because I didn't. Not anymore.

Once, he had the power to destroy me. Now?

All that was left was rage. And the urge to make him pay. But not today.

I walked away. I turned on my heel, my dress flowing behind me, and strode toward my waiting luxury car, where Jason was already holding the door open.

Before stepping inside, I threw one last glance over my shoulder. August was still watching me, his smirk gone.

I smirked instead. Then, without another word, I slid into the car, the door shutting behind me. Game on, August Westford. Long time no see, ex-husband.

I collapsed onto the couch as soon as I got home from the party. My whole body felt fatigued after spending a few hours in public. I have to admit, I wasn't really into the crowd when Dad was still managing everything. But now, everything was on me.

"Thank you, Miss Lavender. I'm off now," Dee uttered, and left the villa after gathering her things.