Chasing my Runaway Ex-Wife

7: An Appointment with Mr. Stanford

Lavender's POV

The morning sun peeked through my bedroom curtains as I wake up. I faintly sighed while rubbing my eyes before pushing myself up from the bed. Another day, another battle.

Slipping out of bed, I made my way to the bathroom, freshening up quickly before changing into a fitted navy blue dress, perfect for work. My hair was tied into a clean ponytail, and after a final glance in the mirror, I left the room.

I decided to cook breakfast myself since I wanted Angel to eat something I had cooked this morning before going to work. I just decided to have some pancakes drizzled in maple syrup and some strawberries on top.

"Mommy's cooking today?" A small, excited voice called from behind me.

I turned to see Angel standing by the kitchen door, her bright eyes filled with curiosity.

I chuckled. "Yes, sweetheart. What do you feel like eating?"

She clapped her hands. "Pancakes! And bacon!"

"Pancakes and bacon it is."

Angel climbed onto one of the stools by the kitchen island, watching me as I moved around the kitchen, whisking the batter and sizzling the bacon.

After a few moments, the sweet scent of maple syrup and butter filled the air, and I plated our breakfast before joining her at the table.

"Mommy, do you have a busy day today?" she asked, taking a bite of her pancake.

I nodded. "Yes, but I'll try to come home early, darling, okay?"

She pouted. "You always say that."

I laughed softly, brushing her hair back. "Don't worry, I'll buy you your favorite cheesecake downtown. What do you think?"

Angel giggled, satisfied with my answer, and we continued eating, chatting about the little things that made up her world.

Just as we were finishing breakfast, the front door opened, and Dee, my assistant, stepped inside, dressed in her usual business attire.

"Good morning, Miss Lavender," she greeted, standing politely by the entrance of the dining room.

"Good morning, Dee." I gestured toward the table. "Come, have some breakfast before we head out."

Dee was already like a sister and a friend to me. I've known her for a few years already ever since she became one of my late dad's interns.

She shook her head with a polite smile. "I've already eaten, Miss, but thank you."

I nodded and took a final sip of my coffee before dabbing my lips with a napkin. "So, is there any update?"

Dee adjusted the tablet she was holding and spoke professionally. "The legal team has finished reviewing Mr. August Stanford's contract. They've emailed it to you for final approval."

The mention of his name made me pause briefly before I placed my fork down. "And has August been informed?"

"Yes," Dee confirmed, but then hesitated.

I raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

She cleared her throat. "Mr. August Stanford wants to discuss the contract in person. He requested to meet you at a restaurant today to finalize the deal."

My fingers tapped lightly against the table. "In person?"

Why was he suddenly so insistent on seeing me?

It wasn't like August to handle business matters so personally, especially with me.

What was he playing at?

Still, I kept my expression unreadable as I leaned back in my chair. "Fine. Set the meeting. I'll deal with him."

Dee nodded, typing quickly on her tablet.

I turned to Angel, pressing a soft kiss on her forehead. "I have to go now, sweetheart. Be good for your tutor, okay?"

She wrapped her small arms around my waist. "Okay, Mommy. Be careful!"

I gave her one last squeeze before standing up, grabbing my handbag, and heading out with Dee.

As we were inside the car, I pulled out my tablet and began scanning through the contract, my mind focused on work. But then, out of nowhere, Dee's voice broke the silence.

"Miss Lavender, can I ask you something?"

I glanced up briefly. "Go ahead."

She hesitated, then asked, "Why did you accept Mr. August Stanford's proposal despite him being your ex-husband?"

I stilled for a moment before a small smile tugged at my lips. "Because it was a smart business move, Dee. Stanford Corporation is one of the most powerful companies in America. A partnership with them ensures expansion, influence, and strength in the market."

Dee nodded, but then, as if testing the waters, she asked, "And what if you fall in love with August again?"

This time, my hands froze over the contract. My grip on the tablet tightened ever so slightly before I let out a soft chuckle.

I turned to Dee, my gaze sharp yet calm. "That will never happen. Not in this lifetime, Dee."

There was steel in my voice now, a promise rather than an answer. I looked out the window, watching the city blur past.

"Because this time, I'm not here to forgive or fall in love once again."

I met Dee's eyes through the rearview mirror, my voice unwavering.

"I'm here to make them pay."

When I arrived at the restaurant, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and expensive cologne filled the air, but my focus was already locked onto the man sitting at the corner table.

August Stanford.

Even after all these years, he hadn't changed much. His dark eyes flickered with something unreadable when they landed on me, but the slow, knowing smile that followed was unmistakable.

I loathed him a lot.

I pushed down the familiar irritation rising in my chest. I wasn't here for games.

Taking a deep breath, I straightened my posture and strode toward him. As I reached the table, August immediately stood, his smile widening.

"Miss Lavender," he greeted smoothly, his deep voice laced with something almost teasing. "Still breathtaking as ever."

I didn't return the smile. Instead, I pulled out the chair across from him and sat down. "Let's skip the flattery and get straight to business, Mr. Stanford."

He chuckled, settling back into his chair. "Ah, straight to the point. As always."

I placed my tablet on the table and met his gaze head-on. "You wanted to discuss the contract in person. So let's discuss it."

August leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Of course. But first, why don't we order something? It would be rude of me not to treat my beautiful ex-wife to a proper meal."

I exhaled sharply, already losing patience. "We're not here for a reunion, August."

"No? Pity," he muttered. "I was quite looking forward to catching up."