Dear Ex-husband, I'll Make You Beg

LuminaTech 1

Five Years Later

The sound of papers flipping echoed softly through the office as Dan, Julian's assistant, stood in front of Julian's desk, tablet in hand, listing the names of guests confirmed for the annual charity gala. The event was only a few days away, yet Julian barely looked interested in any of it. If anything, he looked like the last thing he wanted to do was attend.

If it were up to him, he would miss it just as he had been doing for the last four years. But, his absence had not gone unnoticed. Now, people were starting to talk and his father had threatened him.

He had no choice.

His eyes remained fixed on the documents spread across his desk, though it was obvious he hadn’t actually read a single page in the last ten minutes.

“The mayor already confirmed attendance,” Dan continued carefully, hiding his frustration. “Most of the foreign investors accepted too. We’re still waiting for a few responses from the Australian companies.”

Julian gave a distracted nod without raising his head. "That's good."

Dan hesitated before speaking again. “Mr Vale… you really need to get some rest.”

That finally earned him a reaction from Julian.

He leaned back slightly in his chair, rubbing tiredly at his temple as if the words alone irritated him. His tie was loose around his neck, the top buttons of his shirt undone, and dark circles sat heavily beneath his eyes.

He looked terrible. Even he knew that much.

“You’ve barely slept this week,” Dan added cautiously. “At this point, you’re going to collapse before the gala even starts.”

Julian ignored the comment entirely.

“Did the invitations to the VIP guests go out? I don't think I heard you add that,” he asked instead, his voice rough from exhaustion.

Shaking his head, Dan answered with a sigh. "Yes. Every major guest has received theirs and also confirmed their attendance."

That was a given.

The ValeTech annual gala was an event even the President sought to attend. To the outside world, it was an ordinary charity gala intended to help those in need, but in reality, it was a show of wealth, power, influence, and connection for the rich folks.

It was simple; Anyone who mattered was invited.

Julian finally looked up. “LuminaTech?”

Dan’s expression shifted slightly. Of course, there was always an anomaly with things like this.

“Yes, sir. The invitation was sent three times actually, but…” He paused awkwardly. “We haven’t gotten any response from them.”

Julian’s brows furrowed instantly.

“No response?”

It was strange. People even went as far as wanting to pay for the invitation and there was someone who was ignoring them?

Dan shook his head. “Their company secretary keeps redirecting us through emails. Nobody can reach the CEO directly.”

Julian scoffed quietly. “How is that even possible in this day and age?” he muttered.

Dan gave a helpless shrug. “No one knows who the CEO is. There’s no public appearance, no interviews, nothing. Their entire profile is a blank page. It’s almost strange how secretive they are despite how powerful the company has become.”

Julian’s fingers tapped slowly against the desk.

LuminaTech.

Five years ago, the company had been practically dead. Everyone in the business world knew it was drowning in debt and barely surviving, yet somehow, within three years, it had risen so aggressively that it now controlled a massive percentage of Australia’s tech market and was now pushing towards the American market.

Even bigger companies were struggling to keep up.

He knew if he didn't get on good terms with them, it would only be a matter of time until they came for his spot.

“What exactly happened to them again?” Julian asked suddenly.

Dan adjusted his glasses slightly before answering. “I heard someone bought the company three years ago. Whoever it was completely rebuilt it from scratch.”

Julian narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

“In three years?”

Dan nodded. “That’s the rumor.”

A quiet silence settled between them. Then Julian leaned back again and exhaled slowly. “I need them at that gala.”

Dan blinked. “Sir?”

“If ValeTech wants solid ground in Australia, we need LuminaTech on our side.” Julian’s gaze hardened slightly. “Whatever it takes, make sure they attend.”

Dan nodded immediately. “Understood.”

He glanced hesitantly at Julian again before speaking. “The driver will be ready in twenty minutes,” he said carefully. “You should really go home tonight.”

Once again, he was left with no reply. Dan sighed internally, looking at his boss with pity.

Five years.

Five whole years had passed since the incident, yet his boss somehow looked worse with every passing month instead of better. He had thought it would take him only a few months to heal, forgive himself, and move on, but he had been so wrong.

“I’ll leave these files here,” Dan said quietly before turning toward the door.

Julian dismissed him with a wave of his hand and the office fell silent again the moment Dan left. He stayed still for several seconds before finally standing from his chair. His body felt heavy as he walked toward the private bathroom attached to his office.

The moment he looked up at the mirror, he stopped. For a long while, he simply stared at his reflection.

His hair was messy, his jaw looked rough from how long he had gone without a proper shave and his eyes looked hollow. Lifeless, even. So much so that he could barely recognize himself.

A dark chuckle escaped his lips.

“You deserve it,” he muttered quietly to himself.

This was his Karma. After everything he had done to someone who loved and devoted herself to him, he deserved a life like this. Maybe even worse.

His chest tightened painfully at the thought.

Five years later, Sophie’s absence still lingered in every corner of his life like a ghost that refused to leave him alone.

He thought time would fix it. It didn’t.

He thought being with Serena would make him forget but it only made everything worse. Seeing her every day only made him remember his mistakes. He hated himself every day.

His phone suddenly buzzed inside his pocket, pulling him from his thoughts. Julian pulled it out and frowned the moment he saw the sender.

Serena: [Are you coming home tonight?]