Chasing Her Discarded Ex-husband

MEETING AGAIN!

VANESSA STERLING'S POV

No, this can't be Abel!

I scroll up, and more images of him in different designer outfits flood my screen.... I had to search online to see for myself.

"What is the 'runway angel's' real name?" I asked Amanda.

“It’s Abel Blackwood,” She replies, glancing up.

I feel blood drain from my face, as the shock set in. “What? No,"

"You know him?" Amanda asks, noticing my reaction.

I quickly, shake my head. “ No, just surprised.”

Three years since our divorce, and now he is a top model, his face plastered everywhere.

I had kicked him out of my house like stinking trash. At the time I never thought he was someone capable of attaining his own success. He was such a committed house husband who never seemed passionate about achieving anything else. Which is why it's difficult to believe that he is the super talented model that every that every brand and modeling agency now wants.

"Check this out! He’s in an interview,” Amanda says, excitement in her voice as she turns the laptop toward me. William leans in from the backseat.

On the screen, a well-known TV host is chatting with Abel. The caption reads, “Runway Angel Shares His Journey Through the Fashion Industry.”

It is strange watching him on the screen. Even though the voice is the same, the polished celebrity on screen feels worlds away from the innocent Abel I once knew. But some things are the same, he is charming and shy and slightly uncomfortable with all the attention during the interview. I notice his nervous twitches and mannerisms when they ask questions that he is uncomfortable with. Still, he is humble and very adorable.

The video has millions of views and an a lot of comments. I click to open the comments section, and a flood of thirsty women tweets spills onto the screen.

"I'd be more interested if he posed in just a towel!!"

"It's not fair that he is so damn sexy, like holy s**t man!!

I skim through the first few and notice some comments from men as well.

“I’m straight as an arrow, but damn… I’d make an exception for him.”

"Looks like dudes are more crazy about him than Ladies." Amanda laughs.

With every second that I read the over-zealous comments, I become more and more irritated.

I wonder how Abel feels about this. Most men would probably love the attention and get huge egos from it. But I know Abel wouldn't be into this at all. He was much too modest.

My phone buzzes at the moment. It's a text from Aubrey.

"I've got the model I wanted you to meet. Text me when you're at the club."

We are already packed outside Onyx Lounge, the fancy club hosting the Maison fashion show after-party.

"On my way. Don't mention my name to the model until we meet." I reply. I am sure if she were to tell Abel my name, that would be the end of it.

I'm still sure he won't want to see my face offcourse. I did the worst to him. But now I will chase him to the edge of the universe because he left a void in my life that no other man can fill.

We step out of the limo and head towards the entrance of the club, my private security follows closely behind.

There’s a sizable crowd of people lining outside, probably waiting to meet the model or other celebrities on their way out.

The bouncers lets us glide past the red velvet rope as soon as I give them a name.

There are a lot of photographers, lots of drinks and of course a bunch of famous people who have more money than brains sitting in booths, their conversations revolving around upcoming trends, notable designers, and latest industry news which is basically about the 'Runway Angel'.

And Since it is all about fashion and style, everybody is wearing their best pieces.

A swarm of influencers, models and socialites immediately try to approach me with wide smiles. However, my security team firmly push them back.

"Miss sterling, please come with me." The neatly dressed waiter leads us to an exclusive wing, a closed up private area where there is less noise.

"Miss Aubrey will be with you in a few seconds." The waiter promises as we settle on the plush seats.

ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POV

I like doing what I do. I love being a model. But the psychotic bullshit that is coming with it, is something I didn’t see coming. It’s all becoming very overwhelming, especially at the moment.

"Who are we going to meet?" I ask my boss, as we weave through the throng of glamorous dressed guests.

"Someone very rich and famous," she replies, just as a swarm of influential women surrounds me, clamoring for selfies.

"Excuse us, we’re in a hurry," my boss says, pulling me away.

We walk into the VIP section and find a plumb man in a blue suit and a woman in a blue dress seated on the plush couch by the mahogany table. Another figure in emerald green suit pants is hidden by the waiter serving them wine. I can see the beautiful lean feet in the classic closed heels but nothing more.

"You’re about to meet the owner of Starlight Styles. She asked to meet you in person." My boss informs and my heart races. The owner of Starlight Styles?! Doesn't that mean my ex-wife?

The waiter moves away from the table and I finally get a glimpse of the woman's face. It's just as stunningly beautiful as it were years ago, and I am disgusted by the sight of it now more than ever.

"Vanessa, meet Abel Blackwood, our top model," Miss Aubrey introduces.

I consider turning and walking away, but that will show her that she still holds power over me.

Vanessa gazes at me as she stands. Her sleek designer suit hugging her hourglass figure perfectly. The jewelry she wears glints with wealth. She looks every bit the entitled rich woman I remember, but she is also the last person I wanted to ever meet again.

"Hello, beautiful. Congratulations, the way you carried yourself on today's fashion show made a lasting impression. I never believed a model could command the runway like that, especially you," she says, extending her elegant hand for a handshake.

"You two know each other?" my boss asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Just a few times, right Abel?" Vanessa smirks.

I frown, the last thing I want is anyone in this room to know is I was her stay-at-home, obedient husband.

"Yeah, we might have," I reply curtly, and shake her hand briefly, eager to end the interaction.

"I'll leave you to discuss the offer you have for him," my boss says, glancing between us.

Vanessa nods, her expression smug.

"Make sure to secure the best possible deal," my boss instructs in a low as she exits. She doesn't know I have zero desire to negotiate or work for my entitled ex-wife.

Vanessa asks her two counterparts to excuse us and their gazes remain fixed on my face as they get up and leave.

"Looks like you’ve turned your looks into a business, huh?" Vanessa says, her smirk widening as soon as we're alone.

"You always wanted me to be someone else. Now I am. What the hell is it that you want, Vanessa?" I ask. She appears surprised by my reaction, probably because she feels certain that I am still the quiet ex-husband who never dared raise his voice.

I never questioned her before, never argued with her, but I’m not that man anymore.

“Sit,” she commands, gesturing to the couch.

“I’m not sitting down. So just tell me what you want.”

"I want you," she admits, and I scoff.

"Would have been nice if you felt that way three years ago,” I retort.

Her jaw clench as she steps forward invading my personal space. Her expensive perfume envelopes me. “We got off on the wrong foot ,Abel. But I’ve apologized now. Whether or not you can accept that apology is your choice, but it doesn’t change the fact that I want you back, and I will have you.”

Apologized? I must be deaf because I haven’t heard anything resembling an apology from her.

"Listen, Vanessa,” I say, my patience wearing thin. “I don’t want to talk to you. God I don’t even want to look at you. And I definitely don’t want to get back together or work for you.”

She narrows her eyes. “You’re going to make me chase you?" She smirks. "Now you know I don’t mind getting rough Abel, but I’d really like for you to see a gentler side of me."

Her tone is playful, but I know she's not jocking. I take a step back, putting some distance, both physically and emotionally. “That’s not what I’m looking for.”

“Vanessa, I could forgive every rude word you said to me and everything you did, but I am never getting back with you, ever,” I say firmly.

She smiles unfazed. “But getting back with me isn't the only thing I desperately want, Abel. I also need you to act as a distraction while I save my brand's reputation from your brother's scandals.”

I am confounded for a moment before realising what she is speaking of. She wants me to use my influence to distract the public from Cyrus's lawsuits. That's why she is here.

“I will never f*****g work for your brand, Vanessa. Find another way to salvage your image.”I state flatly before heading for the door.

“We’ll see about that, Abel.” I hear her say but I don’t look back.