The Billionaire's Ex-Wife

Chapter 10

"Tita, what's our word of the day?"

Big, brown eyes that seemed to constantly wear a smile, stared expectantly at me. Three years ago, Dani discovered her love for books. Sharing an interest made us closer than ever and helped me get through bad days. I bought her a bunch of books and we built her her own little library, complete with a cozy reading nook overlooking the trees and lake surrounding Jackie's house. Being young and her vocabulary not yet developed, she frequently sought me out and had me explain the things she read but couldn't understand. So we started doing 'Word of the Day'.

I reached for the blank flash card she was holding and started writing. "Today, we have Hanker Sore." I drew a smiling emoji at the end.

She took the flash card back and read, "Hanker Sore?"

"Yup."

"What does it mean?"

"It means you find a person so attractive that it kind of pisses... uh, annoys you." As soon as the words left my mouth, a hint of unease settled over me. Maybe this was a little advanced for her age? But I quickly shook the thought away. It's not as if it would severely damage her upbringing. Even Kevin let me read all kinds of books when I had barely reached the top of our old, rickety refrigerator.

"Hanker Sore. That's interesting. Have you ever felt Hanker Sore for someone?"

I almost laughed at the question. "Hmm. Well, I guess I did before."

"With whom?"

"Just someone I met briefly. He was so irritatingly handsome that I wanted to kind of knock his teeth out so he'd look less attractive." Dani threw back her head and covered her mouth to hide her laughter.

"What happened to him? Did you actually knock his teeth out?"

"Sadly, no. I wished I had."

"Do you see him often?"

"Not anymore."

"Why not?"

"We just forgot about each other, that's all," I lied.

"How about Uncle Nyx? Do you feel Hanker Sore for him?" she asked, her eyes turned strangely teasing.

"Did someone just say my name?"

We both turned towards the door.

"Uncle Nyx!" Dani shouted in glee.

"Hey there, little angel. What have you two been up to?"

"We're discussing our word of the day - Hanker Sore. I was just asking Tita if she felt that way towards you. I hope not though. I wouldn't want Tita to knock your teeth out."

I almost spat the hot chocolate drink out.

"Knock my teeth out?" Nyx curiously asked.

"Yes."

Before she uttered another word, I quickly intervened. "Okay, that's enough for today. Didn't you tell me you were going to help Rosa with the flowers?"

Her face lit up with sudden remembrance. "Oh no, I almost forgot. Rosa's probably already waiting for me. I should go."

She hurriedly gathered her things, put her hat on, and walked away. Before she got to the door, she turned back to look at us and waved happily. "Bye Uncle Nyx! See you later Tita!"

"So.. what does she mean knock my teeth out?" Nyx turned towards me, his beautiful emerald eyes framed by impossibly long lashes any girl would kill for.

"Forget it." I waved his question off. "Just girls' talk."

"Uh-huh." He said, disbelief coloring his tone.

"You didn't tell me you were coming."

"Yup, sorry. I wanted to discuss some business with Jackie. I didn't realize she wasn't at home."

"She'll probably be here soon. She just ran out to pick up a parcel."

"Great. I wanted to see how you're doing as well. Have you gone out yet? Explore the city and have some fun?"

"Not yet. Haven't had the time," I lied for the second time today. I hope Dani didn't adopt my bad habit.

He raised his brows at me. "It's been a month since you arrived. You know what, let's go out today. I happened to discover this restaurant with an amazing view and it's not too crowded. You'll love it."

"Um.. I actually have a lot to do today."

"On a Sunday? I know it's your golden rule to always take a break on Sundays."

I closed my eyes for a second. I forgot that everyone knew that little fact. I have no excuse now.

"Come on, I swear it will be fun."

"Fine. Let's just wait for Jackie."

It's probably just my imagination, but I almost thought I saw a shadow of frustration on his face.

Nyx was right. I did like the restaurant. It stood on top of a hill, with a garden blooming with different kinds of flowers and plants and overlooking the city below. I was instantly reminded of the roof deck in the hospital Nyx took me to when I had an accident. I secretly sent him a grateful smile. We stayed for more than an hour and drove to Frell Park next - a popular shopping hub.

"Oooh, that dress was made for me." Jackie gushed. "Come on, let's check it out." She grabbed my hand and started to drag me towards the store.

"Wait," I said. She looked back at me. "You go. I'll just stop by the library."

"Do you really have to? Let's try out some new dresses."

"Yes. I have to. I need some reference books for the story I'm working on."

Jackie groaned. "Fine. Just be quick and come back right away, okay?"

"Yes, mom," I said, laughing.

"I'll go with you."

"No Nyx, stay with Jackie. I'll be right back." Without waiting for a reply, I quickly escaped and made my way towards the book store at the end of the street, if my memory serves me right.

It's true that I needed to buy some books. But I also just wanted some time alone. And book stores never fail to give me some comfort.

The crowd seemed to be larger now that the sun had almost set. I stared straight ahead and tried to avoid meeting anyone's gaze. In just a few minutes, I reached my destination. I went straight to the References section and browsed through the various books on display. I picked up three I could use for my story. Then I moved to Fiction. I wanted to read the newly released books by two of my favorite authors.

Glad that I had finally accomplished what I came here for, I made my way to the cashier.

A very familiar book sat on the counter and a black greeting card with swirls of gold lay beside it. I must have stared at it for some time because the lady behind the counter waved her hands in front of me.

"Hello, ma'am? Would you like to pay for those books?"

"Uh, yes please. Thanks." I handed her the books and glanced back at the book sitting on the counter.

"It's a favorite, that one." She smiled, showing slightly crooked teeth that strangely looked perfect on her almost elvish face and pixie-cut hair.

"Really?" I said.

"Yes. It's actually the last copy we have. I'd have let you take it if it wasn't already reserved. But a new batch is coming the day after tomorrow. In case you want one."

I smiled back at her. "Thanks for letting me know."

I didn't tell her I had the draft and first print of the same book at home.

I never got used to seeing my own book on display. This one just now was the first ever book I published and it has always amazed me that a lot of people loved it.

I sent a silent thanks to the universe for my good fortune.

The cashier was just handing me a brown paper bag with my purchased books inside when someone slid next to me and placed a pile of books on the counter. "Add these too. Thanks," he said. He snatched the greeting card and started writing with a silver pen.

Ah, so he's the one buying my book.

I took the paper bag from the kind lady. Before I walked away, I peeked a glance at the man. A simple silver chain circled his left wrist. He wore a black shirt which showed off his perfectly toned arms. My eyes moved to his neck. Another silver chain peeking just above the hem. Then my eyes landed on the side of his face, a mole below his left eye, begging to be kissed.

My body froze. I would know that face anywhere.

He probably felt someone staring because he abruptly stopped writing. It was like someone pressed slow motion, because the way I felt when he lifted his eyes, turned his head a little to the left and finally twisted his head around to stare at me, was the longest I have ever held my breath.

I felt myself falling into a deep dark hole I would have trouble crawling out of.

Then his eyes finally fixed on me. It took him a few seconds to make sense of what he was seeing. When realization hit, an indefinable emotion crossed his eyes, but then his brows furrowed, nostrils flared, and lips went tight.

I swallowed a scream. This is just a dream, right? Right?

And then he spoke. That shattered the wall of denial I tried to encase myself in.

"Firella. It's you again."