The Ex-Wife's Return: After You

Chapter 4: Move Forward

5 YEARS LATER

SAMIRA COSETTE

I couldn’t keep track of how long it has been since I last stepped foot in the state, because I never knew that I’d be coming back to Washington. Until this client who personally asked for me, instead of my assistant!

“I’m at the airport already. Please, tell the client to wait for me. I’ll be there in a few minutes!” I can’t help but to raise my voice at my assistant in the other line as I rushed through the crowded area. God, this is driving me crazy! I brought my assistant here first in hopes that this client would take her presence, but I was shaken to my core to know that the client won’t meet her!

He wouldn’t take my assistant to meet for this project, but me! He personally asked for the chairman of the Rouxvoir Lux Design, who’s also busy meeting other clients!

“Cosette!” I panned my head when I heard a familiar voice, then saw Vanessa on the driver’s seat waving her hand at me out of the window. I rushed toward her direction and got myself in the car. “You look so haggard so early in the morning.” Vanessa commented, to which I can only shake my head off while chasing my breath.

“Mommy!” a ginger-head little girl suddenly popped out of the passenger’s seat. A smile was instantly etched on my lips when I was greeted by such a lovely lad.

“Oh, baby, I missed you so much!” I carried my daughter by her underarms and had her sit beside me. “How’s your vacation with your grandparents, my little girl?” Samien Cosher, my precious little daughter, then began to narrate every little thing she did with my mom and dad.

“And also Auntie Vanessa brought me to a looot of dates!” She added as she waved her both hands in rainbow. That caught my attention in an instant. I quickly cast a glance at the rearview mirror to look at Vanessa with a weight in my eyes, but the woman just avoided my gaze. Not long after, though, she explained as if I was holding her on chokehold.

“D-Don’t worry! I was being careful!” Vanessa muttered, making me feel at ease in an instant. As she should be. I don’t want any unnecessary drama in my life anymore, so it’s best we stay in our lane. After such a long ride to my destination, I have finally arrived. I quickly got out of the car. But before I went inside the building, I gave my little girl a lot of kisses first.

Never-f*****g-mind the jetlag, this client matters more! To the best of this client’s comfortability, he decided for us to meet in a cafe.

“Where is he?” I instantly caught a glimpse at my assistant and asked about the client.

“He’s in the private room, ma’am.” Rachel then led me to the said room and opened the door for me. I mouthed her a ‘thank you’ as I nodded my head. Right at the moment I stepped my foot inside, the client’s presence instantly greeted my eyes who’s busy using his phone. He’s not alone, he’s with a woman, with his younger sister–according to Rachel.

“Nicholas Heron Wright?” I called his attention as I grabbed a chair to sit. The man who seemed busy finally raised his head while saying something,

“You’re an hour late, miss–” The man’s words fell as he put his phone down the moment his eyes met mine. I watched his brows slowly wrinkled for a moment. As if he realized the expression he’s making, he instantly returned to his composure. “Couldn’t you be more professional than that?” My ears raised at such remarks.

“I’m Samira Roux, the chairman of Rouxvoir Lux Design, who has just landed from New York.” I said with a smile, emerging shock from the two pairs of eyes. “I heard someone here doesn’t want to meet my assistant who’s here on my behalf?” I added. What kept this business going on is, we don’t tolerate rude clients. I have to talk back if it means to defend myself and the dignity of my business.

“W-We apologize, Miss Roux.” I just smiled at his younger sister and returned my gaze at Mr. Wright in a second.

“Let’s get down to business, shall we?”

“Um, actually, it’s me, miss… your client.” The woman said as she grabbed my attention by slowly raising her right hand. I was stunned for a second. I thought it was the guy who’s my client! “I’m Nicole Hera Wright and we’re siblings.” She added as she extended her arm to my direction, looking a little embarrassed. I immediately took her hand for a shake and apologized.

This project is for Ms. Wright’s wedding next year. According to her, she just brought her brother to help her with the decision-making, since her fiancee can't make it. She wants us to design the dress code of the visitors, as well as her wedding dress and her fiancee’s suit. Her wedding’s theme was something celestial, so I figured that the design would have something to do with stars, moon, and the like. I kind of have the vision she’s trying to tell.

“I see what you have in mind, Miss Wright. About your wedding dress and the suit, I have references for you to pick your ideas from. Although I have the softcopies, I think it's best for you to see them personally. How about we schedule another meeting, ma’am?” I asked. Contrary to the older brother who seems to attract darkness in his face, Miss Wright unexpectedly has a light aura and is very easy to talk to.

“No problem, Miss Roux! I’m free anytime in your favor. I didn’t know you just fled from New York to meet us. I feel so bad now.” She said, sounding guilty. “It was absolutely fine by me to meet your assistant, but this guy right here refused.” Nicole heaved a sigh as her brother raised a brow at her.

“Don’t worry, Miss Wright. I’ll be staying here from now on, so I can accommodate you with full attention.”

“Wait… you just don’t stay for that reason, right…?” Nicole halted, eagerly waiting for my response.

“Of course, not.” Actually, yes. But she doesn’t need to know any of that, because that’s a personal matter that my client should not bear. I just smiled at her. Watching her sigh in relief, I could tell that she would be feeling more guilty if I answered truthfully.

“Let’s have some snacks before we go our separate ways. I’m gonna go and tell them to get the food for us.” Nicole then excused herself for a moment, leaving me with her older brother who looked… kind of grumpy.

I just didn’t mind his presence, and proceeded to get my phone. I sent Vanessa a text message that I’m almost done with this meeting and I don’t need her to pick me up anymore since my assistant is with me.

“By the way, ma’am… There's something you need to know.” I was looking through the photos of my daughter on my phone, when I suddenly heard my assistant speaking who was sitting beside me. She sounded worried, catching my attention instantly. I turned my head to her direction, prompting her to speak.

“...I’ll tell you later, hehe.” Rachel scratched the back of her head and smiled awkwardly at me. I was concerned for a moment when I heard that worried voice. To think that she had to give me a heads-up during this moment makes me think that it really is bad, bad news.

I was thinking of the possibility of what that news could be when someone caught my attention for the second time.

“Hey, you,” I raised my head with an arched brow when a man’s voice rang in my ears. How rude. I squinted my eyes at him. “We met in the past, haven't we?” Nicholas asked out of nowhere the moment I met his blue eyes. My brows met in one line. He’s looking at me with the same face I have, except my expression was rooted in confusion. Then, he continued,

“Do you not remember me?”