THE BILLIONAIRE'S EX IS BACK

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

NORA POV

5 YEARS LATER

I stood in the Vancouver international airport, in the first-class lounge as I looked at the names on the two tickets. It had our names on it and our destination which was Sans Francisco, I had spent 5 years in canada and in all that time, I had not once called any family or friends in my former life.

After I divorced Ethan, I traveled to Canada to start afresh away from my troubles and horrors of my past life but business brought me back, back to where it started.

I felt a gentle tap on my legs, "mommy, mommy," Eva called out to me in a melodious tone, "the plane is about to leave." She tucked my dress and the sadness in my eyes gently faded.

"Alright my dear, let's hurry before it leaves." I said to her and she smiled and began racing me there. Eva happened to me, after I had divorced Ethan. After he had insulted me for calling me barren and divorced me publicly, I realized that I was a few weeks pregnant. I had considered calling Ethan to tell him, multiple times but I rejected the thought.

During my five years of being alone, I allocated a lot of time developing my skills, as a sculpturist and artist while raising Eva. I owned one of the massive sculpture gallery in Winnipeg and my only goal was coming back to sans Francisco to open another sculpture gallery. It was a strategy move.

We arrived in sans Francisco just in two hours, upon arriving here. I was greeted by my business partner.

"Welcome to Sans Francisco, miss Nora." Anna, a tall slender lady with curly red hair smiled warmly at me as she took my hand in a firm handshake.

"Thank you." I replied her and her eyes caught Eva, who hid shyly behind my legs.

"And what's your name sweetheart?" She bent down to Eva's level.

Eva looked up at me for reassurance, and I nodded, giving her an encouraging smile. Slowly, she stepped forward, placing her small hand in Anna’s.

“My name is Eva,” she said in a small voice, her shyness melting away as Anna’s warmth enveloped her.

“Well, Eva, it’s very nice to meet you,” Anna said with a smile, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “You must be very excited to be in San Francisco.”

Eva nodded enthusiastically and a tall muscular guard, "this way, please." he gestured us towards a sleek black SUV that was already waiting. We drove to the hotel, while we were on the way. Anna had already filled me in on all the activities ahead of me, the stressful part about my schedule was the Media, but still I wasn't going to let anyone stop me from building my empire.

We were close to the hotel and a wave of unease washed over me, as I could my surroundings. A place that I had promised never to return to, we arrived at the hotel and as expected. A swarm of news reporters, press and other agencies gathered around the car waiting to interview me.

The lights from their cameras were enough to blind one temporary, as I got down from the car. The crowd entered a frenzy state and started pushing their microphone to my face.

"Miss Nora, what inspired you to pursue a career in sculpture, and how has your work evolved over the years?" One of the reporters asked me.

"Sculpture became my refuge during a difficult time in my life—it allowed me to express emotions I couldn't put into words, thus reflecting my personal growth and resilience." I answered the question flawlessly with a smile of confidence on my face.

"Miss Nora, considering your husband publicly accused you of cheating, do you think those accusations were well-founded? And How do you justify your actions?"

"I’ve moved past those lies. My life today is proof that baseless accusations can’t hold back someone determined to succeed." I answered and another reporter slotted in.

"And who is the fine young lady next to you?" One of them asked and I sighed.

Don't they ever get tired? I asked myself inwardly.

"That is my daughter," I answered firmly and another question bubbled up.

"When are your priceless artworks going to be available for exhibition?" A journalist wondered and I sighed tiredly.

""We’re planning to use the exhibition to raise funds through a charity auction, which I’m very excited about. However, due to security concerns, I can’t disclose the exact arrival date of the artworks just yet."

"That will be all for my now." I said ending the interview as my security guard blocked the flood of reporters from approaching me.

"Miss Nora, one more question, miss Nora......"

I escaped the sounds of their pled as we entered the hotel, settling in afterwards. After a nice hot shower, I settled in my bed. Eva jumped on me with an exciting smile, "mommy..." She then looked at the television, it was showing a man carrying his daughter to the park.

"Mommy, why don't I have a daddy?" She asked and my heart froze for a moment.

How could I explain everything to a five-year-old? How could I make her understand without shattering her world?

"Ev......." A knock on the door interrupted us and I took a sigh of relief, I excused myself.It was room service, they had brought a tray filled with different food along with snakes for dinner.

I watched Eva gobble a chocolate bar with a smile, I knew that there was a time coming that I would have to tell her the truth.

But how would I do it?

The next day came as I had slept on the study table, I had to go through some documents from today's event which was the opening of my new sculpture gallery along with the auction.

I took some freshly brew coffee, and having finished my bath. I munched on some breakfast while watching Eva play with her food. Then, I left her with the nanny in the hotel.

The car was already waiting for me along with security, I arrived at the gallery and I began signing the papers that needed my validation for the auction.

Hours later, Anna entered my office but I hadn't noticed. "Miss Nora, is everything alright? I knocked but you didn't respond." She said and I smiled before using a sleigh of hand to hide a document from her.

"I am fine." I told her, as my eyes went to the document. It revealed the location of my artwork and when it would arrive in sans Francisco.

Over the years, I learned not to trust anyone. After my regretful experience with Ethan, I found it hard to trust people when they showed me genuine concern.

"Okay then, the media is in a frenzy, thanks to your interview. The numbers just keep coming." Anna said with a smile.

"Good, The more the people, the better. W are going to take over the art industry." I replied her with a grin across my face.

It was finally time for the official launch of the sculpture gallery, of course the main event had to start with the auction. We brought together, some of my master pieces along with famous artists works from around the continent. As the hall was filled with billionaire along with art collectors, who were very eager to buy masterpieces.

I glanced around the faces there, but I couldn't identify anyone. I felt like I was being watched, but by who?

"Keep them entertained, Anna. I will be back." I said heading to the washroom.

After washing my face vigorously, I sighed tiredly. "I'm probably imagining things." I said softly as I was about leaving. I felt a touch on my arm and memories flooded me.

I could remember that touch, anywhere and anytime. It was as gentle as his........

"You!"