Regretful Divorce

You're acting like a cheap flirt

Feeling Bruno's lips on mine reminded me just how cold and possessive he could be. He had taken me by surprise; I never imagined he would forcefully kiss me.

If my past self were watching this, she'd definitely think it was a joke, but my present self knew what was happening, and this man thought I was still the same timid woman who once loved him blindly.

I knew his strength was unmatched by mine, I knew that if I pushed him, those rock-hard pecs wouldn't budge an inch, but even the strongest had their weakness. He had called me a lapdog, well, I proved him right by biting his lip hard with every intention of making him let go of me.

"Ouch!" he yelled, giving me a surprised look for what I had done.

"I'm not the same lapdog you've compared me to so much, now I bite," I gave him a sarcastic smile and pushed him off guard, making my way out of the bathroom.

***

BRUNO

I tasted iron in my mouth after Marion bit me; she'd really turned wild. I brought my fingers to my lower lip to see that it was indeed bleeding a little.

What the hell was up with her? She would never react to me that way. Not like this. She had always loved me unconditionally, always done everything for me, had forced her way into my bed to have s*x with me, and now she rejected my kisses.

Something was happening. I saw her about to open the door to leave and leave me alone. I reacted in time and in two steps reached her, slamming the door shut, making sure she wouldn't leave without a talk. I had too many questions, and I wouldn't leave without at least one answer.

***

MARION

I didn't remember how stubborn Bruno could be when he set his mind to something. It seemed his whim for the night was to have a conversation with me, which was a novelty not only for me, but I bet for him as well.

"What's wrong with you, Bruno? Let me out!" I said to him, annoyed. I really wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.

"What's wrong with you?" he grabbed my arm and brought his face close, trying to intimidate me. I met his gaze, "You never used to reject my kisses; you begged for them."

"Don't even think about saying anything else, I don't want them now," I told him, clenching my fists at my sides. "Now let me out, Bruno, I don't want you near me."

I saw surprise on his face. This man was more stubborn than a mule. He was asking for it.

"You know me, and I'm not leaving until you give me an answer. How dare you change so much, Marion?"

"Why did you come back when I made it clear that I didn't want to see you again?" he asked, trying to find the answers in my eyes.

I was furious.

"Is it a crime for people to change? Or better yet, Bruno, do I need your permission to do so?" I glared at him, making my stance clear.

"I'm just surprised that someone like you has changed so radically."

I stepped toward him, jabbing a finger at his solid chest.

"Yes, Bruno, I've changed. And it's through my own effort that I've gotten to where I am, with a promising career, status, and beauty. Don't be shocked that people can change."

"There must be more to it. Is it a lover or someone who helped you out?" he questioned me with a spark of anger.

I was so furious I didn't even realize when my hand flew up to slap him. I felt my breath hitch in response.

"You're such a damn i***t!" I looked him furiously in the eyes. "I left this city with all my dreams shattered because of you. How did you think I wouldn't change? It was your disdain that made me rise and become stronger," I took advantage of his shock to open the door and walk away. "Don't come near me again," I said energetically, closing the door behind me.

I left the party furious about everything that had happened with him. When did he become like Paty Chapoy, questioning my changes and my life? He was a complete i***t.

***

BRUNO

I couldn't believe Marion's reaction to me. I used to be the center of her life, and it only took four years for her to change completely. I hated to admit it, but she had my full attention. I was curious about her and the reasons why she changed so radically.

I didn't believe it was just about a broken heart, which she claimed I broke. When I married her, I made it clear our relationship was cold from the start; I've never been affectionate, except with Pamela, but she's in the past now.

I left the bathroom after checking my lip. It was swollen and looked like someone had hit me. She had really turned into a Tasmanian devil. Since when did she start acting like the Road Runner? I felt like a dumb coyote falling into her trap again and again.

The next day, I woke up to work out. I had a meeting with Francis Smith, the owner of a multinational company seeking legal and financial advice to start a foundation for single mothers.

I took a shower after hitting the gym. I slipped into my Armani suit and Hugo Boss shoes, ready to roll out in my black Maserati. I arrived right on time for my breakfast meeting with Francis at one of the city's most luxurious restaurants.

I stepped out of the car, tossing the keys to the valet. I approached the hostess, who flashed me a flirtatious smile.

"Mr. Storm, what brings you here?" The woman asked.

"I have a reservation with Mr. Francis Smith," I replied.

"Mr. Francis Smith? Are you certain, Mr. Storm?"

I raised an eyebrow at her questioning.

"There haven't been any changes to my schedule," I said simply.

"Mr. Storm, I see that the reservation with Mr. Francis Smith is for two people and your companion has just arrived."

I frowned, puzzled by what was happening.

"I'm the companion," I corrected.

"Mr. Storm," the hostess looked to both sides. "The woman at the table over there," she pointed to the table at the back that was next to the window with a view of the city, "is Mr. Francis's appointment. She arrived a minute ago."

"Thanks for the information. I think I'll join the lady and then leave."

Without giving the hostess a chance, I entered the restaurant and headed towards the woman who was waiting at the table for Francis. As I got close enough, my first reaction was one of surprise, seeing that the woman was Marion. What on earth was she doing at the table waiting for my client? I didn't hesitate. I sat down across from her, catching her off guard as she was engrossed in the menu.

"What are you doing here, Marion?" I asked seriously.

She lowered the menu, placing it on the table. She had the nerve to give me a mocking smile.

"I have an appointment with my client," she said, raising an eyebrow. At that moment, I noticed that her eyelashes gave her gaze a deep look. An interesting look that I hadn't managed to capture in the past. Maybe I hadn't paid enough attention.

"Your client?" I smirked sarcastically. "Ha, don't tell me Francis personally called you to set up a meeting."

Marion nodded cheerfully, flashing me a grin. I had never seen her with her hair down and those natural waves falling a little below her shoulders made her look like a true diva from the fifties.

"You can ask Francis himself. Oh, but it seems the appointment is mine," she said in a mocking tone. I couldn't believe it, she was provoking me. "So if you'll excuse me, you can see yourself out."

"Gorgeous, you're playing in the big leagues, and if you're getting involved with my client, you should know that I always win big."

"I know, Bruno. Unlike you, I know exactly what to do with you," she gave me a forced smile. It seemed like her gaze was saying, "screw you, Bruno." I smiled.

***

MARION

I couldn't believe Bruno was at the same table as me, waiting for the client. Francis was an extremely important client. If I manage to secure his business, I could earn millions with him in the future and even have the opportunity to do more business. However, returning to the city had become a nightmare with him in front of me.

I was determined not to run into him, to avoid him at all costs and simply do my job, but it seemed like fate was determined to bring us back together.

Fortunately for me, Francis Smith arrived just as we were finishing our argument, so I didn't have time to give him a piece of my mind and get him out of my sight to let me do my job in peace.

"Marion López?" asked the handsome Francis in front of me.

I smiled with a touch of charm, something I had recently learned and was very useful on certain occasions. The man completely ignored Bruno, who was right next to him.

"Mr. Smith, delighted to meet you," I said, standing up from my seat. I couldn't deny to myself that I was nervous in front of him in the worst possible scenario.

Bruno Storm was known for being a tough competitor in business. He never lost. I was just a recent graduate with training from one of the best lawyers in the country and was considered a prodigy lawyer in the world of law and finance, but I didn't have the experience that my ex-i***t had. I was at a disadvantage, and a big one, but at least I would give him a fight. After all, practice makes perfect, and I wouldn't give up.

" Don't call me sir, I'm just a few years older than you. I'm still young and hate being treated like a grandfather," said Francis with sympathy.

I couldn't help but laugh with a certain modesty. Francis started laughing too. Bruno watched the scene, frowning as he tried to keep a serious expression on his face.

"I see that the appointment apparently includes Miss López," Bruno spoke so that Francis would notice his presence.

"Oh, Bruno, sorry, but I wasn't expecting you until lunchtime, didn't my assistant inform you?" Francis asked, a bit embarrassed, sitting next to me.

"I guess that's why I'm here."

"Oh, Teresa," Francis responded, putting his hands on his forehead. "Forgive her, she's eighty years old and refuses to retire, my other assistant got a stomach bug."

"From what I see, Miss López is lucky to have your full attention," Bruno said, looking at me in the eyes for a moment.

"You can't blame me; I wasn't told she was this beautiful, and beauty deserves recognition," he winked at me, and I smiled at his flattery; he was a handsome man and a future client with substantial means.

I don't know if it was my imagination, but when I glanced at Bruno, I saw him clenching his fists until his knuckles turned white. He was furious. In the past, seeing him like that would have made me nervous, and I would have done anything to please him, but now I couldn't give a damn.

"Thank you for the compliment, Francis," I replied, delighted. Bruno rolled his eyes.

"Looks like it'll be breakfast for three, then," Francis said, apologizing to both of us for his elderly assistant's mistake.

Throughout the meeting, Francis complimented me while we talked about the foundation project he had for single mothers and how he wanted to help them. Sometimes he paid more attention to me and showed clear interest, letting me know he liked me.

If it weren't for the fact that Francis was a complete womanizer and had been Selene's fling the night before, I might have considered letting him approach me.

During breakfast, I just laughed and talked about the project, carefully crafting my arguments, as Bruno was determined to win at any cost. After an hour of conversation, Francis excused himself for a moment to go to the bathroom.

When he was out of sight, Bruno angrily grabbed my arm, pulling me toward him across the table to be closer.

"What's wrong with you?" he said through clenched teeth, trying not to shout. "You're acting like a cheap floozy in front of him."