Chapter 5 FIVE

/-Isabelle-/

"Do you not have better things to do with your time?" Damian asked.

A puzzled expression crossed my face, "Better things like what?"

"Like running your company? Developing new products? Shopping? Anything!" He sighed. I arched a brow.

"To the best of my knowledge, we should be carrying out the first two tasks together. We are supposed to be partners and your company hasn't even drafted a contract," I stated.

"Because we are analyzing your company's portfolio. We need to know that this partnership would be of benefit to us!" Damian groaned, the berating look in his eyes, clear as day.

I was certain his team were analyzing for weaknesses and cons. He probably asked them to dig up anything they could to cross Lumina Luxe off the list.

"Is that what they're really doing?" My words came out as a scoff. "You and I know that you have no interest in partnering with me. What I don't understand, however, is why you felt the need to lie to Thomas. At least he saw potential in me..."

"Can you grow up?" Damian hissed. "You think I would bother to step in if I had no interest. Lumina Luxe is doing well on the charts, all my team is doing is ensuring that your consumer market and ours align."

"And if it doesn't?" I asked.

"We strategize on how to break into the market by either developing a new product or complementing it," Damian responded.

"What does that mean?" I blurted and Damian looked like he would strangle me. I understand my questions were frustrating, but I was a novice, and Annabelle never went to business school.

"You're telling me you have no clue what complementary products are?" He groaned. "Remind me why you came to my office so early in the morning again?"

"So I could sign the contract? I assumed you would have one ready by the time I arrived," I lied.

Frankly, I had been too excited at the thought of spending more time with him, and that excitement pushed me to come earlier than usual, hoping that the partnership talk was a good enough excuse.

"At seven am? We just agreed to be partners last night and somehow you assumed I'd have the contract ready by seven am? What time do you think my staff resume?" Damian poured himself some whiskey, ruffling his hair as he tried to calm himself.

It was hot to see him so infuriated, but I did my best to maintain a neutral face as I spoke, "It's 9 am now, though."

Those steel grey eyes snapped to me with irritation. It was a little funny how easily I could trigger his stress levels.

I wanted to apologize but then again, he had been calling me stupid since we began this conversation. I would rather watch him suffer it.

"The contract will be ready by next week. If you don't mind, I have more important things to attend to," He said.

"Are you sure? You're having alcohol so early in the morning. Maybe there is something I can help you with, or maybe..."

The door opened suddenly and a strange woman walked in. A brunette with big chocolate eyes. She seemed really familiar but I couldn't place where I had seen her.

My eyes dropped to her apparel. A black suit which would have been decent if it wasn't barely reaching her mid-thighs.

Who wears a miniskirt to the office without ulterior motives?

"Hey baby," her annoying squeaky voice was the first turn-off. "Hope you didn't miss me too much."

She walked past me like I didn't exist, and wrapped her arms around him, planting a soft kiss on his lips.

"Sarah? You're back already?" Damian's voice betrayed his surprise but it didn't help the jealousy burning within me.

I knew who she was now.

Sarah Morgan. LuxeGlow's top model and Damian's ex-girlfriend. I had come across her while researching Damian but waved it off because I was certain she wouldn't be a threat since they were no longer together.

But alas, I was wrong. With the way he stared softly at her and the way she blushed under his gaze, it was certain that these two were madly in love with each other.

Now I wasn't so sure anymore. Not with the way he was staring at her.

"I know, Hun, but Miami was so boring without you. I just decided to do some shopping and find my way back to my baby," she giggled, as he kissed her cheek gently.

"It is good to have you back, Sarah, but I have a guest. It's quite rude to get lovey-dovey in front of her no matter how much I miss you," he said, and I scoffed inwardly.

Sarah turned to me in surprise like she was seeing me.

"I know you!" She said suddenly. "Annabelle Delgado, isn't it?"

I forced a smile.

"Oh my goodness! I feel so honoured to meet you. I am Sarah Morgan," She offered her hands for a handshake and as much as I wanted to leave it hanging, I couldn't.

"At least you think it's an honour," I said lightly. "Damian treats me like a menace."

A soft chuckle escaped her lips.

"Really, honey? Did you do that? Given her status, I thought you'd be more interested in a partnership," Sarah said and I threw him a smirk.

Damian rolled his eyes and looked away.

"I will just leave you two to continue what you're doing," I said, rising from my seat. I couldn't even bring myself to spare them another glance.

While I was struggling to get his attention, all she had to do was walk through the door to have him smiling ear to ear.

Once upon a time, that was me. The only woman who could make Damian smile. Now, it just seemed like my mere presence was annoying to him.

"So soon?" Sarah sighed. "I'm really sorry I interrupted whatever business you too were having. It's just that I was too impatient and excited to see him and he would throw a fit if i came into the country without seeing him first."

I didn't want to know if she was sincerely apologizing or rubbing her relationship in my face.

"We have already concluded our discussion, Sarah," Damian told her and my eyes met his expressionless face. "I'll see you next week, Miss Delgado."

"Sure, you will," I tried to keep my voice as steady as possible and whipped around quickly before he could see the tears streaming down my cheeks.

I had been so excited to come back to his life that I didn't check if there was still space for me in his heart.

But not it was clear as day.

Sarah Morgan was my replacement in this life and there was nothing I could do about it.