Chapter 1 The Proposal

Kendra's POV,

I was exhausted, tense and jittery. The time kept ticking, and nervously I drank a mouth full of the wine in front of me.

My heart skips as this would be a great deal. I kept pouring myself some champagne in the glass.

A second thought came to me. Maybe I should just leave. I hate delay and lack patience, but then why do I feel like waiting for him?

This proposal was one like never before, a lifetime changer. The thrilling song which plays sent chills running down my spine.

I was sweaty, nervous, scrolling at my phone and keeping fixed eyes on the door.

There were four hours waiting, 4 hours expecting and 4 hours for a game changer.

Some patrons took pictures of me and some wanted my autographs. I was a celebrity of some sort.

The first woman to be awarded as the business person of the year, a model and more. My faces were on magazines, posters, billboards, and some cosmetic products.

Popularity was just my thing and, thanks to determination, I got to where I am.

Something I worked so hard to earn after his rejection and betrayal. I wanted that, to make him see the woman I had become.

Unfortunately, we never met after that cold incident that threw my life into a state of misery.

Fortunately, I met another him, my therapist and partner, who helped me overcome, develop and believe in myself.

He was my ticket to becoming a billionaire. I was done using him to attain my glory. The contract between us had elapsed, but then I ended up with an engagement ring.

It was getting darker and still, no trace of him. The atmosphere was mild and tranquil.

Nervously, I rolled my eyes to the glassy wall and saw someone in a dark suit, with an umbrella, staring at me.

The duffel coat looked incongruous with the black dress he wore underneath. I was petrified at first.

His face wasn't clear, and my face flushed red, it was a quick glance that was captivating until he got away.

Quickly, I shifted my gaze back to the table, occupied by the papers in front of me.

I folded my lips, bored and yawning. Soon, Laura would be calling, and I just didn't know the lie I'd cooked up for my sudden lateness.

Everything I do is for her, and she had better appreciate that.

My eyes glanced at the diamond ring on my index finger. This felt like a date, one I had avoided for years.

I twisted it along with my lips. Tonight, I just have to say it all out, but where was he?

The last time I waited this long was for Dante. It was a cold night and I got crushed by the rain, and he never came.

It's been years and that memory has been suspended, something I fight so hard to erase.

Life goes on. I hope this works out and one of us doesn't get hurt.

My hair was unkempt and the glasses I now adopted for my eyes made me look like a nerd.

It seems he rented the whole place and booked our table close to the glassy wall, a bouquet of flowers covered the table.

The people who got autographs were employees.

That was quite impressive as this restaurant spoke of wealth.

At last, the door chimed open, my ears detected familiar footsteps, and a strong scent hit my nose.

A sudden grief engulfed me but then, I tried to shove it away. I chest out, my chin high and my legs crossed.

Hastily, I raised my glass cup high, buried my upper lip in it and drank gently, acting all elegant until he got to where I was.

I've learned to be confident throughout the years, to face my fears and voice out my thoughts.

I tried to brighten up my face as so many people had commented that my glare drives such men away.

My eyes noticed how all eyes fell on the stranger. He made a grand entry. His footsteps were disturbing. The sound of a lighter clicks in my ear.

I hadn't even taken a glimpse at him, but my heart skipped for a long while. His fragrance felt somewhat familiar.

My body was tense and my heart knew who it always beats for.

Gradually, I lifted my gaze at him and, my gosh, he was the perfect definition of a handsome man.

His blue eyes were as though molded from a different cast. The sculpture did a great job in creating him.

That look of his, he hadn't changed, as he obviously had girls and women drooling over him. He was the one, my nightmare.

Was this a joke? Just when I had forgotten about his existence, he appeared again just three days before my wedding!

It was time to stay strong and not let emotions engulf me. This might be my chance to get revenge and achieve my goal.

However, I couldn't keep my eyes off him. His appearance, as though under duress.

He was dressed in a jet black suit which hugged his broad masculine shoulders. Looking serious yet charming.

His pants go with the same color, his hair neatly groomed to the back except for a strand that dangles freely.

My world stopped for a moment as a gush of memory filled my head.

I cleared my throat for him to know I meant business. I held his gaze, instead of warmth, it was replaced with an icy hostility.

The waitresses close by purposely waited to feast on him, but he wasn't attending to them. He sure has that snubbing aspect in him.

I snapped my fingers to draw the attention of one of the waitresses, gave her my order and in a few seconds she appeared with a steak and wine.

Something I could pour my frustration on.

As for him, he had yet to choose. We still maintained the silence like strangers. I was curious to know the reason why he was the business partner.

Anger clouded my eyes as I slowly grabbed the fork with fury.

Our eyes locked and I inhaled softly.

"You look beautiful as always," his sonorous voice complimented, and I was frozen in my seat. Only anguish filled me up.