Chasing back my ex wife

Karia's pov

I was tapping my foot nervously on the marble floor, one hand on my waist while the other was gripping my phone as I scrolled through my call log to call Leo. "Leo baby pick up" I whispered, my voice filled with anxiety.

The wall clock struck steadily, its noise resonating in the living room. I looked at the clock and sighed deeply, as I began to walk back and forth across the room, feeling anxious. "Where could he be at this time? Why wasn't he answering?" my heart raced as it filled with thoughts and images of different scenarios.

I was about to call again when the front door slowly opened. A relief came over me when I saw him. I rushed to welcome him. " Oh thank goodness you're back! I exclaimed with excitement, embracing him so tight.

"I've been worried about you" he didn't reciprocate the hug, his hands remaining in his pockets, but I didn't mind since he was home safe.

"You don't have to worry about me, I'm a full-grown man," he said gruffly.

His response made me pull away, feeling uneasy. "What do you mean by that Leo?" I asked, confusion etched on my face." you're my husband and I should be able to look out for you."

His face was unreadable, but I chose to roll it off. I didn't want to fight him, at least not tonight.

"Anyways, let's forget about all of this. I have good news for you," I said to him smiling, just to lighten the mood. "Go take a shower and come down for dinner," I said to him smiling.

"We need to talk Kiara" his voice was laced with disdain which sent a chill through me. The smile on my face was erased immediately.

"Honey, is everything okay?" I asked, trying to get him to look at me, concern etching my voice.

He placed his briefcase on the table, opened it, and brought out a document. "Here, have this. We're getting a divorce."

I was still hesitating to take it and he threw it down on the floor. On picking it up, I saw it boldly written "Divorce Agreement." My breath caught. I laughed nervously as I glanced up at him.

"Is this some type of joke Leo? Are you playing a prank on me?"

His expression was still unyielding "Sign it" he said coldly. "I want it on my desk by tomorrow morning.

I stared at him in disbelief." Leo this can't be real. This has to be a joke right? It's our anniversary tomorrow and I was going to tell you something..." My voice trembled, and tears swelled up in my eyes.

"Sign the damn papers, you whore!" he exclaimed, disgust etched on his face. "I should have listened to Miriam a long time ago and put you where you belong."

My stomach twisted."Miriam?" I echoed, hardly recognizing my voice. "So this is about her, right?

"It's not about her, it's about you" he spat. Pretending to be loyal while you are sneaking around behind my back. You are a liar and a cheat Kiaria.

"That's not true Leo!" I cried. "You know I would never do that to you. Miriam set me up! She has always..."

"Enough!" he barked, slamming his fist against the table. "Stop blaming Miriam, I have proof.

I know he's been having an affair for over 2 years now but with my step sister? I really didn't see that coming. But what do I expect from someone who hates me to the core and derives joy in seeing my downfall.

I know she has always wanted to take my place as Mrs Williams, and that's why she's been trying so hard to destroy my marriage with Leo. I guess she has finally succeeded.

Memories of Miriam's fake smile, her sweet tone when she invited me for coffee. She said she was tired of us fighting and would want my forgiveness so that we could be cool sisters. It was too real to be true.

I recalled the uneasy feeling I had that day, next was me waking up naked beside a strange guy. I couldn't believe my eyes nor remember how the whole scenario happened but it's clear to me now that Miriam did that on purpose to spite me.

I was still crying with my face down when he dragged my hair forcefully, " Look here! Just take a look at this! Is that not you in the picture?" That was the picture of me with another man. Miriam must have sent it to him. I can imagine her joy right now.

"That's you doing what you do best. Whore!" he spat.

When he released me, I staggered back, clutching my chest. "I sacrificed everything for you, Leo. My dreams, my career... I gave my entire life to you. How do you want to throw me out like this?"

"You lie, Leo, 3 years of my life can't go down the drain like that, I won't sign it."

His expression darkened. "Sign the papers or you'll regret ever crossing my part. His hands closed around my neck, squeezing it tight. I struggled to breathe. "Please stop....you're hurting me"

He released his grip and I stumbled to the ground gasping for air. That's when I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen, followed by the warm, wet sensation of blood pooling beneath me. It's blood! My baby! No, this can't be happening.

"Leo, please help me! Take me to the hospital, I'm bleeding. Please I beg of you." Was saying it in a faint voice.

"Suit yourself. You can bleed to death for all I care. I don't give a shit about you." he spat at me. Just then his phone rang, he brought it out of his pocket and answered on the second ring. "Hello, baby. I'm done, just give me some time, I will be there soon." he left without turning back.

That must be that bitch Miriam. This made my heart shatter more as I was still struggling on the ground.

With the last ounce of strength, I crawled to my phone and dialed a number." please help...." Before I could finish, everything went black and I passed out.

FIVE YEARS LATER

KIARA'S POV

The warm rays of morning sunlight fell on me through the kitchen window. I looked at the beautiful sight of the neighborhood while sipping a cup of coffee. The thought of the past came flashing in my head like it was just yesterday.

Five years have passed since the fateful night that my world came crumbling. The memories of Leo and Miriam's betrayal are still fresh in my head, but I'm not the same woman anymore.

I'm now stronger and wiser. And thanks to Alex who came right on time to save me that fateful day... I would have lost my baby and even died too.

Alex has been my friend since high school. We always look out for each other. I know he had a crush on me but I don't have feelings for him nor even consider being in a relationship with him. I only had eyes for Leo,which broke his heart but still, he never left. Luckily for me that day,it was his number that I dialled before passing out.

"I must get my revenge " I murmured,biting my lower lips.

"Mummy! Mummy! Look what I made" my daughter Sophia snapped me out of my thoughts.

She held up her colorful drawing of a woman holding hands with a little girl.

"Oh baby! Is that us?" I asked as I crouched to her level.

"Yes mummy," she nodded." Do you like it?

"I love it." I said hugging her so tight.Her innocent smile made my scars almost insignificant.Almost.

I heard a knock on my front door, which interrupted our moment. As I opened it, it was Alex.

"Hey Kiara,"he said, giving me a warm smile.

"So good to see you, Alex." I pulled him into a warm hug and ushered him in.

Immediately Alex entered my living room, Sophia ran to him, excitedly calling out "Uncle Alex!" Alex smiled and raised her up, spinning her in the air as her giggle filled the room. "Hey, kiddo! Missed me?"

"Yes! Will you stay for dinner?" she asked excitedly.

I couldn't help but smile at the sight of Alex and Sophia. Alex had always been like a father figure in her life.

"Maybe later," he replied, placing her down gently. Then faced me,"Let's talk."

"So, what's this huge job offer you were talking about over the phone?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Alex smiled mischievously. "You've been shortlisted for Evergreen's major project. You know they're one of the top interior designing firms in the country.They want you to pitch for their upcoming project.

"My eyes widened in excitement. "This is huge! Evergreen designs are legendary. How did this happen?"

Alex chuckled "I may have sang your praises to the right people. They saw your portfolio and were blown away. You, my friend, is an incredibly talented designer in town, so who wouldn't want to work with you?"

I blushed and smiled at the praises,feeling a sense of gratitude towards Alex.

"But there's just one more thing..you will be up against Williams & Co. & Harrison group too".

"Wait! What? Williams?"

"Yes, and I heard that his company is going through some financial constraints now and it's only Evergreen's project that will restore him back. Alex explained.

"Ohhh I see, that scumbag, I will make sure that his company doesn't get this." I said with a sly smile.

I walked into the sleek conference room. My eyes scanned the room,taking in the professional atmosphere. I noticed a man standing not too far from where I was standing, he was talking to a group of people in front of him that apparently were his subordinates.

Judging by his commanding presence and the deference shown to him, I guessed he must be the CEO of Evergreen company.

While I was standing there observing,the man happened to glance over and caught my eye.He began to work towards me with a confident stride.

"You must be Kiara right?" He said warmly, stopping in front of me.

"Yes," I replied,my voice steady.

"It's so nice to finally meet the popular interior designer in Los Angeles," his smile wide and genuine."You can call me Mark."

I was caught off guard by the compliment, that I felt flattered and a bit shy.

I extended my hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you too Mark."

As we shook hands, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Interior design was something I had always liked and dreamed of even as a child. After I finished schooling in Los Angeles, I was ready to venture and sharpen my skills. But life took an unexpected turn when I met Leo.

He had come to Los Angeles for a work function, and it was love at first sight, atleast for me. He convinced me to move to London with him,assuring me of a beautiful life together. But after the divorce, I returned to Los Angeles, to start my life and career over again, with the help of my friend Alex.

Lost in my thoughts, I was startled by a voice behind me.

"Hello,Mark," the voice said, polite yet unmistakably familiar.

I turned around I couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked, just like always. His piercing eyes, chiseled jawline, and charming smile that once captivated me..

Immediately he saw me, he was stunned. " Kiaria?"

Kiaria's Pov

I let out a sarcastic smile. "Leo Williams" I replied in a sarcastic tone.He smiled, trying to act familiar.

"Kiaria, it's so great to see you again. You look... stunning."

Looking at him, I couldn't tell what my emotions were playing at. Was it anger, sadness, or something else entirely? All I knew was that I wasn't happy to see him but my heart was racing, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from him.

"I said you look stunning," he repeated,this time around, his voice became softer like he really needed me to acknowledge his compliment.

"Oh of course, I know" I had to answer him that way to let him know I'm no longer the timid kiaria he used to know.

"Oh I see you guys have already met," Mark said with a surprised look.

Leo chipped in immediately, "Yes, she's my wife" moving closer to hold me asif I'm one of his possessions.

"Don't you dare come close to me."I said with a wide rage of anger in my eyes, staring at Leo. "Ex-wife," I said loud enough that everyone in the room heard me. The tension was so thick and I could feel everyone's eyes in our direction, but I just don't care. I had to put him where he belongs.

Mark was just gazing at us with a surprised look. His eyes went from one person to the other. He then broke the silence."Well,regardless of whatever relationship you both had,I'm sure we can be able to focus on the task at hand, which is why we are here,"he said, gesturing towards the proposal documents on the table.

Before Leo could say anything, the door to the conference room opened and Miriam strutted in, heels clicking against the tiled floor. The sound announced her arrival even before her presence did. She was dressed to impress as always and was wearing a self-satisfied smile that vanished the moment she laid eyes on me.

"You've got to be kidding me," Miriam sneered, glaring up at me. "What the hell is this thing doing here?"

I faced her with a cold smirk. "Slut like you don't speak when my presence is involved." Miriam tried to raise her hand up to slap me but I held it. "Don't ever dream of this act again, or else..." i dropped her hand forcefully, while Miriam is still foaming with rage.

"Well to answer your question," I continued, my voice steady and confident, "I'm here because the company recognizes talent when they see one. Something you wouldn't understand because you don't have it."

Miriam's face flushed red. "Mark, this woman is completely unprofessional! You can't possibly think she's the right person for this project!"

Mark chuckled and shook his head. "On the contrary, Miss Miriam, Kiara is the major person we want for this project. Her reputation speaks for itself."

Miriam glanced nervously at Leo whose jaw was tightening. The cracks in his composure were starting to show.

I stepped closer to Miriam, my voice low and firm. "You know Miriam, you have spent years trying to tear me down, but guess what? I'm still here and thriving. You can't stop me no matter how hard you try."

Miriam was already red and was about to rush me, when Leo grasped her wrist and said, "stop it Miriam, you are just embarrassing yourself." he hissed. "If you don't want to be here anymore, you go home. Besides, I can handle this without you."

Miriam froze immediately, her arms shaking in his grasp. Her mouth fell open as humiliation and shock was written all over her face. "Leo! You're supposed to be on my side!"

Leo sighed,pinching the bridge of his nose. "This is neither the time nor the place for dramas, Miriam." he said, sounding so frustrated.

I smirked, watching the drama between the two betrayals in front of me. "Trouble in paradise? So Leo does fight Miriam? Interesting" I just soliloquized to myself and smiled in satisfaction.

Then I turned sharply to Mark and said, "I'll make this really clear, I'm not working with the Williams & Co. company. If this project involves him in any slightest way, I will have to decline."

The atmosphere grew quiet suddenly.

Mark broke the silence. "Oh no Miss Kiara," he began, "you are the lead designer here, we called you specifically for this project, you can't decline now."

He turned to Leo immediately "Leo I thought your company was prepared to collaborate with the best?"

"Yes I...uh..we..." Leo stammered, he was clearly lost for words.

Mark continues " I don't think Miss Kiara wants to work with you, so this means that we won't be needing your company for this project anymore."

"No Mark, we can figure something out, " Leo said.

I raised an eyebrow, folding my arms. "You mean, you'll figure out how to step aside right? I said, my voice filled with disdain. "Because if you still think for one second that your involvement is going to remain the same, then this deal is off the table."

Leo's knuckles became white. He could hardly speak above a whisper, his fist clenched and the frustration he felt was written all over his face. "Very well then," he finally said. Let's have a deal."

I smiled, seeing the cold sweat on his brow. The tables had turned and for the first time in five years, I felt truly in control and I was just getting started.