Chapter 22
Thanes pov.
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“Mr Renihardt? Mr Renihardt? Sir?”
“Yes, yes what is it?” I barked.
The young lady who was trying to get my attention recoiled, looking frightened. She cleared her throat, dropping her head down
to stare at the marble floor.
“Sir, I asked for your opinions on our team’s presentation.” Her voice trembled with fear. I looked at her, then to where the other
interns stood wide–eyed, all young and nervous
“It’s good.” I said brusquely with a wave of my hand to dismiss them.
“You’ll receive feedback from me. You all can leave now.” The interns gathered their things and left, looking relieved. The truth
is, I didn’t hear anything the intern had said. I wasn’t paying any attention. My mind was submerged in thoughts of a certain
hazel–eyed CEO.
Two nights ago, Andera had called me. I was surprised she had my number, but then I remembered I texted her with it some time ago. More surprising was my instant relief and peace when she told me that she wasn’t sick, but the way she had abruptly hung up on me sent me into another kind of dilemma.
What is it with this new Andera that has me on a tailspin every now and then?
I’m not happy to admit this, but Andera has a strong hold on me, maybe even stronger than when we were married, she just
doesn’t know it…..yet.
I have also been avoiding Melissa. Yes, we live in the same house, but I moved into another bedroom; as usual, she’s been fussing and nagging and cursing, making my mansion feel like an asylum instead of the paradise I built it to be.
“Good day, sir.” Paul greeted me as he entered my office, without my permission. His voice was cheerful as usual.
I raised an eyebrow, annoyed that he had interrupted my thoughts.
“What is it, Paul?” I asked curtly.
Paul hesitated, looking uncertain. He adjusted his tie before speaking up.
“I was wondering, sir, if you’re still offended with me,” he said, his eyes filled with anticipation.
I frowned. “Offended with you? What are you talking about, Paul?”
Paul shifted uncomfortably. Balancing his weight from one leg to another
“About my request the other day to ask Andera out, sir. Knowing fully well that you two have a….complicated history, and she is now your business partner. I took some time to reflect on what I nearly did and I’m embarrassed at it.” He lifts his head and
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shoulders high, seeming proud to admit his folly.
I let out a dry laugh; Paul’s apology means nothing. It was either he gave up the absurd idea of him and Andera being a thing..or lost his job, and I know him well. Paul loves this job. Other companies had offered him positions higher than the one he has here,
but he rejected them all.
“Okay. “I replied.
His eyebrows furrow.” That’s it, okay?” He says
“What else do you want me to say, cousin?” I quirked a brow at him.
Nothing. Alright, Sir. I’ll go now.‘
I pretended to shift my focus back to my computer, but he remained standing there, immobile.
I groaned, tiredly. Paul can be such a weirdo sometimes.
What else Paul? “I drawled.
You didn’t tell me how your last meeting went with Andera, and you also didn’t tell me about how things are between you and
Melissa. “His jade green eyes flickered to the right side of his face; he was thinking
Paul drew a sudden, sharp breath as if some revelation was just bestowed on him.
“Is Andera the reason you canceled your wedding with Melissa?”
My eyes darted towards him quickly.
“Paul, I don’t pay you to think about my personal life or to ask out women who are clearly out of your league. You know your
duties as my PA, so let’s focus on that, shall we?”
Paul looked chastened, but I could see the curiosity still burning in his eyes. “Yes, sir,” he said. “Sorry, sir.”
“Now get your corny ass out of my office.”
I waved my hand dismissively but I called out to him again.
“Just remember, Paul – anything and everything concerning Andera is off–limits to you. I’ll handle it myself.” I warned. I didn’t even try to explain the situation between Melissa and me because I couldn’t care less if she left or stayed.
Paul nodded and took a hasty retreat, leaving me once again to my thoughts. I sank back in my chair, my eyes drifting to the computer screen in front of me. And that’s when I saw it an email inviting Andera and me to the Seattle Scale–Up Soiree in three
days.
Just in good timing.
A smile tugged at the corner of my lips. I’ve been desperate to see or hear from Andera for two days. I couldn’t call or visit her company because it would be out of place, but here is another opportunity presenting itself. I’ll be seeing her in three days.
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My heart beat with excitement as I read the email.
I quickly grabbed my phone and sent Andera a text.
“Have you seen the invitation to the Seattle Scale–Up Soiree? It is a yearly event and it is happening in three days.
We should go together – it would be a great opportunity to show the business community how strong our collaboration is,”
I waited anxiously for her response, my heart pounding in my chest. And when it finally came, my face fell flat
“Like on a date? Hell no. Take Melissa instead,” Andera’s text read.
I don’t know why I was disappointed. I should have expected this. Heck! I am not even supposed to be this desperate to see
Andrea She’s my business partner, my ex–wife.
I ran my palm down my face in distress.
There were a lot of things I was doing that I shouldn’t.
1should never have sent her that text. I should never have pinned her against the wall or stalked her to the hospital.
I shouldn’t have her pictures in my phone, she shouldn’t be the first person I think of in the morning and the last person on my
mind at night, but the worst of them all, the most painful one,
I should have believed Andera and never filed for divorce.
