Chapter 24
Thanes pov.
It’s today.
The Scale–up soiree. The day I defy Andera’s rejection and show up at her doorstep.
You could say I’m losing my mind.
I slip into one of my finest Ralph Lauren suits, gray colored, a lighter shade than my eyes. My hair is brushed back in a sleek way,
and a confident smirk stretches on my face as I look at myself in the mirror.
Tonight, I’m not just dressing to impress – I’m on a mission to capture the attention of one woman.
I spray on my signature sandalwood cologne, the same scent Andera has always loved. Tonight, I was determined to make a
statement, and I know whom I want to impress.
Now, with my look perfected, I’ve got one final move. The trick up my sleeve.
A luxurious limousine awaits, ready to collect the woman who has no idea she’s going to be mine for the night.
I know Andera said she would not be going to this business conference with me, and I’m also aware that I may be overstepping
boundaries here, but yet, my stubbornness refuses.
Andera is my business partner; despite our complicated past, it is only right we attend the Scale–Up Soiree event together; at
least, that is what I tell myself.
As I walk out of my new bedroom, ready to begin the night, Melissa steps out of the room that used to be mine. Her presence is
met with a roll of my eyes. I have gotten used to her nagging, but tonight, I’m not in the mood.
You’re going to a formal evening party, Thane, and you’re not taking your wife to be along with you?” Melissa’s complains.
I snort. The sound is dry and mocking. I don’t know how it is she still holds on to the hope of a future between us when we can
barely tolerate each other’s presence. I turn my head towards her; she’s always wearing a permanent frown.
“You can’t stand seeing me without nagging my ears off and I think of you as a pain in my ass, yet you still think this thing
between us Is going to work? Humor me, Melissa”
Her nostrils flared, rage burning in her eyes.
“You think I want to be here, tolerating your undeserving, prideful, stubborn self?“. Melissa spat.” I don’t! ”
I met her fury with a calm collected tone
“Your words say one thing, and your action another. You claim you don’t want to be here yet you keep inserting yourself into my
life. ”
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Her face reddened.
“I have had enough of you, Thane; I’m leaving.
“It’s about time,” I answer, poker–faced
Melissa slams her door shut but remains quiet. The tantrum I expected never came. Whenever Melissa is packing her belongings,
it is usually accompanied by a series of screaming and destroying everything within reach.
Her unusual calmness suggests that she wasn’t leaving after all. I shrugged, unfazed.
Melissa can suit herself. My mind was too preoccupied with what Andera’s reaction would be when I showed up at her doorstep.
Would Andera be shocked? Angry? Furious?
Thinking about it sends a thrill through me.
There’s this thing the feisty side of Andera does to me. It grips my focus, making my blood heat up until I can’t commit to
anything else, and my mind is consumed with thoughts of her.
My chauffeur stands beside my limousine, glimmering under the moonlight. I can’t wait to use this beauty to pick up my other
beauty.
.
Get a grip on yourself, man. Why the hell are you thinking like a high school kid trying to impress his crush?” I mutter to
myself.
I’m a thirty five year old man and here I am, having mixed feelings for a woman I didn’t treat right while we were married, even
now, I can’t understand my pull towards her, or maybe I don’t want to understand, maybe I don’t want to give a name to what I
feel for Andera.
It scares me, thinking that I might be falling for her, and fast too. But I can’t help it, not even if I tried. From the day she sashayed.
into my office to her stepping on me with her pencil heels or blocking me on socials.
Everything Andera has done has woven deep into my mind and heart. I can’t detach myself.
I settled into the backseat of my limo as the chauffeur drove off. I hope Andera would be impressed by the sleek, modern luxury of
- The cream–colored leather seats were plush and inviting, with spacious legroom and expansive windows. Soft ambient
lighting illuminated the space, adding to the vehicle’s sophistication.
As we pulled up at the front of Andera’s house. My adrenaline surged.
It’s a beautiful, homely duplex. Befitting for her. I had obtained her address from my private investigator; I know she would be furious, but when have I ever not done things my way? Andera is my date for this event, and that is final!
With a deep breath, I stepped out of the limousine and approached her door. I rang the doorbell, and when the door swung open, my face fell. It wasn’t Andera who was staring back at me but her C.0.0.
What was her name again? The lady didn’t even let me explain myself before slamming the door shut in my face.
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“Oh?” I mutter.
I rang the doorbell again but no one answered. After standing outside her porch for five long minutes, I slid my hand into my pocket and pulled my phone out. Andera will come out of this house, and she’ll go to the Scale–up Soiree as my date.
Just as I started calling her, the sound of a phone ringing chimed from behind the door, and I steeled myself for confirmation, but
when the door opened, my jaw almost dropped to the floor.
Sweet mother of God!
I blinked, twice. Just to be sure the woman standing in front of me was real and not a piece of my imagination.
She was breathtakingly beautiful, preternaturally exquisite.
“Andera,” I whispered.
She wore a body con emerald green dress that matched the sparkle in her eyes. Her auburn hair was cascaded in loose waves, and
the long slit in her dress revealed a tantalizing glimpse of her thigh
I was transfixed at the sight of her. I stuttered, trying to find more words, as I inhaled the sweet scent of lavender that wafted
from her skin. She looked ethereal, radiant.
The sight of Andera standing in front of me was exhilarating.
Andera’s eyes flashed with anger as she shut the door behind her, stepping closer to me.
“How did you find out my address?” she demanded.
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. “I have my ways,” I said, offering her my arm.
Andera’s eyes narrowed, and she walked past me and towards the limousine. I was still standing on her porch
“Are we going or not?” She shot.
“Yes, we are. ” I smirked. Looks like I’ll be dealing with The irritated Andera tonight.
As I walked towards her, I couldn’t help but stare. I felt my heart racing with something more than excitement. This feeling is
more needy and greedy.
Andera, on the other hand, looked like she was about to explode.
“You’re impossible, Thane,” she muttered, crossing her arms over her chest, she held up her hand before I could reply.
“I don’t have the strength to fight you. Let’s just get this evening over with.”
“You look beautiful, Andera. “I breathed.
“Oh please, Thane.” Andera rolled her eyes.
“I’m not joking. Tonight, I’m certain you will outshine everyone there. Because the way you look right now……” My eyes slowly
3/4
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“no
roamed over Andera, unabashedly taking in every detail, every curve. ” no red–blooded man could resist.”
Andera tipped her head back and looked at me differently. I held the back of her neck, pulling her closer. She didn’t lean in, but she didn’t push me away either. That was all the encouragement I needed.
