My ex-husband's nightmare - Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Mason
I steadied Lydia holding her in place. Staring into those orbs that I grew to love over the time we spent together.
She may look different, but she was still the same Lydia, who was scared of bees.
I laughed at the thought of this. Ignoring the look of displeasure on her face. Like she'd rather fall than have me catch her.
But this moment was interrupted by Julia's voice, an unexpected presence, “There you are; I've been searching all over for you.”
Lydia gasped loudly, and I quickly released her. She stood adjusting her clothes.
Julia walked towards us.
She had a smile on her face, which transformed into a look of surprise when she saw Lydia.
“Oh, you are here.” Lydia cleared her throat, maybe to clear the awkwardness that began to grow in the air.
Lydia and I are now standing opposite each other.
Julia seemed to be all over her. That look of admiration never leaves her face.
This should be awkward.
My ex-wife and girlfriend are in the same space. They've been in the same space before, but this was nothing like it.
But it wasn't awkward.
Julia had this look in her eyes as she stared at Lydia.
She slides her finger into mine, leaning towards me.
I searched Lydia's eyes for an emotion. Maybe a look of jealousy or anger, but I found nothing.
Her face was expressionless.
Something stirred in me as I noticed this.
Was it possible that all the feelings she had for me had disappeared? That was the only possible explanation as to why she looked like this.
“I didn't think I'd see you here.” Julia began. Lydia smiled a little, but it didn't reach her eyes.
“Me too. But I'm glad we met," she said.
“Miss Brooks and I were discussing business. We didn't get a chance to talk and-”
“We just finished discussing.” She looked around. “I can't believe we ended up here. This is a nice place, by the way; I'm guessing it's your penthouse?” She asked.
It was clear that she wasn't ready to expose the relationship we had, and I tried hard not to do the same. Maybe it would be better if Julia was kept in the dark
“Oh, really. You can come in if there's more to discuss. I'll get some tea for you as you speak. Or would you prefer coffee?” She asked.
Lydia shook her head and gestured with her hands, “No, there would be no need for that. I was just about to leave.” I noticed she kept a keen eye around, no doubt looking out for the bee.
“Alright,” Julia said.
“I'll drop you off.” I offered. She left her car. When I asked her to come with me earlier, I didn't think she'd be leaving her car on the highway, but she did and came down here with me.
“No,” she said sharply.
“I mean, you are already home.” Her voice grew softer. “I can find my way myself. You are far too kind, Mr. Woods.”
To Julia, she said, “Thanks for your offer.”
“You're welcome. Since you are business partners, we should hang out together sometime.”
Lydia didn't respond to this.
For a moment, her eye moved to our entwined hand. Something flashed through her eyes, but it was gone before I could decipher what it was.
She just smiled and walked away, her shoulders squared and her head held high.
There was something graceful about the way she carried herself. I couldn't stop staring at her retreating figure.
My heart rammed against my chest as I watched her. But not in the way it did when I was nervous.
If it was anything, it reminded me more of the way it used to be when we first started going out.
No matter how I tried to push it aside, I feared I might fall for Lydia again.
“She's such a nice lady; I sometimes envy her,” Julia said. “She's successful, smart and beautiful. I bet any man would be lucky to have her.”
I wanted to tell her yes. She was right. That's my woman. But I couldn't. I couldn't even say it to myself. It felt like a slap in the face.
She isn't mine anymore. And that felt so wrong.
We watched her go out of the gate and I feared that I may have made the wrong decision.
Maybe I should have insisted on taking her home. The gate closed behind her.
“Let's go,” Julia said
I removed my hands from her hold. I felt her stop walking for a while, no doubt surprised, but I couldn't care less about what she actually thought or felt.
I took large strides, she hurried to keep up with me.
I couldn't stop thinking about Lydia and while I walked. I imagined that it was her behind me.
My mind reverted to the moment in the car.
I noticed something I hadn't before. Her stomach. It was flat.
What happened to the baby?
Maybe I should have asked her. But the chance that she would give me a reply is low. Stopping in front of my door. I punched the key and the door dinged before opening.
“This place is so beautiful. Mason, you have quite a unique taste.” Julia's voice reminded me that she was still behind me.
“I have been waiting for quite a while.” I stopped on my track, massaging my temples.
I can't believe I am here with her. How, in God's name, did she get access to this place? How did she know about this penthouse? I don't allow anyone in.
I don't allow people in here.
I was about to turn when I felt her hand slide around me. She held me tightly, pressing her chest against my back.
I sighed tiredly.
“You left the restaurant earlier than planned. I was sad before, but I'm fine now. At least we get to spend the rest of the day together.”
I placed my hand on hers and slowly removed her wrapped hands. I turned. My eyes twitched. Her eyes softened. But there was this look of anticipation lurking behind her gaze.
I tried to keep calm.
I just made peace with her and don't want to ruin it.
But it was too much to hold in.
“How did you get here?” I asked, unable to hold back the question that popped up in my head when I first saw her.
This was my base. Aside from Lydia and my assistant Daniel, I haven't brought any other person here. So why was she here?
No, that's not even the right question.
“How did you know about this penthouse?”
“Mom told me about it. She said, "You like to come here most of the time to be alone.”
“How did you know I'd be here right now?”
“Mom said you come here most times after having a stressful day or when you're irritated.” She began, “I figured you weren't in the best mood when you left the restaurant.”
“Why would you think so?”
“Because of what happened with the VVIP session. I want to comfort you.” she said and took a step closer, not breaking eye contact even for a moment.
“The place we ate didn't matter; what mattered was that I was with you.” I let go of her hand and started towards the fridge. She was behind me. I pulled it open and took a bottle of water, which I gulped without using a glass.
“Well, Mom said you'd do this when you aren't in your best mood. Did the meeting with Miss Brooks not go well?”
“Can this stop this?” I snapped.
She raised a brow, “stop what?” I squeezed the bottle.
“Mom! She's not your mom, okay?”
I began walking towards the couch, “and I don't like it when strangers come into this place.” I couldn't stop the words.
I should have stopped it, but it just kept rushing out, “I didn't inform you about the penthouse, so why would you think I want you to come?”
She couldn't read between the lines; how could she be so dumb?
How did she work with her dad with that brain of hers?
She seemed hurt by my words.
I should feel guilty. But I don't.
I settled on the couch.
“I'm I a stranger to you? You brought Miss Brooks here. Now, you suddenly don't want anyone here?”
“That was for business.”
“I am no stranger.” Her tone matched mine, she sat close to me, “and we are engaged,” She said.
I shook my head, wishing she was far from me and not trying to touch me, “well, that's a fake ring. You know that I didn't give you that,” She grits her teeth.
“Then replace it with a real one. Besides, I'm tired of wearing this.” She screamed.
I could feel she was about to stir the conversation towards that of engagement. I wasn't in the best state of mind to discuss that. But she didn't mind.
In fact, it was the exact opposite for her.