few minutes later, I am standing in front of a beautiful glass building. I’m awestruck as I take everything in. Even from the outside, I can already appreciate the artwork displayed. No doubt, the owner of this place has excellent taste.The name LENS is prominently displayed at the top. Clutching the file tightly, I make my way toward the entrance. The moment I step inside, I let out a gasp., LENS was already beautiful from the outside, but from the inside, it’s breathtaking. My eyes are immediately drawn to the array of paintings adorning the space.“Good afternoon, ma’am. Welcome to LENS. How may I help you?” I spin around at the sound of the voice behind me. The voice belongs to a beautiful lady. I assume she is the artist Uncle Tyler was talking about.“Hi, my name is Natalia . I have an appointment with you for 2pm. I’m here on behalf of Mr. Tyler Wilson,” I explain.“Oh, you’re the interior decorator,” she remarks.“Yes,” I reply with a smile.“Follow me, please,” she instructs
Ye… yes,” she stammers, and I feign disinterest as I watch her eyes dilate. I recognize this reaction, as it used to happen when she was on the verge of arousal. It seems not much has changed with Natalia . I frown at the direction of my thoughts. I can’t allow myself to go there.“I have some artwork on hand, but I'm open to creating more if needed. Tyler told me I'd be inspecting the property with you,” I say, awaiting her to response. I watch her frown, her eyes hardening with determination. I imagine she was pissed that I was acting like I didn’t know her, or possibly she was still pissed that I wasn't acknowledging her. She lost that right years ago when she left without an explanation. Thinking about it alone raises several questions in my head. Questions that will remain answered. The anger still burns within me when I remember how she got married. It’s as if I never really knew her, and everything we shared was a façade. Anyways, it's all in the past.“Perfectly clear,” she re
To be honest, you don't. You only have time for your work, and it makes me feel neglected," she says with a pout."I'm sorry about that. At least I'm trying to make it up to you now.”"Oh, yes, you are. Those flowers are beautiful, but more importantly, this diamond necklace is gorgeous," she beams, caressing her neck. I must admit, the necklace looks stunning on her. Stella deserves a bonus for picking out the perfect piece.I still remember how Mildred and I formally met at an event a few years ago. What was supposed to be a casual one-night encounter turned into this arrangement. Mildred is quiet, dependable, and not a hassle as long as she gets the luxuries she desires. Although, I've started to notice a change in her lately. It seems like she wants more, and I don't think I'm capable of that. I can't help but think about Natalia . It drives me crazy that even with Mildred here, my mind still drifts back to her. Mildred doesn't interest me as much as Natalia does. This dinner date
Tyler and I discussed accommodation arrangements, and I offered that, since I have a spacious beach house in Miami near the properties, his interior decorator could stay there with me. However, I didn't consider that Natalia might be the interior decorator."I'm not going to stand for this. In fact, we are going on this trip together.""What about your shoot?""I'll skip it," she says."You can't do that. This is your career we are talking about here," I tell her."Well, you're also my man. I'm not going to let her take you away from me," she declares."Your fears are unfounded. There is no way Natalia , and I are getting back together," I explain."I'm not ready to take any chances," she says with a determined look."Alright, if that's what you want. We’re leaving Friday morning, and please, don’t make me wait," I add."Great!" She squeals and throws her arms around me."You're the best. "I force a smile in response."I'll send some money to your account in case you want to pick up
You were late," Nathan remarks. I glance back at their direction and find her sitting comfortably on his lap with her arms coiled around his neck. She leans in, body pressing intimately close to his as her eyes meet mine. Slowly, it dawns on me - she is trying to stake her claim. "I had a lot of shopping to take care of yesterday. The important thing is I'm here now," she chimes in. "Alright, please take your seat. We’re about to take off," he says. "Sure," she says. I watch as she leans down and kisses him squarely on his lips once more before sitting beside him. It’s hard to overlook how she still has her arm wrapped around my Nathan .Damn it, he’s not yours,I try to remind myself. "Mildred, meet Natalia he introduces. An unspoken exchange occurs between them, and then he continues, "Miss Natalia Ford meet Mildred." "His girlfriend," Mildred adds before throwing me a fake smile. I can already tell this trip will be a long one. Who brings a girlfriend along on an important busi
Mildred, kindly stay out of this. This is my business,” he says as he turns to face her. He returns his attention to me.“Give me a second; I need to talk to my uncle,” I mutter before turning away from him. I quickly dig out my phone and dial his number. It rings for the first time, but he doesn’t answer. I glance behind me and find Mildred entering the first car while Nathan stands in place with his hands shoved inside his pockets. I remove my eyes from him when our gazes clash.“Please, pick up,” I mutter as I dial his number again. Staying under the same roof with Nathan is a big no, given how much he despises me. Besides that, it’s not ideal considering our past.“Natalia ” I breathe a sigh of relief when my uncle finally answers the call.“Uncle Tyler, thank goodness, I’ve been trying to reach you.”“Oh dear, I’m sorry, I stepped out of my office for a while. Are you in Miami already?” He asks.“Yes, Uncle.”“Oh, that’s wonderful; I trust your flight was good,” he says.“Yes, it
I square my shoulders, determined not to give him the satisfaction of winning this. I walk up to him and stop in front of him. He says nothing, and it makes it harder that I can’t read his expression. All I know is that he is staring at me.“My uncle has explained the situation.”“Good. I hope I won’t have to deal with you running to your uncle every time on this project when we face difficulties,” he says with a deadly calm voice. His subtle insult hits me, and I glare at him in annoyance.“I don’t run to him. I needed clarification only he could provide, and that’s what I asked him for. I didn’t think you would have a problem with that,” I state while folding my arms and watching him.“Good. Tyler said you were capable of handling this. I don’t want to believe otherwise,” he says. I clench my fists as I try hard to hold on to my control. I want to call him out for being unnecessarily insulting, but I restrained myself. Of course, I knew this is all part of his distaste for me. I won
"No, you didn't, Aunt Maryann," I assure her."Yes, I did. Please, when you're back, just talk to me," she pleads. I release a sigh knowing this is unavoidable."Okay, we will talk.""Oh, thank you," she says, and I give her a sad smile "How are you? How is Miami? Tyler said you are working with Nathan . That's a good reunion if you ask me. ""There is no reunion, Aunt Maryann. ""Nonsense," she says."Take this advice from me; enjoy your trip the best way you can," she says."It's a business trip," I correct her with a smile."Whatever. I can't wait to see you again." I chuckle."Me neither. Take care of yourself, okay?" I tell her."Will do," she replies before I drop my phone. I quickly get out of bed and take a shower. After getting dressed, I leave the room and take moment to admire the beautiful house. Surprisingly the living room is empty, and I feel relieved that Nathan hasn’t woken up yet. I assume the trip has tired him out or he is busy with Mildred. The latter thought doe