Chapter 4

Kylie's POV

I was done with work, so Mark decided to drive me home, I turned to look at Mark, who was already looking at me.

"Thanks for the ride." I murmured softly.

"No problem." He smiled.

"Will I see you again?"

When I was safely within the confines of my apartment, I leaned against the door and let a sigh I didn't even know I was holding. I ran a hand through my hair, feeling that my frustration with life was at its peak.

"Maybe," I whispered, before sliding out his car and jogging into the complex. I didn't even look back to see if he had gone or not.

Seeing Mark mad me realise something that I thought I had already moved on from; I still had feelings for him. Even after all he had done to me, I still felt some inexplicable emotions towards him. He made me nervous, he made my stomach flutter with butterflies and he definitely made me feel hot all over.

But, he also made me feel angry, stupid and worth less a woman. How dare he just assume he can just shimmie his way back into my life as though nothing had never happened, a d not just that he has a finance who I will always call his mistress that slot. There were multiple reasons as to why we got divorced.

I pulled at my hair. "Stop!" I yelled at no one in particular.

"It's been more that 3 years. You need to move on, Kylie Carter. He is just you ex-husband, get that? Your ex!"

I paid no more attention to the thoughts racing through my mind, and made my way to the petit bathroom where I took a long, hot shower. After that, I changed into my pyjamas and headed to the kitchen to prepare some microwaved popcorn.

I opened up some files to sort out our new project coming in when my phone

began to ring. Perfect timing! I rolled my eyes and then looked at the screen. I had not idea who it was.

"Hello?" I answered, uncertainty evident in my voice.

"Hi, is this Kylie Carter, the general manager of the World's Recipes?" An unfamiliar, feminine voice asked.

I hesitated to answer for a moment. "Y-yes ....I am . Who is this?"

"I'm am calling to inform you that your company have been selected to provide on Recipes for our restaurants, and for that reason our boss will like to see a progression starting from tomorrow." the last on the other side replied, and Immediately I called Mr Smithy Boss to tell him the goodnews. So to celebrate our new achievement, Mr Smith invited some of the top staffs in the company to join him at tye bar, and Sara, Luke and the host of others was there including me.

I made my way once again to the bar hoping to get one drink before I left.

My previous plan was to make business arrangements and help the company, so we can start the supply of recipes to our new client first thing tomorrow morning but with Sara mad at me, she tried to make me understand why I have to stop seeing Mark or allowing him take me to my apartment, I knew Sara wants the best for me and because of that she tried telling me about Mark's fiance and what she is capable of doing.

“Hey.. Kylie you are too close with him, remember you are his ex and that slot Betty almost too your life because she saw the both of you together, just imagine if you continue seeing him what will happen" Sara said while we were about to order some drinks

“Sara I don't even know what and people probably connecting the dots too who I am I figured I should just forget about him" .

"Gin and Tonic?" The same bartender asked.

"No could I have whiskey." I said, giving him a small pleading smile.

The bartender nodded and left too go and pour my drink. As he disappeared I replayed all the events that had happened at the ball, in my head.

By far Luke having his sudden outburst was the most unexpected. I had trusted him for two years now and thought of him as a friend, Luke was always there for me even though we had soo many argument and our different opinions matters.

Mark on the other hand, I never thought I was leading him on even so he didn't stop when I clearly was uncomfortable and not giving him consent. I always thought of him as a respectful man but its crazy how looks and acts can deceive you, I still can of wonder why Mark will have a fiance so quick even though he still longs to be with me.

I don't even know where to sort out my feelings but I knew that my feelings didn't matter. As much as I could care for him he had a fiancé and I would do as she said, stay away from him.

And then Mark...

The bartender set a glass of a copper like liquid in front of me. I thanked him and grabbed the glass as I drank it all in one big sip. The cool alcohol burned the edge of my throat but I ignored the sensation when I felt the effect of it.

I will not be a homewrecker and if he is happy thats all that matters.

"Slow down their." Kenneth, Penelope's ex boyfriend said, appearing from the crowd and making his way towards me, Sara, Penelope and Luke and some other staffs who were busy drinking and talking about their own issues. We were done with our meeting and Mr Smith was gone but we wanted to chill out before heading home .

Kenneth, who happens to be my younger sister Penelope's boyfriend, left her we months ago and she has been trying to pick her life back since Kenneth was just the same with Mark, he never allowed her to work while they were together for 4years, and after their break-up it wasn't easy for Penelope to get back to her foot.

"Fine." I said, rolling my eyes and giving him a playful shove.

"What happened?" Kenneth asked, ignoring my attempt to distract him from this particular question.

"I almost did something I would have regret." I said, trying to be as vague as possible.

"Is that it?" Kenneth pushed, as he stood right next to me his back leaning on the bar much too the bartenders dismay.

"Might have ran into Betty as well." I admitted, wishing I had more alcohol to drown my embarrassment.

"Kylie you do know why Mark is engaged to Betty Kenneth asked, as his body shifted in front of me.

"No." I replied, raising my eyebrows in curiosity.

"It's an arranged marriage, his dad forced him to pick someone to marry so it would help the company." Kenneth said, his face dead serious.

My eyes widened and my mouth opened in complete and utter shock too what Kenneth had just told me.

"You're joking right?" I asked, still in shock.

"No, he hates her but he has to marry someone and she was the best choice due to her public figure and such." Kenneth explained.

"Oh my god. This is way to much for one night." I admitted, letting out a sigh and placing my glass back on the bar.

"Yeah yeah, I just am going to go home. I don't want to run into Betty again and I am exhausted." I explained, wrapping my arms around Kenneth body giving him a small hug. He let out a small chuckle and hugged me back, placing a small kiss on the top of my head.

"Are you okay?" Kenneth asked Penelope my younger sister who had come to join me at the bar, she was talking with Sara, his face filling with concern. Then she snapped.

"Well, friend, if you must know, I am not doing well, I live in a friend's apartment and my boyfriend recently dumped me. I went jobbing hunting today because I am practically penniless but guess what, I found nothing. I have no job experience. How does that sound, friend?" she spat acidly, her chest heaving in frustration.

He sat there, looking speechless. There was also something flashing in his eyes, what was it? Pity? That was the last thing I knew Penelope needed from him.

"You're sorry, I know. But you apologising isn't going to fix anything. My life has been a mess since time immemorial, and seeing you today just worsened it. I know I forgave you but seeing you again is just too painful."

"I-" Kenneth began but she silenced him by raising her hand

Luke, Sara and I left Kenneth and Penelope to sort out things, and while we were talking I heard at my back telling the waiter his order, by that time Sara and Luke had ready left the bar because they will coming to work tomorrow obviously but I couldn't leave with Penelope so I waited.

When I saw Mark, with that, I stood up and wanted to move to another sit only for Mark to grab me by the elbow right outside the cafe.

I tried to shrug him off, and he let go. "Don't bother. My life with you should be over, please Mark don't bring back my bitter memories about you." I turned to leave, only for him to have my arm in his hand.

"I messed up big time, I know. What can I say but I'm sorry. I want to fix my mistakes-"

"Mhm, I just want too insure that these investments are spent wisely and that my money that is going into your company won't be wasted." He replied, rising one of his eyebrows at my tone.

As he said that not only did I internally roll my eyes but I could feel my nails dig into my palms. Mark was trying to bring up the investment plans which we discussed at the meeting earlier today, and I guess he didn't. go well with him even though the second client Mr Kennedy already offered us a contract, Mark was too careful with his money and he thought my company was going to scam him or make him go bankrupt

Not only did he insult me and my company but he made me roll out of bed for this. But these investments were important and I couldn't let him get too me, he was just another client.

"Mr. Johnson I assure you that it will not be. If you look at our companies financial reports you will see that all investments are well spent." I said, trying not too let the annoyance escape through my teeth.

"I told you not too call me that" He said, his fists clenching as his jaw clenched.

"Excuse me?" I replied, now agitated that he was getting all worked up that I called him by his name.

"Kylie-" He started before I put my hadn't up too stop him as I stood up.

"You will address me as Ms. Carter, I do not care if you want me too call you something else other then your last name but I will be called Ms. Carter whenever we discuss about work related issues." I stated, emphasizing the word my.

As much as I tried too tell him that respectfully I noticed that it only managed too anger him further, he was now standing up and had his fists clenched, significantly harder then before, at the sides of him.

"Kylie, stop fucking pretending that we are just business acquaintances. You are my wife." He said, his jaw clenched tight as he finished.

I started at him in shock, my mouth open as the anger slowly boiling inside of me.

HIS WIFE.

His he fucking serious.

"Now lets get one thing straight right now." I hissed as I walked over too him, each step only fueling my anger.

"I am no longer your wife, you made damn sure of that when you signed the divorce paper, even when you knew why that happened at the first place." I said, lacing each word with venom as I now stood right in front of him.

"You are a fucking bastard and if you think that you have the right too say that we are more then business partners you are dead wrong. Count your fucking blessings Mark because I am not one of them. I am gracing you with this business opportunity but I can take it as quickly as I offered it if you don't get your shit together." I continued, beyond angry.

I looked up at him and watched as his lips turned upward into a small smirk.

What the hell is wrong with the man?

I rolled my eyes at his statement and began walking away from the table, no longer angry but frustrated at him.

"You called me Mark." He said, unclenching his fists and relaxing his jaw.

But just as I was about too step out I heard one last thing that made me question everything. I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest in an attempt to cover some clevage.

“And you need to stop seeing that freak called Kelvin" Mark said and I had to turn back

"It wasn't your place to do that, Mark. Who I go out with isn't any of your damn business. We established that already," I deadpanned, looking away from him.

"You established that, but I never agreed to it. I warned you against the absurdity of entertaining Kelvin, you didn't listen and I acted."

He laughed mockingly.

"Certainly not. I definitely don't think of you as my husband but as my ex." I shivered at his words.

"And you know what?"

I scoffed.

"Got to hell. You're not my father or in any position to boss me around."

"What?" he murmured, feeling my pulse in my ears.

Suddenly, I felt his presence behind me. He was literally pressing against me, and I could feel his hard body, which was clad in ravishing black tux.

He leaned down, bringing his nose to my neck. He trailed along my jaw, breathing me in. By now, my body was surely trembling.

Then he stopped at my ear. I felt his lips brush against my lobe.

"If I were your father, I wouldn't be thinking of ripping that dress off and taking you right here, right now."

“Well go get Penelope let me drive you to your apartment" Mark said trying to compose himself since all eyes were how on us.

He wasn't wrong about that. I would probably be drenched by the time I reach my apartment complex. That's the only reason why I let him lead me to a black Ferrari parked right outside of the cafe, that was the second time he will be carrying me home today, but I couldn't refuse the ride as adviced by Sara because it was late and Penelope was already drunk, I could get a taxi or ride nearby....I think I need a driver as soon as possible

"At least let me take you home. It's raining and you don't have an umbrella, and secondly Penelope is drunk."

"What are you, a millionaire?"Penelope asked trying to find her way to the back sit

I stood still for a few moments, just gawking at the black beauty, Mark is indeed a billionaire... even though he had carried me on several occasions in his car, I have never seen this particular car of his.

"Are you going to get in or not? You'll get wet if you just stand there all day looking at my car." He looked at me, humor dancing in his eyes.

Once we'd buckled up, Mark brought the engine to life and swifly moved into the road.

Listening to his advice, I slid into the car to avoid getting any wetter. The interior was so exquisite. I couldn't possibly imagine how much the car cost. Probably worth much more than all his cars, anyway I wasn't bothered about it since I have a car and also a working class lady, although I might not be collecting 6 to 7 figure salary but I was satisfied and with what I had

"Well," he paused, "I'm actually a billionaire. Get in the car, will you!" Mark answered Penelope as she hops in at the back

"Where to?" he asked, his eyes fixed on the road.

“Well, we will have to drop Penelope at her friends place and me to my apartment, I guess you already know my apartment" i said and the rest of the ride was silent and soon, he parked his car on the side of my apartment complex. I unbuckled my belt, and placed my hand on the car door handle.