Chapter 4 Ex-wife
~Five Years Later~
The City of London was aglow with the enchanting lights of luxury. The night was still young, but the atmosphere was charged with excitement. In the heart of the city, at the most prestigious hotel, an extravagant event was unfolding – an evening party unlike any other.
As guests mingled and revealed in the opulence surrounding them, a remark floated through the air, acknowledging the host's unparalleled party-throwing skills.
“No one is capable of throwing a party quite like you, Caesar,” someone exclaimed, their admiration evident. Caesar, dressed in a black tuxedo raised his champagne flute midair and smiled. He was the epitome of sophistication and wealth, looking pleased by the compliment. With a sly grin on his face.
“It's our company's anniversary… I thought it fitting to throw a grand dinner party, allowing everyone to indulge and enjoy themselves.” There was a cunning undertone to his words, suggesting there might be more to this event than meets the eye.
Caesar excused himself from the bustling crowd, feeling the need to find his wife, Sophia. As he began to make his way through the lavish party, an unexpected commotion caught his attention, causing him to pause in his tracks. Whispers and murmurs spread through the crowd like wildfire, piquing his curiosity.
“Wow, she's stunning!”
“Now that's a beauty…she's gorgeous,” Turning his gaze toward the source of the excitement, Caesar couldn't believe his eyes.
“She looks familiar,” a woman in a stunning red gown caught his eye. She had flowing dark hair and a captivating smile that drew everyone's attention. The room seemed to fall silent as she entered, with all eyes fixed on her.
“No way!” Caesar's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the woman. It was Grace, his ex-wife, who had disappeared from his life without a trace five years ago. He couldn't believe his eyes. How was it possible that she was here, in the same city, at his party?
Caesar composed himself, collecting his thoughts and deciding how to approach this unexpected reunion.
Meanwhile, Grace scanned the place with vivid eyes. A familiar feeling washed over her. It felt like a day that she left. But here she was, back to where it all began.
“Thanks,” she muttered when the waiter handed her a glass of champagne. Her well manicured hands circled the champagne flute when the waiter guided her to a reserved table. She took a sip, ignoring the stares from around her.
“Grace, is that you,” a familiar voice spoke, making Grace freeze in place. However, that disappeared and was replaced by a stern expression.
“Where have you been…oh my God, you disappeared for five years,” Caesar asked, his voice filled with trepidation. Grace slowly rose to her feet, coming face to face with her ex-husband.
“Yes, Mr. Anderson, it's me,” she replied, her voice barely audible. “I never thought I would see you again.” Her gaze was stern and distant as she took a sip of champagne, a small smirk playing on her lips.
“You don't know how happy I am…”
“Please, excuse me,” Grace cut him off before he could finish his words. She didn't even look at him when she walked away, disappearing into the crowd. Caesar was utterly speechless as he watched her. She was different, not just her appearance. But her behavior. Just as he was about to go after her. A phone started ringing. Searching around, he spotted one on the table where Grace was sitting earlier.
“This…” he picked it up, someone called Princess was calling.
“Hello,” he decided to answer when something unexpected happened.
“Mommy…mommy can you hear me,” a little angelic voice spoke, causing Caesar to feel a sizzling warmth?
“M-mommy where…”
“What are you doing?” Grace snatched the phone from Caesar angrily. Caesar, who was still recovering from shock. Glanced at Grace, mixed emotions filled his eyes.
“Mommy? Is she your child?” He asked hesitantly, his eyes searching for an answer in Grace's eyes. But she cheekily looked at him.
“That's my friend's daughter… Mr Anderson, is this how you treat your guests,” Grace started, crossing her arms over her chest. She added “answering their phones”
“Grace, I know things…”
“Mr. Anderson… I'm one of your reserved guests… I'm here to enjoy myself…it's a lovely party,” saying that she excused herself, leaving Caesar rooted in one place. He couldn't believe it. Grace, who was always kind, just walked out on him.
“Sweetheart," someone spoke from behind, and it was Sophia. Caesar jerked back to his senses and faked a smile. Deep down, his eyes were on Grace talking to some men at the bar counter.
“What's wrong…you look as if you've seen a ghost,” Sophia asked and wrapped her arms around Caesar. To her shock, Caesar didn't hug her back.
“Sophia…let's talk to the guests,” Caesar said and left Sophia's hands. And walked away.
“What's with you…did…” Sophia started, but her gaze fell on someone unexpected.
“This can't be,” her hands clenched tightly at her sides. When did she come back? Sophia's anger flared up seeing Grace “Why is she here,” She glanced over where Caesar was and saw how he was looking at Grace.
Sophia's blood boiled upon seeing Caesar captivated by Grace. She couldn't understand why Caesar was staring so intently at her, considering she was his ex-wife. Sophia's eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched with anger. How dare he give Grace any attention?
Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Sophia stormed over to where Grace stood, a mixture of resentment and determination fueling her steps. Grace turned around gracefully, her elegant posture and confident aura only infuriating Sophia further.
“And to know you showed up again…” Sophia said mockingly, her voice dripping with disdain. She couldn't hide the hurt and anger that burned within her. “Don't you have any respect for boundaries? Isn't it enough that Caesar moved on and married me?”
Grace's eyes flashed, her lips curving into a condescending smile.
“It's a free world, Sophia,” she retorted, her voice oozing with superiority. “Why should I not show up? Why should I care about your feelings?” Grace's words cut deep, hitting Sophia where it hurt the most.
Sophia's anger surged forward. Her fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms.
“Because you're disrespecting the past!” Sophia shot back, her voice shaking with pent-up frustration. “You were his ex-wife! You had your chance with him, and now it's my turn! Can't you just let us be?” Sophia shot with rage. Grace laughed, letting out a cruel and mocking sound.
“Let you be? You're the one who married him after me,” she said, her eyes glinting with malice. “And for your information … I'm not here for such stupidity,” Saying that, Grace picked up her purse and phone and walked away, leaving Sophia fuming.
From afar, Caesar was feeling uneasy, especially the way Grace was behaving towards him.
“What do you mean she left the party? I instructed you to keep an eye on her?” Caesar muttered with rage, the security men knew the consequences.
“Who did she go with?” He asked after calming down.
“We don't know sir…but it was a man…” the man replied, Caesar didn't waste time but rushed towards his car. He would follow Grace and see where she was. Most importantly, who was that little girl over the phone?
To Caesar's luck, he caught up with the car Grace was in. She left the party without telling him. His mind was in chaos. He had never felt this restless before.
Soon he parked the car and waited for Grace to head inside the building. To know, the hotel Grace was staying at was not far from his company.
“When did she come…where has she been?” He asked himself once he exited the elevator. However, he hid by the corner when Grace stopped at her apartment door. The place was decent.
“Mommy, you are back!” Caesar heard a little girl scream in happiness. What shocked him the most was how Grace embraced the child. Although, he didn't see the little girl's face. When Grace and the little girl went inside. He hurried to the door.
“Mommy, did you find Papa…show me!” Caesar heard cheers from the girl inside when he knocked on the door. He had to get to the bottom of things.