CHAPTER 3

KIA

"Is this dress pretty?"

I eyed the overly excited woman in front of me as she twirled and let out a disdainful groan.

"I don't care what you wear but I do care if I'm late for this occasion so let's get going now, shall we?" I replied.

"But it does look good on me don't you agree? Just as that blue tux looks fabulous on you, everyone will swoon at the sight of you." She chirped.

"Don't try to sway yourself into my good books by complimenting my looks, you'll never get it right," I warned.

She nodded her head and interlinked her hand with me and we both marched forward.

"Kia! Kia!!"

I shook my head vigorously for a split second as I heard the snapping of fingers and a soft voice jolted me out of my reverie. I looked up to see a pair of glistening eyes staring at me confusedly, I smiled and reached out to pinch her cheeks which were soft to touch, the woman who made my heart flutter every damn time.

"I've been calling your name like a billion times, what are you thinking about?" She scolded.

I wrapped my arm around her waist and drew her closer, she chuckled as our noses touched and I kissed her fully on the lips.

"Stop it, we're in public!" She giggled.

"Well, they'll all know you belong to me, don't they?" I boasted.

She chuckled and freed herself from my grip.

"I'm just going over to speak to some friends, I don't want you anywhere around them, they won't be able to get their eyes or hands off you and you know what I think of that so go talk with some men or do some sort of business, I don't care, just don't speak to a woman." She instructed.

I laughed softly and nodded my head, she twirled around and walked away, I watched her leave and I was more than content that she was in my life. I got myself a glass of champagne and sipped gingerly from it.

Life was perfect except for the occasional thoughts that intruded my train of thought. I sighed as I remembered my reminiscing session earlier, some events refreshed my emotions and brought back the ones I've had with her and though it had been years, she still managed to seep into my subconsciousness.

Moments later, my eyes scanned around for the one woman who made my life worth living in the pool of women and guests in the huge hall. Apparently; the new CEO of the fast rising C&K Company which has been making one hell of a wave in the business world was going to be unveiled tonight and as their partner and business associate, I had to be here.

My eyes fell on my lover as she had her back turned at me and I could see her shoulders tensing as she spoke to another person whose face I couldn't see so I walked over to them, ready to defend my woman but was shocked and taken aback by the sight that greeted me.

"Hi, Kia."

I could never forget that voice, the voice that haunted me barely half an hour ago but this time the owner was not the person I knew, not that I didn't recognize her but she was the upgrade of her.

"Carlotta?" I called out, shaken and confused.

"Nice to see you too Mr. Miller." She replied with a smile.

Her smile was as dazzling as her beautiful appearance, she was glowing! Her gown hugged her delicate body accentuating her womanly features and reeking of both wealth and affluence.

"Wh-what are you doing here?" I stuttered.

"What am I doing here? He asks what I'm doing here Sara, can you believe that?" She turned to a petite yet clean and pretty woman beside her and asked, they both laughed softly and I was still lost.

"You disappeared five years ago," I stated, clearing my throat and regaining my composure.

"You mean you threw me out and discarded me five years ago? Surprise! I'm back, thank you for asking." She retorted, sarcastically.

I chuckled softly and put a hand in my pocket while the other wrapped itself around Floria's waist as I could visibly see that she was infuriated.

"Can you believe this darling? Little innocent Carlotta here is now a mistress for old smelly men." Floria spat out, venomously.

I wanted to discourage her from engaging further but a voice sounded over the microphone calling for order and assemblage.

"I see you two are still together, good for you," Carlotta remarked, disdainfully.

"How did you-"

"I guess that's my cue now, ciao, it was nice meeting you, again." She interjected and walked away, with the lady trailing after her. She swayed her hips gracefully and carried herself with so much poise. Floria was as confused as I was but most importantly, I was curious to see what was going to happen.

"We're all gathered here to meet and reveal to the whole world the owner and force behind C&K Company; the fastest uprising company in the country and continent, ladies and gentlemen; put your hands together, brace yourselves, and savor this historical event as I present to you and welcome to the stage, the CEO of this prestigious company whom you all have been dying to see for months, Miss Carlotta Klein!"

A thunderous applause resonated through the entire hall as Carlotta mounted the stage and took the microphone, everyone was clapping except for myself and Floria. I was shocked to the core and so was Floria, half the words and address Carlotta gave flew past my ears and I stared at her in disbelief.

"What!" Floria exclaimed.

I shook my head to be sure I wasn't hallucinating but when I stared at Carlotta once more and she winked at me, I realized it wasn't a joke. She was the CEO but the question of how thumped hard against the walls that housed my brain and mind.

"This is impossible!" Floria whispered, staggering a few steps backward.

I couldn't recover from the shock and just stared blankly at the stage. I didn't know for how long or what time had passed and only got back to my senses as someone touched me. I looked up to see Carlotta and she smirked at me.

"Hi Mr. Miller, I am Carlotta Klein, I believe as a business associate we're going to see more of each other henceforth, do not be in a hurry to leave, there's a special package for you." She uttered.

I could see the mischievous twinkle in her eye as she spoke and stretched her hands towards me. Floria grabbed my arm, still dazzled, and urged me to leave.

"Let's go." She whispered.

I nodded and turned to leave but not without regretfully seeing the wicked grin plastered on Carlotta's face. As we hurried out of the place; Floria kept mumbling about how it couldn't be and the devious means Carlotta had used but deep down on the ride back home, I knew a force not to be reckoned with had been birthed.

It took me more than half an hour to calm Floria listen to all her illogical reasons and attempt to explain Carlotta's sudden revelation and after she managed to go to sleep, I was left with my thoughts. A sudden fear crept into my heart, there was bad blood between us, I wondered what was to become of my ex-wife and me, a twist had unexpectedly occurred.