Chapter 4

Kiara's pov

I stood in the corner of the office, watching the whole drama with amusement. Miriam was clinging to Leo like her life depended on it, for whatever reason; she really did seem incapable of letting go.

"Leo, forget about Kiara," she purred with a sweet yet controlled voice. "I will come up with another project, I'll lead it myself and bring Williams & Co. back on its feet."

She fluttered her lashes as if to ply him with that, but it only darkened Leo's expression. He did not even attempt to mask his irritation.

"That's enough, Miriam," he commanded and brushed her off so forcefully that she stumbled backward.

I smirked at the sight of her faltering. Miriam, always acted like she was untouchable. How satisfying it felt seeing her caught off guard.

"You know what Miriam," I said with my arms folded. "Your designs are trash just like your ideas. If you worked more and schemed less, probably you wouldn't be making a fool of yourself this way."

Her face turned red and anger surfaced. "You!" she snapped, taking a closer step to me.

I raised an eyebrow, daring her to do something but Leo stopped her before she could even react.

"Leave," he said sharply, his voice cutting straight through the tension.

"But babe-"

"Don't," he cut off, this tone warning her not to test his patience any further. "Just leave. Now."

Miriam stood there for a second with her lips very thinly pressed, but she finally turned and stormed out of the room.

"Good riddance," I muttered under my breath before I could also make my exist as well, Leo's voice stopped me.

"Kiara."

I turned to him with my arms still crossed. "What now?"

"We need to talk, just the two of us," he said, softer now.

I scoffed, shaking my head. "Look, Leo, I told you before; I am not going to change my mind. And there is nothing to discuss."

I was about to take another step but Leo grabbed my wrist. his grip wasn't harsh but It was strong enough to stop me.

"Leo, let go off me," I said, glaring at him.

But he didn't let go. instead he continued to pull me along with him.

"Leo, what are you doing?" I asked, stumbling slightly in an attempt to keep up with him.

Not a word came from his mouth. Before I knew it, we were in a small, empty room. He closed the door behind us and faces me with an inscrutable countenance.

"Let me go," I said with a yank to my arm.

"Kiara," he started in a low-yet-intense voice, "what are you doing? Are you trying to punish me for past mistakes?"

I laughed bitterly. "Punish you? Don't flatter yourself, Leo. You're no longer that important to me."

He flinched at my words,but he continued. "I've apologized a hundred times. I still want you...my wife."

I stiffened, my jaw tightening. "Don't you dare call me that," I hissed. "You're only saying this because of the project. Admit it."

"No kiara," he said, eyes locking into mine. "It's not just about the project. I still love you. I came back for you that day, but you were gone. I've been searching for you ever since."

"What am I doing with that information? ohhh am supposed to feel good that the Almighty Leo has been searching for me."

"And did I hear you mention Love?" I said, the word bitter on my tongue. "That word died long ago, Leo. Just like—"

Before I could finish, he closed the gap between us, kissing me passionately. For a moment, I stood frozen, caught off guard by the sheer suddenness of it. But then, reality set in, and I shoved him away with all my energy.

"Don't you dare," I spat, wiping my lips as if they'd been tainted by his touch.

"Kiara, I-"

"Let me go!" I commanded, my voice sharp and unwavering.

When he still didn't release me, I raised my knee and stroke him hard on his third leg.

He groaned with pain and stumbled back, clutching himself.

"It hurts, doesn't it?" I mocked him with a smirk on my lips.

"Kiara, what the hell is wrong with you? " he snapped, voice strained.

"What is wrong with me?" I shot at him. "And what's wrong with you? Pretending to want me when your mistress is just outside waiting for you?"

"Kiara, I--"

"Save it," I interrupted, raising my hand, i turned to leave but on reaching the door nob, he rushed to block my exit.

"Move," I said pushing him aside.

He stumbled but quickly grabbed my leg in a gesture of clear desperation.

"What is this?" I snapped, gazing at him in disbelief. "This pathetic, and I haven't even started yet."

"Please, Kiara," he begged, his voice low. "Don't give up on the project nor refuse to work with me. I'll do anything you want me to do-anything. Just don't walk away."

His touch still has an effect that it used to have over me back then but I quickly shook it off, kicking his hand off me.

"You think you have the right to ask for help from me?" I said, my voice filled with anger. "After everything you and your mistress put me through? Do you even know how close I came to dying five years ago "

His face paled and guilt clouded him. "Kiara, I... I'm so sorry. I never-"

"Save your apologies," I spat, shoving him aside. "I don't need them. I don't need you. Stay away from me."

I turned to leave but he stopped me with his next words.

"I'll do anything you want," he said again, voice trembling. "Anything at all. Just name it."

I stopped, a slow smile creeping on my face as I turned to face him "Anything?"

"Yes," he said; with a desperate-sounding voice: "Just don't make them remove me from the contract."

"Fine," I said, folding my arms. "If you're serious, you'll transfer to me 55% decision-making rights and shares in Williams & Co. for the duration of this project."

His eyes widened in disbelief. "You can't be serious!"

I smirked, stepping closer. "Oh, I'm dead serious. Take it or leave it, Leo. Your choice."