CHAPTER 5

Before I knew it, I found myself in a lounge.

Sitting in front of a bar.

As a surgeon, I disciplined myself not to drink.

But I was craving a burn that would make me forget the hurt in my chest.

“Non-alcoholic wine please.” 

“We don't serve those here.”

I raised my gaze, a frown decorating my face.

What kind of bar doesn't serve non alcoholics.

“Then give me water. Or you don't have that too, and you'd rather me drink your piss?”

“Woah, Diana.” A familiar voice came from behind me. “I didn't think you knew how to speak like that.”

I turned, unable to pin point the owner of the voice.

But it was eerily familiar.

“Bradley?” My eyes widened, and before I could register about how he found me.

Or why he quickly recognised me.

I had left my seat and ran to give him a hug.

“I was sure it was you.” Bradley gave me a bright smile, squeezing me all the same.

“It's been a while.” I said, releasing him. 

A while?

No, it had been six years.

Six years since I insulted him and threw him out of my house because of Leon.

Six years since I called him a broke bastard.

Tears came to my eyes instantly.

“I'm so sorry Bradley.” I sobbed silently.

His soft palm rested on my cheek, “Diana. Tears would ruin your beautiful smile. It's okay.” 

I nodded.

Even though I knew it wasn't okay.

“By the way, what are you doing here?” I asked, looking around and my mind finally booted, “How did you even recognise me?” 

His smile softened, bringing a brighter glow on his face.

“Even if we lived in a second life, I'd still recognise you. I am curious about what happened, and I spoke to your brother.”

My brother?

For anyone to have such connections with my brother, it would take a very high achievement.

I didn't ask. I was curious but some things were better left unsaid.

“That's really good, Brad. So what's up? How has it been and why are you even here?”

 Bradley smiled. It was the one he had always given me when we were kids.

And it never really occurred to me how handsome he was.

No wonder the girls chased after him.

I always saw him as a snotty kid.

But I guess six years truly made a difference.

“Missed you, I guess,” His voice faltered for a moment and then he looked at me.

"I heard about Leon."

The smile on Bradley's face faded slightly.

For a moment, neither of us spoke, and my chest tightened.

I didn't want to bring up that name but I get it was unavoidable.

I laughed— A bitter laugh.

"Which part?" I asked.

"The cheating? The kidnapping? The part where he left me to die?" I rolled my eyes. Or the part he caused the death of my child, I didn't say that.

I didn't think there was a need to. It was a grave I refused to dig up.

Bradley's jaw tightened. The look in his eyes told me everything. I guessed my brother would have told him.

"I'm sorry, Diana."

Three simple words.

Yet somehow, they felt more genuine than every apology Leon had never given me.

I chuckled.

Leon had never even apologized.

“Let's not talk about him.” I said, giving him a soft smile.

“That's fine.” Bradley answered and for once, it felt nice for some else to agree with me.

A waiter suddenly rushed towards us.

“Sir, the board members are waiting at the upper level.”

I raised a brow. Board Members?

The waiter looked flustered and he turned his gaze between the both of us, probably realising that he had interrupted something.

“I apologise for interrupting, Mr. Carter.” He quickly said, and then he walked away.

But just before he ran off, he asked another question, “Would you like me to prepare the chairman's private suite for you, Sir?”

My eyes sharply turned to Bradley.

The what?

“Leave.” Bradley frowned and the waiter ran off.

But there was no way I was dropping this matter.

“What did he call you?” 

“The chairman.” Bradley sighed.

“The chairman of what?”

“Diana…”

I shook my head. It was unbelievable. “Bradley, answer me.”

“The chairman of the Carter Group.”

My mouth fell open.

The Carter Group?

The same company that owned hotels, hospitals, shopping malls around this city?

The company my father once described as one of the rising businesses capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with ours in coming years?

“No way.” I gasped.

Hearing that, Bradley chuckled, “Unfortunately, Yes way. I have a lot of work on my hands now.”

It was hard to imagine.

Yet suddenly, everything made sense. I was only starting it notice it. The expensive suit, his confidence, the richness in his voice, even the sudden command of respect around him.

“That's massive, congratulations Bradley!” I moved in to give him another hug.

Before I could say another word, a familiar voice echoed behind us.

"Diana."

The warmth disappeared from my body instantly.

I didn't need to turn around. I knew it was him.

But this time I wasn't stiff. Or trembling.

“Mr. Fitzgerald.” I said, turning to him with a smile, 

“Congratulations on your mother's recovery.” I dragged the words slowly, knowing he would get the meaning behind it.

But it was like he ignored all my words, “Diana, we need to talk.” Leon said, stepping forward.

Then his gaze shifted and landed on Bradley.

Disbelief appeared on his face, before it vanished, replaced by a calm look.

“Chairman Carter.” He said.

And right on cue, Bradley did something I would never have expected.

He pulled me closer to his body, his hands tightening around my waist.

“Mr Fitzgerald. Is there a reason you need to speak to my wife?”

My heart skipped a beat.

Wife? What was he doing?

The word echoed in my head.

Across from us, Leon's composure cracked.

His jaw clenched.

His eyes dropped to Bradley's hand around my waist before returning to my face.

A dangerous storm brewed behind his gaze.

“Your wife?” Leon repeated, his voice dangerously low.