I Want You Back

Two: The Meeting

Sofia Andrew

I witnessed as the sun rose and lightened up my whole room. It looks so beautiful, and yet, everything feels so wrong.

I knew that this would happen. I knew the moment he left for London that his reputation would rise. He'll be known internationally, and he won't need me anymore.

"Oh, you're still in bed?" Carmen pointed as she entered with my usual coffee and cookie, my daily dose to energize myself.

"The sun just brightened up the world, but everything is still blurry."

"Hm, did you not have a good night?"

The worst after a long time, I think.

"And Angel?"

"He was in his office all night and left at dawn."

.

"Carmen, can you do me a favor? Can you help me pack my bag?" After I said that, her eyes widened in shock.

"Will you be traveling? What do you want me to pack?" She asked in uncertainty.

"Everything," she said, looking at me in confusion. "We agreed on separating. Therefore, I need my things packed before he arrives this afternoon."

"But.. separation?"

"Carmen, did you not see this coming? You knew that our marriage isn't like what they said on the news, so... there is no need to continue this charade."

"But you love him..." It's my turn to be shocked. "I can see it even though you can hide it from him."

"Please don't mention that again. Can you pack everything so I can get them later?"

"Where will you be staying?"

"I have my apartment. It's not as big as this, but it's good enough for me."

Despite my heavy heart and body, I finally dragged myself from bed and prepared for the day. When I'm ready, I feel her stare at me.

"What is happening?" I asked her.

"I just don't think it suits you."

I'm wearing blue jeans and a black top with a white blazer. Simple, like I always have.

"Like how?"

She smiled before entering my closet and went out in a purple dress a few minutes later. It's a dress a few inches higher from the knees and a little bit more revealing on the chest area. I reluctantly accepted it before trying it on. I only wore it once at an event three years ago, and I forgot how beautifully it fits me. It showed my curves, and my boobs were just fine. I paired it with a pair of high heels and a blazer.

"There you go. You are now ready to make Angel realize what he lost."

"That won't be the case. Ever. He never even once noticed me. He hates me because of a woman worse than evil, but he just won't realize it."

"Is he leaving you for someone else?"

I said I don't care, but it affects me just thinking about it.

"It's your boss's ex, Carmen. Before we got married."

"Do you know her?"

"We were in the same university. Angel and I used to compete with each other to see who was the smartest between us. And then, when we finally got along, she came into the picture. When I fell for him, everything changed between us. He became cold and distant. Sometimes, not only to me but to other women."

"But I'm sure you're prettier than her."

"Maybe, but she's always in his heart. Angel is blindly in love, and he can't tell what's right or wrong. What I want to know is why he said I did something to break them up," I said with a frown.

That's what kept me up all night. When it comes to that woman, everything is possible.

"She's a bad woman!"

I chuckled at that. "Get to know her because she'll be your new boss. I will try to be here early, but just to be safe, tell Xander to prepare the car, and if everything's ready, just take my things to my apartment. He knows where it is."

I felt eyes on me the very moment I stepped into the company. I don't know if it's because they know about my divorce or because I am now the new president. I raised my head and tried my best to hide how broken I was inside, despite how beautiful I looked on the outside. I walked my way to the office with my secretary behind me.

"Mrs. Leffman, you have a meeting today with the board at Let-technology."

"Sara, I told you not to mention my company when we're here," I reminded my secretary.

Let's say technology is where we invent new models of computers, gadgets, and systems. It is where the majority of my income comes from, but it also takes the most of my time.

"I apologize, but I did not get to inform you yesterday because you were with Miss Amelia."

"Alright. What time is it?"

"At two o'clock. After that, you have an appointment with the designers for the new design."

"Sara, do you have anything for me about the company we're in right now?"

Sara flinched a little. "The meeting room is ready. The investors have confirmed their attendance, and what's left is Mr. Leffman's appearance."

Maybe because he's with his beloved Elisa and they celebrated our divorce. I said it bitterly in my mind.

"Okay. Once they arrive, escort them to the meeting room, and once Angel arrives, inform me so I can join the meeting. You may go. I have a few calls to make."

I called the partners from my other companies and my lawyer as well. I also called Amelia to contact Angel's lawyer to make sure that everything's legal.

"I am anticipating your call, but not this early."

"I would have called you last night," I said in a low voice.

There was a short pause before she talked again. "Okay, what happened?"

"Last night when I came home, Angel was there."

"The hottie was waiting for you then. Was there a fight?"

"Not this time. He asked for a divorce, and I accepted it. I also found out that he hates me because I apparently did something to him and his ex, who came back, by the way."

"Wait a damn minute! What did you say? You can't just drop a bomb like that."

"Let's meet tonight in my apartment, and I'll tell you everything."

"Apartment?"

"Yes, Amelia. You will also help me with my things," I said to lighten up my mood a little.

"You will live there again?"

"Yes, but I will tell you everything later."

"Okay. I will bring the strongest drink there is."

I laughed a little. "Just don't miss it."

"You're crazy as if I will. I'm dying with intrigue as we speak."

There was a knock on the door, and Sara came in. "Ma'am, Sir Angel has arrived."

.

"Perfect, I'll be there. Amelia, I have to go. They are probably waiting for me."

I ended the call and took a deep breath. I gathered all the courage I had in order to not lose my mind. When I was ready, I entered the meeting room, and all their attention turned to me, including Angel's.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen. How are you?" I formally greeted everyone with the best smile I could make, despite the discomfort I was feeling.

"Not as good as you, Sofia. Every day, you're looking more and more beautiful." One of them complimented me.

"I agree. Just when I thought you couldn't be more pretty, you surprised me."

"Your beauty blooms when you're with Angel," another one said.

"Are you saying that I don't look good when he's not around?" I asked with a raised brow, feeling a little annoyed.

"Never. I'm just saying that you look beautiful today." The man clarified with an awkward laugh.

"Well, I woke up with such beautiful news. The sun is beautiful today, isn't it?"

I'm sure Angel agrees with me, right?

I finally turned to look at Angel, and I saw how his jaw clenched, and he appeared to be in a bad mood.

"It's best to start the meeting now."

After we all sat, the meeting started with an invisible tension between Angel and me. He started with the details of his travels, and I followed them with the company while he was gone. After this, Angel took the stage.

"Gentlemen, I would like to inform you of some changes in the company." Angel's eyes found me for a second before he faced the partners. "Sofia and I are getting a divorce." Everyone was shocked, and they glanced back and forth at us. "I understand that this might seem surprising, but this is what we wanted. However, I'd like you to know that this won't affect our business. I will remain as one of the company's board members, and I will still attend meetings. Sofia will now have my seat as the president, but I understand that it might cause doubt because of her gender."

"Having Sofia as the president would be an honor. Her talent is exceptional." One of the partners cut him off.

"Thank you. I appreciate that."

"I'm just telling the truth. Another one of them interrupted. "No offense to you, Angel; with Sofia's skills, your absence won't be too noticeable."

"But we're confused about the divorce. I mean, we haven't seen it coming."

Angel's eyes sharpened for a second. "That is something between the two of us, but I can see now that you wouldn't mind her being the president."

"Of course not. Your skills and leadership have led us to success, and no one can argue with that. I'm just thinking that you will lead us internationally."

"No," I said before Angel could beat me. "Angel has his own problems, but rest assured that it will be handled like usual. About our divorce, things can happen. We love each other, but things changed. Don't bother yourself with it because there won't be any problem."

"There's no need for that. This is our business," Angel said with a weird tone in his voice.

"And that leaves us to congratulate you on your new position, little gem," one of the board members who's always called me that said.

"Thank you."

"Angel, I hope you'll do well and see you from time to time." One of the gentlemen greeted Angel, and the others followed until there were two of us left.

"That wasn't as bad as I expected," I heard Angel say when we were alone.

"And why would it be? I am the face of this company. You only attend meetings and sign deals. There are not many changes if you think about it."

"Is this funny to you?"

"Why are you in a bad mood? Shouldn't you be happy? You have your own company now. You gained popularity both nationally and internationally. We are now divorced and you are a free man. Why don't you look like one?"

"I'm happy that I got rid of you."

"Then put on a happy face. Show how happy you are to the world because you don't look happy, freedman."

His eyes narrowed at me. "On the contrary, you look happier. You lost nothing in the divorce. I wonder if that happiness is because of the promotion or because you're no longer married?"

"Why is that important? Don't you find it ironic that everyone thought we were the perfect couple, that we were in love, but we are nothing but. My point is, now that everyone knows about this, they would want to know the reason. Now that we're free, men would flock around me, and that's the same with you."

"True. You are nothing but ambitious, fake, insecure, and..."

"Blah, blah, blah," I interrupted him. "And be glad that you no longer have to put up with me. Tsk, but you ended up in a worse situation."

"And what do you mean by that?"

"I will explain to you, but you'll get angry and you'll make a fool out of yourself, and I'm in such a good mood for that."

"What did your family say?"

"What did yours say?"

"I will tell them when I bring Elisa with me later."

What he said pained me, but I already saw that coming.

"Your mother would be happy to have a daughter-in-law like her, and your sister no longer has to put up with her. I can imagine them shopping and gossiping all day."

"Elisa is not like that. You just did not get along with them."

"As you are to mine, your family just can't accept the fact that despite having all the money and reputation, they are not on the same level as my family. So when they saw the opportunity, they grabbed it."

"Like what your father did to grow his fortune. He sold you like a used machine." Angel spat with venom, and it hurt. He really knew where to hit.

"That's nothing new, but you are wrong about one thing. He did not force me to marry you to grow his fortune. We are both rich, but he can't entrust the company to a woman like him. If you think about it, you were sold as well. We are both merchandise to our families."

He's now looking at me like he wants to kill me, and I know I hurt him. He always wanted to show how superior his family was without our family and how he wanted his father to be proud of him, but he's too proud to admit that.

"Your father would be proud to know that you built your own name and managed to make it known internationally. Your mother would be happy to meet someone who can give her a grandchild, and your sister would be happy to have someone like her. Now, doesn't that sound perfect?" I said with a clap.

"You are right. They will be glad, but maybe not your dad," he threw back.

"My dad is none of your concern, and I don't think you care about his reaction."

"No. Getting rid of you is the best thing that happened to me."

"We are all happy, so bye; see you when I see you."

"Don't forget to get rid of your things before Elisa moves in. You have a week. If you want, I can help you find a place."

"Thanks, but no thanks. In fact, you can even take her to your house now because my things are no longer there."

He looks at me, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Exactly what you heard. You can now take your queen to your palace, and I think she'll like it. After all, she perfectly fits there, like you."

"You want to escape that much, and it did not even take you a day to take your things?"

"I am not escaping, but that house isn't for me. I resented it the first time I set foot on it, and I just tolerated it. You two, on the other hand, would be perfect to live there."

"Do you think what you're wearing is appropriate for work?" he suddenly asked with a strange look on his face.

"And what's wrong with this? I like it."

I studied his reaction. He looks handsome but strange.

"I don't think that's appropriate. The way the men looked at you made me uncomfortable."

"Let's see, since when do you care how long I take a shower, what time I get home, or how I dress, Angel?"

"I don't care about them all. I'm just stating my opinion."

His phone rang, and I saw on the screen that it was Elisa who was calling him.

"I'll leave you to that before it becomes a thing you'll be angry about."

"Don't you dare think of bothering her because I won't let you this time?"

"I have much more important things to do than even think about you two," I said with a smile before tapping his shoulder and leaving the room.

My day ended with meetings. Carmen called me and told me that my things were now in my apartment. When I got home, my things were organized, and I even had dinner, thanks to Carmen. A few moments later, Amelia arrived.

"I am gracing your presence with vodka, tequila, appetizers, and ice cream for the occasion," she said dramatically.

"Ah, just in time."

"I know. Now tell me every juicy detail, woman."

"Do you want the free trial or the premium?"

"The VIP one."

"Well then, he told me he wants a divorce, something we both know is bound to happen." I paused and drank tequila straight from the bottle because I was not in the mood for glasses. "He told me to leave, which I gladly did. You know, I never liked that house anyway. Then I asked him why he hated me, and he told me I did something to his beloved Elisa. I did not understand it, but I'm sure it's a lie. Whatever it is, it made him hate me."

.

"That woman. I've never liked her since college. She's arrogant, insecure, fake like her boobs, and—" I cut her off with a laugh.

.

"It looks like Angel's the only one who doesn't know. Well, whatever it is, he hates me for it. If only you saw his face when I asked him why." I shuddered at the mere thought of it.

"What did he say to you? When it comes to that witch, anything is possible."

"I have news for you. That witch is back after so many years. She came back to the man who welcomed her with open arms."

.

"She's back. How is that possible?!"

"She's the love of his life, and that's nothing new. He's the only one who knows what she said to him, and there he is drooling over her like always."

"If you know what she is, will you tell him that?"

"Are you crazy? He almost killed me when I asked him a simple question. Besides, he won't believe me. Someday, he'll see it himself. I just wish it wouldn't be too late by then."

"Will you just let him go?"

"You can't take something that was never yours in the first place, Amelia. But guess what? I am now the president of Andrew and Leffman."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "No way! Your dad will have a heart attack!"

"Don't joke about that. He's not the best dad, but he's the only one I have, and I don't want him to die."

She shrugged her shoulders. "It's a good thing you got something great from that god-forsaken marriage, but it still bothers me that you two never had sex."

"And why is it bothering you?"

"Why did you not eat such a delicious delicacy? For God's sake. Wait, you're still a virgin! That should be illegal, Sofia," Amelia said dramatically while shaking her head.

I rolled my eyes at her. "Here we go again."

"Sofia, you shouldn't have kept your virginity, especially with a husband like that, even now that you are separating."

"I tried once, and I will never do it again. I will not go to a bar and shout, 'I'm a virgin, and who wants to take it?', are you crazy?" I deadpanned.

"Well, I assure you that you'll have a line of interested men that are willing to pay for that."

I laughed and shoved her. "i***t. You're drunk."

"I'm not drunk. You're the one who drank half a bottle of vodka while talking about a man who has no idea what he lost."

"Of course, because a woman like me can't even compare to her beloved witch, Elisa."

"You are the hottest woman alive, especially now that you are divorced."

"Do you know that, as we speak, he's probably having dinner with his family and her?"

"So soon? I never liked that family," she said in distaste.

"You dislike anyone I dislike."

"You hate everyone I hate. That is part of our best friend contract," Amelia stated with a cheeky smile.

We finally managed to drink every bottle, talking about ourselves and how much we hated men. Especially one that has a holy name but a devilish attitude.