The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction and Lies

18. Burgers and Bold Choices

Stepping out of the building, I brace myself for what could be an earful, maybe even the sight of an empty parking space where the car used to be. But there it is, parked exactly where I left it hours ago. The only difference? The windows are tightly shut, as though it’s a world all its own.

I stride over, heels clicking against the pavement, and tap on the passenger window with a raised eyebrow. The window rolls down, revealing Meera’s face – looking amused and just the tiniest bit annoyed.

“You’re back already?” she says, arms folded with mock surprise.

Inside, Matt’s sprawled out in the driver’s seat, eyes glued to her tablet that’s propped up on the dashboard. He’s got one hand in a bucket of popcorn on his lap like he’s having his own little movie night. I blink, momentarily taken aback, before a laugh slips out.

“Seriously? You two are watching a movie?”

Meera shrugs. “You were in there long enough to justify it. Had to pass the time somehow.” She pauses, glancing at me with that teasing glint in her eye. “So…how’d things go with Mr. Richard Steward? Will the CEO be lending a hand?”

I roll my eyes, sliding into the back seat. “Forget the details,” I say with a grin. “What are we watching?”

“Actually,” Meera says with a sigh, “we’re almost done with it.”

I lean back with a playful groan, folding my arms. “Of course. Leave it to me to miss all the good parts.” But honestly, I’m glad to see the lightness between us again. The tension that had filled the car before I left — especially with Mike’s news about his mistress — seems to have cleared.

“So, where to next?” Meera asks, stretching and snapping her tablet shut.

I give her a sly grin. “I’m starving. Let’s grab something to eat.”

She nods, immediately tapping open her tablet again to pull up the nutritionist-approved options. “Alright, what’s the craving today? Here’s a list, mostly on the lighter side – maybe the grilled salmon?”

I shake my head, laughing. “Come on, Meera, I’m starving. It’s a cheat day. I want a proper burger. Cheese, sauce, the works.”

She raises an eyebrow, but after a second, she shuts her tablet with a resigned sigh. “Alright, we’re doing real food,” she says, though I can tell she’s making mental notes to keep an eye on my intake tomorrow. “And the new phone?”

“Oh, definitely,” I say, my smile widening. “I’m done with being unreachable. Let’s pick up a new one on the way.”

From the look on Meera’s face, I can tell her comment about the phone was a joke. She clambers into the back seat next to me, her eyes narrowing as Matt revs the engine and we pull away from the curb. I can practically see the wheels turning in her head, her suspicion sharpening before her eyes widen ever so slightly. Oh, she’s figured it out — probably imagining the exact scenario. And yet, she chooses to ask me.

“So,” Meera says, her voice dropping conspiratorially, “what exactly happened in his office that took so long?”

Other than talks about how to win over the client? Well… and oh, great rough s*x against an office desk?

I smirk, holding out my hand where a phone number is neatly scrawled across my palm. She looks at it, wide-eyed, her gaze flickers to my slightly mussed hair, then back to my eyes. She doesn’t need me to say another word.

Meera leans closer, her voice dropping to a barely audible whisper as she says, “Nat… he’s your father’s friend. He’s old.”

“Meera, I know,” I whisper back, rolling my eyes just a little.

But she doesn’t let it go, her gaze unflinching. “No, I don’t think you get it,” she insists, her voice still low but intense. “First of all, this isn’t you. You’re not reckless and you are acting like that right now. And… he’s not just some guy you can walk away from if things get messy. If your dad finds out...”

“Then he finds out,” I whisper, trying to sound nonchalant, though I know it’s more serious than I’d like to comprehend right now.

She narrows her eyes, clearly unconvinced. “And you're just... fine with that?”

I take a deep breath, finally letting her see just a bit of the vulnerability behind my confident mask. “Honestly, Meera? I don’t know. But for once, I’m doing something that feels... like mine.”

All Meera does is frown at my words, before she looks away and decides the world outside the window is far more interesting.

Matt, catching the interaction through the rearview mirror, raises an eyebrow, clearly curious. I lean forward, looking at him with a grin. “Matt, consider yourself initiated. You’re part of the group now. And that means secrets.”

He lets out a low chuckle, throwing me a mock salute. “Understood, boss.”

Our first stop is at a retro diner on the outskirts of downtown called ‘Vinyl & Grill’. It’s a hidden gem my brother Neil and I found years ago, complete with neon signs, chequered floors, and those massive leather booths that make you sink right in. The smell of burgers and fries hits me as soon as we step inside, reminding me of late-night shoots when I was eighteen, and nothing but a greasy burger would hit the spot.

We settle into a corner booth, and I think of how I haven’t been here in years, not since Neil passed away. But when the old waitress appears, I don’t hesitate — and smile cheekily when I realise she doesn’t recognise me. “Cheeseburger, extra pickles, with all the fixings,” I say, and she grins like she’s found her new favourite customer.

She jots down our orders, including Meera’s reluctant “chicken salad, no dressing,” and Matt’s “double bacon cheeseburger,” and returns with a pitcher of soda and tall glasses of ice. I feel Meera’s gaze on me as I sip from my glass.

“Burgers, soda, all the fixings,” she says with an amused shake of her head. “This is the most un-Natalie meal I’ve seen you have in years.”

“Live a little,” I say with a grin, sinking into the plush leather seat. “Sometimes you’ve got to break the rules. Oh, come on! Don’t look at me that way, I’m feeling good.”

I’m celebrating, I should say. I’m celebrating the beginning of the downfall of my cheater husband.

Our food arrives, and as soon as I sink my teeth into that burger, I feel a little bit of heaven. Meera watches with horror and amusement as I eat without a single regard for calories or carbs, something she’s not used to seeing from me. She sighs as I polish off the last bite, then grabs a napkin and hands it to me.

“Speaking of breaking the rules,” she starts, leaning forward. “You really ready for that client meeting in two days?”

I wave her off, feeling pleasantly full. “Ric’s got me more than ready. I’ll be fine.”

After we finish up, our next stop is the new shopping centre uptown, a luxurious stretch of designer storefronts that smell of fresh leather, rich perfumes, and polished mahogany. I stride confidently into the Gucci flagship store, a familiar thrill sparking as I take in the racks of sharp suits, silk blouses, and elegant, structured dresses. I know what I’m here for, but I let myself wander, fingers grazing the fabric of a cashmere coat on display. Its tailored lines and soft texture draw me in, tempting me with a level of detail and craftsmanship that’s unmistakably Gucci.

The sales assistant approaches, recognizing me immediately. Her eyes sparkle with excitement. “Ms. Jones, welcome!” I don’t miss how she emphasises my maiden last name. “Anything special in mind today?”

I nod, glancing at the mannequins dressed in sleek suits and timeless dresses. “Yes, I’m looking for something to wear for my father’s business meeting. Something that says I’m here to make a statement,” I tell her, picturing my father’s face when he sees me step into that meeting room.

She smiles, clapping her hands lightly. “Absolutely. Let me pull a few options that might interest you.”

He hates the dress-up games I play, huh? I’m going to turn this into one, too.

I sift through carefully curated selections, from tailored silk blouses that fall perfectly against the body to high-waisted trousers that elongate my legs. It’s all as luxurious as I’d expect, but I take my time, knowing the pieces I choose today will make an impression. The fitting room is spacious, lined with warm lights that make even the palest complexions glow. I try on a dark navy blazer with brass buttons and a matching pair of trousers that hug my waist in just the right way.

I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, turning this way and that, and can’t help but feel a surge of confidence. I’m reminded of every red carpet I’ve walked, every role I’ve embodied, but this — this is something new. It feels like slipping into a different kind of power, one that doesn’t need the spotlight to make an impact.

When I step out, Meera takes one look and smirks. “Looks like we’ve found a winner.”

After finalising my purchases, we stop by a sleek electronics store just across from Gucci. It’s no nonsense — I’m in and out with the latest phone model, freshly unboxed and ready to go.

Once we’re back in the car, with my new bags safely stowed in the trunk, I set up the essentials. “Alright,” I say, saving both Matt’s and Meera’s numbers as we settle in. And Ric’s, of course. “Now that I’m officially back in the grid, I need you to drop me off at Aunt Lizzie’s.” I open the maps app and glance at Matt. “Let me just grab the address.”

Meera’s head snaps up in surprise, and I can practically see the questions forming on her lips. “Aunt Lizzie’s? You haven’t visited her in years,” she says, her voice tinged with surprise. “What’s this about?”

I gaze out the window, watching the city lights blur as the car starts to move. “I met her at Mike’s launch party. Sadly, we didn’t catch up much then. Now feels like a great time to do it.”

Meera doesn’t respond immediately, but I can feel her eyes on me, studying me closely. She’s seen me make drastic decisions before — she knows the side of me that’s impulsive, that chases change like it’s the only thing that matters. And maybe, in some ways, she’s wary of me now, seeing me dive headfirst into something new without fully understanding it.

But I meet her gaze and give her a reassuring smile. “Trust me, Meera. This is long overdue. I want to fix things, to be a part of everything I’ve been avoiding.”

She studies me for another moment, then gives a slow, reluctant nod. “Alright, Nat,” she says quietly. “Just… don’t rush yourself.”

I reach over, giving her hand a squeeze. “I know what I’m doing.” I say it with more confidence than I feel, but it’s a decision I’ve made, and I’m ready to follow through with it.

The car pulls up to Aunt Lizzie’s, a sprawling estate that feels as warm and welcoming as it did when I was a child. The driveway is lined with lush gardens, all perfectly maintained, and the grand, white-brick house stands out against the twilight like something from a movie. Aunt Lizzie has always been the eccentric in our family, living a life filled with art and travel, and I know she’ll welcome me in with open arms.