Chapter 02
1197 Words
FARRAH TOOK a deep breath and tried to calm herself. She pushed aside the memories that were forcing their way into her mind.
Not now. Not this time…
Those memories were something she had buried a long time ago, believing they were a thing of the past.
“Where’s your boss?” she asked.
Instead of answering, the bodyguard gestured toward the waiting car, silently urging her to get in.
If she got in that car, she’d have to face Raze Elizalde. She wasn’t ready for that. This scenario had never crossed her mind when she planned her return to the country.
Farrah Margarette Villamor, relax. Don’t let these people see you’re suddenly nervous. That would mean defeat. Be fierce. As for Raze Elizalde? Like it or not, you’re going to have to face him.
Right. She was no longer the Farrah who blindly followed everything Raze wanted.
Seeing no other option—since it was clear Raze’s men weren’t about to let her go—she finally got into the car, holding her head high. She wasn’t about to let herself appear intimidated.
Sitting in the backseat of the luxurious vehicle, she clenched her fists tightly. Her hands itched to punch Raze’s face.
Why did he have to mess with her now? Did he have some new agenda?
The memories of their past, especially their last confrontation, came rushing back, painfully clear in her mind.
When they arrived at an exclusive village where the massive Elizalde mansion stood, Farrah pushed the memories away again.
That house...
A faint ache tugged at her chest.
The wrought-iron gates swung open smoothly, and the convoy of black cars entered one by one. The car she was in stopped directly in front of the mansion’s grand entrance.
She swallowed hard. She couldn’t let her emotions win, couldn’t let herself lose control. And if she couldn’t even manage that, how would she handle facing Raze?
No way!
She forced herself to focus on why she was here in the first place.
“Where’s Mr. Elizalde?” she immediately asked the staff member who greeted her upon arrival.
“He’s in the Study Room.”
She didn’t need to ask where it was. The mansion was just as she remembered it—unchanged, almost frozen in time. She could navigate every corner with her eyes closed, and she hated that familiarity.
Farrah blinked rapidly and steeled herself as she walked through the grand hallway. The Study Room was on the mansion’s first floor, a spacious room she knew well.
The door was usually locked, but oddly, it wasn’t today. When she turned the knob, it opened with ease.
She let her anger toward Raze take over, fueling her resolve. He had no right to intrude in her life like this.
Intrude?
Wasn’t he still single?
And why do I even care?
There was only one thing she knew for sure—their marriage had long been annulled before she disappeared from Raze’s life for good.
When Farrah opened the door to the Study Room, she didn’t bother closing it behind her. She walked straight in without even knocking, leaving Raze’s staff to shut the door for her.
Her gaze immediately landed on the man seated in an expensive swivel chair, his back to her as he faced a large glass wall. Beyond the glass, she could see a beautiful garden filled with rare, exotic plants. A tree stood at the center, making the view even more picturesque.
It was especially stunning when it rained, with raindrops clearly visible against the glass. Farrah was sure Raze was staring at that tree.
She cleared her throat to get his attention. “I have no intention of staying long, Mr. Elizalde. What is the meaning of this?” she asked directly, not bothering to sugarcoat her words.
After a moment, Raze Elizalde rose from his chair.
He hadn’t even turned around yet, but Farrah found herself holding her breath. How could she not? His back alone radiated confidence and appeal, hinting at how devastatingly handsome he must still be.
And when Raze finally turned to face her, Farrah’s world seemed to stop.
The past four years had only made him more striking—his features sharper, his presence more commanding, and his s*x appeal practically overwhelming.
She wasn’t prepared for this. Not for the way his mere presence still affected her.
Oh, damn your gorgeous face and sexy build, Raze…
I hate you for being this hot.
“Pardon?” His cold, velvety voice cut through her thoughts. Not only was he blessed with looks, but even his voice was maddeningly captivating.
Farrah mentally scolded herself, trying to silence her heart, which was now pounding wildly because of Raze Elizalde. How could she speak when it felt like her tongue had tied itself in knots?
And what exactly did she plan to say to him, anyway?
Oh, Lord, don’t let me lose my sanity now!
Get it together, Farrah Margarette! she yelled at herself internally. Focus!
Regaining her composure, she strode closer to him, determined to show she wasn’t pleased with what was happening.
That’s right, Farrah. Don’t look weak in front of Raze. You’re not the same woman who once followed his every whim.
“As far as I remember, we no longer have any business with each other, Mr. Elizalde,” she said, her head tilted slightly upward to meet his gaze, thanks to his towering height. He was like a steel pillar standing before her. “Four years ago, that was crystal clear to me—that we would no longer meddle in each other’s lives. So, what is this? Why did your men suddenly show up the moment I arrived? And how did you even know I was returning to the country?”
Damn it.
The man before her remained unnervingly calm, unfazed by her words.
“Aren’t you glad you got a free ride? Surprised?”
Her lips parted slightly in disbelief at his response.
“Mr. Elizalde, leave me in peace. Whatever connection we had in the past is over. Yes, I’m still grateful and thankful for how you helped me before. But let’s not forget—I helped you, too. So, we’re even. Now, while I still have some respect left for you, I’ll pretend I didn’t see you again or set foot in this place. Have a good day, Mr. Elizalde,” she said formally, turning to leave.
But before she could take a step, Raze’s voice stopped her in her tracks.
“I never annulled our marriage four years ago, Farrah. So technically, you’re still my wife. Now that you’ve finished your studies abroad, it’s time for you to fulfill your duty as my wife.”
Farrah froze, his words like a cold slap to her face. Did she hear him correctly? Her decision to step foot back in Chicago suddenly felt like a huge mistake.
Disbelief washed over her as she turned to face him again.
“W-what did you just say?”
Her chest felt like it was about to explode. If this was some kind of nightmare, she desperately wanted to wake up.
- Writer
