Ex-Mate's Regret: Now He Wants Me Back?

Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

FOUR YEARS LATER

I stepped out of the glass doors of my company, immediately greeted by the flash of cameras and a barrage of voices calling my name.

Four years ago, I never would’ve imagined this would be my life. I probably would have thought it would get worse.

But here I was, a respected name, a leader, and a mother. All eyes were on me, not because of any scandal or shame, but because I had earned my place.

From being invited as a guest speaker to events to being the face of different magazines, I have evolved to a very powerful lady who no man can rubbish.

“Ms. Clara, how do you feel about tonight’s summit?” one of the reporters called.

“Is it true you’re considering a new project overseas?” another shouted.

I answered a few of their questions with a stern smile, careful not to give too much away.

When I reached the sleek, black car waiting at the curb, the driver held open the door for me.

"Welcome ma'am" he greeted, and I slid inside, feeling the comforting presence of my new partner, Maxwell, at my side.

Maxwell flashed me a smile, his hand brushing mine. We met at one of the events I attended and we've been together since then.

His presence was always steady, grounding me. And in the back seat, my son, Nico, was buckled in, tapping his fingers to some song only he could hear. His bright eyes caught mine, and he grinned.

“Hey, Mommy,” he said, kicking his little feet excitedly. “Are we going to the big werewolf party now?”

I laughed, ruffling his dark curls. “Yes, we are. But remember, it’s called a summit. And we need to be on our best behavior.”

“Right, best behavior,” he repeated, his tone so serious that Maxwell and I both exchanged an amused glance.

As we drove toward the summit, I felt a familiar anticipation building in me.

This wasn’t just any meeting. It was the first time I’d be stepping back into the place I had once called home. And I was doing it as a changed woman.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" Maxwell asked, placing his hand on mine with a comforting care in his eyes.

"As ready as I'll ever be" I replied confidently, giving him an assuring look.

When we arrived at the grand hall, Maxwell helped me out of the car, and together, we led Nico through the entrance. The environment was filled to the brim.

The energy was charged, with Alphas and Lunas from packs all over, but I didn’t let it get to me. I was here as myself—no shame, no fear. Just me.

Just then, as we entered the main room, I felt a familiar, prickling presence across the hall.

It was none other than the man I hated most in the whole world. Dominic. He stood there, flanked by Morgana, who clung to his arm with a smug, possessive smile.

Seeing both of them sparked an old anger in me, but I forced myself to keep my expression neutral.

Dominic’s eyes found mine, widening as he took in the sight of me. His gaze raked over my tailored dress, my confident stance, and I could see a hint of something—shock, maybe even regret—flicker across his face.

But then his gaze shifted, narrowing as he noticed Maxwell beside me, his arm resting protectively around my waist.

“Maxwell,” Dominic sneered, his voice dripping with disdain as he walked over. “Didn’t expect to see you here, of all people.”

Maxwell’s jaw tensed, but he kept his composure. “It’s a public event, Dominic. I have as much right to be here as you do. And if memory serves, you were always the one out of place.”

I arched my brow in surprise, it seemed like they knew each other.

“So, Clara…" Dominic’s eyes darkened, his gaze shifting back to me, "I see you’ve moved on.” His words were more of a statement than a question, his tone laced with bitterness and… jealousy.

I met his stare head-on, my blood boiling. He had the nerve to tell me that.

“Yes, I have. I don't waste time on people who never deserved me.” I replied boldly, staring at him with annoyance.

His mouth twisted in anger, and I could see his fists clenching. Morgana's smirk faltered as she looked between us, sensing the tension but unsure of how to respond.

Then Dominic took a step closer, his voice low and filled with menace. “You think this… loser here deserves you? If only you know who he really is”

Maxwell took a step forward, his hand gripping Dominic’s shoulder. “Watch your tone.”

"Back off," Dominic sneered, shrugging off Maxwell’s hand. "You always were good at stealing things that didn’t belong to you.”

At that, my patience snapped, I couldn't take it anymore. Without thinking, I raised my hand and slapped Dominic across the face.

The sound echoed in the hall, drawing the attention of nearby guests, who all turned to watch. They weren't just surprised, they were visibly shocked.

“You have no right to talk to him like that, Dominic,” I hissed, my voice filled with anger. “I am not your property and don’t pretend you ever cared. I owe you nothing. So stay away from me!, okay?”

Dominic’s face was red where I’d struck him, his expression was a mix of shock and fury, and so was Morgana.

He opened his mouth to respond, but I’d already turned away, grasping Maxwell’s hand. I was done with him.

But then, a shrill scream pierced the air, cutting through the tension like a knife. My heart lurched as I recognized the voice. What the f**k?!

“Mommy!” Nico cried, and I turned around to see him. Except—he wasn’t there.

I looked around frantically, my pulse racing. “Nico? Nico!”

Panic clawed at my chest as I scanned the room, but he was gone. My son, my precious little boy, was nowhere in sight.