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

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Clara's POV

I was internally freaking out, not like there was much to be freaked out about. Dominic wasn't even saying anything or maybe his attention was on someone else not my son. But, no matter how hard I try to convince myself to believe otherwise, I knew the truth.

Clearing my throat loudly, his attention returned to me with obvious strain.

"Who's the kid?", he asked, attempting to inject a sliver of nonchalance in his voice but I could see through the facade. He wants to know.

I frowned, putting on an impatient look. "You called me out of a possible business connection to ask me the name of a child?", my voice held a hint of growing anger. It was good, he'd drop it after noting my sour mood.

Dominic shook his head, tearing his eyes away from Nico. "It's not like that."

"Really?", I scoffed. "I only followed you out here to save you the embarrassment of turning down your request from the public eyes", I huffed out. "It'd do you some good if you'd refrain from pulling me out of important discussions to ask silly questions. I have a gathering to host", I glared. "Excuse me."

"Wait", he placed a hand on my wrist to stop me but before I could protest, Maxwell was already at my side in the blink of an eye.

They faced each other, not really exchanging words. The atmosphere was tense, crackling with an unvoiced threat.

Dominic slowly pries his hand away from my wrist, his eyes still hooked on Maxwell's figure.

I grabbed Maxwell, tugging lightly on his suit jacket. "Let's just go. He's not worth it."

We managed to walk a few steps away from Dominic's intense stare when Maxwell began drilling me with questions.

"What did he say to you?", he whispered, his eyes straying to Dominic's figure at a distance. "Tell me", he continued impatiently.

"He didn't say anything", I frowned. "At least, he never got the chance to."

Maxwell shook his head. "I don't like him", he voiced out.

"He still demands respect. He's the alpha of one of the most powerful packs. Don't forget that."

I rubbed a hand on my temple, my lips downturned. "Where's Nico?"

"I asked the nanny to watch him. They're in the car."

"Good", I let my tense shoulders sag. The event was barely halfway done and I felt my sour mood intensifying. "You should go speak to some people. I need to take a breather."

Maxwell reluctantly nodded, walking off. I grabbed the opportunity, slipping out of the main hall and into a balcony.

The large curtains dimmed the chatter from the hall and obscured me from view. Finally, I let myself breathe.

What were they doing here? I had prepared myself for this moment, the time when I'd get to finally face Dominic and his stupid leech. But, they still bothered me.

I thought I was past this, the confusion, pain, regret all came rushing back in.

It irked me to no end.

I took deep breaths, clutching the banister. The cool night air hit my face, temporarily relieving the worry gnawing at my guts.

"Hey", a voice greeted, causing me to jump in alarm.

I placed a hand on my chest, wide eyed. A lady stepped out from a corner, her eyes shining in part amusement at my reaction. I recognized her.

What was her name again? Linda? No. Lucy.

"What are you doing here?", I asked, breathless from how hard my heart was pounding.

She blinked. "Sorry. I thought you knew I was here. But I think you were too into your head to notice me", she shrugged. "I'm not a big crowd person."

I opted for a tight lipped smile. Great to know my private moment wasn't so private.

"I'll leave you to it", I forced out.

"No. You can stay", she countered. "It's obvious you're trying to escape from...whatever. I don't talk much. You won't even know I'm here."

I nodded once, facing the view. It took less than a minute before she began speaking. So much for silence.

"I'm a huge fan of your work", she grinned, sticking her head in my line of sight. "I mean, you're so young but already creating quite the wave in the business world."

"Thanks."

"Every single time I go to drink coffee in the cafe right across the place I used to work, there's always a table talking about you."

I remained silent, not quite sure what to say at this point but Lucy didn't seem to care. She just continued.

"Within a short span of three years, you've built your company and made it contend with one of the best few in the country. How crazy is that?"

"I need to go back to the party. Enjoy yourself."

"Wait", she all but screamed. "You can't just leave."

"Why?", I raised a brow. "I have a party to host."

"I know. But your face looks so sour, like you'd set anyone on your path on fire."

"You're in my path", I answered blandly. "I could exhaust the last semblance of patience in me before this conversation comes to an end."

She chuckled awkwardly. "But, you could also potentially ruin a good business deal if you're not in the right state of mind."

She was right but instead of admitting how true her words were, I settled for a flat look.

"You can stay here, listen to my long monologue and just focus on nothing. It'll help you calm down."

With a resigned look, I carefully returned to the balcony. Lucy seemed pleased.

I must admit, she has a very unusual convincing power.

"So, what's your deal?"I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"I'm just...trying to get by. Attending this...will help."

"You just said you're not a crowd person."

"You were paying attention ", she smiled, seeming pleased. "I'm trying to make some connections here. It'll help."

"How?"

"Umm..."

A loud crash echoed in the hall, causing us to straighten in alarm. The hall was quiet, even the music had stopped. Lucy and I exchanged a look before we rushed in.