Revenge of the Billionaire’s Ex-Lover

07. Beginning of a New Role

“YOU AGREED ON SUCH A stupid deal?!”

Jordan raising voice is enough to catch the attention of almost everyone in the restaurant. I glared at her before looking around to apologize to the other guests. This woman must have forgotten that we booked a private room this lunch for her to keep raising her voice like this.

“What do you expect me to do? It is my only way out, you know?” I defended myself, sounding so small so she will stop scolding me already.

“But do you even realize that he could be just lying? What if he is just taking advantage of your desperation to get the revenge he wanted so much then leave you hanging? Won’t that put you in much more trouble to your father?” Jordan exclaimed once again, completely furious.

As her words came to my mind, I couldn’t stop feeling bad now. What if she is actually right? “He… couldn’t be that bad now, right? I mean, he was such a great guy back then, well… before I ruined things. But, he couldn’t be that cruel, right? Especially to someone he has history with?” I tried to set aside the negative thoughts in my head, but my friends are just really not that helpful.

“You mean someone who fooled him big time?” Deven pointed out without even any filter. He let out a sigh as I lowered my head down, avoiding his gaze. “Look, I am not trying to discourage you with this whole thing, okay? I just want you to know the worst case scenario for agreeing with him about his deal. Besides, even if you know him back then, he is different now, Kaylie. He is not the same guy you can fool easily back then.”

And I know that very well! There are some things that I have found out about him and on the top of the list is with him being a f*****g playboy. If I am not mistaken, he probably have f****d every girls who come to his club and bar, may it be inside the restroom or in the hotel. He doesn’t choose a place to f**k someone, which explains why I ended up catching him f*****g a woman in the restroom during our first encounter since he returned.

Besides that, I also learned that he just came back from America after staying there for years so he could work and start his own company afterwards. I wasn’t exactly sure how he managed to turn his small company into a successful global one in just a few years, but going there must have been planned for him to do since the very beginning. After all, he really planned on working in the States right after graduation. It must have been that place that changed him into the kind of person he is now.

During those years that I have not seen him, I have mixed emotions with me. A part of me wanted to see him and to know how he has been because… well, I just want to. I wanted to know how much he has grown already from the guy that I fooled before to the man he is now. However, a part of me wanted to keep hiding from him and wishing he would keep away from my life as much as possible. I wanted him to not show his face in front of me already because it might only cause me trouble again, yet… fate has played with me.

“Does your father even know that Donovan is actually the CEO of DTC Group?” Deven questioned once more.

I shake my head in response as a sigh escapes my lips. “Only the executives in his company as well as the acting CEO and his family are the ones who know about his identity. You can add me now, I guess?” I timidly answered.

“The acting CEO? I thought that only exists in dramas.” Jordan exclaimed with a short chuckle. “Mateo Concepcion. He is the well-known CEO of DTC Group, right?”

“Yes, but he turned out to be the company’s corporate lawyer only.” I rolled my eyes, thinking how much Don and Mateo had fooled me in that case.

I am well aware of the rumors flying here and there about the acting CEO, but who would have thought that it is actually possible? After all, it is a big company that needs to be handled on hand and there is a lot of risk if the responsibility was given to someone whose forte is not even business. That is why I still can’t understand why Don remained hidden from the general public as the sole owner and real CEO of his company all these years.

From what I know, Mateo received so many compliments back then for every success DTC Group has achieved throughout the years. They have received acknowledgment and even awards, but never to award the CEO itself. I have always been curious about that part, but I can understand now. If I am not wrong, whenever DTC Group is receiving an award, it is only one of their trusted employees who comes and gets it on behalf of the company, not Mateo, which is why the rumors about him being the acting CEO started. However, all of that makes sense now.

“I’m sorry I’m late!” We all turned to the side when Kiana's voice was heard. I gave her a small wave as she gave me a small smile and the same to the other side, which only disappeared after a couple of seconds. She occupied the empty chair next to me, opposite to Deven’s side, in silence. “The traffic is too heavy. I had to drive here straight from the site.”

“Did you finish your work there though before coming here?” I worriedly asked her.

Since Kiana is both a commercial and residential architect, she is often driving from every part of the city to another just so she can monitor the progress of her project. She was even the one who designed the new hotel branch of Grand Moreno Hotel in the west side of the city for 2 years, and she really did a close morning to it. I told her before that she didn’t need to keep driving from every site to another, but knowing how she closely monitors the things around her all the time, I knew my words weren't taken into consideration. All I can do now is worry for her.

“Not exactly? But don’t think about that. You said that Don is the CEO of DTC Group, is that really true?” She curiously asked without even bothering to turn to the man in front of her who keeps glancing to her side. I only nodded my head, trying to observe things between them. Did they fight? “It is a big company he has. Why did he even bother hiding?”

“Maybe because he is a coward and doesn’t really know how to handle a company while being watched by the public?” Deven butted in, sarcastically speaking. I gave him a look to make him stop, but his intense gaze looking down and a small smirk formed into his lips makes it look like it is not even to target Don completely. “After all, it is not really easy to run a company on your own.”

“It is easy when the company you are running was not even built by you but inherited. What only makes it hard to run is when the CEO is a douchebag who can’t even respect people he needs to respect and thinks highly of himself.” Kiana argued back, making Jordan and I look at each other right away.

They surely are in a fighting mode right now.

“Well, how can one not be a douchebag when the person in front of him is being stupid already? Wouldn’t that be a given if the person can’t even take you seriously because they think you don’t know how things work just because you are just a CEO in their eyes?” Deven pointed out with firmness in his tone. It is obvious that he is just holding back his frustration.

“If you can just go and focus on what you are good at, then you probably wouldn’t have to hear such damn words, Deven. There is a line between trying to be nosy and just doing his work. As for you, you are more nosy than you think you already are.” I gulped down upon hearing Kiana’s answer.

I have seen these two argue a couple of times and even heard Kiana complaining about Deven through calls or even in person. However, the last time I have seen them in this kind of situation was just a year or two after we graduated from college. I wasn’t exactly sure what it is all about because Kiana never dared to tell me what it is, even Deven didn’t bother telling Jordan since he has been close to her. They keep their problems to themselves despite having such a complicated relationship that even Jordan and I can’t understand anymore. It looks like they are in that state of situation again.

“Right,” Deven let out a scoff, looking amazed by Kiana’s words. “I don’t really have a say when you are the one who is playing around with one's feelings, right? After all… I am just nothing but a damn friend. So feel free to keep flirting around.”

Flirt around? My brows furrowed in confusion as I listened to them more. When my gaze turned to Kiana, I could see her flushing in anger, as if she is about to burst any second now if Deven speaks more. I reach for her hand and hold it while caressing the top of her hand gently to help her calm down. Her gaze softens up little by little as she looks away with a deep breath escaping her lips. It was only then that I could set aside my fear of seeing them fight further.

“What the hell is going on with the two of you? Do you really have to be in front of a restaurant with people around us? Do you want to let everyone know that you are both f*****g arguing and embarass each of us?” Jordan harshly questioned them, giving each an intense gaze. “Can’t you even try to keep that and just discuss it privately? Have you both forgotten that you are well-known in the public?”

She is right. Each of us in this table are pretty well-known in our own path of careers. I am known as the General Manager of Grand Moreno Hotels and my name has been showing up in the televisions, articles, and several news as well as ads so it is risky to do something publicly. Jordan is not different from being one of the rising Cardiologists at Yao Yong Medical Hospital. She has been acknowledged by the media and the public as well for her research during the previous years. Kiana is also well-known in the field since she was the architect of the renowned commercial buildings and residential ones in the city, usually occupied by the elites. She was even the architect of the residential building I am living in now. Lastly, Deven has always been in the public eye as a part time model back then when we were in college until he became the CEO of the Wang Entertainment.

All of us are considered as public figures at some point. The least we can do is mess up our public image as it will directly reflect on our work and to the company we are working at as they are connected to us. So for Kiana and Deven to argue in public, it is not even a good idea because they could end up in the news later on.

“Jordan is right, guys. You need to calm down. We came here to have a group lunch, not to argue.” I told them in a soft tone, trying to ease the tension between them.

Thankfully, both of them obeyed with our words, but the consequences to it is that they kept their silence during the whole lunch. It was so hard to chew that I almost thought I could even get an indigestion because of the two of them. Jordan even tried to light up the atmosphere but it doesn’t seem to work because of how much Kiana and Deven have been trying to keep their emotions to themselves. In the end, instead of asking for their help regarding my situation with Don, I ended up getting nothing but simply answering their question.

What a good lunch indeed.

“Should I ask you about what happened or not?” I immediately ask Kiana the moment we enter my place and occupy the couch. I only heard her let out a deep breath, making me look at her side. She does look bothered, but definitely doesn’t look like she wanted to speak about it. “I guess not?”

She turned to face me before putting on an apologetic smile. “Sorry. I just can’t say it now.” She explained shortly as I could only nod, like every single time this happened.

“Look, as much as I don’t want to butt in your issues, but as your best friend, I am deeply concerned and curious what your relationship really is with Deven. After all, that asshole is also my friend.” I asked her gently this time, making sure that I don’t come out like I am forcing her.

As I expected, she turned away and avoided my gaze without doubt. “It’s complicated… I can’t even understand it anymore.” She confesses in a small voice, as if she is already whispering. A deep sigh escaped her lips once again before she properly sat then faced me with a smile. “Don’t mind my problem. What are you going to do with yours?”

This is what she is good at, diverting the subject from her so that she doesn't need to keep talking about her problems. If I am not wrong, this could be her other forte because of how good she is at diverting the attention from her to another just so she wouldn’t need to provide any answers to what people are curious about about her, especially if it is about her personal life. So, as usual, all I could do is act like I don’t care anymore. That is what she wanted me to do anyway.

“I don’t know?! I already fell into his trap. It’s not like I can escape from it still.” I let out a frustrating groan, closing my eyes and letting my head rest into the headrest of the couch before opening my eyes again. “Being his woman can help me escape from my cruel father, but I can’t even escape his trap now. What a twist.”

“But isn’t it much better? Between Donovan and your father, I still think that your father can do worse. After all, if Donovan insisted on making you his woman despite the past, it means that he still cares for you.” She exclaimed, trying to see things positively.

“Have you not read my message properly? I said he is making me his woman for revenge. He is out to make his revenge now, Kiana. What part of that shows that he still cares for me?” I said, sounding a little sarcastic to make my point.

“Probably the part when he is saving you from trouble with your father even if it won’t benefit you completely?” She pointed out, asking me at the same time. “I mean, let’s be honest here, Kaylie. Between facing your father’s endless harsh words, wouldn’t it be better to face Donovan’s revenge more? After all, you have a hot guy taking revenge on you… though I am pretty sure it is not revenge he will only take from you.”

The moment I saw a glimpse of smirk from her lips when she said her last words, I immediately pushed her. I know that smirk already and it only keeps on bringing me trouble. She really knows how to tease me when it comes to things like this.

“Shut up! He won’t take anything from me now.” I determinedly pointed it out, but she just shrugged in return.

“Don’t speak too fast, Kaylie. You never know what might happen. Besides, you haven’t been out since you have become his woman. Your boys have been missing you in the club now.” She said, only to make me scoff.

If I am not wrong, it has been a week or so since Donovan and I made such a deal. Talking about my relationship with Dad, I think it has become better now compared to the previous days since I can go and work in the company again without any problem. But if I were to talk about how my life has changed as Donovan’s woman, I don’t think a single day is enough for me to tell Kiana about it.

During those days, I can’t even go in the club anymore or be in the bar to relax and escape from him. First of all, it is because those places all belong to him and I will definitely won’t have the same freedom I used to have back then whenever I visit those because he probably set someone to eye me there. Second, he has been calling me here and there non stop even if I am at work! To make it even worse, Dad would even let me escape such an important meeting just to answer Donovan’s call, whom he thought was Mateo, because he thought it is the way to soften DTC Group and just approve the partnership already.

To be exact, my life has been like hell lately.

As a deep sigh escaped my lips, my phone suddenly rang out of nowhere. Kiana gave me a knowing look as she shook her head, as if she already expected it. But the moment I reach for my phone and check the caller ID, I already know why she is like that.

‘Hello?” I simply answered.

[“Where are you? I need you to be in Le Restau de Casis by tonight, 7pm. I will have Ian to pick you up wherever you are.”] Don immediately said without even greeting me.

“I have plans tonight. I can’t come with you.” I made an excuse, making up a plan that doesn’t even exist.

[“What plan? Who are you going with?”]

“I… uhh… plan to go… uhm…” I looked at Kiana and immediately gave her an apologetic look, making her raise a brow at me. “Kiana and I are planning to have some ladies night tonight. You know? Where man is not allowed and such.”

[“Really? But here I thought you went out to have lunch with your friends because Kiana will be leaving for Singapore for an overseas project this midnight?”] He pointed out before letting out a scoff that I can hear very well from the other side of the call. [“Stop making excuses and just come. I’m sure you wouldn’t want me to be the one to pick you up from your place. If I do, I doubt we can even leave your place still.”]

My eyes widened as I panicked for a while thinking about what he would do. “Fine! Fine! I will come! Just tell your secretary to pick me up at my place.” I said before ending the call without any hesitation.

“Looks like you won’t be staying in tonight.” Kiana exclaimed, making me glare at her, which she only laughed at.

What a great day indeed!

As soon as the sun set, I started preparing for that dinner already because Don insisted that I come there all prepared and as formal as possible. I have always been in my best dress, but I can’t even understand why he wanted me to prepare so much. So, I ended up wearing a sleeveless blazer dress that ends on my mid thigh with a pair of stilettos and my purse to keep my things. I made sure to put on light makeup and keep my hair down with some curl style in it so that I wouldn’t look so simple already.

At exactly 6:30pm, Ian arrived with Don’s car, if I am not mistaken since it is what he personally used days ago when he suddenly came to pick me up in my office. The drive was not that long, but the traffic made it look like one. However, we managed to arrive on time as a vintage-like restaurant with Le Restau de Casis letterings on the outside greeted me. This must be it.

“Mr. Casis is waiting for you inside, ma’am.” Ian said with a small smile before turning to his back.

“You’re leaving?” I questioned in confusion. He simply nodded without even flinching. He is just like his boss. “Who will drive me back home?”

“I am.” I immediately turned only to see Don, dressed in a black polo with two buttons unbuttoned tucked in a slacks and a belt on his waist with a coat on with a pair of leather shoes. It looks like he came straight here from work, less the necktie that is already gone. He gave me a small smile before his gaze passed through me to look at his secretary. “I will take it from here, Ian. You may go and rest now. Thank you.”

As much as I wanted to call Ian back so this man wouldn’t end up driving me back to my place, I don’t want to interfere with Ian’s supposed resting time. I’m pretty sure Don wouldn’t even bother calling his secretary back here if it isn’t important. That is why he is capable of sending him back home without any problem. I guess, I just have to deal with this man for now.

We entered the restaurant together as I tried my best to ignore him, but he pulled my hand and let it rest on his arm like he is some kind of gentleman. All I could do was roll my eyes when he did that, especially when he took care of my seat for me, pulling it out for me to sit then pushing it back in afterwards.

“Why did you ask me to come here, Don? Are you not really gonna let a day pass when you won’t ruin it by your sudden call?” I sarcastically asked him.

“I didn’t know asking you on a date is ruining your day.” He mocks, completely unbothered by my words. “Though, I do know that you used to enjoy keeping me as your company… or was it all just an act as well?”

I only keep my silence and look at him. There was never a day that he would just suddenly bring up the past as if he was reminiscing it for a moment before going through deeper to the worse part, making me feel even more guilty than I already am. If I see it right, his way of taking revenge on me is making me suffer mentally through guilt for what I did in the past.

“I asked you to have dinner with me tonight to tell you something. You will hear of it very soon as well anyway, but I wanted to tell you about it myself.” I raised a brow only to let him continue his words. “DTC Group will be hosting a party this weekend, and your family is invited to it.”

My brows furrowed with his words. “You… You want to inform me over a party that your company will be simply hosting? What does that even have to do with me?” I exclaimed, looking at him confused.

“Many things? But one thing for sure, whatever will happen in the party can change your life.” He confidently answered, yet only one answer came to mind.

Is it time to get my freedom now?