Revenge of the Billionaire’s Ex-Lover

10. An Unexpected Invitation

“HE SURELY IS ENJOYING EVERYONE’S attention.”

Stacey exclaimed with a smirk plastered on her lips as she shakes her head while watching Don confidently make his way up to the stage. He puts on a bright smile that either makes the audience squeal in excitement and get confused because of the things that are happening right now. I couldn’t blame them because it was hard to believe for me as well when I first heard of it.

Even up to this day, even though I am more aware now how deep Mateo and Don’s friendship really is, I still find it hard to understand how Don managed to trust Mateo with such a big role that will handle a business that needs so much effort to take care of that easily. My father wasn't even planning to step down from his position until he can’t walk anymore. I think the only time I get to lead the company already will be the time he isn’t around anymore.

It’s just hard to believe that Don has that much trust to a person that can easily betray him. However, I think he has so much trust in him not only because he is his best friend but also because Mateo is a lawyer. He has his own morals and principles to follow and hold on to. From the way I see him, he looks like someone who won’t back down to his words and someone will be willing to protect anyone that needs it. In short, he is someone that one can easily trust indeed.

“I thought he wasn't even planning to reveal himself. Turns out, he already had everything settled and just really want to end this party by dropping the bomb.” Gerald exclaimed in a proud tone, obviously on his friend’s side .

“How can he not reveal himself when the rumors have been growing these days?” Zoey butted in this time before she looked at me with a small smile. “An article was posted the other day about the rumors and even said that Mateo is a scammer who lies to their business partners when they don’t even know the true story.”

As I watch her getting stressed, it also makes me wonder how those keyboard warriors managed to call Mateo such a kind of a word. “Perhaps, do their business partners know that Mateo really is just an acting CEO while Don is the real one? I just wanna know because when it was my father who talked with them, Mateo didn’t even utter a single word until I was called back and made the proposal with Don in front of me.” I questioned.

“About that part, during a proposal discussion, Don is only on a phone call so he can listen to the presentation. However, if we are going to talk about whether their business partners know. You don’t need to worry about that,” Gerald suddenly took one of the champagne glasses from the waiter before he gave it to me. “You should just drink this and act like you are stressed because of Donovan’s announcement. That way your father wouldn’t even think that you actually have an idea what is going on.”

I did what he told me while acting all stress for my own sake. When I look at my father’s direction, he puts on such a frustrated face with a hint of surprise as if he didn’t really expect for it to happen. He recognizes Don, and I am sure of it. Now that he does, it makes me wonder what his next step will be considering the history. After all, he was pretty harsh towards Don back then for calling him things that he shouldn’t call him as.

Everyone in the party were all silently whispering to one another as Don speaks in front while he apologizes for keeping such an important detail about his company. While some are in awe, probably for his looks and the way he speaks, some are definitely still in disbelief because of the revelation. I can’t really blame them because I would be in the same position too if Don didn’t tell me in advance about his real identity.

“I think your father is going this way.” Deven suddenly whispered to me, making me glance to Dad’s direction.

I saw my father striving forward to our table while trying to maintain his composure after all of this. Deven moved to another seat for Dad to occupy before giving me a single nod of encouragement to face my father this time. It will be hard to face him knowing how annoyed he probably is right now with the revelation. I mean, who wouldn’t? When the person you have been trying to pursue over and over again turned out to be the same guy you insulted back then with those harsh words that a person seems impossible to say to another?

He stood behind me, leaning forward a little while trying to look like nothing's bothering him still. “Do you know about this? That man was the same guy before, right? Did you plan all of these?” He doubted, almost making me scared with the way his voice sounded so deep and scary.

“I-I only found out as well just now, Dad. I didn’t even know he came to this party on purpose.” I lied, trying to sound sincere.

“Whatever the case, I still want you to get that partnership for me, got it? I don’t care what you need to do to get his attention and make him sign that contract, just get me that contract and you are free from the marriage.” Dad convincingly said. He sounded so desperate that I could feel the sincerity in his tone when he spoke about the marriage.

“I am hoping that you weren’t that surprised, Mr. Moreno.”

Dad immediately stood up straight upon hearing Don’s voice to our side. When I looked up, I saw him with Mateo and his secretary, Ian, behind him with a small smile while looking at my own father. They must have known the history between Don and my father as well. I could only gulp as I looked up to gaze at the two people I didn’t really want their path to cross.

When I glanced at Dad, I saw him trying to keep his composure. “Well! It was a shocking revelation. I didn’t expect that such a man who couldn't even fight for my daughter back then would become a very successful man now.” Dad exclaimed, trying not to be sarcastic at all.

“Well, I wasn’t lying when I told you that I will become successful in the future to be enough for your daughter, sir.” Don argued back in the most polite way that would eventually piss my father off. He shows an innocent smile, which only made Dad piss off even further. “But setting the past aside, now that you know about my identity, I am much more interested to discuss the partnership matter with you.”

For some reason, it makes me nervous. I know that no matter how pissed my father is to one person as long as he is determined to get what he wants, he wouldn’t bother setting that frustration aside. When I look at my father and see how his eyes lighten up and lips trying to suppress the smirk off his face, I already know he is planning something.

“It will be an honor to discuss that with you! Then… would you mind discussing it over dinner?” Dad suggested, making me look at him in surprise.

“That would be perfect! But…” Don suddenly looks down to me, almost making me jump to my seat. “Your daughter needs to be there as well, or anyone you want to bring with the two of you, Mr. Moreno.”

If my father has a plan, this man has his own as well. But there is no doubt that putting them in one room can surely create chaos at the end. I just hope this unexpected invitation from both sides will end well.

Dad gave me a single glance before forcing a smile that I highly doubt he even wanted to put while looking up to Don. “Sure! I would gladly take her with me.” Dad only said.

All I could was shake my head and let the thoughts run through my mind as they talk together in the fakest way possible. They really embody that ability of a businessman who is capable of getting along well with people even if it means they need to pretend that they don’t hate that person’s guts to the fullest. I already know that it is a given to try and get along with everyone in our industry because we never know when we will be needing other people’s help, but it amazes me how they are just capable of faking things out.

“Looks like you are up for a hard night soon. I would bet that Donovan will definitely piss your father off.” Stacey exclaimed, whispering to my side as her friend and my father remained talking about business.

“I would bet the same, but I will surely be in trouble if that ever happens.” I shake my head with a deep sigh escaping my lips. “I can already hear my father’s earful once that dinner is done. Your father indeed is an expert in putting me in trouble these days.”

“Well, he is not Donovan Tobias Casis if he is not the trouble himself.” She bluntly says like it is not even a big deal. “Just in case you are not aware too. That man is a huge troublemaker in his club.”

My only response is a smirk because I already know that so well. Don is a well-known playboy who f***s almost every woman he talks with in the club, if they are willing to spend the night with him. But based on what I heard, he never really took them in his house or anything he privately owned and that it is either a hotel or just somewhere they cannot be interrupted by anyone else. He even told me about it himself last time when he let me crash into his private room at the Novan Palace, though I didn’t really believe him that time.

The party successfully ended after another half an hour of guests talking with one another. I was lucky because Don lend me his friends, otherwise I would be bored to death the entire night with only Deven as my company. Besides, he is busy entertaining his guests for the rest of the night anyway. He didn’t really have any time to entertain his friends further so it is better that he let them stay with me the remaining night.

As days pass by, I wish for it to pass by slowly. However, it feels like time is playing with that a day feels so short with my busy schedule. The next thing I knew, the bright sky outside had already turned into a dark one with the sun already out and the moon lightening up the skies. I almost even forgot about the dinner with Don already which my father set because of how busy I have gotten the next few days. If it weren’t for Randy, whom Dad ordered to remind me about the dinner, I wouldn’t even remember it anymore.

For tonight, as per Dad demands, I had to dress up in the most formal way that I could even dress. He told me to make sure that I am presentable enough to present myself in front of someone I have history with and remain my composure to prove that Don is nothing but a mere soon-to-be business partner. Little did he know that I already am in a complicated deal with that man just to get my father the partnership he wanted the most. So, I dress up in an off shoulder jumpsuit with a pair of heels pumps to complete the look. I also tied my hair up, exposing my shoulder, neck, and collarbone out with a light makeup on.

As I started doing my last touches with my accessories, my phone suddenly rang, making me stop. When I check it, I can only sigh upon seeing Don’s na me on the caller ID. He must be planning to disturb me again before actually seeing one another.

“What do you want?” I immediately greeted with an annoyed tone.

[“Aren’t you too grumpy tonight?”] He teases with a small chuckle. [“I’m just wondering if you already left home.”]

“Not yet, but I’m almost done.” I only answered, continuing my preparation for the night.

[“Good. Then wait for me at the parking lot of the restaurant before you enter. I need to give you something.”]

Those were the only words he lastly said before ending the call and leaving me clueless. I just set aside what he said and continued with my final touches before leaving my place after a few minutes. The drive to the restaurant Dad reserved for tonight is not really that far, but the traffic made it look like it does. I didn’t really want to hear an earful from Dad for being late so I did my best to pass through the traffic as fast as I could.

When I arrived at the restaurant, I caught Don standing outside his car with one hand in his pocket and the other holding a cigarette without lighting it yet. He stood there dressed in a dress shirt with two buttons unbuttoned tucked in slacks underneath a suit coat with a pair of leather shoes on. His hair is styled up and parted on the side like his usual look but it never really failed to make him look good.

“What do you want?” I immediately asked after approaching him with my purse in my hand and the other in the pocket of my jumpsuit.

He looks at me, gazing deeply from head to toe before a smirk forms his lips. “Are you trying to seduce me with that exposed collarbone of yours?” He exclaimed without any hesitation.

Suddenly, he reached for my hand then pulled me closer to him, making me lean to his body with his arms around my waist. His finger ticklishly traces from my bare shoulder, making me shudder a bit from his cold hands, before it goes up to my collarbone then to my neck until it reaches the sensitive spot of my neck.

“W-What are you doing?” I gasped with his sensitive touch on my nape.

“Should I leave a mark here before we enter the restaurant?” He said, gently tapping that spot.

I tried to push myself away from him, but he only tightened his hold, forbidding me to move away. “Are you crazy?!” I exclaimed, raising my voice this time.

When I was about to push myself away from him again, he suddenly put his other hand to my upper back then forced me to lean to him. I could feel his tickling breath on my bare neck and shoulder, making me tilt my head to prevent the growing sensation inside me. This is why he shouldn't know about my sensitive spot.

“Your fiance is inside. I just want him to know that you are already owned by someone.” He seductively whispered, blowing air to my air.

As my eyes caught a couple walking in our direction, I gathered my strength to stay away from him then turn around so they wouldn't see my face. When they already pass by us, I immediately glare at Don, which he ended up laughing so much. He is obviously having fun!

“Are you crazy? Do you really want to put me in trouble that much? If this is how you want to take your revenge, then it is just a childish thing to do.” I pointed out firmly.

“I’m just kidding, okay?! I really have something to give you. I figure I'll give it to you now because I am not really sure if I will have a chance later.” He softly said before opening the door of the driver seat, taking a box in there. When he closed the door, he immediately handed me the box without any hesitation. “Here! Put that on.”

I raised a brow, judging him with all my might. He only gave me a look then gestured to me to open the box with a convincing gaze. As soon as I opened the box, my eyes widened a bit and my lips parted a little with the sight of a white gold earrings inside it. It is in openwork earrings design with pear-shaped sapphires and round brilliant-cut and pave diamonds. It is my favorite brand of jewelry but… why am I given this?

My gaze towards him is probably enough for him to get the idea. “It is just a gift for seeing one another again after almost a decade or so. Just wear it! It looks better on your outfit anyway.” He suddenly placed a hand on the top of my head, patting me there gently. “You should head inside now. I will follow after 10 minutes so your father won’t scold you for being late.”

Without even letting me talk and thank him, he pushes me gently to the direction of the entrance to the restaurant without any hesitation. I gave him one last look, but he only gave me a single nod which was enough to shake me up. Before I even entered the private room Dad reserved, I made sure to go into the restroom first to put on the earrings. Somehow, as I put it on, I could feel that tickling feeling in my stomach as I looked at myself in the mirror. It feels like the earring is his mark on me for some reason. But, whatever the case, I do love it.

“You could have arrived earlier, Kaylie Amber.” Dad strictly says as I reach to give him a short peck in his cheeks.

“I’m sorry, Dad. The traffic was pretty bad.” I reasoned out while standing in front of him with my hands politely placed in front of me.

He only gestured to me to take my seat already so I went to give my mother a peck on the cheeks first before doing the same to my sister and Darryl. I knew that Mom and Dianna would be here tonight as they are free from their busy life as doctors, but as for Darryl's case, Dad only informed me about it this afternoon. I wasn’t really sure why he insisted for Darryl to come when he is not even busy himself, but Dad told me that it is because he wanted his soon-to-be son-in-law presence to be a proof that Don doesn’t stand a chance already. He really can’t just step back and let go of the whole marriage with Darryl and I.

“So, am I seeing your man again after many years?” Dianna whispered to me, making sure that Dad wouldn’t hear it as he is busy talking with Darryl instead. “Where is he now?”

“If you have forgotten, he is not my man. And I don’t know! He must be on his way already.” I only said, being cautious of my words.

She only put on a smirk, giving me a doubtful look. As I shook my head and gave Mom a small smile, I suddenly felt a hand on my ear, almost making me back up. I look at Dianna, only to see her with amusement in her eyes. The combination of the sapphire and diamond probably caught her attention so much since she is not really into grand accessories, unlike me. A small chuckle escaped my lips as I watched my own sister looking like this.

“You are acting like you can’t afford such a thing.” I tease.

“The diamond and the sapphire are shining so bright. It’s even brighter than your future with Darryl.” She exclaimed while keeping her eyes on the earrings. I push her slightly, bringing her back to senses, as she lets out a small laugh. “I’m just kidding! But it really is beautiful though. Is it new? I haven’t seen you wear it before.”

Silence filled me for a while, thinking whether I should give another lie to my sister or just spill it. After all, she knows almost everything about my life anyway. However, she beat me before I could even speak up.

“Don’t tell me—”

A knock interrupted her words, making me let out a sigh in relief. However, as soon as the door opened, Dianna immediately formed a smirk then gave me a mischievous look. Don entered with a charming smile and a very presentable aura in him as Dad went to greet him. All of us in the table stand up on our spot as Don lock gaze with me for a second before looking at Dad once again.

“I saw that.” Dianna exclaimed, whispering to me. “Just by the way he glances at you, I think I already know who gave you that.”

“Shut it, Dianna.” I only said, giving her a look.

“I will. I just want to remind you sis. That man standing in front of us is the one you fooled before. I advise you to look after your heart or,” She formed a knowing smirk. “Or else you might be the one to end up being fooled this time.”