The next morning.
Lina was lying lazily on her bed as the sun casted a golden light on her, making her scrunched up her face in annoyance.
Turning her back to the ray of light, she continued her sleep. Five minutes later, her phone started ringing.
“Gosh!” She cursed as she angrily picked up her phone that was disturbing her sleep.
Looking at the name displayed on her screen, her sleepy mode immediately disappeared.
It was Raymond that was calling.
Picking up the call, she had not said anything when Raymond’s voice entered her ear.
“Beautiful morning sleepyhead. I hope you didn’t forget you are picking me up from the airport today. My flight will be landing in the next one hour.”
“Fuck! Lina cursed out loud, which earned her a chuckle from Raymond”.
She had forgotten she would be picking him up from the airport today. Looking at the time, she had just an hour to get ready.
“Don’t worry, I will be there before then.” After saying that, she hung up the call as she rushed out of bed.
Fifteen minutes later, she came out of the closet dressed in a green short bodycon gown that accentuated her figure perfectly. She matched it up with a black stiletto and a clutch.
After getting a light makeup on her face at the vanity, and looking at her reflection one more time in the mirror, she was satisfied with her look as she dashed out of the room.
From Raymond mansion to the airport is about 30 minutes drive. She just hoped there won’t be traffic on the way. She had spent thirty minutes dressing up already.
Lina arrived at the airport with 10 minutes to spare. She parked her car and rushed to the arrival section, her heels clicking on the floor. Scanning the crowd, she spotted Raymond’s familiar figure.
Raymond, who was walking with bodyguards surrounding him, also saw Lina who was staring at him with a soft smile on her lips.
Raymond’s eyes locked onto Lina, his gaze roaming over her stunning body. The bodycon dress hugged her figure perfectly, showcasing her beauty. The person that has been occupying his mind for a month now, is standing in front of him in flesh and blood.
“Hey,” Lina said, her voice barely above a whisper as he walked up to him. Raymond’s smile widened. “Wow, you look breathtaking.”
Lina’s cheeks flushed. “Thanks.”
Raymond offered his arm, and Lina took it, feeling a spark of electricity.
As they walked, Lina sensed the bodyguards’ discreet presence. She knew someone like Raymond needs security, but having a lot of people trailing behind her is not her thing.
“Thanks for picking me up,” Raymond said, his voice low.
“No problem,” Lina replied, her eyes locked on his.
Their gazes held for a moment, the tension between them palpable. Just as they reached the exit, a woman emerged from the crowd.
“Raymond!” A woman exclaimed, her voice sounding surprise
Raymond’s expression darkened hearing that voice. Turning to the direction of the voice and seeing the woman that hurts him five years ago, his jaw clenched.
He thought he had gotten over her after five years of separation, but seeing her now brings back all those memories buried in his heart.
“Raymond?” Ashley called him again, seeing his grave expression. Seeing his indifference hurts her, but she knew she had to take it slow, since she was the one that broke up with him that year.
Ashley’s eyes locked onto Raymond’s, searching for a glimmer of warmth. But his expression remained stoic, his eyes cold.
“Raymond, it’s been a long time,” Ashley said, her voice laced with caution.
Raymond’s silence was deafening.
Ashley took a step closer, her hands extended. Before she could touch Raymond, she was blocked by a bodyguard. Ashley was very angry, but she swallowed it in front of Raymond.
“Can we talk?” Ashley asked, her voice softening. “And what did you think we could talk about between us? The last time I checked, I don’t think I have any business with you.” Raymond said to her with a voice as cold as ice, which makes Ashley take two steps back.
Raymond’s gaze drifted to Lina, still clinging to his arm. He drew her closer to him as he hugged her waist. Seeing this, Ashley gritted her teeth in anger, as she glared at Lina who was also studying her since she came forward.
Ashley’s eyes narrowed, her gaze flicking to Lina.
“And who’s this?” Ashley asked, her tone laced with jealousy.
Raymond’s jaw clenched. “And who do you think you are to question me. Her relationship with me has nothing to do with you.” He said, his voice brief.
Ashley’s smile faltered after what Raymond said.
Raymond’s grip on Lina’s waist tightened. “Let’s go,” Raymond said, turning to leave without sparing another glance at Ashley standing in front of them.
Ashley’s eyes flashed with desperation. “Raymond, wait!” Ashley called out.
But Raymond ignored her, guiding Lina away.
As they walked, Lina sensed Raymond’s tension.
“You okay?” Lina asked, her voice soft.
Raymond’s gaze drifted to hers. “I’m fine, don’t worry about me.”
As they reached the car, Raymond opened the backseat door for Lina. They got in one by one.
Since it was Lina that drove here, one of the bodyguards took the job of the driver as he drove them back to Raymond mansion.
As the car drove away, Ashley watched from afar, her eyes blazing with anger and determination.
Ashley pulled out her phone and dialed a number.
“Alex, it’s Ashley,” she said, her voice sugary sweet. “I need your help.”
Alex’s voice echoed through the line. “What do you need, Ashley?”
“I need information on Raymond’s current life,” Ashley replied. “His business, his relationships… everything.”
Alex hesitated. “Ashley, are you sure? You know Raymond’s not someone to mess with.”
Ashley’s laughter dripped with malice. “Don’t worry about Raymond,” Ashley said. “Worry about what I’ll do to you if you don’t deliver.”
Alex’s tone turned submissive. “I’ll get you the information.”
Ashley’s smile grew wider. “Good,” Ashley purred. “I’ll be waiting.”
As Ashley hung up, her eyes locked onto the mansion’s direction.