“That’s fine. We barely spoke anyway. It would’ve been more surprising if you had remembered me, considering the countless guests you were chatting with.” Jeez, I sound like a jealous wife that caught her husband flirting with a waitress. “I’m glad you’re still here. I wanted to talk to you.”
He chuckles and brings the tip of his fingers to his nose, covering his curling lips.
He’s adorable. The prettiest, most beautiful individual in the room. Probably in the whole world. Never mind, he’s literally too gorgeous to be real. How could I possibly walk away from him? I’d rather die.
He stretches out his hand. “An official introduction never hurt anyone. I’m Aoi Holden, nice to meet you.”
I shake his hand and slide my thumb over the back of it. His skin is soft and pale against my rougher, tanned one. He laughs nervously and wets his lips with his tongue.
It takes an insane amount of self-control not to pounce on him and devour him entirely in the middle of the lobby. I know he didn’t mean to turn me on or flirt, but it’s the effect his gesture ends up having. I have to get away from here, or I’m risking popping a boner and freaking him out.
“Vi- Andrew Lacroix. The pleasure is entirely mine. I hope to see you again soon, Mr. Holden.” I subconsciously hold his hand longer than necessary and gently squeeze it before letting go.
“You said you wanted to talk to me?”
I’m in awe of his face. He looks older now compared to the twenty-six-years-old man I used to know. Fuck, I don’t know what to say. “I-”
A dark-skinned man dressed in a bronze-colored suit comes up to us and gives me a polite nod before turning to Aoi. “The car is ready. We have to go.”
Aoi thanks him before glancing back at me. “I’m sorry to cut this meeting short, but unfortunately, duty is calling me. It was a pleasure meeting you.”
I don’t want to let him go, but he’s busy, and I’ll only be a bother if I hold him back. The man’s hand rests on his shoulder, and it twists my gut in knots. Aoi follows him outside, and I watch them leave like a dog waiting for its owner to come back home. I internally hope and beg for him to look back at me. To simply spare me one last glance, but he doesn’t.
It’s my cue to go back to my own matters and pick up Bellami at the airport. That asshole should be landing in a bit, and if I don’t get there fifteen minutes early, he’ll nag me about punctuality.
Sometimes, it’s like he forgets he’s not my father.
He raised me from the age of fifteen up to now, which technically makes him my father figure. But to me, he’s still the same asshole who deprived me of oxygen for eight years.
We might not jump at each other’s throats anymore, but we damn right aren’t close. I can’t forgive him for taking me away from Aoi eight years ago.
As I make my way toward the valet to get the keys to my McLaren, I think about Aoi. Something about him shifted. I knew it was inevitable for him to change into someone I don’t know anymore, but it still pains me that the sweet and bright Aoi I knew became a faded version of himself.
What happened? Is it because I left? Ha! Don’t flatter yourself, Visha. As if I’m special enough to impact him to this extent.
The valet hands me my keys, and I soon drive off. During the drive, I realize how fucking dumb I am. Why the fuck did I give him my second name?! What is wrong with me?! If I was going to lie about my identity, then why did I tell him my last name? I should’ve invented a completely different one!
The logical thing would’ve been to announce that I’m back and that I’m Visha, so we could reconcile and live happily ever after, while I take our torrid night to the grave.
But no, I had to screw that up too. Fuck, I’m a fucking idiot. How on earth am I supposed to tell him the truth now? Shit, what if he finds out on his own? He’ll absolutely hate me! Our shared past won’t save me from his wrath.
I drive to JFK Airport and curse myself for being an absolute, gigantic moron. And like the dumbass I am, I have to feed my delusions and blast some music to gaslight myself into not losinghope. So, I turn on my playlist with the songs of the movieK-pop Demon Huntersand sing along the entire trip to the airport.
Yes, I like a kids’ movie.
Sue me. The songs are immaculate.
I park the car and storm inside, looking for Bellami, and Francesca, his newlywed wife. They came back from their honeymoon earlier than intended, because my dear older brother isn’t only married tohernow, but also to his company.
I don’t wait long until they deign appear, dressed in matching light blue and beige outfits. It was obviously her idea, because my brotherloathespastel colors, but Francesca will never ditch her color palette for a man’s taste. Even if the man in question is one of the most powerful ones in France.
I don’t bother reaching for a hug. “Did you tan?”
The remark gets me a nudge in the ribs from Bellami and a bright grin from his wife.
“You look beautiful as always, Francesca. How were the Bahamas?” I ask, smiling back.
“Wonderful, but it would’ve been even better if my workaholic husband didn’t have to tend to urgent matters.” She playfully flips him off and laughs when he rolls his eyes at her.
