The chauffeur stopped the car outside the big hotel. The road outside the hotel was lined with a selection of expensive cars and successful people.

The Annual Businessmen Awards.

I cautiously stepped out of my limousine. As my foot pressed against the smooth concrete floor, I could hear the judgemental whispers of the crowd. 

Who is he wearing?

It's the 4th year he has no date.

I heard Kings Corp. is in loss.

I could feel the judgement from a mile away.

Regardless, I held my head high and sauntered into the hotel. The hotel reception was decorated immaculately in white and a soft blue in order to complement the purple lights.

The round tables, covered in white satin cloth, were scattered everywhere and seated high-class businessmen and socialites.

The bustle of light conversation was dying down as the presenter and sponsor of the event, Mr Ivan, was about to speak into the microphone.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," he began, "it is an honour to present the Annual Business—"

He was cut off by the large double doors reopening. A small gasp left the crowd at the audacity of someone who was interrupting Mr Ivan.

Quiet mutters throughout the room were heard, and the words 'disgraceful' and 'mannerism’ were repeated multiple times.

I leaned back in my seat, waiting for the event to recommence.

Her glossy black heels clicked against the sleek black tiles as her fingers danced to give a small wave across the floor to Mr Ivan.

Her eyes had a cheeky glint—she knew she was going to get away with being late since she looked absolutely breathtaking.

La.

She was wearing a tight nude dress that was sprinkled with jewels, which reflected off of the lights. Her perfect figure teased everyone's eyes as all the men and women alike couldn't stop staring at her.

I hadn't seen her in person since the divorce. Her dirty blonde curls were now a deep chocolate brown, making her look sultrier and more daring.

"I'm sorry I'm late." Her voice was like melted caramel. It had been 4 years, and she still had an alluring energy that captivated me.

"No worries," Mr Ivan awkwardly shook her off. You could tell he was hypnotized by her beauty. He cleared his throat before going on about the importance of business and other boring nonsense.

I couldn't get my eyes off of her.

She was here, representing her own company Eva Enterprises—which had quickly become one of the top companies in New York.

I guessed she used her divorce settlement money to jumpstart her business, and it worked very well. She was one of the top billionaires in New York in only 4 years.

"…and now for the recipient of the Businessperson of the Year award." Mr Divan's voice recaptured my attention. I fixed my tie and got ready to stand up. I'd gotten this award for the past 6 years.

I got up before he said my name, prepared to get up and collect my award.

"Miss Amelia Davis," he announced.

Shit.

This was so embarrassing. I played it off and began clapping—standing ovation.

She slowly got up and so seductively walked to the stage, her hips swaying. Before climbing up the steps of the stage, she looked at me.

I knew she was looking at me since I was the only loser standing up.

And she winked.

I just stood and continued clapping with everyone else, congratulating her with my gesture.

When the applause died down and I was back in my seat, she cleared her throat before speaking into the microphone. It would normally be too tall for her, but her heels made sure she can reach it.

"I would like to thank the association for believing I am good enough for this award. Thank you so much." It was short and sweet.

"Miss Davis, I think the question we all have is how? How did you manage to become so successful so fast without any investors or partners?" Mr Ivan asked her.

"It's quite simple." She paused and looked me dead in the eyes. "Dependence leads to disappointment, and I don't need anyone anymore."

She flashed a quick smile and posed for a photo before walking off of the stage.

I thought she was going to go back to her seat and remain for the rest of the event, but she left the hotel after collecting her award.

Helplessly, I followed her. I didn't know what it was, but my legs moved to follow her, and I managed to catch her before she left.

"How can I help you…Mr King?" She said my name like it was a question. I didn't know if she was playing with me or if she genuinely had no care for me.

Her eyes had no emotion—not even hate or disgust. She'd just forgotten me. My eyebrows furrowed as I analysed her up close.

Her makeup was done in a way that made her irresistible: dark eyes and blood red lips. She looked like a tease, and from what I'd seen today, she acted like it too.

She waved her hand in my face to catch my attention. I realized I'd just been staring at her.

"U-um." I cleared my throat. "I just wanted to congratulate you on your win. Last time you were here…" I began rambling. "…the situation was very different."

"Four years ago, I was here as your wife, Mr King. Today, I'm here as your competition, and from what I can see—I'm winning." She smirked and held her award in a way like she was showing it off.

"I already have 6 of those, Miss Davis," I deadpanned. I wasn't going to be the only one who felt uncomfortable.

"There will be no 7th when I'm around.” Her pure smile contradicted her words, and she rolled up the window of her car and told her chauffeur to drive away, leaving me standing there alone.