24 - Dinner

Abigail's POV.

Eyeing for the specific man waiting inside the restaurant was not hard, especially since Gerald was standing out in the crowd. He had this annoying aura that I immediately recognized even though he was hiding in the trash can. Wearing my red glamorous below the knee dress, paired with four-inch stilettos and wearing glam make-up to show him I was no longer the woman he knew.

I stepped and my stilettos made a sound on the glass floor, catching everyone's attention and even the waiter's eyes fixed on me. I smirked secretly after getting so much attention, and so did Gerald.

“Hey, am I late?” I asked before sitting down on the reserved chair in front of him, but he didn't respond and was staring at me like he lost his soul. “Uh, are you okay?” I pretend.

He shook his head before chuckling, “Wow! I mean, wow! You're magnificent, Abby. I didn't know five years is enough to change you.”

“It is. I spent my five years moving on and giving myself some time, so this is the result of my efforts.”

“You look stunning tonight, babe. I didn't know you could be this beautiful…” he murmured, focusing his eyes on me and didn't pay attention to what I said.

“Good evening, madam and sir. Here's our menu,” the waiter handed us the menu and I started searching for food, although I can see from my peripheral vision that Gerald wasn't looking at the menu. “I'll get your salad and a bottle of wine, please.”

“Thank you. What about you, sir?”

Gerald blinked before handing the menu to the waiter and answered, “I'll get the steak.”

“Right away.”

The waiter left and I was uncomfortable with Gerald's stare. I know making this kind of move will put me in this type of situation, especially since he's staring at me like an idiot.

“Stop staring at me, Gerald. You're making me feel comfortable,” I said.

“Oh, sorry. I was caught off guard with your beauty,” he stated. “Anyway, what are our plans after this? You want to come over to my place?”

Is he inviting me to come over to his place? For what? Oh, I know what exactly he wanted. Gerald thought that he could get me easily, and I know how excited he is to have me on his bed. I didn't know that a man could be a gold digger, but seeing his desperation proved it.

“Why do you want us to go to your place?”

He chuckled, “Don't be silly, Abigail. You know what we're going to do after this. I know you wanted it too.”

My eyebrows met after hearing what he said, “Excuse me? I'm not some sort of girl you pick up on the street to make out.”

“So this is just dinner?”

“Yes!” I exclaimed. “You are unbelievable, Gerald. How could you tell that to my face? I offered you dinner to make amends to my attitude last time, and I'm hoping you will be a gentleman for once but you seem excited to have me in your bed.”

“I'm sorry if I offended you, Abigail. It's just that no man can stand your beauty, especially since you look stunning tonight and you're making every man in this restaurant attractive to you.”

I shook my head and decided to divert the conversation, “Okay. Let's get down to business, shall we?”

“Sure. What kind of business is that?” He smiled naughtily.

“I want to discuss about the company—”

“Hold on, babe. Why are we discussing that thing here?”

I looked at him confusedly, “What do you mean?”

"We shouldn't be talking about such things here, especially since we're here to have fun. This is the only time we have to escape the work we have, so instead of talking about business. Why don't we talk about us ."

"Why? What do we have to talk about, Gerald?" I asked, wondering.

"I'm single and you're single, that's why I have a chance to be with you again. I waited five years for you to come back, and every day I think about the sins I've committed against you..." If only I was a stupid woman who would quickly fall for his flowery words, I might believe him.

The thing is I'm not stupid and quick to fool, especially someone like Gerald.

He held my hand and looked directly into my eyes as if making his words sincere would make me fall into his trap. “I realize who I really love after losing our child, Abigail. I love you and it will remain like that until the end. I know I've made so many mistakes against you, but I'm ready to make amends just to have your forgiveness.”

I'm not moved by his words and I don't really believe it because Gerald is still the man I met 5 years ago. He used the same flowery words to get my heart, and I'm a stupid woman for falling into that trap. But now, I won't fall for that anymore because we already played this game before and I'm the loser.

Therefore, I will change it. He will be the loser and I will be the winner.

“Oh, Gerald…” I mumble, faking my sincerity.

“If only our child survives, I will be a good father. But it didn't and I'm blaming myself for not standing up for you, and for being fooled by Hilary. I should have opened my mind before I regretted everything, and I'm hoping it's not too late for us to be a family again.”

It is too late for us to be a family again because after what I found out about my father's death, Gerald. You and I will never be a happy family because a murderer like you deserves to be punished.

My rage rises up as I remember how they convinced my father to kick me out of our house. I clench my fist under the table, holding myself back not to be carried away by my anger. I endure being touched by this man, but this will not last long. I took the company from them and made his mistress and mother-in-law face my revenge for a short time, but tonight I will make sure they will never forget who I am.

“Do you really want us to get back together?” All of a sudden I asked him that question. I know I shouldn't have done that, but I have to take the risk. “Sure, Abby. What is it?”

“You mentioned that my father taught you how to handle the company, and he became a father figure to you. Therefore, I'm wondering if you could tell me everything about my father while I'm not on his side.”

“Sure, anything.”

“Is he really sick?” I questioned.

His face saddened and from that time, I know he's going to pull his dramatic reaction to make it realistic to my eyes. “Mr McAdams is a good father. He accepted me despite cheating on you, and taught me how to handle the company. I owe him everything I have, not until the truth comes back. Which I'm not against, especially since you are the sole owner of the papers.”

“Then why did Priscilla make a fake document?”

He shrugged, “I have no idea. I wasn't even there when you arrived, remember?”

“Right, sorry.”

“Sorry for the delay of your food,” The waiter put our food on the table and gave us two wine glasses, and poured us a drink before leaving us alone. “Can I propose a toast?” I asked.

“Yes, you can.”

“For our partnership and the new future of McAdams's company!”

Our glasses collided and we drank our wines afterward. I smiled softly, and he responded to that smile.

“Excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom.”

“Sure.”

I rose from my seat and calmly headed to the ladies' restroom and leaned my hands on the sink. I take a deep breath while staring at my reflection in the mirror, and then, I reach for my phone inside my purse and dial someone's number.

[We're waiting for your signal, ma'am.]

“Let this game begin,” I murmured after ending the call and waited.

I grabbed my lipstick before applying it to my lips, and when I heard shouts coming from outside, I smirked.

“You want this game, babe? Then I'll give it to you.” After pulling myself together, I immediately headed out and saw Gerald held by two policemen. I approach them, fakely concerned about the situation. “What is happening here?” I asked, giving the police a glance before looking at Gerald who couldn't focus.

“Do you know this man?”

“Yes, he is my date. What's wrong?” I inquired.

“He is under arrest for faking documents,” he replied.

“What?” I turned to Gerald. “Is that true?”

“No! Why would I do that?! This is a set-up, Abigail. Don't believe these morons!” He was struggling but Gerald immediately leaned down on the desk. “Let go of me! Do you know who I am?!”

“What are you doing? Do you have a warrant?” I exclaimed.

“Yes,” the police handed it to me and I read the content of the document, causing me to hand it back and remain silent.

“No, Abby! That's not true! This is a set-up! Let me go!”

“Calm down, sir. Everything you say will be used against you. You have the right to get yourself an attorney. Cuff him,” the head police cuffed him and Gerald was trying to fight it.

“Abby! Call my attorney!” He shouted while they were taking him away.

“Don't worry, Gerald! I will help you get out of jail!”

“Please, Abigail! Call my attorney!”

“Yes, I will!” I shouted back and as soon as he left, I grinned before sitting back in my seat and enjoying my wine.

After a few seconds, I received a call.

[Job is done, Ma'am. They're taking him to the police station.]

“Well done, Roger. Now, make sure he will spend his weekend in jail.”

[Got it, boss! I won't let you down.]

“Prepare the paid witness. I want Gerald to think he was betrayed by his accomplices, and trust me until the end…”