Chapter 2: AMELIA POV

I slipped my feet into glossy black heels as I applied a final coat of clear lipgloss onto my lips. A shower of perfume, and I was ready to leave.

I got into the white Range Rover that I had gotten in the divorce settlement from Xavier.

I wanted to get rid of everything he had given me, throw it all away and get it by myself, for myself. Unfortunately, the one he gave me was a very limited edition, and I wouldn't be able to repurchase it.

I glanced at my watch. It was the first thing I had bought for myself when my business first became a billion-dollar company—I wasn't a fan of buying deluxe designer items, but it was nice to treat myself every now and then, especially when I deserved it.

The diamonds on it glimmered in the rays of the evening sun. I smiled at my watch. It was a symbol of my hard work and the effort I made to get this far.

I used the 20 million dollars as an investment to start Eva Enterprises, which sold medical equipment to hospitals and private headrest services.

That money helped me a lot. I didn't need to get extra help from investors or partners, meaning my company was 100% mine.

I guess I was grateful to Xavier in that sense.

Lost in my haze, I realized it was 6:30. Shit, the awards ceremony started at 6:30, and I wasn't even there yet.

I asked the driver to start the car as soon as I got in, and we got there soon enough. It was in the city centre, not far from where I lived or from where my company headquarters were.

When we finally arrived at the hotel, I saw that there were no cars in the front. Either everyone was late, or I was super late, and every single person had gone inside.

Damn it.

This was the first time I was attending a high-profile business event and I was late.

"Stay here. I'll be back soon," I told my driver.

The 2 doormen gave me a look while shaking their heads. I guess it was really bad that I was late.

I shrugged apologetically and went into the event room.

"Be nice and charming," I whispered to myself before the big double door creaked open.

A loud collective gasp escaped the room. Why was everyone so shocked that I was late?

Regardless, I walked confidently to my seat, giving a flirtatious wave to the speaker on stage and apologizing for my lateness.

I could tell he was hooked by how I looked. I was internally disgusted but used it to my advantage to quietly go and sit in my reserved seat.

"And the recipient of the Businessperson of the Year Award goes to Miss Amelia Davis," the presenter announced.

A whirlpool of emotions, mostly pride and happiness, overtook me, but I kept my calm. I walked to the stage and saw that Xavier was standing, probably because he thought he was going to get the award.

I turned my head slightly, just to look at him, and threw him a cheeky wink. An 'I'm much better than you' wink. A cocky wink.

He couldn't do anything about it, so he just continued clapping along with the audience, but I could decipher his embarrassment.

When I received my award, I just thanked everyone for it. I didn't want to do a lengthy speech. No one in that room deserved to know the emotions I went through and all the work that went into achieving this award today.

I guess the presenter, whose name I learned was Mr Ivan, didn't want me to leave the stage so quickly after my speech, so he asked me a few questions.

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

I looked under my eyelashes and set my eyes on Xavier while saying my answer.

"Dependence leads to disappointment, and I don't need anyone anymore," I said bluntly.

It was true. If I hadn't trusted and expected happiness from Xavier, I would never have lost it.

His face looked a little shocked—I didn't know if it was at my words or at the fact that I looked him dead in the eyes while saying it.

After I took my award, I walked straight out of the hotel. The only reason I went was because I wanted to know who would win, and luckily, it was me.

I knew how these parties went. The first hour or so was formal—then, it was drinking and dancing and, ultimately, hangovers.

I didn't have time for that. I had my own company to run the next day as well.

I strutted to my car, where my chauffeur was kindly waiting for me, and sat down. He was about to get out the car to open the door for me, but I stopped him and got in myself.

Before I could close the door, I saw the last person I wanted to talk to.

Mr Xavier King.

He held my door so that I couldn't close it. I rolled my eyes in annoyance and asked him what he wanted.

"I wanted to congratulate you on your win. Last time you were here, the situation was very different," he said. Was this his version of a congratulations?

He reminded me of the past, when I was his wife and helplessly in love with him. The weak Amelia.

"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." I smirked. I didn't feel bad as I knew he would've done the exact same thing.

"I already have 6 of those, Miss Davis," he said cockily. He had not changed at all.

"There will be no 7th when I'm around." I smiled before shutting the door and asking the chauffeur to start the car.

I finally got a chance to admire my trophy when the car started moving. It was a bronze woman holding up a star.

It was mine.

I held it close to my chest as I watched the sunset, deep oranges and reds flirting with the blue sky.