Chapter 39 Chapter 39
Violet
Really? He ripped my heart into shreds, kicked me out a place I had called home despite not being his fated or wife, and now had the audacity to ask me how I was doing?
The blame was all on me for not realizing what a jerk he was when I was with him.
I said nothing and simply gave him a blank stare.
Nate inched closer, looking at me hopefully.
“I know you are angry with me but you didn’t even give me time to think. Just up and left. Plus, you changed your number as well.”
Oh right. It was all my fault now.
I looked around and noticed most of the curious stares had disappeared so I simply turned around without a word and headed for the door.
“Wait!” Nate shouted but I managed to step outside and well away from the staff inside. A few quick strides and I was at the corner, far away from prying eyes.
“Violet, I am talking to you!” Nate shouted and I couldn’t help but shout back.
“And I am not. Go away!”
But Nate was quick to run and block my way.
“Please, I just want to talk.”
My chest was heaving and I hated that he still made me feel anything, even anger for that matter. I wanted him to be a complete stranger to my heart.
“There is nothing left to talk. You made your decision, I made mine and now we are done.”
I forced the words out, jutting my chin up to look him in the eye.
“How can you behave like this with me? You slept with random people and instead of apologizing to me, you threw away all my stuff.”
Oh wow.
I narrowed my eyes at him.
“What did you expect me to do? Fall on your feet and beg for a second chance while you married Nicole and turned me into your mistress?”
When he didn’t reply at that, I realized why that was the case.
I laughed to myself. “You really thought that was going to happen, didn’t you?”
It looked like Nate was about to say something but stopped himself and closed his mouth. I watched him incredulously but then he took a deep breath and began.
“Look, the past is in the past. You seem happy going around with multiple men and I am happy with finding a woman who only wants me. I am not here to argue about that. Can we be mature adults and talk about work please?”
The more he opened his mouth, the worse my anger and frustration grew. He wasn’t just living in some delusion, he wore the crown like some proud King.
“Work? Should I remind you again that we have absolutely nothing in common? I have no role to play in your life. And I thank Nicole for that.”
A frown appeared on his lips at her name and this was the first time I saw him not openly defend her like a devout follower.
In fact, he ignored that line altogether and looked at me. “I am aware of how much damage that video did to your name and reputation. I am aware you only get scraps of affection from men who use you for a night’s pleasure. But I am here to propose a way to change that.”
He did not say that!
“Get the fuck out of my face before I get a restraining order on your name, Nate!”
I bellowed, fingers curling into fists to stop myself from hitting him.
“Why are you getting so violent? Here I am proposing a deal for you to clear your name. All you have to do is come back to work under me for a few projects. I will even pay you a salary.”
My brows furrowed at this very odd choice of words.
“Why the hell would I want even a penny from you?”
Nate shrugged. “Isn’t it better to earn from hard work rather than…whatever you are doing to earn right now?”
I had not been a violent person. Forget raising my hand, I had never even raised my voice on him.
And we were standing on the foothpath of a busy road with people commuting to work. My fingers itched to connect to his face, to slap the shit out of him.
And just when I was about to lose my patience, a car stopped by the side and a window rolled down.
“Hey, is there some trouble?” Dane asked me from the car.
My face must be red with anger but I immediately tried to calm down and smiled at him.
“No, everything is fine.”
Nate looked from me to him and then his eyes brightened.
“Oh, I was coming over to meet you in your office.”
What? Nate was doing business with Straford International?
Dane didn’t bother answering him but kept looking at me. “Do you need a lift? I am heading to the suburbs.”
Meanwhile, Nate suddenly muttered.
“Oh, I didn’t know your clientele included Mr Dane Stratford as well.”
Did he just assume I was sleeping with Dane?
I swear I wanted nothing else but to hit him but Rain asked me to hold back and ignore that bastard for now and vowed to snap his neck later.
“You both know each other?” Dane asked, looking at me and Nate proudly announced.
“She is my ex-girlfriend. However, we are good friends and she is a total sweetheart. In fact, she was angry I wouldn’t allow her to help me because I wanted to pay her but she kept saying no. See how her ears are red even now.”
What the fuck?
Dane nodded in agreement. “I must agree on that part. Miss Violet does not like to be bribed easily.”
Nate raised an eyebrow, completely misunderstanding Dane’s words.
Nate smiled and took that opportunity to pull me closer, throwing a hand on my shoulder. “I see that you are heading somewhere. I won’t take much of your time. Can we discuss it on the way?”
Nate sounded hopeful. And I suddenly felt threatened by his words even if he hadn’t aimed them at me.
He was a business associate to Dane or wanted to become one. And now he knew Dane was going to employ me.
What if he sabotaged my chances just because I didn’t do as he asked? He was going to sit with Dane in the car and discuss Goddess knew what.
Unease fluttered inside me once again. It must have flashed on my face because Nate then gave me a bright smile.
“Dont worry, Violet. I wont spill your dirty little secrets to Mr Stratford. We are good friends after all. I will find some other way to repay you for your help then. See you tomorrow at my office.”