Latton 2.0

AS VICTOR and LATTON's divorce was known to everyone. Latton has received several invitations to different events, from a business gala to a charity ball, and even an invitation to a group date at the Royal Ascent. She can’t stop smiling while reading its contents.

‘Come and meet other successful single young adults… upper class… Blah... Blah... Blah...’

“Oh, good god.” She mumbles to herself.

Soon Thalia and Angeline entered the living room. “What are you laughing about?” Thalia asked enthusiastically.

Latton waved the invitation to her mother. “This. Someone wants me to attend this event. It's probably Lucius or Xavier who did this.” She explains.

Thalia exhaled, “It's not them. It's me. I think it's time for you to meet new people. There are a lot of men out there. Way better than…” She paused and did not mention his name. “I am concerned about you, Latton.”

Thalia sighed profoundly then patted Latton’s back. “Sometimes we meet people that make us feel amazing, and we want them to stay, but most of the time they don’t.”

“Kinda like you and dad?” Latton stated.

Angeline smiled faintly but said nothing and let Thalia and Latton have their mother-and-daughter talk.

Thalia nodded. “He was amazing. He made me feel like I’m the most beautiful woman in the world. He gave me everything.” She smiles bitterly. “Almost everything… Except his time.”

Latton laughs, “He is always busy. He works too hard and forgets what’s important.”

Thalia chuckles, “But seriously. Don’t waste your time, energy, and youth clinging to one man. If the time is right, and you really belong together, you will end up together.” She muttered while hugging her daughter and planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. “You’re just going out to meet people, not marry them.”

Angeline laughs, "Listen to your mother. If you feel uncomfortable, you can bring Xavier with you." She suggested.

Latton nods.

"I heard my name. Are you talking about me?" Xavier asked while marching near them.

Latton grinned, "You are right on time. Accompany me to a mixer tomorrow night at the Royal Ascent." She invited.

Xavier merrily agreed and soon left.

Angeline smiled, "Since you're going to a social gathering, why not shop for new clothes and shoes?" She suggested.

"That's a good idea," Thalia agreed.

Latton nods, "Yeah, it is a good idea. I think I also need a makeover. My hair is screaming for a haircut and hair treatments." She uttered while holding her hair.

Concurrently, in Lucian's Villa.

Lucian had been playing the footage in Fleur De Ville on a loop. Flashes of blurry memory return to him every time he watches the videos.

He breathes heavily by the minute, his mind is racing and aching because of the surge of information he is seeing, but he doesn't care, he wants to remember everything, so he'll know how to correct his mistakes. He wanted to run to her and apologize, but he knew too well that the damage he had done was beyond words. He needs to think and plan things through and show her through his actions that he regrets what he said and did.

Amidst his journey down memory lane, a slight buzz jolted him back to his senses. He checked the caller ID, and it was his lawyer, Alex, detailing who filed the restraining order against Latton and how the person managed to do it on Lucian's behalf.

Lucian's face contorted in anger. Hearing no response from the other line, "How do you want to resolve this issue?" Alex asks curiously.

Lucian sighed, "I'll take care of it. Thank you, Alex." He uttered and soon ended the call.

"How many times do I need to tell her that she doesn't own me? Am I too nice to her that up to now she believes she can meddle in my life?" He asks himself as he types a message on his phone.

CONCURRENTLY, Shirley was in a spa and was scheduled for anti-aging treatment when she received a message from Lucian that made her smile in glee.

"I know you'll come around, Lucian." She mumbled as she removed her clothing and changed into the spa robe. When suddenly she heard a familiar voice among the group of ladies who were also planning to get their massages.

She took a peek at the door only to see Latton with two other ladies. She sneered and was about to frown when suddenly an idea entered her mind.

When she saw the other two ladies enter the room next door, she walked towards Latton with an air of arrogance emanating around her.

She sneezed, "I wonder why it smells bad in here. Now I know." She says mockingly.

Latton grinned. "Is it because your nose is too near your mouth, and you have bad breath?" She replied sarcastically.

Shirley's face contorted in rage but played it cool, then took out her phone to show Latton the message she received from Lucian.

She smiled from ear to ear, "Look who's having a date tomorrow night?" She commented while slowly waving her phone in front of Latton.

Latton smiled, "Congratulations! I know... With your age and everything that is happening in your body. It's hard to get a date. With menopause and such. Yikes." She spoke loudly, her voice filled with mockery. Soon she walks away.

Shirley noticed that a few patrons were looking her way and whispering while giving her dirty stares. She grunted in rage, "How am I the one losing this argument?" She yelled internally. "She should be the one sulking right now. I won. Lucian is mine again, not hers."

Unbeknownst to Shirley, her words did get to Latton.

When she was assured that Shirley could no longer see her. Her knees weakened, she leaned on the wall and slowly slouched to a sitting position. She's panting rapidly, and her heart is pounding loudly as if it wants to jump out of her chest.

Without blinking, her eyes reddened and soon tears started falling like a broken faucet, "I thought Catherine's death was the saddest thing I could feel. Little did I know there was nothing more painful than seeing the man you love pursue someone else." She mumbles internally.

Later that day, Angeline, Thalia, and Latton stopped in a hair salon to get their hair done. Latton ensured her mother and aunt would not notice the sorrow in her eyes, as she didn't want to ruin their day. As it is a rare occasion to see Angeline and Thalia together in peace. It's not a secret that Angeline thinks Thalia is a low-class actress who got lucky, but after Catherine's murder trial, they start talking to each other till they become close.

Thalia and Angeline got a hair keratin treatment while having their nails done. On the other hand, Latton stared at her reflection in the mirror, and she hated how she looked. She hated the sad, broken woman staring back at her. She was in deep thought when the hair stylist asked her, "What treatment would you like for your hair?"

In a cold tone, she replied, "Chop it off! Do anything you want. I want to look in this mirror without realizing I'm staring at myself."

The hairstylist smiled, "Of course." She replied in glee.

After several hours, Latton gasped when she saw her reflection. "Who is she?" She asked herself.