Chapter 108 - Feeling Like A Fool

Stefan and David met discreetly in a secluded corner of a quiet café. The atmosphere was tense, and each man was wary of the other's intentions. Stefan's eyes were steely, and his determination was evident in every line of his face.

"David," Stefan began, his voice low and firm. "We need to talk about Amber."

David leaned back in his chair, a smug smile on his lips. "I'm listening."

Stefan didn't waste time. "I want you to stay away from my wife."

David's smile widened, turning into a grin. "Your wife? Last I checked, she wasn't thrilled to be with you."

Stefan's jaw tightened. "You know nothing about our relationship, David. I've sacrificed a lot for her. I almost died protecting her."

David scoffed, leaning forward. "You think that makes you a hero? Anyone with resources could do that. You can hire a platoon of security guards to follow her daily because you have the money. It's the small things that matter, Stefan. Being there for her when she's down, comforting her, listening to her. Can you honestly say you've done that?"

Stefan's eyes flashed with anger. "I can do all of that and more. Don't underestimate what I can do for Amber. You haven't lived with her under one roof."

David's expression turned serious. "But you haven't, have you? I was there for her when you were too busy with your empire. I was the one who comforted her at the hospital. I know her, Stefan. I know what she needs."

Stefan felt a pang of guilt mixed with rage. He remembered seeing David with Amber in the hospital, how he had comforted her, and how she seemed to rely on him. He had done things for Amber, too, but maybe he wasn't so open to her about his emotions and vice versa, which he thinks is lacking in their relationship. But he will work on it.

"You think you know her better than I do? You think you can treat her better?"

David leaned in closer, his eyes cold. "I know I can. And I'll prove it to her. Amber deserves better than someone who puts his business before his wife."

Stefan's fists clenched under the table. He knows David put it upon himself to investigate who the actual Chairman and CEO of Lehman Group is, and that's how he found out it's him. There were CCTVs to prove everything, and he even paid the person in charge of the CCTV, who Stefan later fired. His jaw tightened at David's sneaky move.

"Stay away from her, David. This is your last warning."

David chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You're making a mistake, Stefan. You're pushing her away, and she'll come to me when she realizes who truly cares for her."

Stefan's eyes narrowed, a fierce determination burning within them. "We'll see about that." Stefan leaned in, his voice ice-cold and resolute. "Stay away from my wife, Amber, or I will ensure the downfall of your startup company."

David's confident demeanor cracked, his eyes widening slightly. He tried to mask his surprise with a smirk, but it came off as forced. "You don't fight fairly, Stefan."

Stefan's gaze was unyielding. "This isn't a fight, David. Amber is my wife. She belongs with me. What you're doing is wrong. It goes against the sanctity of our marriage."

David's fists clenched on the table, his knuckles turning white. "You can't just threaten my company because you feel insecure. That's low, even for you."

Stefan's voice remained steady, unwavering. "I don't feel insecure. I'm protecting what's mine. And I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe from people like you."

David's face twisted with anger, but he knew the weight of Stefan's words. The threat was real, and disobeying could mean the end of his dreams. He had poured everything into his startup and couldn't afford to lose it. Not now.

"I know you collaborated with Katrina. The woman who hates Amber to the core and the one who had her kidnapped and hurt her. What would Amber think if she discovered everything you and Katrina discussed?"

Stefan's statement took David aback. Katrina and him were so discreet in the meeting that they went disguised. How did Stefan find out?

"Tell me, were you involved in planning about the kidnap?" Stefan asked, his teeth gritting in anger.

"No," David denied immediately. "I would never hurt Amber."

Stefan believed David's statement, as his body language showed sincerity. But he couldn't trust someone like him, especially since he wanted to steal his wife. "For the last time, stay away from my wife."

"Fine," David spat, bitterness coating his words. "You win this time, Stefan. But don't think for a second that this is over."

Stefan's expression remained impassive. "Make sure it is. Because if I hear you've come near Amber again, I won't hesitate to follow through on my promise and break you into pieces."

David rose from his seat, glaring at Stefan. "You think you're so noble, don't you? But you're just using your power to bully others. You may have won today, but you'll never have Amber's heart."

Stefan smirked triumphantly. "Sorry to disappoint you, but Amber and I are in the happiest stage of our marriage. And I'll ensure no one will ever break that, not even a lousy man like you."

David's jaw tightened as he looked like he was about to retort, but he swallowed his words before he could even speak.

Stefan's eyes darkened. "Get out, David. And remember what I said," he ordered.

David stormed out, leaving Stefan alone in the café. Stefan exhaled deeply as the door closed behind him, the tension slowly leaving his body. He hated resorting to threats but couldn't let David jeopardize his marriage, especially now that they'd lived peacefully together.

His thoughts drifted back to Amber. The memory of her confessing her love for him in the hospital replayed in his mind, filling him with a renewed determination. He had to prove to her that he could be the husband she needed, the one she deserved.

Stefan left the café, a sense of urgency propelling him forward. He had much to make up for and wouldn't let anything stand in the way of his love for Amber. Not David, not his past mistakes, nothing. His thoughts were consumed with winning back his wife's trust and love. He couldn't let David win. Amber was his world, and he would do whatever it took to keep her by his side.

Meanwhile, the developer department of Lehman Shop buzzed with excitement. Speculations flew across the room, each employee more eager than the last to share their theories about the mysterious boss.

"I heard he's super handsome," Maria said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Yeah, and probably super rich, too," added Laura, leaning in conspiratorially. "Do you think he's single?"

"Maybe," Rebecca chimed in, a dreamy look on her face. "I mean, why else would he stay so secretive? He must be waiting for the right woman."

Daisy, who had been listening with a bemused smile, finally interjected. "Guys, calm down. The boss probably isn't interested in us. He'll be looking for someone at his level."

The excited chatter halted abruptly, replaced by disappointed murmurs. "Oh, well, it was fun to dream," Maria sighed.

As the time for self-revelation approached, the employees filed into the lobby, the air thick with anticipation. The large glass doors swung open, and a man who seemed to belong to another world walked in. Godly figure, tall, with broad shoulders and an aura of command, he exuded confidence. His black suit was perfectly tailored, emphasizing his robust build.

A collective gasp swept through the room. Amber's eyes widened in shock, her mouth slightly agape as she recognized Stefan. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of disbelief flooding her senses. 

Is she dreaming? She flattered her eyes a few times but still saw Stefan walking close to them. How come? A half-exile from the Morgan family is the CEO of a successful online shop. How could Stefan hide this from her?

Standing beside her, Daisy whispered, "Isn't that your..." Only Daisy knows Amber's husband, as she had shared some photos of her with Stefan.

Amber quickly placed a hand on Daisy's arm, cutting her off before she could finish the sentence. She shot her friend a look that conveyed the urgency of keeping this secret. 

Stefan's eyes scanned the room, his smile polite but guarded. He greeted the employees, his presence commanding their full attention. Amber could hardly breathe, her mind racing with the implications of this revelation.

The room buzzed with whispers and speculation, but Amber stood rooted to the spot, her emotions a whirlwind of confusion. Stefan, her husband, was the enigmatic boss they had all been wondering about. The reality of it all began to sink in. She could hardly believe that Stefan had hidden such a monumental truth from her. She feels like a fool, not worthy of sharing something significant about her husband's identity.