The Divorcee's Redemption

14: Stranger

"It's always like this
It starts out so innocent
Oh God, I hate what you did
But I still catch myself"

~-~-~

It had been a couple of days since Mom and Dad hooked up, and I even saw hickeys on them no matter how hard they tried to hide it. These big babies practically had sex. Gross. But they still did it.

Even though they were divorced.

Only if I had half as much boldness as either of them...

Last night when Danny insisted on waiting outside by the loungers for Dad I had mustered enough courage to invite him inside. But the moment was ruined when we found a sticky note left by Kelly stating "Fuck you" in big ugly handwriting.

I was so glad that she was gone.

At least I wouldn't have to see any more thirsty glances sent toward Dad.

But I was used to it as nearly all middle-aged women (even girls my age) were drooling over Dad. He was hot beyond comparison. To be honest, I had never seen someone as handsome as my father.

And maybe that was the reason everyone complimented me on how flawless I looked even though I personally considered it a curse. Ever since I came to Xander Corp, someone or the other left flowers on my desk every day.

I hated the special treatment.

Maybe it was because I would end up being the CEO eventually or mainly because I was the daughter of a very feared man. Nobody except Jay and Gary had the nerve to make Dad angry. Even if Jay and Gary did try annoying Dad, something told me that they were trembling on the inside.

According to Mom, only Grandpa Jim had the skill to mold Dad. If Grandpa had been alive, he would most probably whack some sense in Dad's head and the divorce wouldn't have happened at all.

While sipping my coffee, I stared out of the café while cutting my pastry into tiny pieces. I rarely ate sweets thinking they'd add weight. I was extremely self-conscious after being scrutinized by everyone in my life. Both mom and dad exhausted me, especially since they were always bottled up. Since I couldn't find love, the least I could do was make my parents cherish the bond they had. So far, that dream seemed to flowing down the drain.

Sighing, I got up to ask for more tissues at the counter.

I heard the door open but didn't bother to see who it was. Once I had my tissues, I turned around and crashed into a suit-clad chest. The scent of cologne hit me like no other. It had literally whacked my senses and I forced myself to stare at the tall stranger.

"You alright there little lady?"

His voice was so thick and I immediately stepped back, bumping against the counter as I took in his handsome face. A chiseled jawline, a new scent of his aftershave, hollow cheeks, and icy blue eyes— I was greeted by a few of the most striking features I had ever seen in my life.

Little lady.

Fuck, I hated the way he called me that. Absolutely hated it.

"Done gawking?" He smirked and I flushed a bit.

"I'm sorry for bumping into you" I walked back to my seat. His words were still carved into my head.

Was I really that small...?

Not even Danny's called me that even though he was much taller than the stranger.

"This seat isn't taken is it?"