CHASING MY EX-WIFE

CHAPTER 24

Arabel’s POV

I come to an abrupt halt, a cold dagger of fear running through me at the sight before me.

His eyes are widened too, like he was surprised to see me here. It brings my uprising anger to a stop because, for a second, I am thinking he is stalking me.

“What are you doing here?” He asks with shock evident on his face.

Speechless, I look down at the luggage, thinking that moving out of Alex's home is actually the right thing.

I have been in search of a house for a week now. Finally, I got a positive response from the agent here, and here I am packing my belongings out before Alex shows up tonight.

“Hey, is everything okay?" He grabs my shoulders instantly, watching me with concern.

I nod, flashing him a smile.

“I just moved here,"  I announce, not revealing the reason behind it. I was bound to move anyway.
The idea from the start was to stay at Alex's till I was done with the branch office before finding an apartment for myself, considering how long it has been since I came to New York.

But I have been having doubts about the branch office simply because of Richard, which is why I didn't mention getting an apartment. I wasn't sure if I was willing to risk it by going ahead with my plans, which meant spending more time in New York or relocating back, which will invariably mean seeing Richard more often.

For once in my life, I am indecisive.

“Is everything okay at your friend's? Did something happen?” He demands, peering down at me with worry etched on his brows and making me uncomfortable with his hands still holding onto my shoulder.

I wring myself out of his hold. “What are you doing here?”

I am curious. What is he doing in an apartment like this at this time of the night?

Is he here to see someone, presumably a woman? Is it Eve? Does she stay here?

Jealousy and anger flare up inside of me. Why didn't I think they would still be together. After all, he left me because of her.

“I stay... I live here."  His announcement comes out with a little smile, leaving me shocked to the bones.

Did I just move next door to my partner and ex-husband? Is fate playing a silly game with me!

Regret fills my insides as I bite my lower lip, thinking of what to do right now. Alex doesn't know I am packing out yet, should I just go back, and ask for a refund of the apartment?

Shit!

His touch jerks me up, and I see him struggling to grab my luggage from me to help. “Is everything okay?”

"Yes,"  I reply quickly. “Why do you live here? This place is too odd for a businessman like you.”

I don't want to come out straight and ask about the mansion. The Giodanos have lots of mansions and apartments scattered around New York.

Why does it have to be this one I am moving into tonight?

He wheels the luggage out with a smile curving on his lips. “It's my safe haven. I love it here.”

I want to ask why. I want to ask more questions, but my mouth won't open. My heart is ricocheting, and my head is spinning with questions about what to do and how to handle living close to him.

Should I just go back to Alex?

With his back to me as he moves out of the elevator with my luggage, I watch, nerves fluttering in my stomach.

Just then, he demands. “Where is my girl?”

At the question, something stirs in me, but I ignore it and wave away quickly. “She is in the car with a friend.”

“Oh!”

I had to call Ashley for help. I had no one in New York to help except Alex, and he was the one I was running away from. Ashley was the only person that came to mind, even though I felt bad for how I spoke to her the other time, and I didn't want to inconvenience her.

We searched for the apartment together, and we found this one. It was just what I needed, an enclosed place where I could stay until I made a decision.

Glad that I told Ashley to wait in the car with Daisy, I decide to go back and ask her to drive us back to Alex’s. I don't think I can stay here. This is too risky, and complicated. Instead of going our separate ways, something keeps pulling us back closer.

This was the reason why I left for a faraway land after the divorce. I couldn't imagine seeing the man I loved who threw the divorce word at me like a normal conversation. I couldn't stay close enough to watch him and get hurt again.

My anger at that time was a burning flame. It was best I left.

“I should go,” I murmur, walking past him with my hands trembling and my head spinning.

I don't give him the opportunity to say a word as I hasten my steps towards my door. With trembling hands, I unlock the door and enter, dragging the box in and rushing to the sofa to sit on.

Everything is set. Moving in was what was left, and now this is happening again.

I ordered new furniture, and every single thing I would need was delivered to the house. Never in my wildest dream did I think of meeting Richard or having him as a neighbor.

What the hell is he doing here? He no longer stays in the mansion?

He mentioned that this is his safe haven. What does that even mean?

Literally, I am shaking.

This is bad. I can't go back to Alex, and this place is not a good place for me to stay. It is not good for my child. Daisy is already attached to him.

Suddenly, it hits me.

Daisy shouldn't know. For that to happen, I can't allow him to see Daisy.

Remembering he was on his way out, I jump to my feet and dash out. If he goes out, he will see her. Not only that.

His secretary, Ashley, is also in the car. She brought us with her car, and Ashley is with her.

Both of them will see him, and that isn't going to be good. First of all, Daisy will be all over him. Ashley will become suspicious.

I get to the elevator and keep pressing the button for it to open, my heart pounding wildly against my ribcage.

As soon as it opens, I enter and watch it close. Within minutes, I am outside, racing to the garage out of the gate, where Ashley’s car is parked.

Richard isn't in sight, and I am not interested in finding him. I just want to be sure he hasn't seen any of them yet.

If Ashley knew this was where her boss was staying, she would have told me that. Obviously, she has no idea he stays here.

“Ms. Bella?” Ashley comes back when she sees me running towards the car.

I signal to her to go back in as I turn over to sit in the passenger’s seat before turning to her. “Let's go.”

Confusion creases her forehead, and I sigh, thinking of how to explain to her that her boss also stays in the apartment we just secured, and not only that, but he is also my ex.

“Are you ok?”

Daisy is busy with her phone. She is watching an anime and smiling to herself, oblivious to what is happening.

I don't have time to start any sort of explanation. I just wish she would start the car and drive off.

Just before I can say anything, I catch sight of his familiar figure glancing around for the sight of the car. Our eyes meet, and I turn to Ashley once again, shouting with a loud voice.

“Drive!”