BILLIONAIRES: Father or Son

Chapter Forty-Eight

 FLORA'S POV

Rockshire Fashion Night was finally here—or, well, tomorrow, and I was practically vibrating with excitement. A whole month and a few weeks of sketches, late nights, and caffeine-fueled brainstorming sessions were about to pay off. My designs were ready to shine, and I was more than eager to prove myself. But, as with most things in my life lately, joy didn't come without its shadows.

The situation with Alex was a thorn in my side, and not the sexy kind that made you tingle. Ever since Jayden's unexpected and dramatic office visit, Alex and I had been operating on an unspoken no-contact policy. I was furious at him for his aloofness and remarks about that situation, and to make matters worse, he didn't even seem phased by my cold shoulder. He mirrored my behavior with frustrating ease, keeping everything between us strictly professional, even when we were alone.

Sure, I caught him sneaking a look my way more than once. His gaze always holds a flicker of... something. But he never acted on it, and it left me simmering. Why did he seem so calm and collected while I was over here, brimming with unresolved anger, and maybe a touch of longing I refused to admit to myself?

Meanwhile, my history with Jayden Kensington hasn't died down yet, even after explaining to HR management that I was his ex-wife and not his current wife, there was still plenty of office drama swirling around me. I still got those scornful looks from some female staff, especially from my former team. It was almost as if they were asking, 'How dare she divorce Jayden Kensington?'

But I didn't pay them any attention, not even when Ms. Hart from my former team recruited a little clique to join in her bullying crusade. I knew she never got over the sting of me using her design to shine that day in Vicky's presence. Word around the office was that she had her eye on the head designer position and saw me as competition. Which was both laughable and infuriating. Was she seriously seeing me as a threat? I scoff each time I think about that.

Jayden had not reached out to me after that day, and I haven't reached out to him either. Still, I would find my mind wandering to him at odd moments, wondering how he was holding up. Old habits die hard, I suppose.

When I walked into the office that morning, I wasn't expecting much—just another day of preparing for the big event. But as I stepped into the room, my eyes landed on a bouquet of flowers sitting on my desk.

I stopped in my tracks, scanning the office for any clues. Who would leave flowers for me? My mind immediately jumped to Alex. Could this be his way of apologizing? A small olive branch in the form of fresh blooms? I went over to my desk, excited. I set down my bag, plopped into my chair, and reached for the bouquet. Nestled among the petals was a small note, folded neatly.

For the past few days, I had been the first person to arrive in the office. I had to get everything ready for myself and then prepare Alex's schedule.

I unfolded the paper with eager fingers, my heart pounding.

Then I saw the signature: Jayden.

My heart dropped like a stone. Still, my curiosity got the better of me, and I began to read.

My Dear Flora,

'Losing you still feels like a dream, one I still don't want to believe. I would be lying if I said I have it all together. It's my fault that everything turned out this way. I'm sorry for everything I put you through, including the humiliation of barging into your workplace. I've realized how selfish it is to want you by my side while I try to fix myself. You don't deserve that, Flora. You deserve happiness, peace, and the better life you're building for yourself.

I don't want to be the one to ruin the beautiful life you have now. I never told you this, but you were my diamond in the rough, and I was too busy chasing stones to see your worth. I was arrogant, proud, and selfish. I didn't realize your worth and how much I loved you until you left me. My therapist says, "If you truly love something, let it go. If it returns, it's yours. If it doesn't, it was never meant to be." But I miss you so much, Flora. I swear I do every morning and night. I miss the way you woke me up, pampered me, dressed me, and adored me. I miss your delicacy; I miss the care you put into packing my lunch. I miss the way you paid attention to every detail about me. How you always took it as a job, making sure my suits were perfect for the Galaxy Show, which I regret never taking you to.