The Possessive Ex-Husband

Chapter One

“Eliza! Welcome back, deary. You've changed so much i'm amazed.” Vern, her feminine friend exclaimed while making her twirl in a circle in front of him.

His eyes were shining with bewilderment, for the young teenager who was shy and timid before has become a poised and a lethally attractive young woman.

Eliza rolled her eyes playfully, nudging him. “You're over exaggerating my dear. I only changed my hair,” she points to her long and wavy black hair.

“Tell me where that salon is then! I'm willing to spend all my saving just to look as beautiful as you are.” Vern teases her. “That face is an impending disaster. You've bloomed too well!”

Eliza laughs, wagging a finger. “Now i do feel like you're stalling me. You didn't bring a car, did you?”

Vern smiles cheekily. “Something like that... I was too excited to pick you up that i went straight to the airport after i finished my work. Your luggage won't fit in my sportscar— so i called the chauffer. Consider your luggage taken care of. Where do you wanna go?”

Although she had just gotten off from a 12-hour long flight Eliza didn't feel the slightest bit tired. Perhaps, it was because she was so used to the jet-setting lifestyle she has adapted over the years her body didn't feel the slightest bit of fatigue.

Ahhh, the comfort of the first class.

“Do you even have to ask that?” Eliza's lips curved into an alluring smile.

“We do share the same braincell.” Vern chuckles, offering his arm. Eliza hooked hers on his bicep. “Retail Threapy it is!”

With dozens of bags, each on their arms Eliza and Vern finally decided to take a break. Their things were taken care of, and neatly brought to Vern's car. Now sitting at a fancy french restaurant laughing, eating and catching up.

“That does bring me to my next question, how's your love life nowadays?” Eliza asks with a smile. “Any boyfriends that you may wanna talk about?”

Being reminded of his lonely relationship, or lack thereof for that matter, Vern's face fell. “Boyfriend my ass! i don't even have any time to date. It's hard enough to keep up with the demand in the market and even harder to come up with new designs every month. Mr. Thunder De Silva has reached the highest peak, like a celestial being. The Empire is booming under his reign!”

Vern finally realized he had ranted off too much, when he saw the change in Eliza's expression. With a guilty face on, he reached for her hands and squeezed it.

“I'm so sorry my dear. I was j-just—”

Eliza tried to smile, though it noticeably did not reach her eyes. “I'm fine, don't worry about it.”

Lie. Her heart wanted to scream at her. The mere mention of his name had made her heart hammer in her chest. The effect he has on her was, as always, big.

Clearing her throat, she tried to play it off cooly. “How is he anyways?” Like an old friend asking the well-being of the other.

Vern sighs. “Well, what could i tell you? Everything he does is on the news these days. His business expanded to European countries, Retail, Shipping, Oil, Wineries etcetera. Oh And he finally acquired the Trevino Aviation...” Vern pauses slightly assessing her reaction. Eliza never reacted, she was still listening patiently.

“His personal life frequent the news aswell. Different models, actresses and beauty queens hanging on his arm every week. Boss' old habits die hard.” Vern rolls his eyes. “Though, if you were to ask me— these women aren't even half as pretty as your fingers. My friend is a goddess.”

Eliza chuckles. “There you go again. And you don't need to make me feel better, He's single.. And i've moved on.” It was hard to spit out the last sentence. Some part of her was firmly denying the statement.

“I believe you.” Though Vern knowingly gave her hand a comforting squeeze.

Eliza smiled and they resumed their light hearted conversation.

“Dear, i forgot to ask. What are your plans? Are you finally planning to stay home or are you here just for a vacation?” Vern asks.

Eliza dabs her lips with a napkin. Her eyes, firm and resolute. “Yes. I’m here to stay.”