The CEO’s Ex-Wife Can’t Escape

To Love You Again, My Husband

Chapter 14: Unexpected Encounter

Sir Montage happily replied, [“Oh my. Are you also curious about this? Haha, several people had wanted this piece, too but I won.”]

Based on his merry voice, no one would have discerned that he had just been scammed for thousands of dollars. Airina wasn’t sentient that Nicole was this desperate to use her paintings for her own gains. She even had the guts to threaten her for ‘owning Jackson’.

She squinted her eyes, revealing. “Yes, Sir. In fact, I am very curious as to how my paintings became one of your collections. To be frank, I had never sold my paintings. For the painting’s legitimacy, I don’t have an official name as a painter. However, I could present you sold proof that I am the one who painted that. Thus, Sir, it would be very helpful to me if you share with me the contacts of the person who sold that piece to you.”

Sir Montage was surprised, [“Wait, Miss Beverly. This painting is yours, but you have never sold it? Why… should I believe you?”]

Airina’s grin widened since the result she wanted was happening. “I don’t need you to believe me for the moment, Sir. Please let me clarify this issue and share with me the contacts of the seller. In the meantime, I put forth my gratitude for your help.”

[“All right, Miss. I will believe you, you wouldn’t call me using Matthew’s phone if it wasn’t urgent. Worry not and I shall help you.”]

“Your help is more than enough, Sir.”

***

Elisa waved her hands at Airina, who was approaching her with a smile on her face. She had yet to deal with her painting matter, but she had already booked a personal meeting with ‘that’ person. Whoever tried to steal her paintings should also pay for what she did.

“It’s been a while, Miss Montage. How have you been?”

Elisa grinned at her, “I’ve been fine! I called you here to pass the time. Want some tea or coffee?”

Airina pondered. Honestly, if she had to pick, she was craving for a latte, but it might be offending for the person sitting across from her. With an unwilling decision, she replied.

“Please, green tea.”

“Aha! Why don’t you try chamomile tea? It helped my insomnia. Well, of course, that depends if you want to have a taste.”

Being close to someone she had just a few times felt foreign.

“That would be an honor. I’d like to see what kind of tea you prefer.”

Elisa blushed, “Oh, a pleasure.” She waved her hand dismissively, as if truly shy of Airina’s way of talking with her.

The waiter soon came for their orders and Airina ordered a simple meal so that she could finish it without wasting anything – be it money or the food. She knew well how horrible it felt without having to eat sufficient food or didn’t have the money to eat whatever she craved.

And now that she has the money, she dislikes it if someone wastes food.

Just like what Elisa had done. Due to self-awareness, Airina finished her meal even her tea, while Elisa occupied herself with storytelling and didn’t have the time to eat that much. She barely touched her food, as though it was a mere courtesy to order to give Airina some face.

Elisa shared, “I called the man I liked but he doesn’t seem to like me.”

Airina nodded her head understandably, “I hate to say but sometimes, it’s better to let go and not chase something. Love wouldn’t bloom out of coercion.”

Elisa innocently blinked her eyes. “You see, I’ve been meaning to ask you this but… what kind of trauma did you have? You seemed to have a deep-rooted hatred about love.”

Airina shut her mouth. Just recalling what Jackson did to her was horrible enough, what’s more to actually share it with someone?

With a polite shake of her head, Airina formally answered. “It’s a shame but this experience of mine isn’t something I am ready yet to divulge.”

Elisa released a disappointed yet sad sigh. She then changed the topic for a better atmosphere between them, “Thank you for accompanying me. I really had a good time with you. As for next time…”

Airina frowned. “N-next time?”

Elisa nodded her head. “Yes, next time! I knew no one besides you and Matthew, who was usually quiet and not that enthusiastic about my love life. Please, I want your help.”

Airina blinked her eyes in uncertainty. How can she say no to those pretty eyes of Elisa? If she had a good skill, Elisa would have gotten a Golden Award for being too good in ‘Pretty Eyes’. While waiting for their respective services – a black, shiny car stopped right in front of them.

The man came out in his lavish, tailored suit as he attractively as if in a slow motion, buttoned the middle button of his suit. His hair was styled in a slick back type and all Airina could do was hold her breath at the dashing entrance of Jackson, whose eyes focused on hers.

On the contrary, Elisa jumped in excitement. She rapidly grabbed his arms, swing it left and right then said in a high-pitched tone of voice.

“Jackson! I didn’t expect to see you around here!”

Airina was confused. Jackson couldn’t be the man Elisa was fond of, right? Jackson exasperatedly pulled his arm from Elisa’s grasp, ugly frowning.

“I told you several times not to show up in front of me.” His cold voice resonated in the air, even his secretary behind him felt the frosty air.

Airina gulped her saliva. She wished that Elisa wasn’t interested in Jackson but well fate really likes to pull pranks on her. It felt ridiculous.

Elisa offered, “Then, then, only for two meetups.”

“I said-”

“With Airina! I invited Miss Beverly to golfing. You wouldn’t embarrass her publicly and reject me right now. We have witnesses around the area, you see.”

Airina furrowed her brows. Jackson isn’t the type of man to agree on something he hates, more so to actually agree due to a petty thing.

“With… Airina?” Jackson turned to her, “You’ll go with her?”

Airina clicked her tongue, “Ah, yes. I’ve already agreed to our meetup.” The only thing she didn’t agree with was the fact that they’d go golfing when she never learned this kind of thing.

Jackson had a sly smile, “OK, I’ll go. Make sure Miss Beverly is there, otherwise..”

Elisa happily nodded her head, “Without a hitch! Thank you, Jackson. I really like you.”

Airina internally rolled her eyes, wanting this very moment to just shatter and vanish.

Jackson teased her, “What an unexpected encounter is it, Miss Beverly?”

A forced smile was presented on her face, “Not really.”

“I’ve missed you over the past few days.”

Airina mocked, “We don’t have the same sentiments, unfortunately.”

And with a coy smile, Elisa was left speechless if it was all right to say such things to Jackson.