The CEO’s Ex-Wife Can’t Escape

The Ceo’s Ex-Wife Can’t Escape

Chapter 33: The Negotiation

After that meal with her new family, Airina intended to return to her house as Evan had said he’d call her. Evan was busy traveling around the countries with the money he had saved for the past ten months since he is good in arts – from that ability of his, he managed to get clients and received a decent amount in return. The last time they talked he informed he had a girlfriend which made her uneasy as she had never even seen his so-called girlfriend.

She didn’t know whether to believe him or assume it was a lie. For Evan, relationship is sacred, so Airina thought he’d take his relationship seriously especially if it was romantically as he vowed not to make the same mistake she and her mother did.

If he treated his girlfriend right and that treatment was reciprocated then there was no problem. If that makes him happy, Airina won’t stop him. Besides, they were having quite the trip together to countries.

No one accompanied her today because she ordered Jena and her driver it was their day off. Therefore, she was alone driving her car. She didn’t directly return home; she went to an Amusement Park after buying an ice cream to satisfy her inner child.

A smile was presented on her face. Just then, someone blocked the lights she was seeing, and she reflexively gazed up. She halted, confusedly looking at Daniel.

Daniel sat on the other swing and giggled at her. “You’ve been avoiding me at all costs. I didn’t know we’d encounter each other this way.”

Airina nodded her head slightly awkward and embarrassed that he had to see her during her leisurely time. She chuckled, “You’re right…”

He tilted her head to get a better look at her, “How have you been?”

Airina scooped the ice cream, moaning in delight. She responded to him as she stomped her feet in happiness, “Healing if I must say.”

Daniel blinked his eyes. He seemed to have grasped what she meant. If his intuition is right, she was healing from the heartache she had from Jackson. He could relate that someone wouldn’t be able to move on from loving someone that easily. They could hate them, avoid them, say hateful words but at the end of the day – there was still a fragment of yearning to be loved by them too.

Daniel only wanted her to feel happy. He looked down at his entangled hands gloomily.

“It might take time for you to heal,” he glanced at the moon, “Do you still remember?”

Airina quirked her brows up, “Hm? About what?”

“The first time we met.”

Airina bewilderedly looked at his solemn face. She was lost. When did they meet? She had come across several people yet who would have thought she wouldn’t recall her stumbling upon Daniel?

“When was that…?”

Daniel had expected her words to come off like that. Even so, it still felt disappointing. Why was he the only one who could remember their first meeting? Was he the only one who found it spectacular and unforgettable?

A restrained snicker came out of his mouth. “I was in the hospital at that time and coincidentally, we crossed paths. I was in a wheelchair back then, it was my first time going out of my room. The time I saw you, you were in a panic situation…”

Airina narrowed her eyes, attempting to remember the specific time he was talking about. However, it was in vain as she couldn’t remember. The only thing she could was the time Evan was so sickly that she borrowed money from her cousins, who neglected her pleas. Now that she was reminiscing about it, there was a wheelchair guy whom she helped back then.

She frowned.

“Was that why you were familiar to me before I even got to know you were Jackson’s older stepbrother?”

Daniel softly said – almost a whisper. “Yes, when a kid was running around, he hit me and I almost stumbled had it been not for you to support me,” he chuckled, “I was mesmerized.”

Airina’s heart thumped. “O-oh, I didn’t know we had such a history.”

Daniel nodded his head, “Back then you divulged to me your circumstances, but I couldn’t help you, either. I couldn’t give you anything but my ears and words since I also don’t have my own money.”

“You don’t have to be guilty about it. It is me who needs to thank you; you listened to me throughout and spent time with me until Evan was discharged.”

Daniel’s eyes widened, “Oh? Evan, your younger brother was the one sick before?”

She nodded her head, throwing the cup of the ice cream into the nearby trash bin. Gentlemanly, Daniel handed her his handkerchief, urging her to wipe the excess cream on her hand. With a smile, she did as she was told.

“Evan was a sickly brother thus I got into a lot of debt. When I disclosed to you what I was going through, I was desperate to have someone to listen to me. That someone didn’t need to give me any money but his ears and words,” she laughed so delightedly that Daniel blushed while listening to her words. “You were the person who reduced my stress.”

He pursed his lips in happiness, “T-that was nothing….”

“Thanks to you, I saved my brother and he’s healthy now.”

Daniel smiled like a man foolishly in love. “Y-you don’t need to be exaggerated.”

Airina rose from her seat and then extended her hand to his. Confused, he frowned his brows.

“Let’s handshake.”

“… Of course.”

As the warmth lingered on both of their hands, what he knew was the fact that Airina was so beautiful it took his breath away, and realized that she was always the one who made him helpless with a mere smile.

He loved her since then.

*

Matthew wriggled his brows at the sight in front of him and annoyedly closed his eyes. When will that man get over that chasing play?

He folded his arms, looking at Jackson who was serious and unmoving. From a distance, one could discern his indifference towards anyone. But Matthew was numb to it and told him.

“I don’t want to be the bridge between you and Airina’s story.”

Jackson clicked his tongue, “Then, why do you always call me whenever Airina is alone?”

Matthew darkly frowned, “Mister, get your words right,” he shrugged his shoulders. “I wouldn’t have called you if I hadn’t seen you were desperate to get close to her.”

Jackson narrowed his eyes, “How were you so certain I’d come to her?”

“Let’s say intuition.”

“Do you know my history with her?”

“Do I have to explain everything? I gave you chances so you could get closer to her. I was helping you without wanting anything in return.”

Matthew eyed the presents Jackson bought for him and shuddered. As far as he was concerned, men only give such gifts to their beloved partner but to experience it from Jackson at that was just terrifying.

“Which is suspicious. How would it possible that you wouldn’t want anything in return?”

Matthew smirked, “No, let me correct you. I called you partly because I pity you, the real reason for that was to help Airina.”

“Airina?,” Jackson approached his table, lightly hitting it with his palm and emphasizing, “What did you do to Airina?”

Matthew snickered at him, “No, what did YOU do to Airina?”

“Matthew.”

“Jackson Miller Georgiñia. Since we don’t have anything to talk about, the door’s always open so leave.”

Jackson sighed. “Then, is it possible to ask for one last favor from you?”

Matthew shook his head. “I merely called you since you were nearby to her-”

“Elisa.”

Matthew frowned, “What?”

Jackson smiled at him, “I’ll arrange a meeting for you and Elisa. In exchange, call Airina to have dinner with me. Of course, in disguise.”

Matthew lightly blushed, coughing, “W-why would Elisa be involved in this matter? On the other h-hand, I don’t want to push Airina further.”

“Elisa is going to leave this country this Thursday-”

“Alright!” Matthew stood, and extended his head for a handshake, “I’ll do you one last favor. Just this last time.”

Jackson laughed at his willingness.

“Very much appreciated.”