Attracted By My Ex-wife

Kevin took his time to answer. He remained silent as he fiddled with the elegant lighter, rhythmically flicking the metal lid open and close. Small flames came alive only to die as soon as they had flared.

As the silence stretched on, Ryan grew more anxious. The small sips of wine that he had taken gradually turned into gulps until there was not a drop left in his glass.

An enigmatic smile curled on Kevin's lips, which only fueled Ryan's growing unease.

"I didn't expect you to take your alcohol strong, Mr. Ryan. Let me refill your glass.“

At his words, the waiter attending them poured more of the crimson liquid into Ryan's empty glass. The wine flowed red and thick, following the smooth curves of the goblet.

Anger brewed inside Ryan alongside his discomfort. It was obvious that Kevin was plying him with alcohol, but what was even more irritating was that he was too weak and powerless against the other man to refuse. He let his thoughts drift towards Anne.

Today was the day she would answer him. He mulled over what her decision could be.

As his mind swirled with alcohol and these preoccupations, Ryan excused himself, "Mr. Kevin, I need to go to the restroom."

Inside the restroom, the light burned almost menacingly to his alcohol-addled senses. Ryan had almost flinched at his own reflection as he saw himself against the mirror. His face was flushed, and bloodshot eyes stared back at him as he gripped at the sink in an iron hold.

He splashed cold water on his face and breathed deeply. Soon enough, he was able to regain his composure. Taking out his phone from his pocket, he dialed Anne's number.

If he could just get the shares from her, there would be no need for him to play puppet to Kevin's little games.

The phone rang, but there was no answer. After a few beeps, the call dropped automatically.

"Anne, you little..." Ryan wanted nothing more at that moment than to spew out curses and throw his phone until it smashed into useless pieces of metal, but he bit his tongue and stopped himself. Once again, he walked towards the room where Kevin was.

Cool air blew inside the room. Kevin's tall, business-suit clad figure gave off a detached and forbidding aura.

Anne's phone was in his hand.

The screen showed Ryan's name. Kevin was furious, his hand gripping the cold metal as it rang. He narrowed his eyes at the screen and let the call end. Then, he placed it on the table.

It was only a few seconds later when Anne's phone lit up once again with a message. "Anne, have you made up your mind? As long as you cooperate, I will help you."

At this, Kevin's rage rose to a dangerous height. His jaw clenched as he stared at the message, barely suppressing the urge to rush straight to Ryan and silence him forever.

Anne was too naive. She didn’t know when to doubt people, as if suspicion was a foreign and incomprehensible concept to her. Everyone was her friend. And yet, this same woman was so cold to him.

"My apologies, Mr. Kevin. It seems that I am not feeling too well. I hope you excuse my rudeness." Ryan gave him an elegant smile—one that would perfectly cover his true intentions, but Kevin didn't need to dig too deep to find the real face buried in the facade.

"Since you are feeling unwell, you should rest first. We can talk about business after you recover." With these words, Kevin stood up and walked to the door, leaving Ryan and his deceptively unfaltering smile behind.

His face changed like quicksilver the moment Kevin was out the door. "Bastard, you've gone too far this time," Ryan hissed, his hand slamming down on the table heavily. The wood complained from the impact, and Ryan stewed in his own frustration. He wanted to throw a fit, but he understood his position all too well. He could destroy and trash the room all he wanted, but nothing would change the fact that Kevin had more power than him. There was a bitter taste left on his tongue, and it was not from the alcohol.

It was early evening at Ian's house.

room almost seemed deserted save for the lone figure slumped on the sofa with

Family's residence with Kevin, but Ian didn't know whether he should go there or

touch with Anne either,

She was trapped.

willingly. Otherwise, Kevin wouldn't have had the chance to

knots in Ian's head, and he grew increasingly frustrated. He didn’t have much to work with to form a solid plan. Eventually, he decided to wait. If he still couldn't get in touch with

but that was a minor concern. His foremost priority was

night, a thick curtain of silence shrouded the

the sky. Neon lights flashed in

at the gates. After a few moments, the doors

alcohol on him as he entered the house. With yesterday's events still fresh in her memory, she chose to

obviously, Kevin would have none

you want to see the baby?"

Anne stopped and

want to know, all you have to do is tell me what happened between you

sent a shudder through her bones. Anne's heart

me back my phone," Anne said, stretching

Kevin habitually put things

her phone, Kevin had grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer. "What? Are you angry because I saw

was smiling at her, but it was full of mockery. His breath fanned over her skin from their proximity. Anne took a deep breath and

are more important things you should be asking me? Like why I

at her words,

that the sweet, naive Anne also could also spit

more weapons were she hiding in such a small body?

relationship with, it makes no difference

to say

he wouldn't engage. "Of course there is. Plenty of things, I might add.

he was doing. Kevin was a shrewd businessman, and he knew her weakness. She forced herself to maintain a

every day if that's what you want, but you have to give me your word that you won't take the child away. Otherwise, I guarantee you that you won't be stepping out of this villa ever again," Kevin laid out his demands as he looked straight

"Sure."

all. From now on, you won't have any contact with other men. Do we have

with anyone I want, and you have no control

around. If he stayed here any longer, there was no telling what his fury would do. There was nothing else to

"Wait a minute."

not look back. He stood straight and

take care of first. I need

far," Kevin answered then left the living room, taking the scent

he was gone, Anne breathed a sigh of relief, but the respite was only momentary. The next

to his word, Kevin returned Anne's phone back to

checked her messages and saw the

sent Ian a message