Chapter 2

[Present day]

“Reggie, say something. You can’t just leave me hanging like this. This is my birthday party we are talking about. I am clocking thirty. We need to go all out for this, and the best way is by announcing our engagement,” Tom said.

Regina was too busy working on the proposal for a new acquisition, so she had absolutely no interest in rejecting Tom’s suggestion for the umpteenth time.

“Hello? Reggie, are you there?” Tom queried from the other side of the line.

“I’m sorry about that, Tom, but I honestly don’t have the same thoughts as you on this matter,” Regina replied, typing away on her keyboard.

“Sorry? Why not? I really don’t get you. Don’t you understand the importance of us coming together? Everyone needs to know that we are in this for the long run.”

“I don’t want to talk about this anymore, Tom. Why don’t we meet up for lunch? I think I can clear up my schedule and meet you at Stan’s, what do you say?” Regina suggested.

“I can’t make it. I have an important meeting to prepare for. I will see you tonight at the function, and we will discuss it better. Bye,” Tom said before hanging up.

Regina wasn’t bothered by that emotionless hang-up style of his. After all, they hung up on each other all the time. She and Tom, despite having dated for two years already, were more like an elderly couple than a young one. There had never been any love declarations from either of them.

Never had there been any passion or skipping of heartbeat moments between them. No sparks whatsoever flew when they touched or kissed.

Regina never actually cared because she assumed that, with time, those feelings would surface. She liked Tom as a person, but sometimes he was like a mirror staring back at her, and that put her off big time. She didn’t feel comfortable knowing there was another person as vain and ambitious as herself.

Just like she was calculating and ambitious, Tom was the same. Their conversations usually never strayed from work and achievements. Having attended the same college and been of equal status, it seemed the most reasonable option to date Tom Parker.

His family was from old money. His father was a famous and renowned cardiologist, just like Tom himself was. The Parkers were a family of medical doctors with several hospitals across the continent.

Regina wasn’t against marrying a guy like Tom; she just didn’t see any reason to rush into it at the moment.

She was currently working as the Managing Director of Sanders Hotel & Suites in Europe. A position so sensitive and time-consuming that she spent most of her days working overtime.

Regina stood up from her swiveling chair and stretched her aching limbs. She had been holed up inside her office since the previous day.

Regina stared back at herself in the mirror on the wall of her private room. What she saw was the same beautiful face she did every other time.

Her eyes were large and a captivating green, her hair long and very dark. She had a small nose, and her lips were full and sensual. Her waist was slim, just like her hands and legs were; her breasts were dainty, and she had curvy hips and a pert backside. The perfect face and body she had, but unfortunately, it was the very reason she had to work twice as hard as anyone else.

Everyone kept assuming that she was brainless and could easily be fooled. Regina, for a long time, had been a victim of misconceptions about her character.

When she had first begun working at Sanders Hotel & Suites as an executive, no one had ever believed that she was worth it. They had always assumed she was an airhead who got there riding on the coattails of others.

And so, Regina had to show them all by working harder than necessary, never taking any breaks no matter what.

Regina smiled at herself in the mirror, but then the smile couldn’t reach her eyes. She had all that she had ever dreamt of as a child, but then the empty feeling in her chest was still there.

Many ladies would kill to have her life, a beautiful body, a successful career, and a perfect boyfriend. She had more than enough money than necessary, but there was always that feeling in her chest.

Nothing was ever enough, not her achievements, awards, wealth, and fame, not even Tom. She wasn’t sure what exactly she wanted, but she was aware that she didn’t have it yet.

Regina gasped in shock at the sudden sound of her ringtone. It was Sylvia, her mother, calling.

“Hey, Sylvia,” Regina greeted.

“Reggie, are you still at work?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Why do you sound so down? Is it a cold or something?”

“I’m alright. What’s up?”

“Tom told me you are still at work, and you haven’t gone home since yesterday. Why is that? I want you to clock off now.”

“I’m sorry, Sylvia. I still have a lot to work on,” Regina said.

“Work? For goodness sake, Regina! Why must you tear yourself apart like this? Get out of your office and get your butt to my store. We have some new arrivals; they are amazing and will look stunning on you. You need to look great at this party tonight. Have you seen the guest list?” Sylvia queried.

“I can’t just do that, Mom. I have a lot of proposals to go through.”

“Get your plump ass to my store in the next hour,” Sylvia said before hanging up.

Regina let out a sigh and moved her fingers through her hair. She could understand Sylvia’s excitement about the charity ball happening at their hotel that evening, but she wasn’t thrilled about it.

Sylvia was one with a childish manner; she enjoyed parties and meeting up with friends and family, but Regina had always hated the superficiality.

She shut down her computer and arranged the necessary files she needed before putting them in her bag.

She left her office and was greeted by her secretary, Pamela Gardner. “Good morning, Ms. Sanders.”

“Good morning, Pamela,” Regina greeted back, walking past the smiling brunette.

Pamela was pleasant despite Regina’s cold and aloof nature towards her and everyone else.

The greetings continued all the way down to the parking lot. Regina got into her car and drove off to her mother’s clothing store.

Sylvia sold expensive and limited editions of clothes, bags, and accessories. Regina always had to model for her mother whenever she had the chance. She smiled thinking of all the tactics Sylvia employed to ensure they both bonded.

She accompanied her mother to cinemas, comedy shows, and some boring tea parties that Sylvia loved so much.

“My baby, you look terrible. I’ve missed you so much, dear,” Sylvia remarked, hugging Regina as soon as she entered the store.

“You saw me yesterday morning, Mom,” Regina replied, rolling her eyes.

“Shhh, don’t call me that,” Sylvia laughed.

“Sure, Mom,” Regina laughed.

Sylvia was a breath of fresh air and probably the only reason Regina smiled these days. Everything bored her to death, but as soon as her mom came around, she felt lighter.

“Whatever. Get into the changing room.”

Regina twirled in front of the mirror, admiring the flowing gown her mother, Sylvia, had picked out for her. It was a deep shade of green that complemented her skin tone perfectly. Sylvia stood behind her daughter, beaming with pride.

“You look absolutely stunning, Regina,” Sylvia said, adjusting the neckline of her own dress.

Regina smiled back at her mother before turning to face her. “You look beautiful too, Sylvia,” Regina replied, admiring the way the silver dress shimmered in the light.

The two women continued to try on different outfits, each offering their opinions and suggestions. They were preparing for a charity ball that evening and wanted to look their best.

“I love this dress,” Sylvia said as Regina twirled around in a deep red dress. It had a plunging neckline with a high slit that reached her mid-thigh. The dress fit her slim body like a glove.

“I love it, too,” Regina replied, smiling.

***

Regina walked into the grand ballroom of Sanders Hotel & Suites, feeling beautiful in her long, red dress. She looked around the room, taking in the elegant decorations and the sea of well-dressed guests. Her mother, Sylvia, was by her side, beaming with pride.

From across the ballroom, she spotted Tom smiling at a friend as they discussed something. He suddenly turned around and caught her eyes.

His eyes trailed from her head down to her feet in approval. He returned his eyes back to her face and said something to the man before making his way over to her.

“Darling, you look amazing,” Tom said, kissing her lips.

Regina pulled away quickly, having never been too into PDA. “You look dashing as well,” she smiled.

As they made their way to their table, Regina’s heart sank when she saw the familiar face. The face that had starred in her teenage fantasies.

The man was breathtakingly handsome with captivating black eyes, a chiseled jawline, and sun-kissed skin. His six feet four inches length was reclined on the chair, with a muscular build, which was obviously maintained by regular gym visits. The same jet black hair was styled to perfection, and his attire, as usual, was immaculate, a suit tailored as though right on his body.

It was Giannis Seven Drakos, her worst enemy. He exuded confidence and charm, making him a popular figure among both his colleagues and clients. His warm smile and friendly demeanor made him look approachable, which was far from the truth. Giannis, her former best friend turned enemy, was sitting comfortably at the table right next to theirs. Regina had no idea that Giannis would be there, and she wasn’t sure if she was ready to face him at all.

Regina tried to ignore Giannis, but she could feel his eyes on her throughout the night.

On the dancefloor, Regina waltzed with Tom, but her entire focus was on Giannis. What was he doing there? When did he return to New York?

She was thinking of her last conversation with Giannis ten years ago when Tom snapped his fingers in front of her.

“Earth to Regina,” he said.

“I’m so sorry, you were saying?” Regina blinked confusedly.

“Does his presence bother you that much?” Tom queried, frowning.

Tom had the tendency to get jealous of anyone who got close to Regina or made her look away from him when they were together. He wanted her attention all the time.

“Not at all. I was just surprised to see him here,” she replied.

The song stopped, and then everyone changed partners. Tom moved on to Angela Sparkling, his colleague at work, and Regina turned around to see Giannis stretching out his hand to her.

“Hello, skinny dipper,” Giannis greeted with a mischievous smile.

“Hi, Seven,” Regina said hesitantly. As she spoke out his name, she felt the events of their last moments go through her mind.

Regina forced herself not to get lost in those captivating eyes as they waltzed, but it was a battle; she kept looking into them no matter what. She wasn’t sure why, but even after years of wishing Giannis gave a reasonable reason for doing what he did, it was difficult for her to ask about it.