18

18

"Hey, babydoll," Michael said, a smile curving his lips. It was the first time he'd ever smiled at her like that—genuine, warm, and completely out of character.

Anna stared at him, shocked. She didn't know what to make of his sudden change in demeanor, her mind racing as she tried to figure out what he was up to.

Anna felt a knot of unease tightening in her stomach as she stared at Michael, his unexpected smile making her more wary than reassured. She straightened up, crossing her arms defensively.

"What are you doing here, Michael?" she asked, her voice firm but with an edge of uncertainty.

Michael's smile widened, a mocking glint in his eyes. He sauntered closer to her, his tone taking on a seductive, almost taunting lilt. "Nice place you got here. I was just curious, Anna. How does someone like you afford a place like this? Must've cost a pretty penny."

"Get out! Your present is not…" Before Anna could respond, Michael reached out and tried to pull her closer, his hand gripping her arm. She stiffened at his touch, and with a burst of defiance, she pushed him away, putting distance between them.

"Don't touch me," Anna snapped, her voice laced with anger and disgust.

Michael's smile didn't falter. If anything, it grew more predatory. "Come on, baby. You should really treat your ex-husband nicer. After all, you never know when you might need a little… help."

Anna's eyes blazed with fury as she shoved his hands away, her voice steady but cold. "I don't need anything from you, Michael. Not now, not ever."

He held her two hands and creased them gently "sorry okay? I can't help myself sometimes, you're just so beautiful. I…I…miss you so much Anna." Michael said and touched her cheeks. 

****

Maureen had just finished shopping at the mall, her arms laden with bags, when she decided to head over to the restaurant to check on the restaurant. As she walked down the street, she noticed something that made her slow her pace—a familiar figure standing near the entrance of the restaurant.

It was Michael, leaning in close to Anna, his posture unmistakably aggressive. Maureen's curiosity piqued, and she instinctively ducked behind a nearby car, peeking out just enough to see what was happening.

She watched as Michael said something to Anna, his tone dripping with condescension. Anna's body language was tense, her posture defensive as she pushed him away. Maureen could see the anger in Anna's face, but Michael didn't seem to care; he only moved closer, his expression turning almost sinister.

Maureen's heart raced as she took in the scene, feeling a mix of unease and concern. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but she could tell from Anna's reaction that whatever Michael was up to, it wasn't good. Holding her breath, Maureen stayed hidden, her eyes fixed on the tense exchange between Anna and Michael. Maureen immediately took out her phone and snapped them both as Michael was holding her hands.

"Stop this Michael! It won't help your miserable situation. You lost your chance!" Anna said and yanked his hands off hers.

"Oh cut the crap! Okay? I regret it, is that what you want to hear!?" Michael yelled, gripping her arms tightly. Anna struggled to break free from his grip. Maureen kept video and covered her mouth upon hearing his yell.

"Oh stop your silly games Anna and get back to me." Michael smirked. Anna gathered the little strength left in herself and pushed him off, she landed a heavy and resounding slap on his cheeks causing Maureen who was peeping on them to cover her mouth from screaming.

"Get the hell out of here, now! Your opinion is not needed here." Anna yelled angrily. Michael foamed in anger and his eyes dimmed, he flared up.

"It's the games you want to play, you slut!? Game on….get ready for it! You're either mine or no one else will have you!" He shouted angrily and stormed off. 

As Michael stormed out of the restaurant, Anna felt the weight of the entire room press down on her. Her heart ached with a familiar pain, one she thought she had long buried. She sank into the chair, her body going limp as she exhaled shakily. The clatter of cutlery and the murmur of nearby conversations faded into a distant hum, leaving her alone with the echoes of Michael's harsh words.

Her fingers trembled as they clutched the edge of the table, her mind racing through the tangled mess of emotions that swirled within her. Anger, regret, sadness—each one clawed at her, threatening to pull her under. She closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing, but the tightness in her chest refused to loosen.

Maureen, who had been peeking from outside, couldn't hide her glee. Her lips curled into a wicked smile as she whispered to herself, "It seems like she's not yet over her ex-husband." Her eyes gleamed with a mix of satisfaction and malice as she watched Anna's defeated posture. The scene before her was exactly what she needed.

Without wasting a moment, Maureen pulled out her phone, her fingers moving with a certain eagerness as she began to record the scene. The lens captured every detail—Anna's despondent expression, the way her shoulders slumped, the silent tears that threatened to spill from her eyes.

"This is perfect," Maureen murmured to herself, her voice tinged with excitement. "Yes! Xavier must see this video." She chuckled softly, her mind already racing with the possibilities of what this could mean. The thought of Xavier's reaction to seeing Anna so vulnerable, so broken, brought a surge of satisfaction to her.

Maureen's smile widened as she ended the recording, her thumb brushing over the screen as if caressing a precious secret. She savored the moment, imagining how this small clip could unravel so much. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she began crafting a message to Xavier, her mind spinning with wicked thoughts.