Filed to story: The Billionaire’s Regret Novel By Symplyayisha >>
Still not looking Into his eyes, She rose to her feet, picked up her purse from the table, then made her way out of the restaurant. She still didn’t look at him but she could feel his presence behind her.
They both brought their cars to the venue so that kept Ashton wondering for a while about what was going to happen.
Once they were outside the venue, he arranged for her car to be brought to the front by the valet and once that was done, he turned to her. “Get in, I’ll drive.”
Vicky didn’t argue. She obeyed and got into the car.
Once they were both in and buckled up, Ashton started the engine and drove out of the restaurant.
She was hoping he would ask her for her home address since he didn’t exactly know her place but that question never came through.
Vicky decided to stop getting bothered as she found herself enjoying the silent ride. She turned her attention to the window, looking into the beautiful streets while buried in her thoughts.
After what felt like forever in the silent ride, they finally pulled up in a not-so-quiet place. Looking out through the window, Vicky saw what looked like a night market ahead, and close to it was a park. The environment looked a bit busy and bubbling.
“Let’s see how this goes!” Ashton said, unbuckling his seatbelt. He got down from the car and went to the other side to open the door for her. She thanked him and came down.
For the first time since the incident, She spoke,” Don’t you think I’m overdressed for this venue?”
“It wouldn’t matter, I promise you.” He smiled at her.
She nodded.
Ashton stretched out his hand to her. She accepted, intertwining her hand with his and they made their way into the night market.
Vicky calmed down even more when she sighted not one or two couples officially dressed like them.
“Told you,” he whispered to her, making her chuckle.
They kept walking through the pathway, enjoying the view of the night market, stopping at some stalls for sightseeing and even tasting certain meals.
Realizing they haven’t had a proper meal this evening, Ashton decided that they try his favorite street food.
He paid for the food after which they sat and ate on one of the comfy chairs in the park.
The duo ate in silence, enjoying their meal.
“How was it?” He asked when they were done.
“Yummy and filling. I’ve never been a fan of street food. Didn’t know it could taste this good.”
Ashton chuckled, “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“And about tonight…..” She was starting to say but stopped, probably confused as to how to bring anything up.
“You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. I just want you to know that I don’t see you otherwise.”
*No, I have to. You worked so hard for tonight just to have it ruined by some naccist,”
“Yeah, I’m not happy about that but I know that it’s not your fault.”
“He’s a maniac and I don’t know him.”
“I know this is none of my business but you remember you still brought Sophie to work last week. And now, seeing this stranger.”
“Right?!” She said, remembering the striking resemblance between her daughter and that maniac. Anyone who had seen the two of them before would be able to tell.
“I’m sorry for all the horrible things he said about you. And I don’t want you to take them at heart because you’re not what he said.”
“You’re an amazing woman, Vicky. Any man must be so stu pid to leave you.”
All I could see in his eyes were regrets and sadness but unfortunately, he seemed like someone that doesn’t know how to control his Ego. I think he still wants you and he was really mad about you being on a date with me.”
“Want me? No! That’s not true.” Vicky shook her head. After how he ruined her, that was the last thing she felt he would want.
“He does but luckily for him, he’s an egoistic ba stard who doesn’t know how to express his feelings.”
Seeing that Vicky wasn’t convinced by what he said, he reached for her warm hands, covering them with his own, his gesture making her look into his eyes.
“I’m deeply into you, Vicky. I see the way he looks at you. It’s the same way that I look at you. I get jealous when I see you with other Male colleagues in the office even though I’m well aware that you’re discussing nothing but work with them. Anyone that is into you too would have flared up seeing you with me.”
“He had you on a platter of gold and he let you go. He lost his opportunity. Since he wants you again, then he’s going to have me to deal with. If you can’t be mine, then you can’t be anyone’s, especially Him.”
“Really, oh my G od?!!!” Lara burst into a peal of laughter.
Victoria shook her head in disbelief, refilling her glass cup with some white wine.
The duo were in their night dresses, lying on the couch in the living room.
“Just when I thought you were the boring one? Da mn girl, you’ve got lots of juicy stuff going on around you?”
“You call this juicy? Stop pulling my legs, Lara.”
“Babe, I’m not. I’m just so glad I forced you to go on the date.”
“So what did you say next to Ashton after he confessed that he was ready to fight for you?”
“I was speechless. I didn’t know what to say or what to do. At some point, I thought he was joking, but the look on his face told me otherwise.”
“You see, that’s the reason I promised myself that I’m not going to go on dates anymore.”
“No..don’t say that. Don’t try to blame yourself for anything. Ashton knows what he sees in you and that is why he is not letting you go.”
“Honey, you’re smart, beautiful, independent, successful, a wonderful mother and you have a really adorable daughter. Tell me what’s there not to like about you?”
Vicky took a few sips from her glass. “I’m just being me. After what that ba stard and his family made me go through, I made myself a promise to be a better human and most importantly, the best mom to my daughter. That passion has driven me to where I am today. I had no idea anyone would even be interested in a single mother. Not that I’m ready to date though.”
“Don’t sell yourself short just because you have a daughter. Whoever is going to love you will realize your worth.”
“I’m just not interested.”
“You should. No one is bound to be alone.”
“I’m not alone. I’ve got Sophie.”
“I know you’ve got Sophie and she’s going to be yours forever. No one is going to take her away from you.”
“Deep down, I know you still miss a man’s warmth.”
“Uhhh Lara, please!” She groaned.
“I’m always so exhausted that I hardly have time to even think of that.”
“Liar!” Lara shot her a playful glare.
“Fine! Maybe a little, but it doesn’t matter right?!”
“So, you are going to give Ashton a chance?”
“You all are getting it all wrong. That’s why I didn’t want to go on a date with him.”
“From what I might have heard, I think he’s a good guy. So you are going to give up on him like that?”
“You’re beginning to behave like Ashton. He made it clear that he understands that I’m not ready for any form of relationship and politely asked for a friendly dinner which I eventually gave in to due to so much pressure from all ends.”
“And now I can’t believe he left me uncomfortable in the end.”
Lara smiled sweetly, definitely enjoying the whole conversation.
“I would be lying to myself if I didn’t see the seriousness in his eyes as he spoke about wanting it. He’s not shy about it and he’s ready to do anything. I feel I just set myself up for what I can’t handle.”
“He said he’s going to respect my wishes for now for wanting to be just friends with him but he’s not going to stop trying to woo me. Apparently, Oscar’s weird behavior just brought out the beast in him.
“So what do you think about that?”
“I don’t know. I really don’t know. I just hope I haven’t brought doom upon myself.”
“What do you mean? You don’t trust him?”
“Not that. I really haven’t paid much attention to Ashton but he’s a good guy. My instincts just tells me that. I honestly have no idea how he intends to achieve his goal because I only see him as a colleague and a friend. Apart from that, I don’t feel anything for him.”
“Anything like?” Lara asked with creased eyebrows.