So yeah, I haven't been online too much on FF. It's the holiday season and it's hectic but I managed to get this chapter done after weeks of always putting it on the backburner. Short but hopefully you'll enjoy it.

xoxo Lexi1989

Previously:

He walked away as the ceremony started. His heart couldn't take it anymore. With each step, he felt a stabbing pain in his heart. Years ago, he'd never thought there would come a time that he would lose her to someone else. The probability of it then was too low.

Now, the probability of her coming back to him was zero. She was never coming back to him.

CHAPTER 1: HAUNTED BY THE PAST

She lay back on the sheets with a contented sigh. He was lying next to her, his heartbeat going back to normal after being jumped by his gorgeous wife. She was insatiable and he loved it. He loved her with every fiber of his being.

It had only been two days since they said their vows and life couldn't be any better. In all honesty, it could be better, but he knew the rest would follow. He had promised her that when he said his vows.

"The world is a brighter place with you by my side. I will never ever leave you and I'll do my very best to make you happy."

He would give her the world if she asked for it. He promised to give her anything she wanted. He loved her that much.

The first few months of their life together as a married couple were idyllic. He would rush home after his 9 to 5 job to find her busy in the kitchen with a cookbook splayed out on a certain page on the dining table and bowls of ingredients scattered on the kitchen counter.

He wrapped his arms from behind her and she leaned into his embrace.

"What's for dinner?" He asked as she continued stirring whatever she was cooking inside the small sauce pot.

"Spaghetti Carbonara." She said with a smile as he planted a kiss on her cheek.

"Sounds great." She giggled as she felt his hands roam southward and paused from stirring to swat his hand away.

"Go take a shower and change. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes." He snuck in one last kiss before he went upstairs to their bedroom thinking of how lucky he was to have her for his wife for she was perfect in every way he could imagine. Little did they both know that their relationship would be put to the test.

"We're going out with some clients for dinner on Saturday." He said in between forkfuls of the delicious pasta she served for dinner.

"I'll note it on the calendar then. Is this for the big project that Tsubasa asked you to oversee?" He was amazed at how she could pay attention to even the smallest of details even if she wasn't directly involved. It was one of her many skills and talents. She was always keen on remembering birthdays, appointments; she even remembers the things he tells her about work.

"Yeah. We're having an initial informal meeting with the broker and he is bringing along his client so we can get acquainted with them and do a temp check if we see eye to eye on the business."

"Do you know what company it is for?" She asked, curious.

"I'll know the details once we receive the papers from the broker. Tsubasa says it's kind of a hush hush deal so we'll see how it goes." He thanked her for the sumptuous dinner as always and helped her load the dishwasher before they retired for the night.

She was sitting in her underwear, in front of the mirror in her boudoir, putting the finishing touches of make-up on her face when he arrived to pick her up. She never fussed over contouring and all those complicated stuff one can find on youtube. She preferred the simple approach: pressed powder, eyeliner, and lipstick. She'd even add in a few bold strokes of eyeshadow if she was in the mood for it. He made his approval known by giving her a sly wolf whistle that made her blush beet red.

"If you don't put on your dress right now, we'll never make it on time." He said as he hugged her from behind and planted a kiss on the nape of her neck.

"Behave yourself darling. This is an important night after all. That can wait." She said as she wriggled out of his grasp and put on the slinky red dress she had chosen for tonight's dinner out with his clients.

It was standard operating procedure for her husband to bring her along to informal client meetings such as this one, as most often, their clients would bring their own partners; wives or girlfriends that needed to be entertained. And Mikan had mastered the art of being the perfect hostess, making sure that the client's companions were taken care of as the men discussed business. She had in part, become an asset to Tsubasa and her husband's team and have helped turn a few client's minds with help from how she spoke and interacted with their companions. A few suggestive words here and there, a well-placed 'slip of the tongue' on a few perks and details to the wives and sooner or later, the deal would be signed.

They arrived at the restaurant early, second to Tsubasa and his wife Misaki with whom Mikan was good friends with. Mikan gave Misaki a peck on the cheek as her husband ordered wine for them while waiting for the business broker and their potential client. Small talk ensued, as Misaki showed Mikan pictures of their 3 year old son Tsubaki and her six month old daughter Misa.

"You guys better make a baby soon. I know you haven't even been married for a year yet, but hell, what are you two waiting for?" Misaki chided them which was met with a burst of laughter and giggles.

The maître'd of the restaurant came by to announce that the remainder of their party had arrived at the same time that the waiter bringing their glasses of wine reached the table. The foursome stood to greet the newcomers and moments later a crash and the breaking of glass on the floor was heard.

"MIKAN! Are you alright? What happened?" Her husband looked at her with worry, not minding the arrival of their potential clients.

"I am so sorry mademoiselle." The startled waiter stooped down on the floor to start cleaning up the shattered glass.

Mikan stood speechless and shocked, her mind not comprehending the chaos around her. Her eyes locked with the person from across the room and she paled. If not for her husband shaking her slightly, she would have stayed rooted to the spot and God knows what else she would have done.

"Miki? Are you alright?" She was brought back to reality by her husband calling her by his pet name for her.

"I'm s-sorry." She began stammering as she saw the waiter on bended knees, picking up the jarred glasses scattered near her feet.

"Is everyone alright?" Mikan closed her eyes at the smooth baritone voice she knew so well.

"Yes we are. Sorry you had to witness that. My wife's glass slipped from her hand." Her husband covered for her well as he welcomed their guests.

"Are you alright Mikan?" She wished she would somehow disappear. She could feel the confused looks coming her way from everyone she was with. Her husband, Tsubasa, Misaki, and even the business broker was staring at them both.

"Do you two know each other?" The inevitable question surfaced. She took a deep breath and gave out the fake smile she had perfected throughout the years.

"Yes we have…" His eyes bore into hers, obviously awaiting for her to continue.

"…He is my ex-husband."

END OF CHAPTER 1

So as mentioned above, I have a very hectic schedule the coming weeks so expect not so frequent updates. I'll try my hardest to get at least one story chapter updated per week, no promises, but I will try my hardest.

xoxo Lexi1989

story cycle update:

Philophobia - Secrets - Fairie Tales - Starting Over Again - The Scam - Probability

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Ja Ne!

xoxo Lexi1989