She would not be a third party. Not again.
---
Dennis blinked in shock, his smirk vanishing. Her sudden departure made no sense... at least, not to him. Replaying their last conversation, he couldn't find anything that justified her storming off. He stood abruptly, rushing after her retreating figure.
"Vic! Wait!" he called out, but she didn't stop.
That didn't deter him. Before she could slip into her car, his hand caught hers.
"What the hell?" he snapped, anger flashing in his eyes. "Why did you just leave without saying a word?"
Her eyes burned as she whirled on him. "What do you want from me? Be honest for once."
His voice softened instantly at the hurt in her gaze. "Vic… what's wrong?"
She laughed bitterly, though it cracked at the edges. "What's wrong? Nothing's wrong with me, Dennis. But with you!"
His brows furrowed. "Me?"
"Yes, you!" she exploded, finally losing control. "You f**king liar!" The word tore out of her like a wound reopening. "You men are all the same, scums and liars. And I was a fool to believe every bullshit that came out of your mouth." Tears threatened, but rage kept them at bay. "I never, ever... want to see your stinking face again."
Dennis reeled at her outburst, utterly confused. He raised his hands in defense, his tone desperate. "....I don't know what you're on about, Vic. Please,
be specific. What did I do wrong?"
"You still dare to ask?" she screamed, her voice breaking. "You don't f**king know? Fine. I'll be magnanimous enough to spell it out for you."
Her chest heaved as she delivered the final blow. "Your pretty fiancée came to warn me—to stay clear. Care to explain that?"
Dennis was shocked. 'Fiancée? When? Who? "I don't know what you're talking about,'" he said, genuinely confused.
Victoria scoffed. "Yeah, you'll obviously deny it. It's fine — I was foolish to believe you. Stay the hell away from me," she said, entering her car and speeding off.
Dennis stood there, dumbfounded. His face turned cold. He turned back into the eatery and walked straight to the security room. "I want the footage from the ladies' restroom from one hour ago."
"Sir, the ladies' convenience doesn't have a CCTV camera," the technician replied.
"But the entrance does," Dennis said, his tune warning.
"Yes, sir." The technician sat at the computer and pulled up the requested footage. "Here," he said after a few minutes.
Dennis watched with an icy gaze as the footage played. His expression dropped. He took out his phone. "Mavel, I want every detail about Sofia. She just crossed my path and I ain't letting her off."
"Yes, sir," his assistant replied enthusiastically before the call disconnected.
"Sofia," he muttered. The name landed like a memory he hadn't wanted. He remembered her — his grandfather had once tried to arrange a marriage with her, but she'd been a bloody cheat and the alliance was terminated. Luckily for him, his grandfather never recovered from the scandal; after that, Sofia disappeared from his life. And now she was back, potentially threatening his chances with Victoria. Not happening.
He left the restaurant his aura cold. "Sofia" he muttered once again. He walked towards his car and got in. He's going to make things right with Victoria.
Victoria was livid with anger as she enter the elevator up to her office. She brought this upon herself Owen had warned her but she was adamant on going.
Someone's back early from her date.
Victoria heard Owen's teasing voice the moment she stepped into her office. She barely had time to set her bag down before he raised a brow at her.
She huffed, turning to him. "I guess you were right."
"I am?" Owen asked, leaning on the doorframe with a smug grin.
"Yes—but only about one thing." She exhaled. "I do need to focus on myself. Love isn't what I need right now."
"Someone learned so fast," he teased.
"I'm not in the mood, Owen. I've got work."
"Fine, fine." He lifted his hands in surrender. "I'll get off your hair. We have a meeting soon, and you'll be in charge." He placed a hand on his chest, massaging it softly. "I think I need a little rest, so I won't be available."
Her expression shifted instantly. "Is it that serious?" Worry laced her voice.
"No, just some minor discomfort. I'll be fine after a good rest."
"Okay… call me if anything comes up, okay?"
"Yes, mum, I will." He chuckled as he walked out.
"You—ahhh!" she half-screamed in frustration the moment he was gone. Dropping into her chair wearily, she pressed her fingers to her temples. The incident from earlier replayed in her mind like a cruel reminder. Her chest tightened.
She had hoped for a fresh start. A clean slate. Maybe even… something new. But it seemed love wasn't meant for her—not now, maybe not ever. She tried to shake the thoughts away, but they held on stubbornly, refusing to loosen their grip.
Needing a distraction, she grabbed her phone and dialed her girl.
The phone vibrated once before it connected.
"Hey Ann, you busy?" Victoria's voice came out softer than she expected.
"Yeah, a bit. Any problem?" Ann sounded alert.
"Not really… just wanted to catch some fresh air. Thought maybe someone could tag along, but no biggie."
Ann paused, sensing something off. "Something's not right. I'll come meet you after work, okay? I'm just choked up with unfinished deals."
"No problem. I'm off anyway, got a meeting to attend."
"Alright, my love. Take care of yourself. Be good, okay?"
"Yes, I will. Bye." She ended the call, got up, grabbed her iPad, and left the office.
Throughout the meeting, Victoria barely paid attention. Her mind drifted, her focus scattered. When it was her turn to conclude, she adjourned the meeting abruptly, leaving everyone exchanging confused glances—but they complied. No one questioned her.
"Mariam," Victoria called out as she stepped out.
"Yes, ma'am," her secretary replied, immediately at her side.
"Take these to my office," Victoria said, handing her the iPad, notepad, and a stack of documents. "I need to get some fresh air. I'll be back before dusk."
"Yes, ma'am."
Victoria didn't wait for further questions. She headed out of the building, slipping her AirPods into her ears. By the time she reached her car, she had already tapped her playlist, selecting Wildflower by Billie Eilish.
The soft, aching melody filled her head as she started the engine.
Without a clear destination, without a thought beyond escape, she stepped on the accelerator and drove—seeking solace in the unknown.