Divorce To Restart: Vengeful Ex-Wife Strikes Back!

Chapter 63 Reflex or Real?

NINA’S HOME, NEW YORK. “So, he didn’t send it?” Tania asked on the other end of the phone. Nina shifted in her seat. “I am just as surprised as you are. He promised to find the culprit. But I told him there would be no need to. I have had enough of having my name on everyone’s lips.” “You didn’t deserve to be treated like that.” “No one deserves to be bullied and maltreated. Love should be universal. But I get it. Not everyone has much love to give, making them very spiteful.” “I wish I could be there with you, Nina. It is the time you need me the most. I am so sorry.” Tania lamented bitterly. Nina managed to hold up a smile. “I know how hard it is navigating through school, Tania. It would help if you didn’t try to carry my burden when you have much to deal with. I am rooting for you, and I will, for your sake, take excellent care of myself so you won’t have to worry.” “Please take care of yourself. I almost had a heart attack when I heard of your admission to the hospital.” “I will, Tania. You take care too. I can’t wait to have you here during the holidays. My little one will be here by then.” Tania squealed into the phone. “I am so excited. I can’t wait.” Nina laughed. “You should return to the others before they leave you behind. Have fun.” She said, ending the call. A tired huff escaped her lips as she looked around the house. She never should have agreed to the break Xander had insisted she take. It’s bad enough she buried herself in work on most weekends. Nina can’t control anything because Carla has seized her laptop. She took the doctor’s instructions more personally. Tania, on the other hand, has school duties beckoning to her. She is on a compulsory field trip that will take a while and comes back straight to prepare for exams. It only means that Nina would be by herself for a long time. Going back to work is her only escape from the imminent boredom. The doorbell rang, jolting her out of her thoughts. She furrowed her brows. Carla was out, but she definitely wouldn’t press the doorbell. A smile crossed her face at the thought of Tania probably surprising her. But to her surprise, Xander was the one at the door. She groaned inwardly before opening it. “Hi.” She drawled, showing very little enthusiasm. Xander didn’t mind her sore attitude and beamed brightly at her. “Hey, you. How is your day going?” “Terrific, as you can see,” Nina replied, throwing her arms out as she ushered him in. “I can see that.” He replied, chuckling to himself. Xander felt more relieved seeing her. Even though it hadn’t been so long since he heard from her, it was a bit hard for him to keep away, as Jace suggested. “Where is Carla?” “She went out, and thank you for asking her to take my laptop away from me.” She pointed out. Xander made a gasp that didn’t reach his eyes. “Oh, how did that happen?” “Really?” “I am sorry. I couldn’t risk it. I know you too well, Nina.” “Do you know how hard it is just sitting around and doing nothing?” She queried. He settled himself into the couch, reaching for the TV remote. “Watch movies then. There is a lot here.” Nina rolled her eyes. “Like I won’t get bored.” “Come on, Nina. I think you are just seeking excuses to work, that is all. How are you and the little one doing, though?” He asked, pointing at her bulging belly. “We would be fine if you let us work.” She retorted, drawing circles on her clothed belly. “Are you still that pissed? Alright, let’s do this. Let me take you on a date. We go shopping for the little one and you if you want. We will do anything you want. Take it as my way of saying sorry.” On a typical day, Nina would have refused the same offer. But she seems desperate and wouldn’t mind having someone beside her while enjoying the day. “Okay, I will change quickly. I hope you know the bill is on you.” He laughed lightly. “I knew since we started this discussion.” Nina dressed in no time and was back outside looking brighter than before. Xander felt glad to have been able to convince her. He kept glancing sideways at her as the car moved. “You should focus on the road and stop looking at me.” Nina rebuked when she noticed him. He snickered playfully. “I didn’t realize I have to tell my eyes what to do.” “Whatever.” She rolled her eyes, turning her face away to hide her smile. “Where should be our first stop?” “I think I would like to eat. Just about enough strength before going shopping.” “I agree to that.” They drove to a restaurant and settled to make their order. Nina gave the space a quick look. “This is a nice setting.” “Yes, I bet you will love their food too. They are good at what they do.” “I would love to have a taste.” Xander noticed something on Nina’s face and stretched his hand to take it off. Nina sat still, shocked at his approach. Just then, someone called behind them. “Xander? Is that you?” He hurriedly took his hand off Nina’s face and turned to see who it was. A relaxed expression settled on his face. “Oh, hey, Minny. How are you doing?” Minny eyeballed Nina quickly before returning her gaze to Xander. When she saw them, she doubted her sight at first. But now she knows her eyes weren’t deceiving her. “I am fine, Xander. How are you?” “Just good. Nina meets Minny, Dawn’s sister. Minny, Nina.” Xander introduced. “Hi,” Nina said with a wave of her hand. Minny gave a dismissive wave and flipped her hair. “I think I should leave you to enjoy your meal. I was on my way out when I saw you; bye.” “Take care, Minny,” Xander said, returning his attention to Nina. Hastening her steps, Minny briefly paused by the restaurant door and took a picture of Xander and Nina. She shook her head, mumbling some words to herself. Her sister would break down when she saw what she had in hand. ***********Original from NôvelDrama.Org.

FRENCH PALACE RESTAURANT, NEW YORK. “How is the food?” Xander asked Nina as the waitress cleared out their empty plates. Nina wiped her lips with a napkin while reaching for her water glass. “It tastes amazing.” He grinned, feeling proud. “I am glad you like it. So, how are you doing?” Xander asked. She raised a brow. “What do you mean?” “You know what I am asking, Nina. I am still very much in shock at how you were able to handle such torment without batting an eyelash. Any other person would have taken a long work break or resigned. Yet, you kept going and even broke your record. Do you have some superpower that I do not know about?” A weak smile crossed Nina’s face. “Sincerely, it was very hard for me. It felt like the entire world had turned its back on me. I felt alone. Everyone who passed me by at the company premises looked at me like I had committed a crime. They didn’t try to hide their feelings and never bothered about my condition. My destination was more important even though I was in pain, prompting me to work harder.” She paused slightly before letting the rest of her words out. “And I would have reached out to you without the message.” Xander leaned into the chair with his arms folded. “Can I ask you something, Nina?” “Sure.” “Aside from the misconception that ensued between us in the past. Have I ever given you a reason not to trust me?” Nina observed his features for a while and sighed. Xander has been the sweetest man she has ever met in her life. Not even Asher comes close. He was just tolerable. Xander wouldn’t make you feel less of yourself or think you are too much. He gives her the needed space and does not question her. It had been a big blow for her when she thought he cheated. Not knowing her so-called friend was fooling her. “You can’t blame me, Xander. The people I trusted with my entire being didn’t hesitate to throw me under the bus. It hasn’t been easy for me, Xander. A lot has happened to me, and I have had to endure it all alone. It has been so much to handle, but I keep fighting. And I am tired. If I have to follow that path with you again, I don’t think I have the heart to deal with it.” She admitted. Xander inhaled deeply. “Nina, I am not trying to make you see me as a perfect man or someone who sugarcoats everything. Since we broke up, I haven’t desired any other woman except you. I tried messing around, going to clubs to seek out anyone willing, and eyeing any lady who looked appealing enough. However, I could never go further with any of them. They never matched you. The day I found you again, I was hurt to see you pregnant, but I was delighted, too, knowing I will get the chance to look after you from now on.” She wanted to say something, but he stopped her. “Just listen, please. I know I wear my heart out on my sleeve already. And there is no hiding how I feel. But I will never force affection and won’t act petty to get attention. I am not that kind of person. I respect you and love the work you put into your job. Keeping you in X&J has nothing to do with what we share. I know a great employee when I see one. So keep that to heart and never let anyone tell you otherwise. The evidence is there. I do not need to start pointing that out to you. You are a powerful, smart, and beautiful woman. I would be a fool to want to lose you.” The tears formed heavily in Nina’s eyes. She can’t seem to remember the last time she heard anyone praise her with so much sincerity in their voice. Her heart leaped when his hand touched hers. “Thank you, Xander.” She whispered, not knowing what else to say. He smiled softly. “You are always welcome. If you get that kind of message sent to you last time again, never believe it. That’s just someone trying to mess around.” “Really?” She teased. “You know I am being serious.” “So what about Dawn? If you say, you never desired another woman. She seems to keep a close call to you.” Xander took a sip of his drink. “Dawn is a friend and will always remain so. I guess she got too comfortable and ignored boundaries. So, why are you suddenly interested in knowing?” There was a sly smirk on his face. Nina caught on to the tease early and rolled her eyes. “Don’t try to play me like that. I was asking.” “Yeah, right.” He replied with a chuckle. She did a slight shift in the chair and rubbed at her belly. “We might be in the mood for some ice cream.” Xander grinned at her as he stood up to pull the chair out for her. “I am at your service, my lady.” Nina laughed shyly, holding his hand for support. They left for an ice cream parlor and got talking yet again. They didn’t drive back to Nina’s house until almost dinner time. Nina insisted that they don’t eat dinner outside because of Carla. She would have cooked up a storm. “Are you not going to come in? Even if it is just for some coffee.” Nina offered when they got to the house. Xander shook his head. “I will slide back on that offer. I have a meeting in the next two hours with some Asian clients. You know the time differs.” She thinned her lips and nodded slowly. “Alright. Goodnight.” Nina said, still glued to the seat, not taking her seat belt off. Xander gulped hard as he stared intensely at her. He wishes the day wouldn’t have to end. Xander would have preferred to drive home with him if she hadn’t been so thoughtful. Seeing her reluctance, he took an innocent advantage of the situation, reached gently for her hand, and kissed softly on the back of her palm. “You smell so good.” He complimented, expecting her to yank her hand off his hold, but she didn’t do anything. It made his heart jolt in excitement. “Make sure you eat something nice, have a warm bath, and sleep like the angel that you are.” He said, keeping his eyes glued to hers. Nina swallowed, feeling an odd sensation in the pit of her belly. As if possessed, she leaned forward with her giant belly, and Xander made it easy for her with his face pushing forward. Nina kissed him slowly at first, but then it turned into a burst of flame. Her heart raced as she caressed his chiseled face, swimming in the masculine scent that he emitted. She didn’t realize how much she missed being with him and kissing him. Even though it’s been so long, it felt too familiar. All of a sudden, she let out a shocked gasp and opened her eyes. She backed away from Xander, cursing under her breath. Xander licked his lips, staring at her with pure lust in his eyes. “What is it?” She waved a dismissive hand. “I am so sorry. That shouldn’t have happened. I get to be extra active sometimes because of the pregnancy. Just ignore me, please. Anyway, thanks for today. Goodnight. See you at work on Monday.” Nina rambled and hurried out of the car, not waiting for Xander to get it on her behalf, as if her big belly weighed nothing. He blinked rapidly, still trying to wrap his head around what had happened. He felt hurt a bit that she denied the spark between them even though the kiss held a lot of weight. Holding onto his steering wheel, he let out a short laugh. Nina is unpredictable. Inhaling deeply, he ignited the car and drove home with a smile plastered to his handsome face