My Ex- Husband Wants A Second Chance

"You know, I've been in New York for a few months, working on that business deal. Well, there's a charity gala coming up.. one of those enormous occasions where the entire corporate world gathers. It's crucial for my transaction, and I need things to go smoothly," he continued.

"A charity gala? That sounds intense. But what does this have to do with me?" I asked, not sure of where this was leading.

"I'm not feeling my best, Sophie," he replied, his voice thick with tiredness. "My health has been a bit off lately, and your mother has been worried sick back in London. I'm concerned I won't be able to manage all of the preparations on my own, especially considering how crucial this occasion is. I need you to step in, help me with some of the preparations, and guarantee that everything goes smoothly."

"Dad, of course, I'll help," I said without hesitation. "You know you can depend on me. But are you sure you're okay? If you're not feeling well, maybe you should see a doctor huh."

"Don't worry, I have already scheduled an appointment," he assured me. "But for now, I need to focus on the gala. It's too vital for my firm to go wrong, and with me leaving New York soon, I need to make sure everything is in order."

"Leaving? "Are you going back to London soon?" I queried, the realization that he may not be here much longer settling in.

"Yes, as soon as I'm done with this deal and my health is stable, I'll be heading back home," the guy responded. "But for now, I need your support to make this event a success. It means a lot to me, and I am positive that your involvement will be useful as well."

My concern intensified. "Of course, dad. I will come over. Where are you now?"

He hesitated. "That is the thing. I recently moved into a new apartment. It is a condominium in the Imperial Towers."

I froze. "Imperial Towers? Isn't that...?"

"Yes, it is owned by Liam's family." I didn't want to say anything because I understand how you feel about him, but it's a beautiful firm and they gave me a tremendous deal. "I need your help, Sophie, but if you're not comfortable..."

I swallowed hard, my brain whirling.

My father lives in the same building as Liam. The prospect sickened my stomach, but I couldn't leave my father to fend for himself.

The connection became silent, leaving the weight of my decision hanging in the air.

"I'll be there, Dad," I ultimately replied. "We'll get this gala sorted out together."

He thanked me enthusiastically, his relief clear.

"Thank you, Sophie. I knew I could count on you. See you soon."

We exchanged goodbyes, and as I hung up, I glanced at my phone, lost in thought.

Why was I experiencing a sense of disappointment?

Was I expecting Liam to call? He is a devil, he would never call.

I took a long breath, seeking to escape the bad sensation that clung to me.

As I went back into the restaurant, I noticed Maya at the stove, perfectly completing the spaghetti dish.

The lovely aroma filled the kitchen, temporarily distracting me from the talk I'd just had.

Maya glanced up as I came, her visage fascinated.

"Is everything okay?" You seem a bit strange."

"It was my dad," I answered, smiling as I leaned against the counter.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice laced with dread.

"Yeah, it's just... there's a charity event coming up that Dad needs my participation with. He's been under a lot of stress, and I believe it's getting to him," I remarked, trying to keep a calm voice.

Maya nodded, but her eyes narrowed slightly as she inspected my face.

"So why do you appear like the world has just collapsed? Soph, you are more than capable of managing this."

I hesitated, feeling a familiar knot tighten in my belly.

"It's not just that," I responded gently. "The thing is, Dad will be staying in the same building as Liam while he is in New York. It's not ideal."

Maya nearly dropped her wooden spoon she was holding, her eyes growing wide in surprise.

"What? You have got to be kidding me! Is it the same building? How could this ever happen?"

I shrugged, trying not to show how much it affected me.

"It happened, I think. But the prospect of being so close to Liam again..."

Maya shook her head in disbelief, placing the spoon down and crossed her arms while reclining back.

"No wonder you're feeling this way. There's a lot to contend with."

"Yeah," I groaned, running my fingers over my hair. "It's going to be challenging. But I can't disappoint Dad. He needs me, and I must do this for him."

Maya reached out and squeezed my arm, reassuringly.

"You are stronger than you think, Soph. You'll get over this, even if it means facing Liam again. And who knows. Maybe addressing him may help you find closure."

"Closure," I repeated, the word feeling alien on my tongue. "Maybe you're right. Or maybe it will merely rekindle old pains.

"Either way," Maya remarked with a little smile, "you won't be alone. I'll be here for you no matter what happens."

Her statements were reassuring, however the uncertainty lingered in my mind.

I knew Maya was accurate. I had to be strong for both my father's sake and my own. But the notion of meeting Liam again, being so close to the person who had brought me so much grief, was nearly terrible.

I pushed the thought aside as much as I could and manufactured a smile.

"Thank you, Maya. I appreciate it. Now, what about the pasta? I might need something to keep my mind off things."

Maya grinned, the tension lessening slightly as she returned to the stove. "Coming right up. Let's eat and sort out the rest later."