Healing Love: A Billionaire Romance (Forever Us Book 2) Read online

“It’s good then. You’re better than I’ve ever imagined possible.”

  “Where’s Alex?” A mix of emotions assault me when I say his name, but the prominent one is missing him.

  “In Zürich. Something’s up with him, I tell you.”

  I scoot myself against the bed frame and squeal, “What?”

  “He said he’d lead the company from Zürich going forward.”

  He’s not even been that keen on living in Zürich, but he stayed because of me. Strange.

  “How mad is he?” I ask, and nausea hits me. I’m a damn coward.

  “He was ecstatic when I told him you changed your mind but prepare yourself for a talk. He’ll be there to give you your smartphone back and to pick you up after you talk with Damien.”

  “I’ll deal with both. Now I can.”

  A brief silence follows, and then he praises, “I’m proud of you.”

  He hangs up, and I itch to call Alex. What happened? I hope he’s well. This instant I’m reminded what worry feels like. Just great. Bring it all on me, I can handle it. I’m a tough one. Yes, right, I’m such a badass. My lips quirk up at my bad joke, a clear sign I need to leave this place and get back to doing my job.

  ***

  Nostalgia crashes on me in steady, unwavering waves as my gaze depicts every abstract sunflower petal turning toward the sun. My eyes find David, something resembling questioning flashes in his eyes too.

  “It was painted by a prodigy artist from the States. She was ten when she painted this one. She was dubbed as the love child of O’Keeffe and Kandinsky. An extraordinarily talented young lady. Then one day she disappeared.”

  “It adds value to the painting.”

  “Yes, but the art world lost so much more. There are few remarkable artists. Anyway, tomorrow you’ll leave us. How do you feel about it?”

  “A combination of excitement and nerves. Nervous is good, right?” I joke, and his lips twitch in the corners of his mouth.

  “I’ll expect a call once a week from you. The same goes anytime you think you can’t handle something, and we’ll schedule an appointment. Agreed?”

  “Agreed.”

  “Good. I noticed you did something to your hair.”

  I thread my fingers through the various bronze highlights. “Just some highlights and new layers.”

  “You know what I meant, but you enjoy making me work for your answers.” Frustration laces his words, and I bite the inside of my cheeks.

  “It’s me embracing changes.”

  “What else?”

  My feet dangle on the floor, and I fidget with my fingers. “Tomorrow is some kind of exam. I’ll see Damien.”

  “Bria . . . if you don’t feel prepared, you don’t have to.” His voice softens, and his eyes dissolve into melting cocoa.

  “But this is the problem. If I don’t find it in me to do it tomorrow, I’ll never be able to, David.”

  What I don’t add is I hope I won’t forget my name when I peer into his blue eyes and add, “I’m past it.”

  He raises his eyebrows in a questioning frown but masks it when he pushes his glasses up his nose. “You can achieve whatever you set your mind to. You’re strong and capable. Don’t sabotage what you’ve gained in this time by letting insecurities rule over you.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you,” I acknowledge, my eyes welling up.

  “You needed a push in another direction. You’re competitive. I spoke to that side of yours until you opened. Thank you for your trust.”

  He smiles and we stand. I cross my arms around his back and whisper, “You saved me from myself.”

  “No, Bria . . .” he nudges me off him, and his eyes bore into mine, “. . . it was you who saved you from yourself. I’ve been a translator between two sides inside of you which spoke different languages. That’s if you want to label what my role was. I wish you all the best.” He presses me to his chest one more time, then he vanishes leaving me believing everything will be all right.

  My legs carry me through what has been my home for the last two months, murmuring a goodbye and another chapter I’ll add to my past.

  I’ve succeeded in this short amount of time not only to survive but also to heal and recover. In my borrowed room for my last night, peacefulness and contentment shelter me. My sleep’s improved over the last weeks, and newfound energy has blossomed inside me.

  I put my head on the pillow. Damien’s face surfaces and my heart stretches in yearning.

  Tomorrow I’ll face him again. I hope my traitorous heart will be at my side.

  How can I forget him? I can’t be in love with him anymore. It’s neither wise nor right. He doesn’t belong to me.

  A few tears slide down my cheek in the name of an endless love for a man who I’ll never be able to forget or remove from my soul completely. I must be strong. I have to. It’s the only way.

  Sleep finds me, but it’s just a reprieve for my tormented soul, eager to be near him.

  ***

  I lock last night’s confessions between my heart and mind in a tiny box in the deepest corners of my soul. I rub the sleep from my eyes, spring to my feet, shower, and dress to conquer.

  My hair is straightened and flowing down my back, my makeup is light, finished with a little pink gloss. I wear a pale pink, knee-length pencil skirt with a white ruffle and beaded short-sleeve blouse. I clasp my Ballon Bleu watch around my wrist, grab my navy-blue handbag and slip on my heels. I peek for one last time in the mirror, and I smile to my feminine, classy, and confident reflection. Downstairs, the silence rings of the emotions enveloping us. I’ll miss these two amazing people.

  Patrick bows his head, his eyes gleaming, and says, “It was wonderful to meet you, Miss du Mont.”

  I grip his hand in mine. “You, Mr. Cole, are a treasure. Thank you.”

  “It was my pleasure.”

  He takes a slow bow and disappears behind the living room leaving me with Elisabeth who gathers me in a tight embrace.

  “Thank you for everything.”

  The embrace ends, and she says, “Take care of yourself.”

  “I will. Goodbye, Elisabeth.” I hug her one more time and stride outside where my driver expects me. He pulls the door open and greets me.

  “Good morning, Miss du Mont.”

  “Good morning, Mr. Hartmann.”

  “Where shall I take you?”

  “The M&S headquarters, please. Afterward, would you deliver my luggage to the following address?” He types the information in the navigation system, and I slide into the leather seat.

  “As you wish, Miss du Mont.”

  “Thank you.”

  The motor purrs alive, and I shut my eyes. This is it.

  Calmness descends over me. I wonder if it’s the proverbial calmness before the storm begins, catching you unprotected.

  Well, let’s make peace or start a war, Damien.

  I’m prepared for either outcome.

  DAMIEN

  I throw my head back and stare at the ceiling of my home office back in Zürich. My temples pound with my recurring misery and anger. I snap my Montblanc, and the pieces crash on my black wooden desk.

  Three. Long. Months.

  My every thought revolves around Bria, and I often catch myself cursing my situation. Am I doomed to carry the memory of her inside me?

  That she gave up on me, us, the thought alone smashes every motivation for me to keep going on. I ponder if she’ll show up today. I run my fingers through my hair, resolute to either build or destroy.

  Maybe she found a way to live and left everything behind her. Then, I’ll have to do the same. I gulp at the concept and grip my head between my hands. I feel like a stranger, an intruder in my own life, unable to find my place in this world.

  I left London behind, now I would leave my home and family, my company, even life behind for an undefined period.

  I plod to my dressing room and pick one of my custom-made dark-blue suits. As I button my black shirt, the conv
ersation I had with my father yesterday replays in my mind.

  “Son, what’s wrong? You’re not acting like yourself.”

  His eyes dig into me as I shake my head and mumble, “I’m fine, Dad.”

  His jaw sets, and his sharp blue eyes burn with accusation. “You lie. I haven’t seen you in this state since that time with Bria.”

  “Don’t even mention it,” I shout, and his eyes widen.

  “Then tell me it has nothing to do with her, and I might drop it.”

  My body shivers, and I purse my lips.

  He expels a heavy breath. “So, this is about Bria . . .” He pours himself a glass of whiskey and sits on the black couch, his eyes darting to the window where the sun descends and tugs its light away. “Where is she, anyway? I can’t remember when you allowed someone to take such a long vacation. It’s raising questions.”

  I drop next to him, my head cradled between my hands and groan, “I don’t know where she is.”

  His head snaps to me, his ears perk up, and his eyes crinkle with worry. “What does this even mean? Is she going to come back?”

  I shrug and burrow my fist into the couch. “I hope she will.”

  “Something is off in all this. I trust you won’t make a rash decision and throw away everything. I won’t stand for another breakdown with your signature on it. One was enough. I won’t tolerate a second one.” His hands tremble on his glass, and he swallows the burning liquid down while I shut my eyes, and my head falls on my back.

  “I’m tired, Dad. I might leave the company.”

  He jumps to his feet, his glass tumbling and shattering to the floor and shouts, “You what? Are you out of your mind? You have responsibilities you have to complete. Fulfill the role you were entrusted with.”

  What the fuck have I done until now? I spring to my feet. Face to face, our nostrils flare as I snarl, “I need a break. I’m done, at least for some time.”

  “Is this some rebellion shortly before your wedding?”

  I erupt into laughter, the humorless type, but I don’t tell him the truth.

  There’s only one woman capable of affecting me, and she isn’t coming back to me.

  “I wish it was.”

  “You disappoint me, son.”

  “Get in line, Dad.”

  I can’t remember a time when we didn’t get along. He stormed away without a second glance. But I made my decision. He has to respect it. There’s nothing he can do to change my mind, not him anyway. But it doesn’t stop him from treating me as if I were invisible. My sister and mother notice the difference but keep quiet, at least for a while longer.

  I’m not even capable of pretending I’m not breaking down anymore. Perhaps they’ll get it someday when I tell them the entire story of a broken life, love, and dreams.

  I speed through the streets and sigh, not even driving appeals to me anymore. The tires screech to a halt, and I slam my fists on the wheel when I reach headquarters.

  As I ride the elevator, I think about the fact this will most probably be my last day in the company, but someday I’ll return. What else can I do, anyway? I bolt through the conference room, plop down on my chair, and stare at Bria’s unoccupied seat.

  One leg hangs on the other, and I put my finger on my lips as my thumb rests on my chin. The seats occupy one by one with eight men and eight women, and my hopes disintegrate. I tear my eyes from the door and focus on the full table.

  Every one of the board members glances from me to their neighbor, the nervousness heavy in the enclosed space. They’re right to be anxious. I’ve never gathered them all in one place at the same time. My father shoots displeased glances at me waiting for my big announcement, but I stare at him as if saying, “The best comes at the end, Dad. Be patient.” He slides his hand down his face and tilts his head in the opposite direction.

  “Good morning. We shouldn’t waste any time. Let’s start with today’s agenda, entering the American market.”

  I gesture for them to start while I lean in my chair, my forefingers glued together over my lips.

  Normally, I would pay attention, focus on the topic discussed and give my input, but nothing is normal about my conduct today. My gaze lingers on the door, waiting for her to enter. With every passing second, my hopes crush. She’s never late! The only comforting thought is that they’re all professional, aware of what they have to do and what’s expected of them.

  As the meeting advances to the end, I open my mouth to make the announcement—my retirement—for starters. As I force my words out of my throat, the air shifts as she sways in. My heart pounds in the confines of my chest regaling my undoing. Time freezes, everything and everyone halts. My eyes glue to her, and I question if my mind is playing a trick on me. I shake off my trance as she greets everyone and apologizes for her delay, her smooth voice caressing the strings to my heart. Something is different as I contemplate her. She’s more than beautiful, but now she moves with confidence and strength I haven’t seen in her in a long time. Bria exudes brightness, and her pouty lips curl up into a smile that melts the ice around my chest, and life gathers inside me. When our eyes clash together for a second, she shivers.

  She’s as affected as me, and a smirk slips from my lips. I forgive her for letting me crawl in the dark as she left me there alone while she found her way back to the light. Bria deserves it though. Me after what I did, not so much.

  There are two options left, to either have her for good or let her go. After another glance in her direction, I decide my fate—she’ll be mine again, and this time there’s nothing to stop me.

  Apprehension transforms her features when she detects the mischievous grin stretching my mouth, and her eyes light up in a challenge. Her head snaps in the opposite direction, and I chuckle.

  We both know whatever I put my mind to, I get, and this time it’s her I crave with every fiber of my being, to love her. She tilts her head, exposing her creamy, silky skin, and a vein pulses in her neck while she bites her lower lip. I twitch in my seat, and the corners of her lips arch up.

  I’m fucked, but so is she!

  She has no chance against whatever wires us together passing from my soul to hers. She can fight me, but she’ll relinquish, and then we’ll finally make a life worth living. My patience stretches to infinity as does my love for her. This urge to make her mine until she won’t remember a time there wasn’t an us overcomes me.

  My father eyes us, eyebrows pinched, as Bria and I engage in a visual battle. He exhales as realization dawns on him. At least for now, I’ll perform my duties. I can’t leave it all behind me in this instant as the object of my adoration and desperation stands right in front of me. The incentive too appealing to deny me.

  “I’m sure I can say it in the names of all present, we’re glad you’re back, Miss du Mont. We missed you and your impeccable work,” Stephen, one of the board members raves. I still can’t find my words. She offers him a smile and nods in his direction. She’s gorgeous, and desire implodes inside me. Images of me kissing those lips of hers assault my brain and cause a rational short-circuit. And that skirt, the way it caresses her skin, my blood heats up. My body trembles with undiluted desire, and my hands tremble with eagerness.

  “I hope you’re well rested, Miss du Mont. We have a lot of work ahead of us with the challenges the new market in the States represents.” My voice drops too low, and her breath hitches. I’m ecstatic with how I affect her. My entire being comes alive after this long hibernation caused by her absence as I gawk at her.

  She cranes her head to me, her palms flat on the table. “I’m fully prepared for this task and any other. It’s what I’ve been looking forward to the last three months. My only concern is the company’s well-being. I’m ready to begin with the expansion.”

  Bria delivers a low blow as I shake my head at her. I haven’t forgotten how she loves to challenge me. She’ll see soon enough what the mistake of saying such a blatant lie will bring her, like her under me, screaming my name. But
for now, I’ll play this game for the entertainment factor. I’ll give her this round. I can be generous as long as I win in the end.

  I lean in my chair, my forefinger and thumb supporting my cheek, my eyes boring into her. “Miss du Mont, I’m well aware of your managerial skills firsthand, but you’ve been gone for three months. Take it easy. We don’t want to wear you out.”

  Her eyes burn with anger, and she curls her hands, her neck reddening.

  I’m an asshole, but I love her.

  “Mr. du Sky, as you pointed out, you know truly well what I’m capable of. If I remember correctly, my efficiency astounded you as you praised my skills orally on various occasions over the years.” Her nose sticks out, and she taps her forefinger on her chin. A hint rolls off her tongue, “Remember that particular conversation? I’ve overcome tasks far more challenging and made it through. The hard work for something I wanted has never deterred nor stopped me before.”

  She’s good, phenomenal even, but two can play this game.

  “Miss du Mont . . .” I pause for the dramatic effect while her eyes fire up. “. . . our oral conversation was the most productive we ever had. It was indeed satisfying to agree to what we’re good at.”

  She stares at me is as if she’d kill me right on the spot if it weren’t for the many witnesses. Oh, I love this passionate side of her. Both joy and guilt spread inside me. Thankfully, no one sees through our banter. It would’ve been at least awkward.

  I can’t say the same about Sophia as she follows our every gaze, suspicion crossing her features while Filip’s jaw drops, shock and something resembling hope takes over his face. They both exchange questioning looks.

  “Then you should work as a team regarding this project as you agreed how well you work together,” my father adds. Bria opens and shuts her mouth while everyone agrees with him. I made it impossible for her to avoid me. She furrows her eyebrows at me, and her lips draw together in a flat line. My body relaxes, and I offer her my most saccharine grin.

  “I’m looking forward to completing the expansion in the States with every part finished to perfection.”