The Return Of His Ex Wife
Chapter 31: Going On A Trip?

Chapter 31: Going On A Trip?

Derek’s POV

"What do you mean? She’s not at work yet??" The lady before me just responded coldly that I got so angry at her rude behavior.

"Sir, excuse me now. I have work to do." She said and walked away. Rude!

I remembered how Tara had called me this morning that very early. And I actually laughed at that. Now she was calling me as if we were buddies? But what could have happened? It didn’t matter, I didn’t pick her calls to punish her. Last night when she hung up on me like that, I got so angry. Besides, I heard a little kid say something but she didn’t wait for me to find out more.

"So this is it? You come to work on some days, you don’t show up on others? I am here even though I’m busy, I came for the damn meeting! And I also own a company. I’m a fucking CEO too!"

"Um, sir?" Ronaldo was already inside the office, staring at me like I was sick. I raised my head up high to face him.

"What is it, Ronaldo?"

"Your sister is here, she’s outside." He said and I frowned.

"Sister? Who?"

I hurried outside, since the meeting was over and I would be heading back home. Just half a day, I couldn’t stress myself too much. Sadly, Tara has solved most of the major tasks. My mind drifted again towards Ronaldo’s announcement.

"Hey brother." Desdra said, resting on my car. "Sweet ride. You just changed your car?"

"What are you doing here, Desdra?" I rolled my eyes. Just because she was a year older than me didn’t give her this much right to disrespect me. Why was she here though?

"We need to talk. I’ve found a way to punish your beloved ex wife." A dubious smile crept to her face and my insides began to tingle. What was she planning right now!

"That’s nonsense. You will do nothing, okay? Tara is now powerful and I don’t want anything to happen to this family again. Like the last time when mom shamed us." I said firmly but she was still smiling. "See this place? It belongs to Tara. This fucking big building is all hers. If anything goes wrong, she will--"

"--why are you trying to take her side? She shamed us, remember? We need to punish her."

"We got divorced, and she threatened to make us pay. Instead, she signed a partnership deal with us, saving our asses. I think we should just leave her alone."

Desdra snorted, "Please! Stop acting like a poor man. I really have a shot at this, and I will do what is on my mind, you understand me? That’s why I came here. To see you. You wanna listen or not?"

This could backfire! "No. Now get out before I call the security to chase you out."

She looked me up and down. "Fine. But for the record, I’m already outside, dummy."

I watched her drive her car and speed off. What was she planning! Maybe I should have listened?

Arlo’s POV

I knew Tara would stop me at some point from visiting everyday, but for now, I would enjoy this moment! I was actually around that afternoon after attending a tedious meeting, to tell her something important. But I just have never found the right way to lay it down.

This was a big moment for me to get her closer to me, and Richard too! I think I’d won Ella over because she liked me now. Richard on the other hand, he had grown so distant! I wonder what was going on--

"What did you want to say, Arlo?" I heard her voice, and my eyes widened in shock.

"Wait, did I say I wanted to..." She nodded as my voice trailed off.

"You said you wanted to make an announcement or so." She smiled, waiting for me to go on. I did mention it on the phone before I came here! How could I have forgotten?? Well, here goes nothing.

Richard was seated on the bed next to Ella, while Tara and I took the sofa in her bedroom.

"I’m going--" I was cut off as Tara jumped up staring at her phone in shock. "What is it?"

"Yea, T? What’s up?" Ella asked.

Tara looked startled with her eyes squinted and arched brows furrowed. "Um, it’s nothing...I--uh, excuse me." And with that, she stormed off.

We shared a confused look before I decided to run after her. I shared my announcement first before going after Tara. For some strange reason, I felt Richard’s frown followed me as I walked out. Why was he mad at me? I would have to try and fix whatever might be happening with him soon!

"Tara?" I called as I peeped from the balcony down to the wide living room but found no traces of her. Then I went to a safe place where I believed she might have gone. I found her there by the balcony side, fidgeting as she paced around. "Tara, are you okay?"

She looked shocked to have seen me standing there. "Yes, I’m fine."

"You don’t look fine," I got closer to her, "what is it?"

She shook her head in denial of whatever was going on. Then ended with a fake smile. "No, I’m actually fine. It’s nothing. Wait, what were you about to announce back then?"

I frowned, still observing her. She didn’t look too good, and I didn’t want to be the selfish ass who came up with a stupid proposal while she was dealing with her own things. Finally, I gave in to her pretense smile and raised brows.

"I’m going on a weekend trip, yea, this ’tomorrow’ weekend. I just thought maybe you can...I dunno. My sister Sofia planned it. It’s celebration for um, I think the surgery of her pet bird was successful...I can’t remember the details she gave. But she will be there with two of her friends, and I thought I could invite you, Richard and Ella!" I waited for a little bit of enthusiasm from her but she just glared at me like I’d lost my mind. Damn it, she’s going to say no.

"I already asked Richard and he’s been talking nonstop about how be liked--"

"-Arlo, I’m sorry. I don’t think..."

I didn’t let her speak, "-I know. Richard needs rest, and I should have told you sooner. I know. But Sofia just planned this like last night, and I really would like it if you came." The expression on her face showed that I was losing.

"I just don’t think now is a good idea. Richard needs rest, I’m glad you know that." She summed it all up with that fake smile of hers again, but now it was hinting a bit on pity.

"That’s alright. I understand. I guess I wasn’t thinking straight. I mean, I thought a trip to Miami would cheer Richard, plus we all need rest. But--"

"--did you say Miami?" Her eyes lit up when she asked.

"Yea. It’s on an island in Miami, why?" I didn’t understand what the excitement had been for.

"I changed my mind. You’re right, we do need rest!"

"That was too sudden, why are you interested now?"

"Arlo, I can change my mind whenever I want to. I just gave it a quick thought, and it seems perfect! You know, Richard has always wanted this. And he chose Miami specifically. Plus. You’re right, we need rest. And a little fun. What do you say??"

"Uh, sure. Let’s go then."

"Hurray!" She giggled, tapping her hand lightly as she clapped. Wow, so...I won?