I can't believe Mia is at Bernardino's winery. Lucia just called to inform me that Mia is attending the company's executive meeting. Lucia is out of town, and she received a call from Godfrey confirming Mia's presence in that meeting. 

Years ago, my love for Mia Marshall was at its peak, and I genuinely believed we would spend our lives together. I had naively helped her secure a stake in my father's company. After she shattered my heart, I insisted on buying it back, but she seems to be under the illusion that I would ever forgive her and take her back. She must be joking; that chapter of my life with her is long over.

Upon entering the company, I proceeded directly to the meeting room. My arrival was announced, and I was granted entry. As I entered, everyone rose to their feet, with the exception of my uncle and aunt. "Good morning, Mr. Bernard," they all greeted in unison. "Good morning to you as well," I replied, a smile on my face that quickly faded upon noticing Mia. She regarded me with an expression that suggested a personal connection, which caused me to frown. I turned to my uncle Dave, who smiled warmly at me. "Lyon, you should have informed us of your visit," he remarked. I returned his smile and inquired, "May I ask why a meeting is being held today, Saturday, with everyone present?" Although I am not the CEO of Bernardino Winery, I do hold a significant stake in the company.

He cleared his throat before responding, "There was a matter that required our collective attention, hence our gathering." I glanced at my aunt Mary, who sat silently, fixated on Uncle Dave. "Hello, Aunt," I greeted, to which she merely nodded. "What is Miss Marshall doing here?" I asked, deliberately omitting her first name. "Well, Lyon..." I interrupted her by raising my right hand, asserting, "It is Mr. Bernard to you." Everyone present was aware of the history I shared with this woman. I turned back to my uncle and continued, "Miss Marshall does not possess sufficient shares in this company to warrant her presence here, and the shares are held under her father, Mr. Marshall. What is her purpose for being here?" My uncle stood and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Calm down, Lyon. Her father was unable to attend, so he sent their managing director in his stead." So, Mia has assumed the role of managing director in her father's company; that is commendable, but I would prefer not to see her within the confines of this winery.

I turned to my uncle and said, "I really hope her presence here isn’t about business with us." I want nothing to do with her or her family anymore; call it pettiness if you like, but I’m done.

"Forget that, Lyon. The meeting will wrap up soon. How about I join you for a drink?" he suggested. I nodded, replying, "I’ll be at the bar," as he gave me a reassuring pat on the back while I exited the room.

As I made my way to the bar, I couldn’t shake the thought of Mia. It had been ages since I last saw her, and honestly, I never wanted to see her again. I loathed her. She was my first love, the only woman I ever cared for, yet she shattered me. I can’t stand her or her family. Sure, it’s not their fault their daughter turned out the way she did, but I can’t help but resent them. Every encounter with them drags up memories I desperately want to forget.

Suddenly, I felt a familiar hand on my back. I recognized it instantly—the hand that had caressed me for fourteen years, the hand that had once brought me comfort, the hand I craved even after the heartbreak, and now, the hand that made my skin crawl. I despised it more than anything.

I spun around and swatted her hand away. She flinched at my reaction. "You must be foolish to think you can touch me so casually," I said, my voice dripping with contempt. "That’s not how you greet someone you haven’t seen in ages," she replied, her smile oozing confidence. I didn’t respond; I just stared at her. Time had changed us both, but it seemed to have taken a heavier toll on her. While I still looked youthful compared to my peers, she bore the marks of age—lines etching across her face. Yet, she still maintained an unsettling beauty, as composed as a machine.

The perfect companion to stand by a man’s side, but certainly not for me. "Are you just going to keep staring at me?" she asks, her belief in my dependence on her always makes me chuckle. She genuinely thinks I can't survive without her, that I would welcome her back with open arms, but I don’t settle for secondhand goods. "Just get lost, Mia, before I lose my cool." She gasps, as she should, because my expression was one of pure revulsion, yet she still managed to flash a smile. "I’ll go, but we’ll cross paths again." I glanced over her shoulder and spotted my uncle and aunt arriving. I really don’t have time for a chat with Mia; I just want to get home quickly because I miss Alicia.

Ironically, she’s the only one on my mind—my stunning Alicia. I know I don’t truly love her, yet I still want to keep her close, to ensure she doesn’t entertain thoughts of anyone else, to make sure she never considers leaving me.

I stepped away from Mia and made my way to my uncle and aunt. Now, I could finally plant a kiss on Mary’s cheek, and her smile lit up the room. "You really are something else, Lyon," she said, her gaze flitting between me and Mia. "You shouldn’t worry too much about that situation," she added, and I chuckled. Mary looked as radiant as ever; she is my father’s youngest sibling. Our ages aren’t too far apart since she was born to my grandfather’s mistress, but that didn’t stop her brothers from treating her like royalty. Being the only girl in the family, they all dote on her. My late father once told me that when they learned their father had a daughter, they were overjoyed, especially since their mother had passed away. but even now, you could catch glimpses of silver in her hair.

"Agh, I know, I miss you, Aunt Mary," I said, turning to Uncle Dave, and soon we were all engrossed in conversation, completely unaware of when the delusional Mia slipped away.

"Is your mother still on the hunt for a suitable partner for you?" Uncle Dave chuckled, and we all joined in the laughter. "You know how she is." Indeed, my mother is relentless in her quest for me to tie the knot. Honestly, I’m not sure I want to, but if it’s with Alicia, I might just reconsider. Time feels like it’s slipping away; I miss her so much, and I won’t let her slip through my fingers when I get home.

On my way back, I decided to stop by a bakery. I realized I had no clue what kind of cake Alicia enjoys. Do I even know her preferences? I really should pay more attention to my girl. "What flavor do you prefer?" the shop owner asks. "What flavor do you think a strong-minded woman would like?" I replied playfully. She smiled and said, "Confidence, huh? Let’s go with coconut." I returned her smile and nodded as she prepared my order. Just outside, I spotted a flower shop and wandered over to pick out a lovely bouquet. As I turned to head back to my car, I caught Jack grinning at me. Does it seem odd that I’m buying cake and flowers for Alicia? I’ve done this for Mia before, but this time feels different. For some reason, I felt a surge of happiness. I can’t wait to see my beautiful Alicia. Maybe I’m falling for her without even realizing it, but honestly, I’m not complaining.