EVA.
Red. That was all that smeared my vision as I glared icily at the same man who had ruined me and who almost completely broke me.
The confusion, guilt and regret in his eyes when he saw me was unmasked and oh how I loved it. I shook my hand in irritation. How dare he even touch me?
"Ms. White, do you know this man? Do I need to throw him out?" Robert queried, his eyes suddenly dark as he glared at Jake.
Jake turned from him to me with a pleading look on his face.
"No, Robert. You can excuse us." Jake knew that the sweetness in my tone was obviously a facade, as he shifted uncomfortably on his feet.
Robert stood for a second before bowing his head in respect and stepped out, leaving just me, Jake and Tiffany who looked like she wished her glare could kill me.
"Eva—"
I narrowed my eyes in his direction. "That's Ms. White to you, Mr. Donovan." His eyes widened in sheer disbelief. "You lost the right to call me by my name years ago."
There was something in his eyes as realisation slowly lit those orbs I once fell for. "Ms. White," he started, swallowing hard as his face grew slightly red. Ah, I see. He was just as proud as always. "Why don't we hang out again, like old times? You know, I really didn't realise how much I missed you until you were actually gone."
The nerve of this man was unbelievable. "Five years later and you're still the most selfish and irritating bastard I've ever met." I retorted, my smile still intact. He had lost the right to see me cry or even cower at his presence ever since he tried to break me.
He chuckled awkwardly, as though trying to reassure himself that he hadn't lost his touch. "Eva, I know things might have ended pretty roughly between us but that doesn't mean we can't at least be friends. We were once lovers."
My blood boiled at how deluded he was. The nerve he had needed to still wear a cocky smile.
My smile didn't falter either. "The bridge has been burnt, Mr. Donovan. And except you know how to recycle soot, I'd suggest you never ever try to talk to me the way you just did. Else, you'd wish you never did."
His faltered smile was the last thing I saw before I strutted back to my seat with my smile still intact. Oh how good it felt to not be at the mercy of the bastard anymore.
"Now, to the reason for our gathering today, join me as I welcome, the diamond in the rough of this company, our very own chief executive officer and the woman who has taken the White's Dynasty from where it was when our dear founder, her father passed on, to the great empire it has become. Ladies and gentlemen, the woman of the hour, Ms. Eva White!" The emcee enthusiastically announced with a wide smile.
There was a roar of applause as I gracefully rose from my seat. Of course, I relished every moment of it.
Finally, I was getting the recognition I deserve. I wasn't just in the shadow of an egoistic, selfish and advantageous freak. I was my own woman, the Eva White who had carved out her own glory from the mess that her ex-husband had tried to make of her life.
From the corner of my eyes, I caught sight of Jake, his jaw slack with surprise and disbelief.
I rolled my eyes. He was obviously having a hard time believe that I would ever stand out of his shadow.
I cleared my throat. "Good evening, White's Dynasty.
The cheer that followed was loud and deafening, drawing a smile across my lips.
"I can't say what an honour it is to be given this special privilege to head such a powerful empire. I respect my father even to his grave, and I'm grateful to him because he saw the best in me. He looked beyond my mistakes and my faults and gave me a second chance, and because of this, I can assure you that I would do nothing but give in my all to build his legacy and ensure it is taken to the very peak of greatness."
My eyes landed on Jake who sat on the other end of the room, looking like a person in a trance. "And I would also like to say a very big thank you to the person who tried to break me, but instead became the stepping stone to my greatness. I hope you have a good life."
My speech went on a bit longer, especially as I talked about the women's initiative program that the company was going to be holding.
As I spoke, I could see Jake's face grow red and stiffen. The subject of female empowerment had always been a touchy one for him. A part of me felt so stupid for not seeing this part of him earlier because I even went into a relationship with him but I was glad to be free of the burden.
And now that I was out of the cage, I was freeing as many other ladies out there who were just like me.
*
"So, I see you've become quite the mother Theresa, aren't you?"
A voice called from behind me as I spoke with Robert. It was none other than Tiffany.
She had a familiar fire of hatred burning in her eyes as she took slow steps towards me.
"If it isn't the mistress," I cooed, a tiny smirk on my lips.
Her face grew red with displeasure. "I am his wife."
"I'll know that when I see a ring, darling." My smile betrayed any feeling of annoyance.
Tiffany glared at me furiously, her palms tightening into fists by her side. "You can try to mock me all you want but just know that I'm all you could never be to Jake. That's why he left you for me. Like I said, you were just his stepping stone to greatness. Thanks for helping me build my man."
Her words barely grazed my heart as I accepted the champagne a waiter walking by served. "Well then, let's hope his empire lasts without me in the picture." My joy could not be quenched. "Also, let's see how long he uses before he dumps you when he realises you have nothing to offer him. Don't feel bad, darling."
I was about strutting away when her hand caught my arm. She pulled me backward with force and her palms connected with my cheeks in a loud slap.