Divorcing The Wrong Man: Her Regret

Chapter 9: Queen Lena

It’d been just 2 minutes since the manager bolted out of the hall temporarily to take a call, leaving a ripple of confusion. 

The ordinary banquet hall soon became filled with chitchat and small talks, glasses clinking as Vanessa’s guests crowded around her and Bobby, her ‘husband’ for the day.

The room was alive with excitement. Men in pressed suits, women in shiny dresses, all swarmed Vanessa like she was now a celebrity, a global icon.

They all tried to strike a conversation with her, flattering her. “Miss Lang, what a deal!” one said, his tie loose from too much wine. 

“You sure are gonna put this city on its knees,” another chimed, a woman with earrings that dangled like chandeliers. They were all fishing for a way to rub shoulders with the Cross family, and Vanessa was their golden ticket. If they could get on her good side, then they automatically are on Cross’ good side too. And that… that was a start.

Vanessa soaked it up, her chest swelling with pride. She loved it. Every single second of it.. The attention, the love, the fame. This was it. Her moment — her company on the verge of a massive deal, her name about to be etched in the city’s power circles. 

Nothing like the days with Adrian, dragging her down with his cheap, quiet dinners and nobody status. She stood taller, her black dress smoothed out. Her smile turned even brighter as the cameras that she had pre-arranged flashed. 

“Thank you, everyone. Thank you,” she said, voice loud, basking in the attention. “This deal is just the start.”

A guy in a velvet jacket leaned in, his glass sloshing. “So, who’s this guy?” he asked, nodding at Bobby, whose chubby face was red from the spotlight. “Your um… partner in crime?” The room chuckled, eyes darting to Bobby’s proud smile and flashy watch, still screaming for attention.

Vanessa froze for a second, her smile twitching. Announcing her divorce now, right before her company’s listing, could stir up bad press. She turned to Bobby, his smirk wobbly but smug, his hand resting on hers like he owned her. 

Then it hit her!

Bobby was her ace, the guy who “connected” her to the Cross family. He could handle any fallout. Why shouldn’t she tell the world about them?

She looped her arm through his, her voice sugary. “Everyone, meet Bobby Jackson, my boyfriend,” she said, pausing for effect. “Yes, I divorced Adrian — best decision I ever made. Bobby’s the one who got me this Cross family deal.”

The room went quiet, the air heavy with awkwardness. Then a few clapped, others joining in, their applause half-hearted but loud enough to break the tension. 

“Smart move, Vanessa!” a woman called, her lipstick smudged from her drink. 

“That ex of yours was truly drawing you back,” another added. “Should’ve dumped him ages ago.” The crowd murmured agreement, some throwing shade at Adrian’s name, like he was a punchline.

Vanessa’s smile widened, her heart racing with glee. She loved this — the flattery, the envy, the feeling of being on top. Bobby puffed up beside her, his sweaty palm squeezing her hand. “Told you, V,” he said, loud for the room. “You’re a queen. I’m just the guy holding your crown.” The crowd laughed, eating it up, and Vanessa felt untouchable.

Suddenly, the banquet hall doors swung open, and a pack of journalists and photographers spilled in, cameras clicking, mics turned on and ready. 

“Miss Lang!” one shouted, his press badge swinging. “This Cross family deal’s huge! We’re covering it wall-to-wall!”

Another, a woman with a recorder, pushed forward. “Tell us about your partnership!” 

The guests gasped, whispering, “Wow! She’s got press?” and “This is big-time.” Vanessa’s chest swelled. Really, though, she’d hired these reporters herself, a slick move to make her deal the talk of the city.

Vanessa straightened her dress, her smile camera-ready. “I’m thrilled to be working with the Cross family,” she said, her voice smooth, practiced. “This Cooperation is a game-changer for my company, and I’m honored to…” She paused, milking the moment when the doors swung open again, cutting her off. This time, it was the Cross Family Manager. 

The manager stormed back in, his gray suit wrinkled, his face pale as a ghost. The room turned, eyes wide, expecting him to join Vanessa’s speech. She grinned, waving him over. 

“Come on up, Mr. Carter!” she called, her voice bright. “Tell everyone about our deal!”

But Mr. Carter was smiling like he was just minutes ago. His face was grim, his jaw tight like he’d just swallowed bad news. He stopped in the middle of the room, his shoes scuffing the polished floor, and stared at Vanessa. The crowd all went silent, sensing trouble. 

Bobby’s smirk began to fade, his hand twitching on Vanessa’s arm. “What’s up, man?” Bobby asked, his voice too loud, trying to play it cool. “Don’t tell me the manager himself is nervous!”

Carter’s eyes were cold, his voice sharper. “You’re celebrating too soon, Miss Lang,” he finally spoke, loud enough for the whole hall to hear. “The Cooperation with your company? It’s canceled.”

“Done!”