Chapter 0011 5 YEARS LATER DARLA . " We are delighted to inform you that the board members liked the architect design copies that you sent and would like to offer you a project that will take place in Michigan . The allocated amount will range from one billion dollars to 10 billion , and you will have the privilege of hiring your own team of architects to work with . You will be in partnership with Elijah Houston , who will be assisting with construction men and all the needed materials . Thank you , Miss Sullivan , we hope to hear from you very soon . " My heart stopped for a second when my eyes lingered on Elijah's name in the email . I needed the project to add to my portfolio , especially since it was going to be big and spanning for quite some time . But seeing Elijah's name on the email filled me with doubts and hésitation . " A collaboration with Elijah Houston ... " Ethan sighed as he looked at me as I sat down on the couch next to him after he received the same email . "I'm sure we will find something else . We don't have to go . " " This is a good deal . We've received and collaborated on numerous good deals before , but this one is way better . Except that the conference meeting has to be in Atlanta . " " A week in Atlanta , and then we will be working in Michigan for a few times a week or month . It might work , ' Ethan answered . He then looked at me and placed a gentle kiss on my lips . " If you're sure that you can work with Elijah , then I don't see why not . We are independent contractors now . " I smiled at him . " Of course . He won't be a problem to me . " I hoped that he wouldn't be a problem . Even though my heart skipped a beat at the sound of his name and my blood boiled with anger every time he crossed my mind , I wanted to believe that I was over him and that I would be out of my mind if I ever thought of him . " There's something else , " he said as I got up from the couch . I tilted my head and looked at him . " What is it ? " I furrowed my eyebrows . " Your brother will be there . He's one of the board members . " " Okay . " I sighed , just thinking that it had been five years since I hadn't seen nor heard from him and my parents and now I was going to be in the same room as him for a whole week . " I didn't expect that . What is he doing there ? " I folded my arms on my chest . " Finance manager . " " Ugh , it's fine . It will only be for a week . After that , he can kiss our asses . " I said as I walked to the twins ' room to tell them that Ethan and I would be leaving for Atlanta in two days . " How long are you going to be gone for? " Will asked as he scooched closer to me . " A week , and then Uncle Ethan and I will be back . We'll call you every day and make sure that you're okay . " I kissed his cheeks while Maddie turned her back on me . 1/3 Chapter 0011 +25 BONUS After tucking Will inside his bed and giving him kisses , I walked over to Maddie's bed and sat down next to her . When she tilted her head and looked at me , there were tears at the corners of her and a frown on her face . Gosh , I was paying daily for birthing a girl with the same attitude as me . " Maddie , what's wrong ? " I asked , trying to turn her back toward me . She didn't even want to move a muscle . " You promised to take me to watch Frozen 2 , remember ? " She snarled . I chuckled softly as I lifted her from the bed , placed her gently on my lap , and wrapped my arms around her while she was trying to wiggle herself free from my grasp . She sighed as she gave up fighting to free herself from my arms . " Can't you leave next week ? " " I'll bring back , baby . You and I will have as many girls ' day outs as possible , watch any movie we want , and eat whatever we want . " I promised her with a kiss on her forehead . " I'm going to miss you . " " I'm going to miss you , too , " I wrapped my arms around her and felt so blessed to have her and her brother . *** In a boardroom full of men , I was the only woman , and among them was my very own brother and ex - husband . After the first half of the conference meeting about building a public hospital , school , and library for a poor local community in Detroit MI , I went to the restroom to relieve myself .. Just after I finished using the restroom and was heading to the sink to wash my hands , I heard a few whispers outside the door that caused my heart to skip a beat . " I heard that he will be doing business with his ex - wife now . They're collaborating for the building of public infrastructure in Michigan . I'm sure Abigail's going crazy over the news . " " I would too if I were her , " one of the ladies replied as they chuckled softly . Another scoffed . " Are they even still dating ? After he got someone to replace her as his secretary , things changed , and he's hardly been seen with her in public . Maybe he misses his wife and finally sees that vile excuse of a woman for who she is . " I stopped right behind the door and didn't want to interrupt their talk . " I'm glad she left , but now that Darla showed up , I wonder how things are going to turn out . Abigail won't just sit back while her fiance would be working with his ex for over a year , seeing her every other week for hours . " ' Fiance ? ' My heart skipped a beat . It had been five years , and though I expected that they were already married , I still felt an ache when I heard that they were still together . Frustrated and no longer wishing to eavesdrop on the conversation , I opened the door and walked past the cleaning ladies back to the boardroom , where I found Ethan talking with my brother , Anthony . " What are you still doing with my sister , Ethan ? The worst thing you could've done was to bring her here with you and accept a partnership with the Houston building project , " Anthony hissed at him . " I will not discuss what I do for business with my wife . We are here because of our excellent expertise and 2/3 Chapter 0011 +25 BONUS experience . " I cleared my throat and drew their attention . When Anthony saw me , his face countenance changed , and he frowned . He looked at Ethan as if he were whispering something to him that I couldn't hear before he walked out of the room and left me and Ethan alone . " Did you hear that ? " Ethan asked as he walked toward me . I nodded . " Yes , but it doesn't matter . They mean nothing to me as much as I don't mean anything to them . " I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him . " Someone might walk in here and find me unable to keep my hands off you , miss . " He chuckled as he kissed me . " Let them , " I smirked . " I'm not shy to give them a show to enjoy , " I said as I slammed my lips on his and kissed him . Someone cleared their throat behind us , and we chuckled as we leaned back from each other , thinking that someone almost walked in on us doing something inappropriate . But when I saw Elijah , I sighed . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!