FOUR YEARS LATER AT THE CEO ANNUAL AWARD
Daniella's pov.
"Did you come here alone?" A middle aged man standing beside me asked while holding a glass of champagne.
"I can spot your type from a mile away, you came here hoping to find the next rich man to become your sugar daddy?"
"Excuse me?"
"Why would a young beautiful lady be by herself in a gathering of powerful affluent men., Don't worry your secret is safe with me," he winked and stretched a card in my direction. "This is my business card, I own one of the best investment organizations,"
I politely declined the card, managing a tight smile. "Thank you, but I am here for professional networking, not personal pursuits," I replied.
He chuckled softly. "Of course, networking. But keep my offer in mind," he said, extending his card.
I rolled my eyes. "I would not be needing it,"
"C'mon baby girl, I am not always this generous but for you, I will," he said smiling widely.
"And Why is that?"
"I would hate to see such a beautiful face age badly because of the struggles of this cruel world," he smirked.
"The CEO Award of the Year goes to Miss Daniella Snow," The announcement rang out.
"That is my name," I winked at him.
"You are the infamous Miss Daniella," he asked with wide eyes and open mouth.
I nodded "Do close your mouth, we would not want you to choke on a fly," I smirked and then confidently walked to the stage.
Applause filled the air as I approached the stage.
"Thank you," I began "It's an honor to receive this award and stand among such remarkable individuals and for that I am grateful,"
The applause grew louder as I ended my speech, I made my way down the stage when I made eye contact with someone I had not seen or heard from in years.
I panicked when I saw he was walking in my direction, so I took another route, walking as fast as I could.
"Daniella," the voice called but I pretended not to hear. My heart was pounding loudly and I silently prayed he would leave me alone.
I felt a strong grip on my arm, turning me to face him.
"Daniella, I know you heard me," he said, his voice still sexy as ever.
I took a few steps back, clearing my throat "Gabriel!" I said faking a smile "I never expected to see you here,"
"Me neither, Congratulations on your Award," he said, eying the trophy in my hand. "I never expected your company to win against mine, but I don't mind losing it to you,"
"You never expected much from me," I hissed.
Taking a deep breath, he responded "I'm sorry about how things ended between us,"
"I do not want to hear anything about that," I yelled, causing a few stares in our direction. I whispered an apology to them and turned to Gabriel. "I will be leaving now,"
He held me back as I turned to leave.
"Look, There is something you need to know," he paused.
I waited for him to continue but he said nothing. "What is that?" I asked curiously.
"Daniella, I. I…..," he stammered.
"Mr. Grey, I have been looking all over for you," A lady said. I quickly recognized her as Mr. Antonio's daughter, Felicity. The woman who Gabriel had left me for.
"Your wife needs you," I wanted to sound nonchalant but it came out sounding pained.
"Wife?" she mouthed as she looked at both Gabriel and me.
I was not in the mood for any of their drama, so I walked out of the event, I was no longer interested in the Afterparty, and seeing Gabriel after a very long time ruined my mood.
I called my secretary and told her to wait for me at the back door, I was not in the mood for the paparazzi tonight. I gulped two glasses of champagne before going outside.
"Take me to the hotel," I instructed as I entered the car, my secretary swiftly took the driver's seat and set off.
"Why did you not inform me that my ex-husband would be in attendance?" I scolded.
"I did not think you would care any longer," She responded.
"And what made you think so?" I asked crossing my hands.
"You stop ranting about how ugly he is and how much you hated him, so I assumed that you have finally gotten over him," She said looking at me through the rearview mirror, "Though, I do not see how that man could ever be described as ugly,"
I scoffed, "He is just as ugly as his soul,"
"Hmmm, why did you mention him? Did you speak with him ?"She asked.
"Yes and he looks exactly the same," I whined, a part of me had wished he had grown a pot belly and become shorter for the pain he caused me
"What are you thinking of? Don't tell me you still love him?"
I glared at her, making her look away. "I just wanted to make sure you still hate him," she laughed.
"I have nothing but hatred towards him," I declared, more like a vow to myself.
"That's good to hear," she paused and then continued, "When are you going to start dating again? You need someone by your side,"
"I don't need a man, besides I only have time for my son and no one else," I responded while scrolling through my phone. "In my experience, men only want to play with your heart,"
The sudden glare of headlights from an approaching car startled both of us and before we could react, the car crashed into us from the side, sending us tumbling uncontrollably. The loud noise of metal scraping and shattering glass filled the air as the car went off the road and crashed into the bushes with a strong jolt.
My Son was all I thought about before I passed out.