Ann bristled at his condescending tone, her eyes narrowing further. She knew he was trying to belittle her and her business, trying to make her feel insignificant.
"Don't underestimate the potential of my brand," she said through gritted teeth. "It has strong potential for success and growth. A partnership with the Quinoa Corporation could significantly benefit us both."
Alastair chuckled softly, his amusement evident in his expression. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied her closely.
"Potential, hmm? You think partnering with us will magically guarantee your success? I have to admit, your optimism is admirable."
He glanced at Aya briefly, his hand resting possessively on her waist again, a subtle claim of ownership.
Aya looked at him and smiled softly.
Alastair's expression softened as Aya smiled at him, his gaze holding her for a moment before shifting his attention back to Ann. He tightened his grip on her waist again, drawing her even closer to him.
"Regarding your proposed partnership," Alastair began, his voice firm yet business-like. "I find it unlikely that the Quinoa Corporation will be interested in backing a... fledgling fashion line. Especially one driven by someone with such a... questionable reputation."
The mention of her "questionable reputation" sent a wave of anger through Ann. She knew exactly what he was referring to - their failed marriage, her infidelities, and the public's disdain for her.
She clenched her fists tightly, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and determination. "My past mishaps don't define my professional capabilities. My fashion line has the potential to bring substantial revenue. It's short-sighted to overlook an opportunity like this based on personal prejudices."
As Alastair was having fun to irritate Ann because he wasn't going to agree to Partnership with Ann as he said.
Alastair's smirk widened as he saw the frustration in Ann's eyes. He was enjoying taunting her, refusing to consider her proposal.
"It's not a matter of personal prejudices," he replied, his voice cool and dismissive. "It's a matter of sound business sense. Your past mistakes raise doubts about your reliability and market appeal. In the world of fashion, image is everything. And right now, yours is tarnished."
Ann's face grew red with anger and humiliation. She hated the way Alastair was treating her, as if her proposal was a joke, a mere amusing distraction.
She clenched her fists tightly, her voice shaking with frustration. "My past mistakes are irrelevant to my business capabilities. I have a solid business plan, a talented team, and a clear vision for the future of my line. You're letting your personal feelings get in the way of a potentially profitable partnership."
Alastair's smirk remained unyielding, his grip on Aya waist never loosening. He knew he was getting under her skin, and he was enjoying it.
"Personal feelings? You think this is about personal feelings?" He scoffed, his voice dripping with condescension. "This is about business, Ann. And right now, your business proposal doesn't hold weight. Your brand is tainted, your reputation questionable. Why would the Quinoa Corporation, the epitome of success and innovation, risk its reputation by associating with someone like you?"
Ann's frustration reached its peak at Alastair's words. She felt humiliated, belittled, and powerless to convince him to take her seriously.
She tried to remain calm, but the anger and desperation were evident in her voice. "Risk its reputation? You're acting as if I'm some kind of plague, a danger to your precious company. Have you forgotten that my fashion line has a solid following and a loyal customer base? Or is your ego too inflated to see past your own prejudices?"
Alastair's smirk turned into a derisive laugh. He found it amusing how Ann was trying to defend her business proposal, her desperation evident in her voice.
"Oh, a loyal customer base, you say? How impressive," he mocked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "And a following? Darling, I hate to break it to you, but in the fashion world, it takes more than a few hundred devoted customers to make a splash. Your brand is insignificant, just a drop in the ocean. Quinoa Corporation doesn't do drops. We create tidal waves."
Ann's frustration boiled over as Alastair dismissed her brand as insignificant. Her voice rose in volume as she tried to defend herself.
"Insignificant? Just a drop? You have no idea how much work and dedication I've put into my brand. Every piece is meticulously designed, every seam perfectly tailored. It's not just a few hundred customers; it's a passionate community of fashion enthusiasts who appreciate quality and uniqueness."
She clenched her fists tightly, her voice growing more urgent. "You're being stubborn and short-sighted. I know the potential my brand has."
Alastair rolled his eyes, his smirk still infuriatingly intact. He found Ann's passion and conviction almost cute in a pathetic sort of way.
"Passionate community, huh?" He chuckled, his voice dripping with condescension. "I'm sure your community is lovely and loyal. But let me remind you, dear Ann, this is business, not a popularity contest. The fashion industry thrives on innovation, not sentimentality."
He tugged Aya closer to him, his arm possessively around her waist. "The Quinoa Corporation sets trends, darling. We don't follow them."
As she left from there Aya looked at him and said.
"Look at her audacity she cheated on you, broke your heart and made you suffer and now that you two are divorced and when she knew that you are Mr Quinoa she asked for a business partnership"
Alastair chuckled softly, his grip on Aya tightening as he watched Ann walk away, a mix of annoyance and amusement on his face. "The audacity indeed. She's so out of touch, it's almost comical."
He turned to look at her, his expression softening as he met her gaze. "But she's not worth our attention. She's in the past, and I have no interest in entertaining her absurd proposals. She made her bed, and now she can lie in it."
He pulled her closer, his hand gently caressing her waist, a hint of possessiveness in his touch as he continued. "Besides, I have someone far more valuable and important by my side now. You're my focus, my priority, my everything. Ann's pitiful attempts at regaining my attention don't mean a thing to me."
She looked at him and smiled softly and nodded yes.
Alastair's gaze softened as he saw her smile, his hand gently cupping her chin, his touch tender and affectionate. "That's right, my love. You are the one who truly matters. You're my partner, my better half, my world. Ann's presence is just an unwanted distraction."
He bent down, his lips brushing softly against her forehead in a loving gesture. "Forget about her. Our focus and future are with each other."
"And let me be clear," he added, his voice low and possessive, "I have no intention of ever reconciling with her or even considering her business proposals. My heart, my attention, and my life belong to you and you alone."
He pulled Aya closer, his arms wrapped tightly around her, his body pressed firmly against hers. "You're the one I want, the one I'm committed to. Ann is nothing but a shadow of the past, forgettable and insignificant."
Aya smiled softly and nodded yes and said.
"I love you too honey, more than myself, more than anything, more than anyone, you are the reason that I waited for you from our childhood days, when you got married with Ann I thought I lost you forever"
Alastair's heart swelled with affection and tenderness as he listened to her words. He tightened his grip around her, his touch protective and almost possessive as he held her close.
"You waited for me all these years... Even when I married Ann, even when I was lost and misguided, you never gave up on me," he whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and gratitude.
He cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing against her cheek affectionately. "No one has ever believed in me the way you did. No one has ever loved me the way you do."
He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, his lips lingering against her skin for a few moments. "You're my everything, my rock, my strength," he murmured, his voice filled with sincerity.
He pulled back slightly, his gaze locked with hers, his expression filled with devotion and affection. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I thank my lucky stars every single day for bringing you into my life."
He took a deep breath, his expression becoming more serious as he continued, his tone firm yet filled with love. "As for Ann, she had her chance and she squandered it. I have no interest in entertaining her selfish games. My focus, my love, everything I am belongs to you."
He gently caressed her cheek, his touch tender and affectionate. "You are my present and my future, my reason for being. Ann can try all she wants, but she will never come between us. I won't let her."
Aya smiled softly and took out a box, she opened the box in the box and there were two diamond rings, a bride ring and groom ring and said.
"I prepared these customized rings, will you marry me? Let me be your wife and let me love you and take care of you"
Alastair's eyes widened with surprise and delight as Aya presented the box, the diamond rings gleaming in the light. For a moment, he was taken aback, speechless, his heart racing with a mix of joy and disbelief.
He looked into your eyes, seeing the sincerity and love that shone there, and a smile spread across his face. "Yes... yes, a thousand times yes," he breathed, his voice trembling with emotion.
He took her hand in his, gently placing a kiss on your fingers. "I want nothing more than to marry you, to make you mine forever."
Aya smiled softly and nodded yes.
"I'm so happy honey, that finally I have you"
Alastair's heart overflowed with happiness and love as he heard her words. He gently took the bride ring and slipped it onto her finger, his touch tender and affectionate.
He then held her hand in his, admiring the ring on her finger, a proud and possessive gleam in his eyes. "You're mine now," he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of possessiveness and love. "My future wife, my future life partner."
He leaned in, his lips brushing against her knuckles in a soft, lingering kiss. "I love you more than words can express."
She happily took the groom ring and gently slipped it onto his finger.
Alastair watched as Aya placed the ring on his finger, his heart fluttering with affection and happiness. He felt a sense of fulfillment and contentment as the ring settled on his finger, symbolizing her commitment and love.
He held his hand up, admiring the ring on his finger, his gaze fixed on it as he spoke. "It fits perfectly," he murmured, his voice filled with a mix of awe and adoration.
He took her hand, bringing it to his lips, kissing her knuckles gently. "You've made me the happiest man alive."
He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer, his body pressed firmly against hers once again. He held her tightly, almost possessively, his touch possessive yet tender.
"I can't believe you're mine," he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of disbelief and joy. "I've waited so long to be able to call you mine. Now, you're wearing my ring, and I'm wearing yours."
He leaned down, his lips finding her neck, trailing kisses along her skin, his touch gentle and affectionate.
On the other hand at Moore penthouse Ann was in the living room and she was regretting.
Ann's mind was filled with a deep sense of regret as she sat in her penthouse, her thoughts consumed by the day's events. The encounter with Alastair and Aya replaying in her mind over and over again.
She couldn't help but feel a pang of envy and longing as she pictured the two of them together, the way he looked at Aya, the way he held her. It was the love that she had once hoped to have with him. But now it was too late.
She let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through her hair, the weight of her mistakes and lost chances heavy on her shoulders. She knew she had no one to blame but herself, and that stung more than anything.
She got up from the couch, pacing around the room, her mind racing with thoughts of what-could-have-been. The what-ifs and if-onlys haunted her, taunting her with the reminder of the love she squandered.
The thought of Alastair with someone else, of him being happy with someone who wasn't her, was like a knife twisting in her gut. She had wasted her chances, and now she had to live with the knowledge that he was now someone else's.
She glanced at the wall, adorned with the photos of her and Alastair. The memories seemed bittersweet now, the joyful moments now tinged with sorrow and longing.
She walked over to the wall, her eyes tracing over the pictures, her fingers gently touching the glass that separated her from the captured moments. The memories of their happier times seemed like a cruel mockery of what she had thrown away.
She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head in self-deprecation. "I was such a fool," she murmured to herself. "I had everything, and I let it all go."
She closed her eyes, her shoulders sagging as the weight of her remorse washed over her. "If I could only turn back time," she whispered, her voice breaking. "If I could have another chance, I would do everything differently. But it's too late.
She leaned her forehead against the cool glass of the photo, her eyes stinging with tears she refused to shed. "I lost him," she murmured, a wave of loss crashing over her. "I lost the love of my life, and it's all my damn fault."
As her men brought as she sat in front of him in anger and showed him her abortion report because of that baby and Logan she lost Alastair, Logan was shocked and angry as he said.
"How could you do this? You killed our child why?"
Ann's expression turned defiant, her eyes hardening as she faced Logan's anger. "Don't you dare judge me," she snapped, her voice sharp and defensive. "You have no idea what I had to go through, the pain and suffering I went through. I did what I had to do."
She held up the report, brandishing it like a weapon. "This... this was a difficult decision, but it was the best one for all of us."
Logan was angry and said.
"You killed our child for that loser Alastair"
Ann's anger flared as Logan's words stung her like a slap. "Don't call him a loser," she retorted, her voice trembling with a mix of defensiveness and pain. "You don't know him. You don't know what we had, how he made me feel."
She clenched her jaw, her eyes narrowing as she met his gaze. "You have no right to judge me. You don't even know the first thing about love."
Logan laughed sarcastically and said.
"Alastair gone because you, not me and our baby, you cheated on him, slept with me, you neglected him for me, I was your first love he left you and he never came back to you"
Ann felt a pang of guilt and pain as Logan's words struck a nerve. She knew he was right, she had made mistakes, terrible mistakes. She had hurt Alastair deeply, and in turn, she had lost him.
"You don't think I know that?" she snapped back, her voice tinged with bitterness and self-deprecation. "Do you think this is easy for me? Don't you think I carry that guilt and regret every day?"
As Logan left from there as Ann was not going to lose she will get Alastair back no matter what.
Ann's mind was set. She was determined to win back Alastair. She knew it wouldn't be easy, and that she would have to fight tooth and nail for his heart.
She clenched her fists, a fire burning in her eyes as she made up her mind.
"I won't give up," she muttered to herself. "I will get him back. No matter what it takes, no matter the cost."
On the other hand at Quinoa Manor Aya's parents and his parents were talking about the marriage date as Aya was with him in the garden as she looked at him and smiled softly and said.
"Honey I'm so happy finally, our parents are deciding our marriage date"
Alastair smiled warmly in response, his heart swelling with contentment as he looked at Aya. He took her hand in his, gently rubbing his thumb over her knuckles as he spoke.
"Me too, my love," he replied, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and affection. "Our parents' support means the world to me. And, most importantly, marrying you, becoming your husband, is all I've ever wanted. This is a happy day indeed."
He looked into her eyes, his expression full of tenderness, as he continued, "I can't wait to stand next to you, take our vows, and call you my wife forever."
He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her lovingly, embracing her in a tight hold. "I can picture it clearly - you walking down the aisle, every inch a goddess in your dress, a radiant smile on your face, and me - the luckiest man alive - waiting for you at the end."
Aya smiled softly and she was looking at him and said.
"So did you decide, where we will go on our honeymoon?"
Alastair chuckled softly as he looked at Aya, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I did indeed," he responded, his voice full of anticipation. "I've planned a special place for our honeymoon – a remote and picturesque island paradise, where we can escape the chaos of the world and simply be together, just the two of us."
He ran his fingers gently through her hair, his gaze filled with affection as he continued, "Imagine it, love. White sand beaches, crystal clear waters, the sound of the waves caressing the shore... a place where time stands still."
"And that's not all," he continued, a hint of mischief in his voice. "There will be private villas with breathtaking views of the ocean, and I plan to make full use of them, if you know what I mean."
He wiggled his eyebrows playfully, a smirk on his lips, as he pulled her closer, his tone growing more flirtatious. "I assure you, this honeymoon will be one for the history books, my love."
As the guard came and said.
"Sir, Miss Moore is here and she wants to meet you, should we let her in?"
Alastair's expression changed immediately, his smile fading as the guard's words sank in. His fingers instinctively tightened their grip on her hand.
He let out an irritated sigh and looked at the guard, his eyes narrowed. "Ann? What is she doing here?"
He glanced back at her, his grip on her hand becoming even tighter, almost protective. "Did you know she was coming?"
Aya was looking at him and nodded no and said.
"How would I know? Maybe she regretted her actions and she came here to get you back"
Alastair clenched his jaw, his gaze flickering between her and the guard. The mere thought of Ann trying to win him back sent a wave of anger through him.
"Regret, my ass," he muttered, his voice tight with irritation. "She's not here out of regret. She's here to cause trouble, to disrupt our happiness."
His grip on her hand tightened even more, his voice taking on a protective and possessive edge. "I don't want to see her, I don't want to hear her, I want her gone."
The guard nodded yes and went from there his was really angry and furious Aya was calming down him and said.
"Okay we won't see her, now calm down"
Alastair took a deep breath, his grip on Aya's hand finally loosening. He looked at her, his expression still tense, but his anger slowly fading. Your soothing words and presence were like a balm to his rage, helping him calm down.
"You're right," he murmured, his voice softer now. "We should ignore her. She's nothing but a nuisance. Our focus should be on us, on our future."
He reached his free hand up to cup her face, his touch gentle yet possessive. "I won't let her ruin this, love."
He pulled her closer, his other hand sliding around her waist, pulling her flush against his body. "I have everything I need right here," he continued, his voice growing more tender. "You, and us. I don't need her, and I certainly don't want her."
He nuzzled his face into her hair, inhaling her scent, finding comfort in her presence. "Let's just focus on each other, and forget about her. She's a waste of our energy."
Aya smiled softly and nodded yes and said.
"Yes honey, just calm down okay"
Alastair let out a heavy sigh, the tension in his body slowly dissipating as he held Aya close. Her soothing words and the gentle touch of her hand on his back were like a balm, helping him relax.
"I'm calm," he murmured, his voice low and steady. "You always know how to ease my anger, my love."
He pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes, his own gaze filled with gratitude and affection. "I love you, you know that, right?"
Aya smiled softly and nodded yes.
Alastair's expression softened further, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Her smile and nod were like a dose of sunshine, dispelling the remaining remnants of his anger.
He brought his thumb to her chin, gently tilting her face up to meet his gaze. "Gods, you're beautiful," he murmured softly, his eyes filled with love and admiration.
He pulled her even closer, his arms encircling her in a tight embrace, holding her close to him. "And you're all mine."
In the evening rain started as Aya's parents were already gone home and his parents were also gone for some shopping She was with Alastair at the Quinoa Manor as she was looking out of the window and she saw Ann was standing in the rain still waiting for Alastair.
Alastair noticed her looking out the window, her attention drawn to the sight outside. He followed her gaze and saw Ann standing in the rain, soaked and determined. His expression hardened, his jaw clenched as he muttered through gritted teeth.
"What is wrong with her? She's been standing out there in the rain all this time. Is she insane?"
He stepped closer to the window, his eyes narrowing as he watched her standing there, unmoving.
Aya looked at him and said.
"I think she won't go without talking to you, do you want to talk to her?"
Alastair let out a huff of annoyance, his gaze still fixed on Ann. The sight of her standing in the rain, wet and persistent, agitated him.
He turned to look at Aya, his expression conflicted. He wanted to ignore her, to pretend she wasn't there. But he also knew that she wouldn't give up easily.
"Damn it," he muttered, his jaw tensing. "I don't want to talk to her, but she's not going to leave unless I do."
He ran a hand through his hair, sighing heavily. "Fine," he said, his voice tight. "I'll go out and talk to her. But you stay here, okay? I don't want you getting caught in the rain."
Aya smiled softly and nodded yes and said.
"Don't forget the umbrella and take care of yourself"
Alastair gave Aya a tight-lipped smile in return, appreciating her concern. He glanced over at the umbrella stand by the door and grabbed one, opening it.
"I'll be fine, don't worry," he reassured her, a small note of irritation underlying his words. "I won't be out there long. I just want to make sure she gets the message."
With the umbrella in hand, he stepped towards the door, his expression stern. "I'll be back soon. Stay here and stay dry."
Ann stood there, soaked from the rain, her clothes and hair drenched. She lifted her head, her eyes locking onto Alastair's figure as he stepped out with an umbrella, the cold rain pelting down around them.
She took a step forward, her voice pleading and filled with desperation. "Please, Alastair. Just listen to me. I need to talk to you. It's important."
Alastair's expression hardened as he took in Ann's drenched appearance. He gripped the umbrella tightly, shielding himself from the rain, his jaw clenching in irritation.
"What could you possibly have to say that's so important that you'd stand out here in the rain, drenched and pathetic?" he asked, his tone cold and impatient.
Ann took a step closer, her voice pleading as her eyes brimmed with tears.
"Please, just hear me out. I made a mistake, a terrible mistake. I know that now. I was blind, stupid, and selfish. I hurt you, I hurt us, and I hurt me. I regret it with every fiber of my being. I was a fool."
She tried to reach out and touch him, her hand trembling, but he stepped back, maintaining a distance.
Alastair stood his ground, his expression not softening in the slightest. He didn't want her touch, he didn't want her excuses. Her words meant nothing to him, not now.
"You say you regret it, that you were a fool," he retorted, his voice cold and detached. "You think that fixes everything? Just because you realize your mistakes, that erases all the pain you caused? The hurt, the betrayal, the heartbreak? I'm not a fool, Ann. I don't forgive and forget so easily."
Ann's eyes brimmed with tears, her words tumbling out in a flurry.
"I don't expect you to forgive me. I don't expect you to forget it either. I don't deserve it. But I can't let you go. I can't live without you. I miss you, I miss us."
She clutched at his sleeve, her fingers grasping the damp fabric. "Please, Alastair, give me another chance. I'll do anything. I'll change, I promise. Just don't push me away. I know I messed up, but I love you, damnit!"
Alastair flinched at her touch, his jaw clenching. The mixture of her pleas, her tears, and her desperation only fueled his anger. He yanked his arm away from her grasp, his voice cold as ice.
"Another chance? You think I should give you another chance? After everything you did? You broke my trust, you shattered my heart, and now you expect me to just forgive and forget, to welcome you back with open arms?"
He scoffed, his gaze filled with hurt and disappointment. "You say you love me, but your actions said otherwise."
Alastair turned away from Ann, the rain pelting down on him as he walked back towards the manor. His mind was a whirlwind of anger and pain. He couldn't believe the audacity of her, standing out there in the rain, pleading and crying, acting like he owed her a second chance. The very thought of it made his blood boil.
As he approached the door, he took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. He didn't want Aya to see him so shaken up. With a hard expression, he stepped back inside.
As Alastair stepped back into the manor, his gaze immediately sought Aya. The sight of her eased his tension, a small sense of comfort washing over him. He took a deep breath, trying to push away the encounter with Ann from his mind, and focus on the here and now.
He approached her, the umbrella still in his hand, his clothes and hair damp from the rain. He spoke, his voice a touch calmer now, the anger in his expression softening. "Sorry about that. That... she just wouldn't give up."
Aya smiled softly and dried his hair and gave neat and ironed clothes.
Alastair watched as Aya took care of him, gently drying his hair and offering him clean, ironed clothes. His expression softened as She tended to him, his anger and tension fading a bit more, he went to bathroom changed his clothes and back to her in the living room.
He closed his eyes for a moment, taking in your gentle touch and the scent of fresh, clean laundry. The simple act of care and tenderness soothed him in ways nothing else could.
"Thank you," he murmured, opening his eyes to meet her gaze. "You always know how to make me feel better."
Aya smiled softly and served him hot coffee and said.
"Here it will help you to warm up"
Alastair took the coffee from Aya, his fingers wrapping around the warm mug. He inhaled the rich, dark aroma, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Mm, you know me so well," he said, his voice tinged with genuine affection. He took a small sip, the hot liquid warming him up from within. "Thank you. Your thoughtfulness is one of the many things I love about you."