Bane Of Her Existence

I would rather die than forgive Jake Miller.

This was my mantra as I walked into the restaurant, head held high, perfect strides, and looking out for dirt.

He was waiting, as expected. It was his turn to wait and it was my turn to make him wait.

"Mr Miller?" I peered down at the man seated there. The years had done him a lot of good; he looked much better than the last time I saw him...

"Director Frost! You are as pleasant as I imagined."

And still, the same bootlicker I once knew.

I smirked, ignoring his outstretched hand and signature smile; I pulled off my sunshades.

The look of absolute horror was worth it. His beautiful face was frozen in shock as he stared at me in disbelief.

For some seconds, we both stood, watching each other. Billionaire heir, Jake Miller-he had turned out fine.

"That's good to hear. Shall we proceed?" Taking my seat, I couldn't help but snicker.

One shot for me!

"Danny?" I nodded at Doris, my PA and she left immediately to give us some minutes of privacy.

"Hello, Mr Miller. Thank you for the -"

"Enough of that, Danny. What..." He was still gaping at me like I had fallen from the sky.

"Mr Miller! I'm here strictly for business, nothing more." I reveled in how strong I sounded. The self-esteem classes were paying off.

"I can't ignore the fact that this is Danielle-freaking-Frost sitting before me, all dolled up and perfect."

"That's because you never believed I could be successful." I felt the first attack on my patched-up heart, saying those words. "You haven't changed a bit, Jake. It's nice to know that."

Jake leaned forward, his face set into the cocky mask that would have warmed my heart and made me do anything for him. I was wiser now.

"I never said such, Danny. You look great, changed over the years." His smile was warm, but I knew never to trust it.

"Can you just cut the sugary nonsense? I'm here for business not to talk nonsense with fake friends." I didn't want to stay here longer than necessary. The more I spent time with him, the more my walls collapsed until I returned to the pathetic female he knew.

"I guess old things never change. You're still driven by your emotions, controlled by it."

"That's better than being a remote to your Mummy and Daddy." I shot back. I always knew what pushed his button and the tightening of his jaw proved that I had indeed struck a chord.

"A remote? I think that's the description of your relationship with poverty. You still have your scar. That's surprising seeing as the layers of mud couldn't cover it up." He sneered.

I gasped as my fingers subconsciously traced the jagged scar on my cheek, that no layer of makeup could hide. It was inhumane to refer to it.

"That's too low, Jake. Too low even for you." I said, steadying my voice with the last bit of strength I had. I couldn't break down before him.

"I know, Danny. But I have to get to your level, don't I?" He blew me a kiss as he stood, straightening his suit. He was truly the devil. No one could beat Jake Miller in being a monster.

As he walked past me, he crouched beside me, whispering in my ear.

"Nice try, Danny. But I still get nightmares thinking of your face." I gasped in shock as a tear slid down, breaking my face. He smirked at the impact he had on me.

"Mark my words, Jake. I will make sure you eat your words." I seethed, but he just laughed it off, strutting out of the restaurant.

***

"I can't do this Clara! I just..." My tears choked me as I cradled my head. I was disgusted with myself. An utter disgrace and weakling. A few words from Jake Miller sent me running back to Clara.

"You haven't told me what he did to you. This is just their first meeting, right?" Doris nodded, looking more confused than anyone. Thankfully, she had come in as he left, he wouldn't have hesitated to open up old wounds in front of a total stranger.

"I hate Jake Miller. I can't breathe the same air as him, Clara. There's got to be something else," I wiped my eyes, ready to take necessary actions.

"You want to throw away a five hundred million dollar contract because of a man?"

I looked away, the shame eating me up. I would rather eat nails than see Clara being disappointed in me.

"I will think about it."

"There's nothing to think about! This business, for crying out loud, is not some stupid reunion. Your past has no place here." I could sense the irritation in her voice.

"Doris, talk sense into your boss. I can't do this right now." Clara didn't meet my eyes as she left, obviously angry that I had wasted her time. I hated it when I had let her down.

Doris hugged me from behind, her familiar scent of cupcakes making me feel a little better.

"You can't let this opportunity pass you by, Dee. This is that contract we've been looking for."

"You weren't there, Doris. He's not human. I can't work with him." They couldn't understand. I have known this guy for twenty-five years and hated him for fifteen years. I knew him inside-out.

"You can. There won't be much interaction. I will always attend any meeting in your place." I smiled wistfully at her innocence. That was exactly what Jake wanted. He wanted to show that he still had an impact on my life. But I would show him that I didn't need him to be successful. I was going to silence him permanently.

"It's fine, Doris. I will work with him. Pass me my make-up kit, please." If Doris had more questions, she didn't ask and that was why I loved her.

I took an aspirin to calm the throbbing headache as she laid out my daily makeup products.

"Why do you hate him so much?" She blurted out, confusion etched on her face.

Smiling, I traced the hideous gash on my cheek.

"He gave me this very scar."