After My Death, My Husband Who Threw Me Into the Hunting Grounds Went Insane novel Chapter 145

Six months later…

To: [email protected]

Subject: How Are You?

Hey, Megs. How's your first day in your new job in Sydney? I'm sorry, I never got the chance to see you again. But I heard about you and Paul. Congratulations on your engagement! However, I'm still stuck in Harrisburg. I know, I know, I've been staying here forever, but I am finally going back to New York tomorrow for this new job. Don't you want to congratulate me too? Speak soon.

P.S. Paul said you proposed to him.

Love,

Julia

I sent the email and went downstairs. Mom was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. I just loved seeing her each day in the morning—in her usual pink floral apron, hair tied in a bun, and her hands in gloves. 

I'm going to miss her so much.

"Good morning." I kissed her cheek.

"Morning, darling. Sit down and have breakfast."

"Hmm. This smells good." I picked up a piece of toast from the table and took a bite. "Where's everyone?"

"Your dad's at the shop, and Claire's still probably in her room. Could you wake her up?"

"Mom, she left for Brown last night. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. You know, Claire. She didn't like all the drama."

 She shook her head. "That child. Just because she got accepted to an Ivy League school doesn't mean she can do what she wants." She heaved a sigh. "All of you have your own life now. The next thing I know is you're going to get married."

"One can't marry alone. I must have a boyfriend at least."

"Persuade Jake to marry you. He's a good catch."

I choked. "I'm sure you're just joking. Jake thinks he's prettier than me," I joked. I ate another bite of toast. "And he has a boyfriend."

Jake was a new friend I met four months ago, and I felt like we've been friends since forever. We were very compatible, and we shared the same interest. He was absolutely gorgeous, leanly built, and men and women worshipped at his feet. I met him when my father's restaurant business catered to one of the outreach programs he started and fed a hundred homeless kids in town. He's a philanthropist and also one of the executives of the hotel where I'm going to work.

"And I'm going to miss your cooking," I added.

 "We will miss you, too. Especially your dad. He still needs you here for his restaurant."

"He's going to let me go. He's proud of my new job. I'm a General Manager now," I sang the last sentence.

"At a hotel."

"Mom, it's not just some hotel!" I exclaimed in excitement. "It's five-star and one of the biggest in New York."

She smiled. "At least you can come home now, unlike this previous job of yours that stole your life. You only came home at Christmas, and I'm expecting you to come in every holiday now."

"Don't worry. I'll come home every holiday and birthday. I'm going to be fine, okay? Jake's there with me."

She touched my face. "I'm so proud of you. Oh, go on. Finish your food. I'm going to the market after this."

"Sure."

Speaking of Jake, I phoned him immediately. "Jake, I am finally going to see you tomorrow!"

"Oh, thank God you called! Remember the gala I was telling you about at the hotel? I'm going to need you to come with me. We have to make an appearance, especially for the Italian investors."

"Yes, and this will be tomorrow already?"

"I'm sorry, Julianne."

"Oh, God. I'm not prepared."

"Don't worry. I'll help you. I'll pick you up at seven. We have a lot to talk about, missy. I might need a shoulder."

"What do you mean?"

"I broke up with Chris yesterday. Honestly, it's not worth it, but I still miss him. I'm so excited to see you. I've missed our chats."

"Oh, Jake. My shoulder is definitely available for you. I'll see you tomorrow, then."

He laughed. "Bye, gorgeous. Smooch!"

The next day, Dad drove me to the airport. Mom didn't come to see me off; she was very emotional, as expected. As much as I wanted to stay, I needed this job. This was supposed to be my second chance to finally move on.

"I'm going to miss you, my darling." Dad wrapped his arms around me.

"Thanks, Dad." I squeezed him. "I'm going inside now. I don't want to miss the plane."

"I love you, sweetheart," he said.

"I love you and Mom, too. I'll call you once I get there."

"Sure, honey. Let me speak to Jake when you arrive. I want to thank him," he said. I nodded.

"I'm going to miss you." I embraced him once more, then proceeded to the gate.

***

In the evening, I slipped into my royal blue evening dress and a pair of silver stilettos—which Jake sent to me. I didn't have time to prepare, given the long hours of flight. Then, I stood in front of the mirror and applied my makeup.

Shortly after, I heard the chimes of the doorbell. I walked carefully towards the door and pulled it open.

"Wow," I mouthed as I look at Jake. He spun around, boasting his royal blue bespoke suit, a pair of custom-made brown leather shoes, and a Rolex wristwatch. He was also holding a bouquet of tulips.

"Damn, Jake. You look gorgeous!" I squealed.

"Aren't I? I matched it to your dress." He stepped into my house and enveloped me in his arms. "God, I miss you, missy."

I squeezed him hard. "I miss you more! And look at you, you look so fine! I'm sure Chris would regret it if he sees you now."

He rolled his eyes. "I'm sure he won't after he just shoved his dick into someone else."

"Oh, no. What happened?"

"I found out he cheated on me, but I can't talk about it now. Oh, these are for you." He handed me the tulips.

"Thank you. These are lovely." I touched one of the petals and smelled it. "By the way, have you called Dad? I phoned him as soon as I returned, and he wants to hear from you."

"Stanley should start accepting that we're just friends."

I chuckled. "I'm trying to tell them that. But he likes you."

He brushed his thumb on my cheek. "I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm handsome too, and her daughter deserves a man like me. Now, shall we go?" He offered his arm to me.

I giggled. "We shall."

Outside, Jake helped me step on the stairs, and I slid into his car—a sleek black Jaguar. He held the door open, then he got into the driver's seat.

It was exactly an hour later that we arrived at the grand porte-cochere of Hotel B. I was blown away to see all the luxury cars ahead of us. Jake stepped out first and opened the door for me. When we reached the enormous hall, I instantly felt overwhelmed and nervous. The place was filled, not just with business people, but with celebrities and influential individuals. Around them were the media, reporters, and photographers snapping endless pictures.

The ceremony hadn't started yet, but the Italian business partners were already there. I knew because Jake first approached them.

"Buona sera, signori?" he greeted.

"Bene, bene. Sei il famoso Jacob Quentin?" the one in a brown suit and dark hair replied.

"Si, signor Alfonsi, e questa è Julianne Taylor, il nuovo direttore generale di questo hotel."

I smiled at them when I heard my name. "What are you talking about?" I whispered to Jake.

"They asked me if I'm Jacob Quentin. I said yes. I also introduced you. Greet them," Jake said.

"Hello, I'm Julia Taylor. Welcome to Hotel B." I reached a hand to him. He shook my hand.

"Grazie, Ms. Taylor. I'm Marco Alfonsi. This is Flavio, my brother, and Luigi De Luca," he said as he introduced his company. They were all handsome and young. Flavio looked just like Marco, dark-haired, well-built in his black pinstriped suit, but Mr. De Luca was more stylish in his brushed-up hairstyle and Cambridge gray suit.

I grinned. "It's great to finally meet you."

"Signore Quentin, domani, capisco?" Mr. De Luca said.

"Si. Preparerò il pranzo secondo I tuoi gusti," Jake replied. "The party is about to start. Enjoy the party, gentlemen."

"Grazie," they all said and walked away.

"Well, they seemed polite," I commented.

"You don't even understand what they are saying," he joked, then he leaned closer and whispered, "I think I like one of them. Luigi's hot, isn't he? Oh, well. There are still some people I'll have to meet after the ceremony, and then there's dance later. I heard there's an auction as well. Have you ever been to one?"

I shrugged, suddenly remembering the past. "Sort of."

"Well, of course, you have. You worked for Cavendish Enterprises. By the way, I didn't tell you they were here. Isn't the CEO your former boss?"

I caught my jaw before it could drop. "What?!" I hissed. "They're here?"

"Yes, I think so. What's with your reaction?" he asked with a frown.

I touched my chest. My heart rate suddenly increased. "I'm just surprised."

"Okay. Why don't we just greet your new boss?"

No, I need to hide. I was suddenly conscious of my surroundings. He's here. I needed to find him first, so I could get away.

"Sure, where's… where's he now? Let's meet him." I walked off first and went to the snack bar.

"Wait up!" Jake called, following after me. "What's wrong? You look nervous."

I grabbed a glass of cocktail and drank it in one long gulp.

"Whoa!" Jake snatched the empty glass away.

"Hey, I think I need another one of those."

"Stop that. What's wrong? Don't worry, it's just Luke. He's maybe the CEO, but he's my friend. You met him once, right?"

I nodded. "Yes, during the interview. He seemed nice and—"

"Julia? Is that you?" I stopped as I heard the voice I didn't wish to hear. He found me first, after all.

I shut my eyes briefly and took a deep intake of breath. I spun around and found Adam with a stunning blonde in a shimmering, gold dress that clung to her perfect curves. I covertly squeezed Jake's side that made him jolt.

"Hello, Adam." I swallowed, suddenly in need of a drink.

The sight of the blonde made me instantly jealous, and seeing him again made me realize that my feelings for him were still the same. I thought I moved on, but I hadn't.

"Good evening, Mr. Cavendish. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Jacob Quentin." Jake reached a hand to Adam.

Adam pumped Jake's hand, but his gaze didn't leave mine. "Good evening, Mr. Quentin," he greeted back, "the pleasure's mine."

"I know that Julia worked for you before," Jake said. "I am glad to have Julia in my team. She's the new General Manager of this hotel."

"Congratulations, Julia," he whispered, almost toneless. "Where have you been?" he asked randomly.

Seriously? Did he just ask me that here? It wasn't the time to talk about the past. I didn't tell Jake the reason why I left his company. He should not bring that up right now. I lifted my head, ready for my answer.

"Thank you. Jake hired me," I said, ignoring his question.

"Oh, we're being rude to your date. I'm sorry," I casually said, trying not to sound bitter.

"Oh no, I'm not his girlfriend." The blonde answered for him with a smooth chuckle. God, how could she grin so attractively? Adam rolled his eyes.

"She's my ex-wife. Bianca, this is Julia Taylor, my former executive assistant." Adam introduced us. 

She's Bianca? I squeezed Jake's waist again.

"Well, I'm her ex for now, but we are engaged again." Bianca lifted up her left hand, showing the diamond ring on her finger. "Why am I saying this alone, Adam?" She stared up at him, then she ran her fingers on his arm affectionately.

"I hope you are enjoying yourselves this evening, Mr. Cavendish and Bianca. Again, it's a pleasure meeting you. Please, excuse us." Jake cut in, and without hesitation, he grabbed my hand and then dragged me away from Adam and his beautiful ex-wife.

"What's going on with you?" Jake hissed. "You almost ripped my waist out of my body. You didn't tell me everything about your former boss, did you?"

I hushed him, pressing a finger to his lips. "You don't have to say it out loud."

He sighed, then shoved my hand away. "Then at least tell me what happened back there."

God, I don't know what to say. "It's nothing. I'm just nervous to see him."

"Nervous? It was the way you reacted when he told you that she's Bianca, whoever the hell she is."

"You heard her. She's the ex-wife-now-fiancée. It's weird, right? We should not talk about this, for now, Jake."

"It's not weird. You are acting weird. Right now is the perfect time to talk. Did you sleep with him?" he asked straightforwardly.

"What? No!" And I'm glad I didn't.

"Then what was that about? You committed fraud?"

"No, of course not!"

"Ms. Taylor?" A short-haired lady in a black dress suddenly interrupted. She was panting. "Excuse me."

"I resigned." Actually, I didn't. I left. "It's complicated."

"I heard you are a chef too?"

"Yes. My father has a business. A small restaurant."

"That's amazing. You are talented."

"We dream of expanding the restaurant someday."

"Keep the goal. I won't be surprised if you are a CEO yourself in the next few years." He grinned.

I had heard those words before. Ah, from Henry. His restaurant was a success.

"Yeah, thank you."

"Hotel B is planning to work with your former boss. There are other companies in line, but hearing his reputation in the business caught my attention. I want his design for my new hotel in Los Angeles."

What a sudden change of conversation, huh?

"Yeah, I heard that from Jake."

"I'm also invited to the wedding, but I'm not coming. I don't attend corporate weddings."

"Wedding… what?"

"Your former boss is re-marrying his ex-wife, right?"

I knew that, but why was my heart clenching?

Silence.

After several seconds I restarted the conversation. "Thank you for trusting me as your General Manager for your new hotel."

"I trust Jake. If he trusts you, then I will, too. Ah, and here comes your former boss."

Luke stopped swaying then greeted Adam. He wasn't with his ex-wife anymore. "Mr. Cavendish."

"Mr. Alejandro," Adam greeted back.

"I hope our hotel is giving you the best accommodation. How's the suite?" my new boss asked.

"The suite is exquisite. Thank you, Mr. Alejandro." Adam's eyes narrowed at Luke's hand on my back. "I wish to speak with my former assistant."

"Oh sure," Luke said. No! Don't leave me with him. I protested inside. "I'll see you later, Julia."

I curtly nodded, then I watched him walk back to the crowd, greeting another friend.

"Care to dance?" Adam asked, offering me his hand.

I heaved out a sigh. "Fine," I uttered. I let him hold me, but I kept the distance.

"God, I wish all of this is real," he whispered softly. "Aren't you going to answer my question from earlier?"

I swallowed, trying to prevent myself from inhaling his familiar scent. "No. I don't think it's your business, Adam."

"What, I can't even ask you, how have you been?"

I shook my head. "No. Ask me anything except about the past."

"Then, are you dating Alejandro?"

I scowled. "What? No! He's my boss."

"Quentin?"

 I rolled my eyes. "Seriously, Adam?"

"I need to know." Adam drew me close. I gasped.

"What are you doing? Your fiancée might see us. She knew about me."

"God, Julia. I just want to talk to you. She went home."

I tried to pull away from him, but he only tightened his grasp. "Adam, please…"

"Stop resisting, Julia. I just wanted to talk. I want to explain myself to you."

"You explained everything on those voice messages you sent me, and I still don't care."

"You still care. You listened to my messages. I still want you," he confessed, but I chose not to believe anymore.

"No." I pushed him away with all of my strength. I marched away from him and came out of the event hall, proceeding to the hotel lobby. I sat on the couch. I wouldn't be able to control myself if I was near him. I wiped away my tears.

"Julia?" Jake's voice said behind me. I glanced over my shoulder.

"Hey…"

His brows furrowed. "What's going on? Is everything alright?"

Unable to answer, I stood and embraced him. I buried my face on his chest and started to cry.

"Whoa, missy. It's okay… it's okay." Jake wrapped his arms around me and rubbed my back.

"I want to go home," I told him.

"Okay, shall we go now?"

"Yes. I don't want to see him. I don't want to talk to him. Get me out of here, please." I sobbed hard. It was too much to take in.

"Who are you talking about?"

"I believe she's talking about me."

I shivered at the sound of Adam's absurdly melodious voice. I pulled away from Jake and spun around to face Adam.

"Oh, goddamn it, Cavendish. Stay away from me!" I cried.

"Is this what you really want, Julia?"

"Yes! This is what I want. I want you out of my life!"

"Whoa! Calm down, you people!" Jake stepped between us, with a confused look on his face. "We have visitors here. This is an event. Can't we talk in a civilized manner?"

Adam stepped away. "No, it's fine. I'm leaving anyway," he whispered harshly. "But at least hear this, Julia. You had no idea of the aftermath when you left and how miserable I became fixing your mess. I'm sure you don't even know what I'm talking about, but you will." He shot me a warning look, then turned away.