Alison's POV.

The next few days had been extremely tense. I still hadn't fully comprehended that I was now working under my ex-husband, something that I wasn't too pleased about. With his constant stares and lingering smiles, he had begun to arise a sense of fear within me.

What did he want? He said he wants me back but I could only scoff in disbelief. I'm sure it's for some sort of business deal, he didn't truly want me. I was merely a product that aided him to success. I wasn't his wife. I was his advertiser.

Would he hurt anyone of my loved ones to get to me? Blake was cruel person and I didn't doubt his actions. He could do  anything. Would do anything get what he wanted.

If it was the ugly truth in wealth. Money could get you nearly everything.

Luke had been on the edge after I had filled him in with the prior events and I feared that my best friend would soon be fired from his job. His cold glares and snarls were obvious signs of his distaste to his boss. However Blake, who only smirk at this, rolling his eyes. Yet I could see that he was beginning to become irritated at Luke, returning his glares and muttering words with other staff his eyes trained on my best friend.

"Luke, that's enough."I said, firmly, pressing my hand on his back and shoving him lightly.

He turned around scowling.

"What?"

I raised an eyebrow,"Stop glaring at him like you want to kill him tonight."

"I do."he muttered, before meeting my strict gaze and rolling his eyes.

"What happened between us is in the past. It doesn't matter."

His eyes narrowed down at me, and a heavy frown was prominent on his face,"Yes it does. If it has something to do with you, then it matters."

My raised eyebrow elevated somehow even higher.

"Okay, I'll tone down the cringe factor a bit."he mumbled, not meeting my gaze.

I grinned, agreeing with him,"That's great news, but really you shouldn't diss the guy like that, he is your boss after all. You'll get fired."

"See if I care."he scoffed, holding his head high.

A feeling of dread washed over me and I advanced towards him, my hand gripping his bicep. I shook my head, glaring at him slightly.

"No Luke. I don't want this. I don't want my best friend getting fired just because I've had some break up over a good for nothing guy who probably can't even toast his own bread."

He chuckled lightly, nodding.

"But it still isn't right Al. He's such a dick for treating you like that, and I swear when I get my hands on that motherfucker - "

Luke paused, sighing in defeat at my warning glare.

"I will get on my knees and fucking worship him."

I laughed, patting him on the back,"Not exactly what I was aiming for, but it'll do for now."

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I snorted as I watched Clover's eyes zone on the bird, her head flinging from side to side as she barked ferociously at it. The animal at hand seemed unfazed, watching Clover with hooded eyes as if it had endured the same thing many times.

"Calm down buddy."

The dog acted as if it had not heard me, leaping at the glass sliding door, scratching furiously at the barrier between it and the bird. I shook my head, turning up the volume on my iPhone as I nodded my head to the beat.

I was currently listening to 'Lights Down Low' by MAX ft.Gnash, as I scrolled down my camera roll.

It was an activity that I would do occasionally. Looking back at memories. Saddening or elating, everything had made me the person I am today, and I do not regret anything in past. What had happened had happened and I had grown to accept it.

Because life wasn't everyone's best friend. Life tended to throw hurdles at you at the most unexpected times. One day you could have everything. You could be the most popular person in the school, then the hated the next moment.
You could be the most beautiful girl on earth but feel like your worthless. You could be the smartest kid in the grade then the dumbest in a matter of seconds. Everything could fall apart. Anytime. Anywhere.

I had learnt this now.

I now cherish every moment life has given to me. Heartbreaking it may be. My failed marriage showed me that men are dangerous. Men are untrustworthy. Love is dangerous. Love is evil. My friendship with Luke showed me otherwise. Men were wonderful creatures. Men were loyal, respectful and friendly. Men were worthy.

Life had its ups and downs but we have to clamp it between our hands. Many say that their ending is in the hands of fate. But it's not. It's in ours. We are capable of deciding our fate. It's our determination. Our hard work. If we put our heads down, furrow our eyebrows and strike for our goals there is no doubt that we will not reach them. Fate is ours. We can change fate.

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I rolled my eyes at Luke's pathetic attempt at flirting with the short brunette. He pouted as she glared at him, stalking away, intentionally slapping her ponytail roughly against his cheek.

"Well that went well."I commented in amusement.

He scowled, nudging me in the rib,"Shut up, I thought I actually had her for a second."

"Yeah, a girl glaring and looking at her watch totally screams 'I'm interested'."I drawled.

He rolled his eyes, fastening his pace, a heavy frown on his features. Chuckling, I caught up to him, slapping him gently on the butt before dashing into the restaurant, cackling over my shoulder as I heard him curse loudly and chase after me.

But of course my luck decided to be at its peak at the moment, and I found my body colliding with a heavy structure. Squealing, I collapsed to the floor, my hands unable to catch myself in time. The sound of a man muttering curses made me raise my head and glare.

Opening my mouth to snap at him, my eyes widened in shock as I saw who it was.

Oh shit.

"Miss Williams, get up right now!"

Trembling, I pressed my palms against the tiles lifting myself, keeping my head bowed, not meeting his gaze. 

"Look at me."he whispered.

My eyes furrowed. Was he not angry? His tone showed otherwise. It winded in vunlerbirty and regret as if he too was holding onto the thin fabric that held us together. 

But I would not do as what he pleased. I was a strong willed woman now. I didn't listen to anyone, especially this man. I was my own person, and I do not depend on anyone. 

Keeping my gaze trained on my sneakers, I stubbornly kept ignored his command. 

He sighed, lifting my chin upwards with his index. I was immediately transfixed with his deep mocha eyes, that seemed to be drawing me in string by string. I shook my head, blinking, making sure to take a step away from him. Nodding approvingly at the respectable distance between us, I took a deep breath through my nose as if steadying myself from the rant I was about to be faced with. 

"Alison."he murmured, his tongue licking his lips as he watched me. 

I shivered stepping further way but found myself stopped from a firm hand on my shoulder. I could feel someone breathing heavily down my neck, their lips brushing against me in the slightest motion. 

The sound of an enraged snarl snapped me out of my daze, and I frowned as Blake glared at the person behind me.

"Shit Alison,"he breathed heavily, panting,"You run fucking fast."

I relaxed, a soft chuckle slipping past my lips as I recognised the man's voice.

"I know."I smirked, smugly.

He huffed, rolling his eyes. 

"You seriously need to hit the gym Luke, you're so freakin big."

He winked, shooting me a grin,"It's all muscle babe."

I temporarily forgot that Luke and I were interacting in front of my half bull, snorting ex-husband. 

"So you're Luke?"Blake spat, his fists curled at his sides.