After Divorce Billionaire Ex Found Me Pregnant (Leonica and Gabriel) novel Chapter 10

Lloyd’s words had instantly sent Anastasia’s heart into an overdrive. Without even needing to focus on it, she could feel her heart beating hard against her chest, shaken up by his words, his proximity and the look in her eyes.

And it scared her.

Not Lloyd, but rather the familial pounding of her heart and the fluttering in her stomach, because she knew it all too well and it was a feeling she feared.

It was the same feelings that had caused her unfortunate relationship with Derek.

Those memories flashed within her mind and before Anastasia knew it, she had paled.

Lloyd didn’t fail to notice this and in seconds, his expression changed into concern. But before he could say anything, she had broken free from his hold and stood up, walking towards her door and holding it open.

“Get out.” She demanded.

Lloyd was surprised by the sudden shift in her attitude. Just a few seconds ago, she seemed pissed at him, now the look in her eyes made it seem like she was trying to be on guard against him.

Had he been too forward? He pondered.

“Anastasia-“

Seeing that he was still trying to speak and growing irritating agitated at his presence, moreover, the effect of his presence, Anastasia snapped.

“I said get the fuck out, Riley!”

Her voice was harsh but Lloyd could see as her eyes shook slightly, revealing a quick peak of vulnerability.

He sighed, deciding to adhere to what she wanted. “Alright. But I’m not leaving you alone, Anastasia.”

Without a single word more, he exited her office, leaving Anastasia alone. Once the door closed, she leaned back against the wall, taking deep breaths as she glanced at her hands to notice how the subtly trembled.

"Why the fuck is it happening again?" She whispered, trying her very best to ignore the thoughts in her head and the feelings in her chest.

But the more she tried, the more she remembered and realized things she didn't want to.

Feeling she didn't want to acknowledge.

Not wanting to think anymore, she buried her face into her shaking palms, hoping that it would block everything out, but instead, her mind began replaying her last relationship and her now brewing feeling for Lloyd and the fear it brought.

"Fuck you, Derek." She cursed underneath her breath.

~•~

"...sir?" Kareem who had been watching his boss since he came back, was skeptical to speak. He could tell that his boss was in a bad mood, thus he hesitated with his next words. "Ms. Johansson just sent back the case materials and a letter of termination."

The news couldn't have soured Lloyd's mood any further. He frowned.

Why was the universe so against him? Why was it so hard to fall in love?

Why was Anastasia pushing him away so much?

"Sir?" Kareem called, only to get ignored by his boss who was stuck in his thoughts. "Sir?" He pressed on.

Lloyd sighed. "Shut the fuck up, Kareem." He spat and for a moment, a glare was present in his eyes until it vanished after he realized that none of this was Kareem's fault.

It was all his fault. From the very beginning till now.

Sighing, Lloyd got up and went over to his desk, retrieving his coat and car keys.

"Where are you going sir?"

"I'm going home. Tell the workers they can go too."

Kareem was hesitant. "Should I get another lawyer to work on the case."

"No. Kill the entire thing and pay Lynks their compensation." Lloyd half heartedly said as he walked out of the door. "After all, they're useless to me now."

Now, he just had to find another way to get to Anastasia, because she sure as hell wasn't letting him anywhere near her.

~•~

A whole week had passed since their meeting in her office and it was the last day Anastasia could hold her ground against her emotions and thoughts.

All throughout the week, her mind was filled with thoughts about Lloyd and the possibility that he would show up at her office any moment.