Chasing His Rejected Wife
Chapter 32 -

My hand flew to my face and came back wet with tears. I hadn't even realized I was crying. I sniffed and got some paper towels nearby to dab them away. "No, he didn't say anything."

"Nevertheless, he's responsible for your current state of mind. His very existence is a source of misery to you and he deserves to lose a few teeth for hurting you like this.. I should have punched him earlier."

I smiled at her fondly. "And I thank you for restraining yourself. No doubt you'd have done some serious damage and I don't fancy cleaning up after."

"You know what we should do?" Anna perked up and slung an arm around my shoulder. "We need to change the air around us and get rid of all this negative energy that bastard left behind."

"Negative what?" I stared at her in confusion and some alarm. I knew that look on her face too well to know that she was about to propose something outlandish as if the dildo declaration wasn't enough already. "Anna, I love you, but if you're about to suggest some freaky nonsense, please remember I'm pregnant, in recovery and I do not have the mental capacity for anything outlandish."

She cast me an exasperated look. "Have some faith in me, girlie. I simply mean we should get out of the apartment for a while, get some fresh air, take a walk, and seize the chance to explore your new neighborhood. Bonus point, it'll help clear the shitstorm that are your thoughts right now."

"Oh." I thought about it for a moment. I did need a way to take my mind off everything even if for a little while. "Okay, that sounds like a good idea."

"I always have good ideas, I dunno why you sound so impressed." Anna huffed in indignation.

"Right." I teased, unable to resist a chuckle. "Who was it that announced to the world in general that we were buying dildos just this morning?"

"Hey, that was an accident." Anna raised her hands in a gesture of self-defense. "I didn't expect Whatshisface to swing by uninvited, did I?"

"I'll give you that, but -" I walked to the nearest wall and touched it. "These walls are thinner than paper, so I'm willing to bet my neighbors now know I'm in the process of buying sex toys."

Anna grinned, very unrepentant. "At least they'll know you're a badass bitch."

I groaned and covered my face with my hands. "Remind me again why we're friends?"

"Because on the second day of college, you punched the loser who thought he could spike my drink in the face and knocked loose a tooth."

"Ah yeah." I examined my right knuckle, which still bore the scar of the stitches I'd needed as a result of that punch.

"Enough chit-chat, go put on something decent, and let's head out." She grasped my shoulders, spun me about, and shoved me lightly in the direction of my bedroom.

"But I'm already dressed." I protested, gesturing at the gray yoga pants and black hoodie I currently had on.

Anna pursed her lips in disapproval. "No, you're not. A desperate yoga mum is not a look fit for these streets. Go put on those black jeans that make your ass look fantastic."

I grumbled under my breath but obeyed and went to change. It took a bit of digging through a suitcase, but I found the jeans Anna had recommended and paired them with a light ivory sweater and my most comfy pair of sneakers. I added a light layer of makeup to help me not look as tired as I felt, shoved some change into a purse and I was ready.

Anna was waiting by the front door and gave me an approving once-over as I came out. "Not bad. Ready?"

"Yeah." I checked the time on my phone, it was just a few minutes past 11 am. "I've got to be back by one, I'm expecting someone."

"We should be done with the walk by then."

I led the way down the hallway towards the elevator at the other end. There were two other apartments besides mine on this floor, with mine at the furthest end.

The door to the middle apartment opened and a man clad head to toe in black stepped out. He didn't notice us at first, busy fiddling with his phone, but then he looked up.

His dark brown eyes, nestled within a strikingly handsome face, swept appreciatively over the two of us before a warm smile slowly curved on his lips.

"Morning, ladies," he drawled with an accent that rolled like molasses in hot chocolate. "You must be my new neighbors."

Anna responded with a flirty grin, saying, "Yes, we are. Well, she's the neighbor, I'm just visiting. I'm Anna, and this is Jessica."

"Kenzo." He extended his hand for a handshake, and I couldn't help but notice how his t-shirt stretched across really broad shoulders and snugly embraced his well-defined biceps, revealing a peek of a red dragon tattoo in flight beneath his short sleeves. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Anna."

My friend actually giggled and blushed a pretty pink - something Anna rarely did, but apparently all it took to bring out the schoolgirl in her was a guy that looked like he'd just stepped out of one of the pages of her favorite Web novel. "The pleasure's all mine, Kenzo," she replied, her tone sultry and low. She held onto his hand for a beat longer than necessary, blatantly flirting.

His gaze lingered on me then, a mischievous glint entering his eyes, while his grin deepened. "Welcome to the neighborhood, Jessica. Please let me know if you need anything, I'll be happy to help."

"Thanks," I replied, a trifle breathless, flustered under the effects of that charming smile. "I'll keep that in mind."

He nods and gestures towards the elevator. "Heading down?"

"Yes," I replied since Anna was too busy drooling over this gorgeous man. Can't say I blamed her. He was freaking hot.

"So am I." He blessed us with another crooked grin and walked ahead to call the elevator down.

"I think I should move in with you." Anna's words were a low murmur, meant for my ears only.

"Move in with me?" I chuckled softly, savoring the playful tease. "Why? Is it because you want to make sure your bestie is okay or..." I nudged my head in Kenzo's direction. "Because you want the chance to sink your claws into my neighbor?" Anna's eyes sparkled mischievously as she gripped my arm. "Have you seen his ass?" Her words dripped with horny amusement. "Girlie, I'd relocate to another continent if it meant I could admire it daily."

Unable to resist, I allowed my gaze to follow her discreet indication. Kenzo's back faced us, but even from this angle, his allure was undeniable. His upper back filled out the t-shirt perfectly, leading to dark wash jeans that clung to his narrow hips, showcasing a magnificent backside and long, sturdy legs.

Suppressing a grin, I reminded myself to maintain composure since we were approaching Kenzo, who courteously held the elevator doors open for us.

"Been living here long?" Anna inquired as the elevator initiated its descent.

"About three years ago, Relocated from Japan for work and this was the first apartment I got," Kenzo replied, his posture casually leaning against the opposite wall. His arms were folded, emphasizing his impressive forearms. I couldn't help but wonder if he was doing this deliberately. Did he realize the impact he had on women and use it to his advantage?

He looked my way. "Have you been in New York long, or did you move in from someplace else?"

"Oh, I've lived here for a long while. But not really in the heart of the city like this, mostly in the suburbs."

"Whereabouts in the suburbs?" He asked, sounding genuinely interested.

"Sands point."

His brows went up in surprise and he grinned. "Pricey area."

I felt my face heat. Thankfully, the doors opened to the lobby and we stepped out. I spotted Martin sitting on a lounge chair, reading a newspaper. He hurried to his feet when he noticed me and approached. "Good day, Mrs. Brown, Ms. Anna." His eyes flicked to Kenzo, who was watching the exchange, but he said nothing.

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"Martin!" Anna, who genuinely liked the older man, grinned up at him. She held out a fist and he good-naturedly bumped his fist against hers. "How's your boy doing? Has he managed to give you a heart attack yet?"

"He's doing fine, just graduated high school last month," Martin replied, a warm, proud smile on his face. "And I'm in good health too, thanks for asking."

At that point, Anna remembered who he worked for and her expression darkened as she cast a glance around the room searching for Aiden. "Where's the bas- I mean your boss? Is he still here?"

"Mr. Brown has left, but he asked me to stay in case Madam needs anything." He turned to me, a warm smile still in place. "Are you going out? I'll get the car around."

"Umm, no don't bother." I could feel Kenzo's eyes on me and felt my face reddened even more. "Anna and I are just going for a walk."

Martin nodded gracefully and smiled. "Enjoy your walk, Ma'am."

"Jessica, please." I corrected him.

"Of course, apologies, Ms. Jessica."

I sighed, exasperated but resigned, knowing he was too well-trained to address me as informally as I wished. I linked arms with Anna and turned to Kenzo. "See you around, Kenzo."

He chuckled, "See you around, Mrs. Brown." There was a hint of disappointment in his tone and I wondered if it was because he thought I was some rich girl playing at being normal. He turned to Anna. "Hope to see you around more?" "Oh yes. Definitely." Anna said, giving him a flirty smile. "See you around, Kenzo."

With another charming smile, he walked away, leaving us staring after him. I pulled on Anna's arm and headed towards the main doors, leading outside.

"Pity...I wonder if he has any brothers." Anna mused.

I shot her a puzzled look. "Why? Changed your mind about chasing him?"

"I don't have a choice, he's not interested in me."

I laughed and shook my head. "Really? How can you tell."

She stopped and looked at me, rolled her eyes, and shook her head. "Gosh, you really are so blind sometimes. He wasn't interested in Mr because he was too busy checking you out."