My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 197: Future What?

The world stilled for a moment.

Felix stood rooted just outside the restaurant, his body stiff, arms held away from his sides. Lara’s sudden embrace was warm, familiar, and utterly unwelcome.

He didn’t return the hug obviously.

Slowly, he brought his hands up and gripped her wrists, gently but firmly prying her arms away from him. "Lara," he said, his voice low and even, though tension curled under each syllable. "What are you doing here?"

Lara pulled back, blinking as if surprised by the coldness in his tone. Her smile didn’t falter, but it dimmed slightly. "I just happened to be in Singapore. I heard you were here too. Isn’t this fate?"

Felix took a step back.

There was something almost theatrical in the way she tilted her head, how her fingers lingered near his elbow before he firmly shrugged them off.

"You just happened to be here?" he echoed. Does she think I’m an idiot? "Did someone tell you I was in Singapore?"

She laughed softly. "I have friends. People talk."

He narrowed his eyes. "That doesn’t answer my question."

Her expression wavered for a moment, and then she turned it coy again. "Does it matter, Felix? I’m here. You’re here. That’s what important."

He looked away briefly, jaw tightening. "I don’t have time for games, Lara," he said finally.

"I didn’t expect this coldness from you," she said, voice soft with mock injury.

A breeze passed, and Lara’s perfume wafted again, clinging to the humid air. He resisted the urge to recoil.

Before he could respond, the restaurant doors behind them opened with a gust of cooler air and laughter. A few of the investors and executives they’d dined with exited the building, their conversations spilling out with them.

Felix instinctively stepped further away from Lara, creating a visible distance. His body angled away from her, an unconscious barrier. He didn’t want to be seen with her, certainly not by the people he was here to do business with.

One of the older gentlemen, Mr. Yuan, who’d led part of the presentation earlier, caught sight of Felix and strolled over. "Felix!" he called, smile wide. "You disappeared quickly. Were you trying to escape us already?"

Felix forced a polite smile. "Just getting some air."

Mr. Yuan’s eyes shifted to Lara, curiosity sparking. "And who is this lovely lady?"

Before Felix could speak, Lara stepped forward smoothly, slipping her arm through his like they were still together. "I’m Lara," she said brightly. "Felix’s future wife."

The words hit like a slap.

Felix’s eyes snapped to her, and for a heartbeat he forgot how to breathe.

Mr. Yuan’s eyebrows shot up in delighted surprise. "Future wife?" he echoed, chuckling as he clapped Felix on the shoulder with far too much enthusiasm. "Felix, you sly dog! Why didn’t you say anything earlier? This is a big deal! We should be celebrating!"

Felix opened his mouth, throat dry and heart thudding like a war drum. "Mr. Yuan, I think—"

But Lara cut in smoothly, her voice a perfect blend of charm and affection. "Oh, he’s just being modest," she said, giving Felix’s arm a little squeeze like she was fondly indulging his shyness. "You know how he is, always keeping his personal life private."

Mr. Yuan laughed, nodding in agreement. "Ah yes, very true. Always so composed, our Felix. But still! Such a beautiful fiancée... you must at least let us buy you both a drink before dinner. A toast to the happy couple!"

Felix shot Lara a warning look, but she only smiled sweetly back at him, undeterred. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

He took a subtle step back, beginning to pull his arm away, but Lara didn’t let go. Instead, she tilted her head slightly toward Mr. Yuan, then glanced back at Felix with a teasing smile. "Maybe another time," she said lightly. "I believe Felix would prefer something quieter tonight. It’s been a while since we’ve had real time together."

She looked at him then, eyes wide with that familiar gleam he once mistook for affection. "Wouldn’t you?"

Mr. Yuan blinked in surprise, then gave a knowing chuckle. "Ah, I see! Well, congratulations then."

"No-" Felix started, but Mr. Yuan was already walking off with a wave, joining the rest of the group gathering near their waiting cars.

Felix turned to Lara, voice low but sharp as steel. "What the hell was that?"

She tilted her head, faux-innocent. "What?"

"You introduced yourself as my future wife?!"

Lara blinked. "Well, it’s not exactly false, is it?"

His jaw tightened, and his next words came out through clenched teeth. "Lara. That’s not true. You know that’s not true."

Her lips twisted. "But it could be. You haven’t given it a real chance, Felix. You’ve been running from us."

He ran a hand through his hair, suddenly aware of how visible they were. The investors were still nearby, some watching from the cars, others chatting by the entrance.

His hand shot out, fingers wrapping around her wrist. Not harsh, but firm.

Her eyes widened. "Felix?"

He turned and started walking, tugging her along with him down the pavement, away from the restaurant lights, away from the polished smiles and curious glances.

"Felix... wait, where are we going?" she asked, her heels clicking against the stone tiles as she stumbled to match his pace.

But he didn’t answer.

His grip tightened slightly.

"Felix, let me go!" Lara’s voice pitched higher, laced with disbelief. She tugged against his grip, her heels struggling to keep up. "Where are we going? Felix! Answer me!"

But he didn’t.

His jaw was locked, eyes fixed ahead as they moved swiftly down the dim sidewalk, away from the restaurant’s warm glow. He could still feel the stares from behind them, the lingering tension in his shoulders a product of restraint.

She was drawing attention. As always.

But if words wouldn’t work on Lara Johanssen, if patience and distance hadn’t been enough, then maybe it was time she saw a side of him she didn’t expect.

Maybe it was time she realized she didn’t get to choose how far this went.