A BILLIONAIRE'S RUIN

She struggled to breathe, her life flashing before her eyes as the man she married increased the force around her neck. “George... you are hurting me,” she managed to say. Her veins felt like they were about to burst. She felt as though she would die the next second. “How dare you question me? Who gave you the right to do so?” George said. Olivia, however, couldn’t say a word. She struggled to remove George’s hand from around her neck, but he was too strong. Just when she felt she couldn’t take it any longer, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and released her. Olivia fell to the ground, gasping for breath, her face flushed. Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Fix yourself. We have a dinner party to attend. Be ready in thirty minutes,” he said. “I don’t enjoy hurting you. I’m only teaching you how to be a proper wife.” He crouched down and lifted her chin, staring into her eyes. Olivia felt like she could rip them out. She lowered her eyes. “Be a good girl, and everything will be fine,” he said to her. “I love you.” He kissed her on the forehead and walked out. Olivia just sat there crying, having no one to comfort her. He was never like this. He was the sweetest man she had ever known. She watched the man she married walk out the door, but she still couldn’t recognize him. How did George become so brutal? She couldn’t understand how the man she once loved had become this monster. She stood and went to prepare for the event. George came back into the room, looking as handsome as ever. He had broad shoulders, a well-chiseled chin, short black hair that complemented his face, and, to crown it all, he was tall. Olivia couldn’t help but admit that she had fallen in love with this man in front of her. “Stop staring at me and change that dress,” he said. “Why?” she asked. She had checked herself in the mirror, and she looked gorgeous. The dress was a mild color, not extravagant, and it was something she felt comfortable in. She was satisfied with the look. “You look ridiculous,” he said. “But…” “Don’t question me, Olivia,” he said sternly. Olivia quietly went into the dressing room. This time, she wore a cream-colored flared gown. George looked at her. Olivia waited, expecting his remark. He walked past her into the dressing room. He brought out a red satin dinner gown with silver embroidery and threw it at her. “You’re married to an elite. You should act like one,” he said. “But red hurts my eyes,” Olivia countered. “Don’t test my patience, Olivia,” he growled. Olivia said nothing. She stared at herself in the mirror one last time before following him. They got into the black Maserati and drove off. Different kinds of exotic cars lined the entrance. When they stepped inside, the atmosphere alone screamed luxury. The interior was breathtaking. Waiters moved silently between tables while men in expensive tuxedos mingled with women draped in diamonds, rubies, and gold. Everything from the décor to the jewelry screamed wealth. This wasn’t just a dinner party; it was a show of wealth and power. “Mr. George, it’s been a while,” a man said with a smile. “Likewise, Mr. Roger.” They exchanged handshakes. Mr. Roger didn’t even acknowledge Olivia. “The Minister of Finance is present today. The gullible businessmen are already fighting for their piece of the cake,” he chuckled. “You’re one of them, and I definitely won’t be exempted,” George said. They laughed and headed straight for the Minister’s table, leaving Olivia standing in the middle of the crowd. Olivia found a secluded spot away from the crowd and sat down. She accepted a glass of champagne. With no one to talk to and no phone to keep her busy, she simply watched George as he conversed with others. He smiled warmly and even pulled out a chair for a lady to sit, something he hadn’t done for Olivia in a long time. It felt like he was two completely different people. “Olivia Peterson,” a male voice called out to her. The moment she heard her maiden name, she raised her head to see who it was. A familiar face approached her. “Carlos Rodriguez, what a surprise!” Olivia stood up to greet him. He hugged her in excitement before she could react. “It’s been ages since the last seminar,” he said. For the first time that evening, Olivia’s face brightened. Carlos reminded her of a time before George—before the endless rules, the criticism, and the feeling of constantly walking on eggshells. For a split second, she saw George looking in her direction. His expression changed, but she ignored it. They chatted, and Carlos, who had always been a jovial person, made her laugh each time he spoke. “Please give me a minute,” George excused himself and went straight to Olivia. “Seems like you’re enjoying your company,” he said, placing his hand on her shoulder. “Mr. George,” Carlos said, exchanging pleasantries with him. “You know Mr. George?” Carlos asked Olivia. George waited for her to respond. “He’s my husband,” Olivia replied with a forced smile. “Get up. Follow me,” George ordered. " But I'm still..." Olivia spoke but paused midway. She hasn't seen Carlos in a long time and wanted to catch up more, but she didn't want to offend George. Olivia got up reluctantly. “It was nice meeting you again, Carlos,” Olivia said. “Same here,” Carlos replied. They went back to the table. “Who’s this beautiful lady?” a man asked. “My wife,” George said casually. “Wow, you’re beautiful,” another man said, and others joined in with their compliments. “You’re lucky to have such a beautiful woman beside you,” one of them said. “Nope. She’s lucky to have me,” George refuted the compliment. Olivia clenched her fist beneath the table, digging her nails into her palm. She could feel the humiliation burning through her, but she refused to let them see it. They all laughed. They conversed about the tech business. Though she had deep knowledge of the topic and even knew possible solutions to some of the issues they discussed, she kept mute. Then suddenly, the conversation shifted to her. “Mrs. Norris, what do you do for a living?” a heavily dressed woman adorned with jewelry asked. “I doubt she does anything. Young girls these days just target rich men and leech off them,” another lady said. Everybody laughed, including George. Their words didn’t hurt her as much as George’s laughter. He does this every time. He made her look worthless in front of people. Establishing his superiority over her. happened.”Deep her.