The Billionaire's Hidden Wife

Episode7

The night sky was clear, the stars twinkling like jewels. It was the middle of a warm summer, and for an 18-year-old girl, this was the best time of life. Today was especially significant—it was Catherine's 18th birthday, a milestone as she stepped into adulthood.

Surrounded by friends and well-wishers, Catherine was the center of attention. But no one seemed more excited than her childhood friend, Ethan, who could barely contain his energy. “Cathy, you won’t believe how amazing the venue looks. You’re going to love it!” he said, his voice buzzing with enthusiasm.

“Yeah, Cathy, our little princess! Everything’s perfect, just for you. Happy 18th birthday!” chimed in Tammy, one of Catherine’s close friends, as she half-hugged her with a voice as sweet as honey.

But despite the excitement around her, Catherine herself felt strangely detached, her mood not quite matching the celebration. That is, until her phone lit up with a call from “Alex,” and her face brightened instantly. She quickly answered, “Hello, Alex!”

“Happy birthday,” came his deep, magnetic voice from the other end of the line.

Hearing those words made her heart soar, but the happiness was short-lived as she pouted and said, “It’s a shame you’re away in Country A on a business trip. I wish you were here with me.”

“You really want me there that much?”

“Of course!”

“Turn around.”

Those two words made Catherine freeze, disbelief flashing across her face. She spun around quickly and saw Alex standing under the starlit sky, casually leaning against his car. One hand held his phone while the other rested lazily on the car’s hood. His relaxed posture, so effortlessly natural, made him all the more mesmerizing.

Catherine would never forget that moment. The way the moonlight touched his face, the way his smile made her feel—it was like a dream. His presence was intoxicating, and she couldn’t help but be drawn to him, completely captivated.

Overcome with joy, Catherine ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck in an uncharacteristic display of affection. She barely held back her excitement, “Weren’t you in Country A for work? How are you here?”

Alex smiled warmly, his voice filled with affection. “It’s my Cathy’s 18th birthday. No matter how busy I am, I had to be here.”

“I knew you were the best!” she beamed, burying her head in his chest, savoring the moment. But the happy scene was quickly interrupted when Ethan, his expression darkening, stepped forward and pulled her back, ignoring Alex completely. “Cathy, the party’s about to start. Let’s go.”

“No way!” Catherine protested immediately. “I’m spending my birthday with Alex. You guys go enjoy yourselves. Tonight’s on me.”

“The whole place was set up for you. If you’re not there, why should we even bother?” Ethan’s frustration was clear. Ever since Alex entered Catherine’s life, he had felt increasingly sidelined.

“Today’s Cathy’s big day, and the more the merrier, right? Since Alex is here, he should join us!” Tammy tried to play the peacemaker, pulling Alex in with genuine warmth.

“Yeah, come on, Alex, join us!” other friends chimed in, excitedly urging him to stay.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate. Alex is a busy CEO. Why would he waste his time hanging out with a bunch of kids?” Ethan snapped, his jealousy and irritation palpable before Alex even had a chance to respond.