Contract With My Billionaire Bully

Chapter 1: The Disabled Mistress

AVERY

As I stood up from the wheelchair, my legs trembled, and my heart clenched at the thought of facing the world again.

I never thought I'd walk again, but here I was, taking gradual steps into a new reality.

My fiancé, Ryan's words echoed in my head, "You may never walk again," but I proved him wrong.

Victoria, the head nurse, enveloped me in a warm embrace, and her face radiated with joy.

She had been by my side for over a year, a constant beacon guiding me as I went through my rehabilitation process. With my family's absence, she became a sister to me.

“Do I still need to keep this?” I asked, gesturing to my wheelchair. “I'm going to miss you, butt warmer.”

We laughed so hard and I didn't know when tears welled up my eyes. It felt like a dream that… I could now go wherever I wanted, and do whatever I desired without the help of anyone.

“Oh God!” I muttered, covering my flushed face. It was too much for me. I blinked hard, raising my head to hold back my tears from falling out.

I couldn't wait to reveal this to Ryan, he would be so happy and stupefied, and maybe we could finally spend more time and handle business contracts together.

“Ryan?” I voiced, staring hard as my eyes fell on the TV hanging across the room. I saw what looked like my fiancé's full name, Ryan Blackwood, being discussed by the reporter.

My eyebrows furrowed, “can you please turn up the volume!” I beckoned.

“Sure thing, ma'am.”

[Woman: …rounding up last week's major event, was the wedding of Mr Ryan Blackwood and Mrs Emily White… This shook the market violently, as two powerful families unite…]

“Wait… what?” I stuttered, unable to process the news I just heard.

[Woman: …here are the shots taken by our journalists. We were also privileged to ask him a very vital question…]

My forehead contorted, “That's my fiance… what's going on!”

[Indistinctive chattering]

It felt like my whole world had just imploded as I listened intently to the response he gave. Ryan's words were like daggers stabbing deep in my heart.

[Ryan: Avery and I had no relationship together. Many claimed she was my disabled mistress, but I can assure you that I've never met that woman. Now if you may excuse me!]

“Disabled Mistress?” I gasped.

[Journalists: Mr Ryan! Mr Ryan! Please tell us more about…]

As if my legs betrayed me, I staggered back and fell, barely hanging on to my wheelchair.

“Miss Avery!” Victoria rushed in, switching off the TV, but it was already too late to reverse the pain it inflicted.

I signalled her that I was okay, and with a sweaty palm, trembling with anxiety, I reached out to my phone and dialled Ryan's number.

After two unsuccessful attempts, he finally picked and his voice was hoarse and breathless, as if he just finished a long workout session.

“Ryan,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

I couldn't conclude on a thing yet till he explained to me himself, what the actual hell was going on.

He tried to gather his breath, and then he said, “Avery! I thought I told you…”

He paused, catching his breath, “not to call me during work hours.”

“Ryan, I… just explain to me.” I pleaded, “Why did I see a picture of you getting married to another woman on the news.”

“Wh– what! What are you talking about? I–”

Suddenly, a sultry female voice stopped him in his tracks, “How long are you going to keep lying to her? Let me have the phone.”

My eyes burned at the sound of her voice, was he? I never thought he would, but— I shook my head, trying so hard not to be consumed by the heart-wrenching pain I felt.

“Listen, Avery.” She said softly, “I am three weeks pregnant with his child, and it clearly means you have no place in his life. Now do us a favour and leave me and my husband alone!”

Beep.

The sound of the call ending resounded like a slap to my face. I inhaled deeply and shut my eyes firmly. The pain consumed me as I gritted my teeth, but regardless, I couldn't let him get to me, not this time, not ever.

I tried so hard to ignore the sad and concerned expressions from the nurses. I felt if I lingered there any longer, I would eventually break down and give in to it.

I had to leave and keep my ego high because Ryan doesn't deserve my tears, nor does he deserve my pain or my love.

I picked up my phone and changed into a more comfortable dress, with a brief nod to Victoria, I found my way out of the room, channelling all my energy to my trembling legs.

Indistinctive murmurs could be heard but I kept my gaze resolute. My eyes fumed with a burning sensation, wanting to pour its heart out, but I inhaled deeply and sucked it in.

“Avy!” A familiar raspy voice called me from a distance.

I could recognise that voice from anywhere, even while asleep. That was because it belonged to my father, Leonard.

I turned towards him, his eyes filled with shock and concern. I had informed him about my legs and its progress but I never knew he'd make it here.

“Dad,” my voice trembled, filled with emotions. “I'm so sorry, dad.” I rushed towards him, leaning into his warm embrace as I let the hot tears rush out of my eyes.

“I've ruined everything, including your company.”

“Avy! What are you talking about? You should be grateful that you can walk now.” He said, stroking my back.

“It's R– Ryan, he left me.” I wailed even louder, liquids drooling down my nose.

I felt his shoulders slumped, and he paused for a while.“Your mother would be proud of the progress we've made, darling, none of it is your fault.”

“B– but Dad, I–” My lips quivered, but he pulled us over to a side bench, pulling me tighter into his embrace.

My mother died leaving her company for my father and me, but it hadn't been easy because her relatives claimed all her assets, leaving us to start from scratch.

Since then, My father and I never gave up on the company. He even handled it like a second daughter and with the help of Ryan, it grew impressively, but now… Ryan had withdrawn from it.

My eyes sealed shut and the thoughts of his betrayal washed over me. My eyes brimmed with revenge and my body trembled with emotions.

I turned to my father, who was consumed by fear and uncertainty, and I said to him, “I know how we can save our company, Dad!” my gaze was firm and determined.