The Billionaire's Vengeful Bride

CHAPTER TWO

I forced my eyes to open, finding myself in my unfamiliar room. I tried to remember how I had gotten here, but my memories were still a blur. As my level of consciousness increased, my memories started to return in bits and pieces.

The divorce.

Finding out about my twin sister's betrayal.

Losing all my assets.

Getting hit by a car, or so I remember. The last parts were very fuzzy, and I was having trouble remembering.

I raised my head from the pillow, ignoring the pounding that accompanied the action to look around the room. It was beautiful, decorated in shades if ivory and cream, with luxurious furniture placed at strategic points. A large window blocked by sheer curtains allowed a bit light into the room. I appreciated the beauty of the place, but it didn't change the fact that I had no idea where I was.

A soft knocking sound at the door pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned my head just as the door opened, and in walked the most handsome man I had ever seen. He was tall, with dark hair that looked disheveled, almost like he had been running his fingers through it, and the brightest green eyes I had ever come across in my life. He walked towards the bed in defined, confident strides, although his face seemed a little worried. The worry, however, melted into delight when he noticed that I was awake.

“Thank goodness, you're conscious.” He said, his voice thick with relief.

He sounded like warm honey, his voice smooth and rich with a deep timbre. I could only look on in confusion, not having any reply for him.

“How are you? Are you in any pain?” He asked, coming to sit at the edge of the bed.

“Who are you? Why am I here?” I asked in return, my throat cracked and dry.

“About that,” he began, “let me start with an apology. I'm terribly sorry. I accidentally ran over you with my car earlier today, so I brought you to my apartment so my personal doctor could take a look you. I'm so sorry,” he apologised.

So I really was hit by a car. That's how terrible my life had become.

“How are you feeling? If you feel anything wrong, I can get my doctor to run a check over you again.” He asked with concern on his face.

“I'm okay. Just a little headache.” I managed to reply.

“I'll get the doctor right away.” He said, ignoring my sounds of protest and vanishing from the room in a matter of seconds. Before long, he was back with a middle aged man, who looked me over and asked me a few questions, before leaving me with instructions to get a lot of rest and not over exert myself.

“Can you tell me your name?” The man, Zayan, asked me after the doctor left the room.

“Astoria. Astoria Brooks.” I replied.

“Once again, I apologise for not paying enough attention while driving,” he apologised.

I was certain that the fault was mine for not watching where I was going and walking straight into the road, but I was too tired to even explain anything to him. If he wanted to feel guilty and play the hero, that was his problem.

“Well, you can rest here until you feel better, then I can take you home.” he offered.

My brain lit up at the mention of home, but my mood deflated just as fast when I remembered the painful events of earlier.

“I don't think even have a home anymore,” I murmured to myself, but he must have heard me because he asked immediately,

“What do you mean by that?”

I debated telling him about my situation, but even though he had helped me, he was still a stranger.

“It's fine,” I lied, “Just a little shaken up.”

He still looked unconvinced, but he seemed to have bought my lies as he got up from the bed and said, “Well, you're welcome to stay here for a few days until you recover. The doctor said your blood pressure was high and that you have a mild concussion, so just get some rest. My house keeper will be available to attend to you.”

All of a sudden, he didn't seem so warm anymore, almost like he had become another person. I only nodded in agreement, much too tired to even do anything else. Not long after, I fell asleep.

I woke up the next morning, still finding myself in the room I recognised to belong to Zayan. I just laid in bed, trying to face the truth that my life as I knew it was over. Where would I go from here? I had no home, and very little money to my name. I didn't even have a change of clothes, I was still wearing the same outfit I returned from my trip in. My life? That was currently a hot, total mess.

A knocking sound alerted me to the presence of someone at the door. It opened to reveal Zayan, looking as handsome and perfect as ever. He was wearing a dark suit today, which brought out the bright shades of his eyes even more.

“Good morning, Astoria. I see that you're awake.” He came to stand beside the bed, sliding his hands into his pockets.

“Yes, I am. I feel a lot better now, thank you.” I replied, trying to keep my voice low.

“There are toiletries in the bathroom, and a change of clothes in the closet. Freshen up, then come and meet me in the living room. There's something I'd like to discuss with you.” He instructed, before leaving the room.

I got up from the bed for the first time, letting blood flow towards my legs a bit before walking towards the bathroom. I found toothpaste, soap and shampoo, alongside a few other things. I took a quick shower to wash off the dirt and dried makeup from my face and body, then quickly washed my hair and dried myself off with the fluffy towel I found. I went back to the room and found a pair of jeans, a white shirt and a standard pair of underwear in the wardrobe, all my exact size. I tried not to think about how he had gotten them, choosing to put the clothes on, then I tied my slightly damp hair into a messy bun and left the room.

The rest of the apartment was just as beautiful and luxurious. Art framed the walls, the dark wood flooring of the hallway opened out into the most beautiful living space I had ever seen. I found Zayan sitting in the dining area, a laptop in front of him and a cup of coffee and a plate of toast and eggs in front of the chair opposite him. He raised his head as I walked in, gesturing to the breakfast setting in front of me, “sit down, Miss Brooks. We can have our discussion over breakfast.”

I took a seat, my stomach grumbling slightly at the sight of the food. I hesitated, and he seemed to notice, raising an eyebrow.

“Is it not to your liking?” he asked.

“No, it's perfect. Thank you, for everything.” I replied, picking up my fork.

“You're welcome. Now, to the business deal. I have a proposition for you.” he said, shutting down his laptop and turning to face me fully.

“And what will that be?” I asked right before taking a bite of the eggs.

“A contract…as my wife.”