The Billionaire's unwanted wife

chapter five: who is this?

Damian barged into Alexander’s office, the only person besides Grandpa who dared to look him in the eye without fear. Unlike Alexander’s cold, brooding nature, Damian was friendly, lively, and full of energy. People often wondered how they were still friends despite their differences. But Damian knew the truth he was the only one who had seen Alexander before he became the ruthless man he was today. The only one who knew why the once happy, carefree boy had turned into a stone-hearted, emotionless man.

“Alex, you got married and didn’t tell your childhood friend? Wow,” Damian scoffed, slamming his hands onto the desk as if challenging him to a fight.

Without sparing him a glance, Alexander replied in his usual indifferent tone, “I need you to find out everything about her who she is, where she comes from, her background. I want to know everything your hands can possibly uncover.”

Damian raised an amused brow. “Her? You mean your wife?” He folded his arms. “Do I have to force you to tell me the whole story, or are you actually going to explain?”

Alexander exhaled sharply, taking the hint. With clipped words, he narrated everything from Grandfather’s sudden proposal to last night’s dinner.

By the time he was done, Damian could barely believe it. “So… you’re married,” he muttered, still processing the news.

Alexander’s only response was a sharp, “Use the door.” A clear dismissal.Damian sighed, used to his best friend’s cold behavior, but he refused to let it bother him. Alex might not show it, but Damian knew he cared. As he turned to leave, he hesitated at the doorway. “I hope you don’t let your past trauma ruin this marriage. She knows nothing about what you’ve been through, Alex. Don’t take it out on her.”

His words hit deeper than expected. Alexander stiffened, a storm brewing in his icy blue eyes. He stood up, poured himself a glass of whiskey, and drowned himself in work for the rest of the day.

Isabella folded the last of her clothes, her fingers lingering over the fabric as memories washed over her. This house small, worn-down, but full of love had been her safe space for years. Now, she was leaving it behind.She exhaled deeply. For every hello, there was always a goodbye.

The same man who had picked her up for the dinner arrived again, driving her to the Kingston mansion. As she stepped out of the car, her breath hitched.

The house no, the palace was massive, even more luxurious than she had imagined. How did I never realize the old man I served coffee to every day was this wealthy? Inside, the mansion was even more breathtaking. Chandeliers, marble floors, gold accents everything screamed wealth and power.

A group of people stood waiting. Carter, Alexander’s younger brother, his mother Charlotte, and Auntie Lana. But Alexander himself was nowhere to be seen.

Before she could process anything, a new voice cut through the air.

“Grandfather, I’m home!”

A blonde girl entered, a stunning brunette walking beside her. Instantly, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Smiles broke out across everyone’s faces.The youngest Kingston had returned.

From the excited whispers, Isabella quickly pieced things together. The blonde girl was Celeste Kingston, Alexander’s younger sister. The woman beside her? Vivienne Laurent, Celeste’s best friend.

Then, suddenly all attention turned to Isabella.

Celeste’s gaze locked onto her, her expression unreadable. “Who is she?” she asked, her tone sharp, demanding. Isabella shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what to say. Before she could speak, Grandfather did. “Her name is Isabella. Alexander’s wife.”

Silence.

“What?!”

Vivienne’s shriek cut through the air like a blade. Her face twisted with disbelief, then rage. Everyone in the room knew about Vivienne’s obsession with Alexander. Ever since childhood, she had convinced herself they were meant to be. Despite his constant rejections, she never gave up. Now, in her eyes, Isabella was an intruder. A thief.

Without another word, she turned and stormed out to the garden, her heels clicking furiously against the marble floors.

Celeste hesitated before running after her. Everyone knew how much she loved Vivienne their bond was undeniable. But most also knew Vivienne only kept Celeste around because of her connection to Alexander.

“Vivi, wait!” Celeste called, chasing after her friend.

Vivienne spun around, her eyes blazing with fury. “You’re a traitor, Celeste. I trusted you!”

Tears welled in Celeste’s eyes. “I swear, Vivi, I didn’t know. I just found out please believe me.”

Vivienne crossed her arms. “Then prove it.”

Celeste swallowed hard. “How?”

“Help me get rid of her,” Vivienne said, venom dripping from her voice. “Isabella doesn’t belong here. She stole Alexander from me, and I won’t let her win.”

Celeste hesitated. Was she really willing to go that far?

Vivienne leaned in closer. “If you want to keep our friendship, Celeste… then you’ll help me.”

Celeste caved. “I’ll do it,” she whispered, without even thinking. “I’ll do whatever you want.”

Vivienne’s lips curled into a wicked smile.

“Good,” she purred. "Because Isabella has no idea what’s coming for her."