The Gingerbread Man is My Billionaire Boss

Chapter 6: The Gingerbread Man

Darkness swept in quickly as the clock edged toward 6 PM, and still, there was no sign of Tommy. No calls from him and all my phone calls went unanswered.

He is probably with that b*tch Charlotte!

Etched my mind. I had promised Emma I would meet her at 8 PM sharp, and I was not about to let him spoil my night. I immediately arranged for a nanny to look after Bella while I was gone.

I slipped into the beautiful long gold dress Emma had gifted me. I couldn't help but admire the elegance and power projected from my reflection in the mirror. I felt like a billionaire, although I wasn't.

I styled my hair as best as I could, racing against the clock. Just as I put the finishing touches on my look, the nanny arrived.

But then, the sound of keys jingling and the front door creaking open sent my heart racing. I hurried downstairs to find Tommy standing in the doorway, a puzzled expression plastered on his face, the scent of alcohol lingering in the air around him.

“Going somewhere?” He asked, surprise and confusion dripping from his tone.

“Yes, I’m going to an event with Emma.” I replied, trying to sound confident, though my voice trembled. Usually, I wouldn’t dream of going out without him. It felt so wrong to go alone, yet it felt so right. I saw the hurt in his eyes, a storm cloud of emotions casting a shadow over his features.

I was not about to let him have his cake and eat it too.

“Oh, you hired a nanny?” He remarked, looking at the nanny, arching an eyebrow, his suspicion stirring my stomach into knots, as this is the first time I have ever done something so bold.

“Emma is already in bed. It’s been a while since I’ve gone out; I thought it would be nice,” I explained, a tighter knot of anxiety forming in my chest. “I tried calling you, but you didn’t pick up.”

“You’re going out looking like this? You never dress like this when we go out,” he exclaimed, narrowing his eyes. He stumbled slightly as he advanced toward me. “What kind of event requires all this glamour? And is that a masquerade? Are you going clubbing?”

“It’s only a Christmas bidding event. We’re required to wear masks to conceal our identities.” I clarified.

“Okay, I see. Very interesting.” His tone dripped with disdain. “I don’t like the idea of this. We’re only a day into our open marriage agreement, and you’re already going out to flaunt yourself around like a wh*re!”

“What?! I am not about to start an argument with you. Firstly, I think you had a bit too much to drink. Secondly, I am a grown ass woman. And lastly, you can’t tell me what the hell to do! Not anymore!” The words shot out of my mouth before I could stop them.

“If you don’t shut your f*cking mouth!” He exploded, his face contorting with rage.

My eyes grazed the nanny with embarrassment. I stared at him, confused, unable to comprehend why his anger was surging.

“I don’t understand! What do you want from me, Tommy? You wanted an open marriage, and I agreed! You wanted to be CEO of our company; I let you have it! You wanted me to be your little housewife; I fulfilled that role! Yet you treat me like I’m worthless! I’m only going out with Emma, and you are not going to stop me!” I shouted defiantly, brushing past him.

To my shock, he struck me.

A sharp slap across my face that ignited heat in my cheeks and halted my steps. I stood frozen, disbelief crashing over me as my mouth fell open in surprise.

“How dare you talk back to me?” He growled.

I was too stunned to respond, trapped in a wave of shock.

“I swear, if you continue to disrespect me, I will throw you out of my house.” He snarled before storming away, his words laced with venom.

Confusion and a deep sense of betrayal coursed through me. Why had he hit me? Wasn't this how our arrangement was supposed to work? Did an open marriage mean he could enjoy all the benefits while I was left bound by his rules? I must resist his means to control me! I must fight back!

A tear escaped down my cheek, leaving a painful trail behind it.

I then observed the nanny's short, stumpy figure move towards me.

“You look beautiful, my dear. You should go to the event. I will mix him some tea,” she said with a wink. I didn't quite understood what she meant but stubborn and wounded, I pushed through the door and drove to meet Emma.

Before entering the venue, I hastily covered the red marks on my cheek with concealer and powder, desperate to hide the evidence of Tommy’s anger. I couldn’t let anyone discover the truth about his abuse.

Tying on my mask, I made my way inside the venue.

Glittering trees, twinkling lights, and festive ornaments adorned the space. The atmosphere was a vibe, alive with laughter and holiday music. Everyone wore masks, their identities concealed. It was nothing like I had ever seen before. I felt like I was in a Cinderella dream. Everyone was well dressed with expensive clothing and plastic smiles.

I searched the commodious crowd for Emma until I spotted her long black hair and statuesque figure. I enveloped her in a warm hug when her lips brushing against my swollen cheek, making me wince slightly.

“Hey, are you okay?” She asked, concern etching her features as she observed my smile closely. Her eyes focused on my face. She instinctively reached toward me. “What’s that on your cheek?”

“It’s nothing!” I insisted, covering my face with my palm.

“I think I need to use the restroom,” I blurted, desperate to escape her scrutiny and the discomfort of knowing my bruise was evident.

Before I could take another step, I was suddenly shoved, causing my lean structure to stumble backwards.

My heart raced as fear coursed through my veins. I shut my eyes tight as I prepared for an impactful fall, but instead of hitting the ground, I opened my eyes to find myself caught in the gentle embrace of a stranger. He was dressed in an extraordinary gingerbread man costume—brown ski mask obscuring his face, large gray eyes peering at me, his outfit completing the illusion with brown sweatpants and a matching buttoned shirt.

Something about him felt oddly familiar, maybe his perfume perhaps?

I couldn't quite place it. The entire encounter felt like deja vu. His dreamy eyes looked into mine and before helping me regain my footing. His tall, muscular physique beneath the costume made me swallow hard, forcing a smile as I tried to shake off my apprehension.

“Careful!” He said warmly, even his smile and voice felt familiar, the moment fleeting as he melted back into the crowd. I studied his gait, hoping to uncover the identity lurking behind the costume.