Wedded To The Ruthless Billionaire

   “I appreciate the host of this event for having me on this stage to speak to you all.”   They all watched, no one moved.   No one said a word.   But Rochelle continued. “My name is Rochelle. Rochelle Matteo, a new CEO in the city of Arizona. You may not remember me but I was one of you from five years ago.”   It was a strange moment for Rochelle, mixed with so many emotions.   Just many that she couldn't comprehend.   How did she even get back here?   For a moment, the mic in her hand was shaking.   She didn't have to do this, did she?   “Hold yourself, Rochelle. You're in public—” a calm voice sounded inside of her head. “You can do this. You must do this.” It said again and now, a smile developed on her countenance.   One grip and she held the mic right.   The last time Rochelle Matteo stood on a stage with so many people looking up to her was many years ago, about seven years ago, on the day of her wedding to the famous billionaire.   Now her ex husband.   Now she had to do it again.   This time, for a better cause. “I am back to this city to continue from where I stopped, but in a better way.” A prouder smile appeared on her countenance as she glanced around the hall.   Her eyes were in search of someone.   A man. The source of her strength, the same man who pushed her to become better.   Where the hell was he?   Why did she forget about a woman?   Another person who happened to be the reason she was where she was today. A one-time best friend who at some point in their lives, wanted Eric for herself. The woman whose plots had driven her out of her husband's house.   One glance back at the stage, Rochelle continued. “It is my greatest wish to speak to everyone about my new winery and business. It's one of the many companies that has been launched in this last period. I would love and appreciate it if I get to work with a few of you, starting now. It doesn't have to be you all.”   That was all.   It had to be all.   She wasn't good at this—standing or even sitting in one place with so many people.   But she still had to do it, if at all she was going to get back what she was back in the city for. “That should be all, ladies and gentlemen.” Once again, her voice echoed in the large hall. “If there's anything I should add, it's the desire and yearning to not give up. Five years ago, I would have given up on myself, but I'm here today, standing with you as one out of many established CEOs in the whole of Arizona.”   Everyone clapped.   Men, women, and younger kids who didn't fully understand what was going on.   “Thank you. Thank you.” Rochelle placed back the mic in its holder, looked to her left where the host and sponsors of the great event were seated. She whispered another ‘Thank you’ and now, was on her way back to her seat.   Rochelle was the former wife of Eric Norman, a popular man in the city of Arizona, CEO of a fast-rising winery in the city—and the same man she was looking for while she talked on the stage. As she sat back in her seat, the only thing she could think back to was five years ago.   No, seven years ago when they stood at the altar, exchanging vows with each other.   “Mommy?”   A five year old girl cut short her thoughts.  Rochelle, in that instant, faced her daughter. “Mommy asked you not to speak while we're here, Alexandra. What will it take you to be mute? Can't you see your brother? Keep shut until we're done with this, do you understand me now?” She looked back at the stage where the host stood with a mic in his hand.   But no matter how she tried to concentrate on the event, the next moment, her mind would drift back to five years ago.   The same five years ago when Elsa, who wanted Eric for herself, came up with a narrative that she was having several affairs. Eric, on the other hand, didn't hesitate to buy the s********e things that he did before then showed how much he wanted her out of the picture.   How could he waste time? Elsa was his kind of woman, and it made her wonder why he wanted to be with her in the first place.   Why didn't he just go for Elsa?   However, Rochelle could only see this as a way of connecting to the man who helped her get to this point. Right from the moment when she was thrown out of the house, she had met him—a man who did nothing but help her get back on her feet, just as she currently was.   Not just that, she now has two kids.   Two beautiful kids to herself, bearing her name.   Although they were Eric's.   What more could she ask for?   With so much pride, she smiled and looked to her left where two children were seated.   Life had become good again, more than good, and now, she was one of the new CEOs in the city. Does Eric know she's back?  Well, how could he?   , The plan isn't to come at him directly, all she's going to do is make an awareness, which she already has done, and then make sure she uses every style, tool, and secret she knows about the famous winery, on hers.   This alone would give her all she's ever wanted.   Life would even be better.  More than better.   As a competitor to Eric Norman.   “I'd love to thank you all for coming to this event.” The host's voice filled the hall.   “We are all aware that the Prestige Gala would not be held every year without your contributions and presence.” The tall man glanced around and continued. “I appreciate all of you, and at the same time, I look forward to sitting with you all again, but next year. This season's gathering has come to an end.”   Immediately, everyone got on their feet, Rochelle and her children included, In a Mother's tone, she commanded Stay around. I need to speak to a few people.” She moved forward, confused about who exactly she would speak to.   “Mrs. Rochelle?”   “Yes, hello.” Another kind of bright smile came on her countenance as she walked closer. “It's a pleasure meeting with you again, Mr.—”   “Collins.”   “Mr. Collins.”   They stood close to each other. Rochelle's hand was stretched and in return, the man took it. “Thank you for having me, Mr. Collins. I cannot recall the last time we saw each other.”   “Has to be six years ago. After your wedding to Eric, I left the country the next year. I only returned to expand my business, just as you have. I'm sure he's proud of the woman you have become. We didn't see this coming.”   Rochelle nodded.   Mr. Collins, unlike many others, didn't know about it. Poor man, he didn't know she wasn't with Eric any longer. “Thank you so much, Mr. Collins. Do you mind us exchanging contacts?”   He reached for his purse and took out a card. Rochelle, on the other hand, did the same thing. In moments, they were exchanging cards, with a promise to keep in touch with each other so they could link up later, all for business.   “Mrs. Rochelle, that was a powerful speech.”   Speech?   Once again, Rochelle turned to look at a woman. One she wasn't sure she recognized. “Thank you so much but that wasn't a speech.” A soft chuckle escaped her mouth and now she asked. “I'm struggling to recall. Have we met before?”   “No, not at all.” The older woman caught up with her as she took her hand. “I was glad to see another CEO who is a woman. You don't know what it does to me. My name is Samantha. Samantha Davies and I own a fabric-making firm. You might want to come around someday.”   “Uh—yes. Yes, Samantha. I would love to.”   She didn't like this, too many people in the hall staring at her. Maybe it was time to bring the moment with everyone to an end. Now where the hell were her kids? Rochelle looked to her right where she asked them to wait.   Only Alexander was there.