MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE WITH THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR

Chapter Seven: It Has Begun!

Julian paced around her room, her mind racing with determination. "I can't leave this house. I can't allow April to take what's mine." She bit her finger in frustration, her eyes scanning the room for a solution.

"I have to get Marcus to love me again," she whispered to herself, a cunning smile spreading across her face. "And this time, he'll forget about April for good."

She quickly checked her phone and dialed a number. "Send her the videos now," she instructed, her voice low and menacing. She dropped the call, a satisfied smile still plastered on her face.

"April, I'm just getting started with you."

Meanwhile, in the car, Marcus relaxed with a smile on his face as April slept peacefully on his shoulder. He felt a warmth in his heart, knowing he'd made her happy.

As their luxurious ride came to a stop, April opened her eyes, feeling a flush rise to her cheeks. "I can't believe I slept for this long," she said, embarrassed.

She glanced down at Marcus's shoulder, where her head had been resting. "I must have hurt your shoulder," she said, trying to massage it gently.

Marcus smiled, removing her hands and kissing them instead. "Wait, baby, you can do that in the bedroom," he whispered, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

April felt butterflies in her stomach as she thought about the bedroom and all the crazy things Marcus might do to her. She couldn't wait.

Just as she was about to grab her Louis Vuitton bag, a message popped up on her phone. She opened it, and her eyes widened as she watched the video. Her mood instantly darkened.

Marcus noticed the change in her expression and reached out for her hand. "Wife, it's time to get inside," he said, his voice gentle.

April took his hand, her grip tightening. "Sure," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Together, they walked into the house, hand in hand, the tension between them palpable.

Julian was sitting in the living room, surrounded by foldable tables laden with Marcus's favorite dishes. As soon as she saw them walk in, she stood up, a bright smile plastered on her face.

"Welcome back, Marcus, darling," she cooed. "I've prepared your favorite meals, just the way you like them."

Marcus's eyes narrowed as he stared at the feast, his mind racing with suspicion. What was Julian up to? She was supposed to have left the house by now, not trying to win him over with his favorite food.

April, on the other hand, felt a pang of hurt as she gazed at the festive spread. It dawned on her that she didn't know much about Marcus's tastes or preferences, let alone his favorite foods. And she hadn't even met any of his friends yet.

A seed of doubt crept into her mind. Maybe Julian was right; maybe they did belong together. April's eyes stung with unshed tears as she turned and walked out of the living room, leaving Julian's triumphant smile behind.

Marcus's eyes locked onto Julian's, his expression stern. "What do you think you're doing, Julian?" he asked, his voice low and even.

Julian's smile never wavered. "I made your favorite meals, Marcus," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Remember how you love it when I cook for you?"

Marcus's eyes blazed with anger as he grasped Julian's arms, pulling her up from the chair. "What did you do?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing. "Apart from this nonsense," he gestured to the table, "what else did you do?"

Julian's eyes sparkled with defiance. "Marcus, what are you talking about?" she asked, her voice innocent. "You left me at home, remember? And you went out with...with that woman." She spat out the words, her hand on his chest.

Marcus's face darkened. "Woman? Are you talking about my better half?" he growled, grabbing her hand and jerking her off her seat. “If I find out that you sent something to April, you won't like what I will do to you next,” he threatened with gritted teeth

Julian's laughter was like ice. "Why, Marcus? We dated for two years but you were always scared to introduce me to your parents. But then your father had a little talk with you, and you agreed to marry her out of the blue. And now, after another meeting, you've decided to dump me?" The redhead seductively touched his chest again, her eyes glinting with forced tears.

Marcus was about to push her away when Julian suddenly tiptoed and her lips brushed against his. The kiss was like a slap, leaving Marcus stunned and concerned.

Just then, April appeared at the room’s entrance, her eyes wide with shock and hurt. The scene before her was like a punch to her gut.

April stormed back into their bedroom, her heart racing with anger and hurt. She opened the video again, watching as Marcus's friends poured champagne on him at his birthday party in America. They were laughing and smiling, and one of them asked Marcus what he wished for his birthday.

Marcus's response made April's blood boil. "I want to marry Julian, the first chance I get," he said, "and in my next life, I'll marry her again."

His friends erupted into laughter, teasing him about being a "lover boy." while he continued to drink. The clip ended there.

April felt a wave of fury wash over her. She couldn't believe what she was seeing or hearing after all he had recently told and promised her. The blond beauty stormed downstairs, determined to confront Julian once and for all.

But what she saw next confirmed her worst fears…

Marcus called out, "April!" but she was already gone, storming back to their room in angry strides.

Back in their suite, the unhappy wife collapsed onto the bed, overcome with emotion. "I was so blind," she sobbed. "I actually believed he loved me, that we might have a chance at a happy marriage."

Meanwhile, Marcus pulled away from Julian and rushed after April, but the door was locked. He pounded on it, pleading with her to open up.

"Please, baby, open the door," he begged, regret etched on his face. "I know what you saw, but it's not what it seems. Please, I promise to explain everything."

But April refused to budge from the bed.

Julian, on the other hand, was ecstatic. She sat down back in front of one of the tables, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.

"I’m just getting started April," she mumbled, then raised her voice to call out for Lucy. "Bring me a bottle of wine. I need to celebrate their breakup!"

As Lucy scurried to obey, Julian's laughter echoed through the hallway, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Marcus's spine.

The billionaire heir slid down to the floor, his broad back against their bedroom door in defeat. The silence from the other side was a stark reminder of the pain he had inadvertedly caused. April refused to open the door, and he couldn’t blame her. Julian could be a snake when she wanted to, and he had played right into his mistress’ hands.

Regret washed over him as he realized the extent of his mistakes. Marcus decided to make things right, not just for April, but for himself. Julian was desperate now and that is not good at all for any of them.

Marcus stood up, determination coursing through his veins. He realized that he had to act fast, before April got hurt even more.

"I'm sorry, baby," he whispered as he chose a guest room to spend the night in, his voice barely audible. "I promise to make everything right.

Hours later, April found herself tossing and turning throughout the night, her head throbbing with a dull ache. It was a familiar sensation, one that always seemed to follow a long, tearful cry. She could still hear Marcus's pleading voice echoing in her mind, but she hadn't been able to bring herself to open the door or find out where he was.

But after hours of crying, April finally worked up the courage to unlock the door and face him. However, upon opening it, Marcus was nowhere to be found. The grieving blond’s heart sank, and deeply felt a pang of hurt.

Had he given up on me so easily? She asked herself as she went back inside. Did my husband think I wasn't worth fighting for?

The next morning, April woke up feeling worse. Her body ached all over, and her head was spinning. "No!" She shouted as she threw off her covers. "I can't fall sick now!"

She rarely got ill, but when she did, it always seemed to linger for days. And now, of all times, was not the proper moment for her to be bedridden.

The morning sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. The auburn-haired Blackwood young buck turned, feeling the bright light hit his face. Despite his restless night, Marcus was determined to get downstairs before his spouse did. After a quick shower and shave, he found his spare clothes in one of the guestroom’s walk-in closets and hurriedly dressed, unable to bear the thought of facing April after what had happened yesterday. Hastily, he headed down to the kitchen, where he found Julian waiting with a bright but uncertain smile.

"Finally, you're awake, Marcus," she greeted, her eyes sparkling with eagerness.

Where is April? The comely husband asked himself, ignoring the green-eyed woman who just greeted him..

Reluctantly, Marcus let Julian lead him to the dining table, where a lavish breakfast spread awaited them. Just as they were about to sit down, one of the other maids appeared at the foot of the stairs.

"Excuse me, sir," she said, curtsying. "Mrs. Blackwood isn't feeling well."

Marcus’ heart sank. I had made her cry, and now she’s sick. He feels extreme guilt wash over him, and he felt a surge of concern, along with his chest twisting agonizingly.

"I called Doctor Jason,” Karen quickly added. “He has already gone up to see her, sir."

Marcus immediately turned to Julian who was watching him with an unsympathetic gaze. "Prepare her favorite meals and make sure you attend to her every needs," the heir instructed firmly.

Julian's smile faltered, and the brown-eyed man could sense her disappointment. He then turned to her, his expression stern. "I need to talk to you later. Come to my office after you’ve had your breakfast."

With that, Marcus stood up and left the table not even touching any of the food that was served to him. Julian could only stare in disbelief as her former lover left her to her own devices without turning back.