The billionaire's lost game

“That's impossible!” Marie stared at her laptop with sharp eyes, as she shouted in disbelief. She looked back at the invitation card on her table, and then back at her laptop. The invitation had arrived in a cream envelope with gold edges. It had arrived with a small writing attached. Her mother's handwriting was unmistakably looping, elegant, hopeful. My darling, hope you are good. Can't wait for you to meet him. Alessio Romano has changed my life completely. He is such a good man. We are getting married in two weeks. Please come home. She was so happy at first, because she had always wanted her mom to find love again, after she lost her father. Since she left, she has always imagined how lonely and boring life would be for her. The name “Alessio Romano” meant nothing at first. At least that's what she told herself. Until she searched for him. And saw the photo that shattered her happiness. She saw the headline. Her head buzzed as if struck by lightening. Romano Industries CEO announces engagement. Son, Vincent Romano, to attend a private ceremony. Marie froze, her chest tightened. “Vincent,” she murmured to herself. Five years vanished in a single breath. Her hands trembled as she scrolled through the articles. Same sharp jaw, same dark eyes, the same arrogant half smile that used to undo her. He looked richer, colder, he seemed more untouchable than before. And he had no idea she existed in the same world anymore. Her heart sank as she looked directly at her 4-year-old son. She was filled with anger at the moment. “ What was she supposed to do,” she thought to herself. Five years ago, she walked into his penthouse unannounced, just as usual. But that very day, she heard laughter. Another woman's laughter for the first time in that penthouse. She had watched him pull another woman's dress zipper up. Something she had never imagined he would do. And then, he just said, “it's not what you think.” It was an incident she could never bear. Out of shame, she didn't scream, she didn't beg, she walked out and never turned back. The tears Marie was trying hard to suppress finally streamed down her cheeks. She never imagined she would ever cross paths with Vincent again. Not even in the worst way. How can someone she despised so much turn to a family. An invitation that was supposed to be a thing of joy, turned into her greatest nightmare. “I won't let this happen. We can't be family, he can't know about my son.” she said vehemently, wiping the tears off her face and sniffing. The engagement party was already close. She had to make all necessary arrangements to travel on time. She needs to create a safe atmosphere for herself and her son. She immediately made calls through her son's school and her working place. She took a quick emergency leave, saying she would be back in a few days. It wasn't easy to convince her boss. So she texted her best friend immediately. “Maria!” Marbel burst through her front door, her eyes wild with worry. I came as soon as I got ur text. “Are you okay, how is Morris? Is he sick?” Marie nodded, her expression unreadable. “We are all fine,” Maria finally answered quietly. Marbel looked around the whole room, as if searching for an answer. Then she saw the envelope, she looked back at Marie before heading to her desk. She grabbed the envelope and opened it. She saw a writing and an invitation card. She was confused, she didn't understand a thing. She stood up immediately and sat beside Marie with the envelope, gesturing to her, to say something. Marie took a deep breath, and said to her “ my mom is getting married in two weeks' time.” Marbel smiled but with a confused look, “from little I know, this should be a goodnews right? finally someone is taking care of her.” she asked with a small nod. “I wish I was that happy. It was at first, but it turned out bad ,” Marie said automatically. Marie stood up to get her laptop and kept it on Marbel’s laps. She scrolled through the image on her front screen, while Marbel stared. “This is Vincent, the guy I told you about and that is his father,” she explained the pictures to Marbel. Marbel, still confused, asked, “Okay, and how does the whole thing connect? I still don't get it.” Marie looked at Marbel and hissed jokingly, “ You are such a baby, must I explain in detail before you read the room?” she asked, giving her a mocking look. “Okay, is ur boyfriend remarrying ur mom,” she asked with a serious face. Marie burst into a heavy laughter which made Marbel laugh too. She was happy to see her laugh so hard, after having a dead look when she entered. “You are such a joke, Marbel, how the hell did you come up with that? Anyway, Vincent's father is the one marrying my mother,” Marie finally explained. Marbel gasped, “ What! oh no, what kind of love twist is that, girl!” Marie didn't say a word, she was just lost in thoughts. There was a huge silence between them. But then, Marbel spoke up “how do you intend to handle that? Do you have any plans yet?” “I don't just know, I have never been this confused before,” Marie said with a sad look. “ You know I would never want to cross paths with that guy for real, the thought of him alone gives me heartburn.” She continued. After a while, Marbel smiled brightly and said, “I think I have a plan.” Marie raised an eyebrow. Marbel whispered into her ears, Marie screamed, covering her mouth with her palms. She waved in disagreement. “Fine, if you won't do it, just let me know of your plans and I will help out where I can, but don't overthink it please.” Marbel said with a worried look, while Marie nodded with a small smile. “Please, help me take care of Morris, I need to grab something at the mall,” Marie said, winking and blowing kisses at Marbel. Just as she stepped outside of her house, her phone rang loudly. She hurriedly picked up the call without looking at the screen to know who it was. “Longest time, Marie,” the voice said.