The billionaire's lost game

Chapter 2.The unexpected return

“Longest time, Marie,” the voice said from the other end of the call.

Marie held her breath, she knew that voice all too well. It belonged to Verena Lucas, Vincent's business associate.

Verena was two years older than Vincent, but aside from that, she was flawless, stunningly beautiful with a perfect body figure. An untouchable goddess in the business world. Back in the days when she was still with Vincent, Verena was adored by all and respected by many.

Marie didn't say a word, she wondered how she got her new phone number, and why she was calling her now, after all these years. She didn't end the call, she just listened.

“I know you can hear me, and you know who is on the line,” Verena said sarcastically on the phone. “A quick one, as you prepare to run back the same way you ran away, don't cross ur boundaries.” She concluded with a long loud hiss, and ended the call.

Marie stood there for a while, took a deep breath. And for the first time, she wished her mom was just someone else. She could decline her invitation. She didn't prepare her mind for all this.

“Imagine, Verena threatening her because of Vincent,” she thought to herself, as she continued walking towards the mall.

When she reached home that day, she sadly narrated her phone call with Verena, to Marbel.

Marbel was so pissed off, “Girl, can you imagine the audacity? I wish I could travel with you. That lady needs to know her place.” She bursted out angrily.

“Don't worry marbel, I've got my plans put together, they don't exist and that's period.” Marie said, her voice dangerously sweet, like she was up to something interesting.

_ _ _ _

The Romano’s estate in the Hamptons was everything Marie expected. Massive iron gates. Marble fountains. Perfect landscaping. A kingdom built on money and power.

She adjusted her sunglasses, gripping her son's small hand tightly. She had already seen from the head news that it was the engagement party that day. She made lots of arrangements with the help of Marbel. She wasn't going to sleep in that family house that night. She would let her son get out of her sight, not even for her mom.

Hearing Morris call her made her snap out of her endless thoughts. “Mommy?” Morris looked up at her with curious brown eyes. “Is this grandma's new house?”

“Yes,” she whispered quietly, looking around the whole environment.

Morris squeezed her hands, “Is it safe?” he asked inquisitively. The question sliced through her.

“Yes, it's safe.” She forced gentle. Hoping she wasn't lying to him.

A valet opened her car door. The estate loomed before her, tall white pillars and glass windows reflecting sunlight like polished knives.

Her heels clicked against the stone pathway, slowly but steady, each step closer felt like walking into a memory she had buried alive.

Voices drifted from the garden. Soft music. Champagne glasses clicking. Loud laughter. And then, she heard her mother's voice, her laughter. Something she had missed all these years. And for a moment, she felt a little guilty for leaving her all alone. She felt that happiness she couldn't find for days, she was genuinely happy for her.

Marie took caution immediately, she straightened her spine and adjusted her glasses again, reminding herself that she had games to win. She wasn't that naive girl from five years ago, she wasn't weak, she wasn't heartbroken. She was untouchable, or at least she would pretend to be, for the next few days.

She stepped into the garden, and there he was, the man from five years ago.

Vincent Romano stood near the fountain, dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit. One hand in his pocket and the one holding a champagne glass like it belonged there. He was talking to someone, calm, composed, he still looked as powerful as always.

She came back to her senses, “Why would he be the first person I set my eyes on and why would I be admiring him?” she thought to herself as she rolled her eyes.

She shifted her gaze from him, and searched for her mother. Then she saw her, she was backing her though, but she could tell even from her back that she looked so beautiful as always. Every year young, she smiled at herself while she walked in her direction, still holding Morris tightly.

Morris was just observing the whole place, and smiling at the same time, not at the people but because of the kind of decorations he was seeing. That was his first time being in a big event. He clung to his mother, hopping up and down as she moved.

Before she could reach where her mother was, she noticed her and jumped up with Joy. She rushed forward with open arms.

“Oh, Marie, you came!” She cried out, as she hugged her tightly.

And then, Vincent noticed her, their eyes met. The glass in his hands stilled.

For a moment, five years collapsed between them. Shock flickered across his face, just for a second. Then it vanished, replaced by a cool indifference.

He looked her up and down slowly, assessing her like she was a business risk. Noticing how much she had changed, looking more beautiful than ever. Unsure of how to react. Then, his eyes drifted from her down to Morris. His eyes darkened slightly.

Even her mom, looked at Morris sweetly. She was shocked to see her daughter with a child after all these years. She never mentioned she was pregnant or getting married.

She didn't even need to ask if Morris was her son because the resemblance was very striking. Without much question, Mrs Lawrence carried Morris in her arms with Joy, hoping to get the details later from her daughter.

“Oh! My baby, you look so handsome, cute nose like ur grandma,” Mrs Lawrence said, smiling broadly, dancing with Morris in her arms. Marie had already turned from Vincent's direction, facing her mom and Morris directly.

“Holy goodness, look who we have here,” a familiar voice said from behind.