Too Late For Sorry, Mr. Billionaire

The Return of The Queen

HERA POV

One year. They say time heals all wounds. For me, one year was not just a time of healing, but a time of rebuilding myself—the version of me that was shattered by the past.

I stood in front of the large mirror inside my suite in a luxury hotel here in BGC. I was wearing a bespoke black silk gown that hugged my body, with a high slit on the side that revealed my leg, and a backless design that exposed my skin, glowing under the chandelier. The sad eyes of Hera Valeriano were gone. What I saw now was a woman ready to face the world she once left behind.

“You look stunning, Hera. Are you ready?”

I turned toward the door and saw Liam. He was my business partner in Singapore—a well-known investor who believed in my talent when I had nothing. He was dressed sharply in a tuxedo, a subtle smile on his lips.

“Ready is an understatement, Liam. Shall we?” I replied as I picked up my clutch bag.

As we entered the ballroom, we were greeted by the flashes of cameras and the murmurs of high-society guests. This was the annual Builders and Designers Gala, the biggest event in the industry. Every big name in real estate and interior design was here.

In one corner of the ballroom, I saw a familiar figure. Jaxen. He was still wearing his favorite navy blue suit, looking more serious, as if something was weighing on his mind. Beside him was Bianca, clinging to his arm while talking to some clients. Bianca looked uneasy, constantly fixing her hair and glancing around.

“Good evening, everyone!” The emcee’s voice echoed throughout the hall. “Tonight, we are honored to introduce the designer behind the award-winning Zenith Towers in Singapore and the newest face of luxury design in Southeast Asia. Let us all welcome, the Creative Director of Valeriano Designs, Ms. Hera Valeriano!”

The entire room fell silent. I could feel the shock of the crowd, especially from the group where Jaxen stood. I slowly walked up to the stage alongside Liam. I saw Jaxen’s eyes widen. The glass of champagne in his hand almost slipped.

“Is that… Hera?” I heard a woman whisper in front.

“I thought she went abroad because she fell into hardship?” another one replied.

I smiled at the crowd. “Good evening. It’s good to be back home. Thank you very much for the warm welcome.”

After a short speech, Liam and I stepped down to mingle. We hadn’t gone far from the stage when I saw Jaxen quickly walking toward us, dragging Bianca along, who struggled to keep up.

“Hera?” Jaxen called. His voice was filled with disbelief.

I stopped and slowly turned around. I looked at him from head to toe, as if I were seeing him for the first time in my life. There was no anger, no pain—just a blank expression.

“Jaxen, wait! You’re walking too fast,” Bianca complained as they reached us. She also froze when she saw me up close. “Hera? Is that really you? What… how?”

Jaxen glanced at Liam beside me, then looked back at me. “Hera, what does this mean? Why didn’t I know you were the guest of honor tonight? And who is this man?”

Liam smiled and extended his hand. “Liam Vanderberg. I’m Hera’s business partner. And you are?”

“I’m her husband,” Jaxen answered quickly, his voice turning possessive.

I let out a soft, casual laugh. “Ex-husband, Jaxen. Let’s be accurate. We signed the papers a long time ago, didn’t we?”

Jaxen’s face paled. Some nearby guests started looking at us because of the tension. “Hera, we need to talk. Somewhere private. I didn’t know you were back. I thought you were… I thought you were struggling.”

“Why would I be struggling, Jaxen?” I asked as I took a glass of wine from a passing waiter. “I’ve been very busy. Actually, Liam and I are here to finalize the contract for the New City Project. From what I hear, the Sarmiento Group is our competitor in the bid?”

“Hera, please. Stop this. Let’s talk about us,” Jaxen pleaded. He didn’t even seem to notice Bianca beside him, who now looked small in my presence.

“Us? Is there still an ‘us’?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. I looked at Bianca. “How are you, Bianca? Enjoying the mansion? I hope you’re not too bored there.”

“Hera, you don’t have to be so rude,” Bianca replied, though her voice trembled.

I looked back at Jaxen. He took a step closer, as if he wanted to grab my arm, but Liam immediately stepped between us.

“Excuse me, Mr. Sarmiento. Ms. Valeriano is here for business. If you have anything to discuss, you can contact our office to set an appointment,” Liam said firmly.

“Appointment? I’m her husband! I don’t need an appointment to talk to my wife!” Jaxen shouted, drawing even more attention.

I took a deep breath and checked my watch. “Liam, we should go. The Chairman is waiting for us in the VIP lounge.”

“Hera, wait!” Jaxen tried to reach for me, but I had already turned away.

I walked away without stopping, each sound of my high heels against the marble floor echoing like a declaration of my victory. I could still hear Jaxen calling my name, but I didn’t turn back.

“Hera! Let’s talk! We’re not done yet!” he shouted from behind me.

I paused for a moment when I reached the entrance of the VIP lounge. I turned to Liam and smiled genuinely.

“He looks miserable, doesn’t he?” I whispered.

“Very. Do you want to go back and talk?” Liam asked.

I looked at Jaxen, who was now being restrained by security for causing a scene. Then I looked at my nails, as if bored.

“Who was he again? I think I already forgot his name,” I said before finally walking inside.

Outside the door, I heard Jaxen’s last attempt before he was completely pulled away by the guards.

“Hera, look at me! I’m still your husband!”

I glanced back slightly, just enough for him to see the coldness in my eyes.

“I’m sorry, do I know you?”