Married to a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 5

Eric stood outside the room and let out a long sigh, running a hand through his thick black hair.

“Grandma, finding the right woman isn’t as easy as you make it sound,” he said into the phone, frustration evident in his voice. “After everything I’ve been through, staying away from relationships seems like the smartest decision.”

“But, Eric,” Grandma Sally replied gently, “you’re already in your early thirties. You’re not getting any younger. There are plenty of fish in the sea…”

Eric couldn’t help but laugh.

“Fish in the sea?” he teased. “Grandma, are you a fish now?”

“You know exactly what I mean!” Sally scolded.

“I don’t care about fish, Grandma,” Eric replied with a sigh. “All I know are the women who’ve made a fool out of me.”

His expression darkened.

“Remember the last woman you insisted was kind and came from a humble family? I walked into my own bedroom and found her in bed with her boyfriend. The two of them had been scamming me the entire time, and I didn’t have the slightest clue.”

He clenched his jaw.

“They make me feel like an i***t… and I hate that.”

A heavy silence followed before Sally spoke again, her voice tinged with sadness.

“So that’s why you’ve decided never to get married? Never to give me a grandchild?”

Eric closed his eyes.

“Don’t you want me to hold my great-grandson before I leave this world?” she continued softly. “And what about our family legacy? It can’t end with you. Eric… you just haven’t met the right woman yet. Keep looking, and one day you’ll find her.”

Eric slowly opened his eyes and glanced toward the door to Alya’s room.

‘If I hadn’t come to this town for the mayor’s construction project… I never would have met her.’

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

“Don’t worry, Grandma,” he said. “This time… I’m keeping my eyes open.”

After ending the call, he slipped his phone into his pocket.

Just then, the doctor approached him.

“Mr. Lyon.”

Eric turned to him.

“Yes? Is something wrong?”

The doctor’s expression grew serious.

“There was something I didn’t think was necessary to mention at first, but after reviewing her condition, I believe you should know.”

He hesitated before continuing.

“The young woman you brought in has bruising around her neck consistent with someone attempting to strangle her.”

Eric’s expression instantly hardened.

“And…”

The doctor lowered her voice.

“There’s also an old burn scar branded across her back.”

Eric’s jaw tightened, a dangerous glint flashing across his eyes.

…

Inside the room, Nolan’s question struck Alya like a bolt from the blue.

She stared at him, completely bewildered.

“H-Huh?”

Her eyes widened in disbelief.

“M-Mr. Lyon…” she stammered. “What… what do you mean by that?”

Confusion and shock were written all over her face.

Nolan shrugged casually.

“I’m only asking,” he said. “I’m a wealthy man. I can give you everything money can buy. You’d never have to worry about money or hardship again. But with Eric… you’d just be living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to make ends meet.”

Alya immediately shook her head.

“I don’t want any of that!” she blurted, her voice rising. “Keep your money.”

Nolan blinked in surprise.

There was unmistakable anger in her eyes.

“I don’t care how rich you are,” Alya continued firmly. “I’d rather live a simple life without constant problems. That’s the only life I want.”

Her expression softened into quiet desperation.

“Please… don’t ask me something like that again. I don’t care about your money.”

She lowered her head.

“And… please don’t fire Eric because of this. Please.”

Nolan swallowed hard before giving her a reassuring smile.

“I’ll… I’ll leave now,” he said. “And don’t think too much about what I said. I was… just testing you. I didn’t mean any of it.”

Alya blinked, looking at him.

“…Testing?”

Without another word, Nolan turned and walked out of the room.

Alya released a long, weary sigh, still unable to make sense of everything that had happened.

But perhaps none of it mattered.

If Eric truly became part of her life, she could finally escape Jenna and her stepmother.

Maybe…

Just maybe…

One day she could even reclaim the house that had belonged to her mother before they stole it away.

Moments later, Eric stepped back into the room.

The doctor’s words lingered heavily in his mind.

The bruises around Alya’s neck, the burn scar on her back and the fear hidden behind her eyes.

‘Was she being abused?’

It would explain why she had broken down the moment they bumped into each other.

Despite her beauty, she indeed looked like someone carrying a lot of pain and for the first time in a long while, Eric genuinely wanted to help someone.

The only problem…

Getting too involved could jeopardize the identity he needed to keep hidden.

“The doctor said you’re free to leave whenever you’re ready,” he said as he walked over to her bedside. “I can drive you home.”

Alya quickly shook her head.

“No… you don’t have to. I-I can get home by myself.”

Eric didn’t press the matter.

Instead, he took out his phone and held it toward her.

“Then… at least give me your number.”

A small smile appeared on his face.

“If you don’t mind.”

Hesitant at first, Alya accepted the phone and entered her number before handing it back.

Eric immediately dialed it.

A ringtone echoed from the phone in her pocket.

She smiled faintly without taking it out, knowing exactly who was calling.

Satisfied, Eric ended the call.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to take you home?” he asked, unable to hide the concern in his voice.

Alya could tell he was being sincere.

She smiled gently.

“I’ve already caused enough trouble for you and your boss,” she said. “I’m sure the two of you have important work to get back to, so don't bother.”

Four hours after Alya left the house, she finally returned.

The moment she stepped into the living room, she was greeted by a mountain of shopping bags scattered across the floor.

Designer dresses.

Luxury shoes.

Expensive handbags.

“Mom, what do you think of this dress?” Jenna asked with a bright smile as she twirled in front of Lisa.

Lisa’s face lit up with pride.

“It looks gorgeous on you, sweetheart. Even the shoes are a perfect match.”

Jenna laughed gleefully.

“It feels amazing to buy whatever I want! We’re finally becoming rich, Mom.”

“Because you deserve it,” Lisa said with a satisfied grin. “Once you’re married into the Braden family, I’ll be living the good life too. Just look at the jewelry you bought me! Those women who used to look down on me will be green with envy.”

Jenna’s smile widened.

“And tomorrow, James is introducing me to all his wealthy friends. I’ll finally be part of their social circle.”

She lifted her chin proudly.

“Thank goodness I didn’t let that piece of trash steal him from me.”

Her eyes landed on Alya, filled with open contempt.

Lisa followed her daughter’s gaze.

“So, you’re finally back,” she said coldly. “I was beginning to think you’d be sleeping on the streets tonight.”

She gestured toward the piles of shopping bags.

“Jenna bought all these wonderful things today. Go into the kitchen and prepare dinner. We have something worth celebrating.”

Jenna let out a scornful laugh.

“Celebrate with her?”

She scoffed.

“Mom, she doesn’t deserve to enjoy a single penny of the money I earned.”

“Exactly,” Lisa agreed without hesitation. “She can cook, clean, and wait on us. If there are any leftovers when we’re done, she can have those.”

Mother and daughter burst into mocking laughter.

Alya remained standing at the doorway, silently watching them.

Tears welled in her eyes as a dull ache spread through her chest.

Eric appeared like a knight in shining armor…

Because I can’t keep living like this anymore…