The Billion-Dollar Secret

Chapter Five

~ARYA~

“Welcome Mr and Mrs Pierce.” The middle aged man that my husband Jaxon had introduced me to on our wedding day said with a huge smile plastered on his face as he grabbed Jaxon in for a hug.

“It's good to see you Smith, " Jaxon said as they both exchanged their greetings.

I didn’t understand why Jaxon was still bent on attending an event meant for rich business figures when his father’s business had run down, and that would only bring shame to his name if he joined a gathering of people with highly successful and running businesses. But what I knew for sure was I didn't want to attend. Mostly definitely I didn't want to see my so-called family and my ex Brian, but I had to be a supportive wife since that was all I've been instructed to be in the eyes of the public, so I attended.

I smiled through my teeth as Jaxon and I walked through the event center and greeted as many people as we could.

“Please excuse me”. I gently lifted my long backless black gown a little off the ground and headed outside the event center like I could pass out if I spent another second in there.

Since I got back from the hospital two days ago I've only been feeling suffocated and for the fact that I can't really voice out whatever mess i am in. It was draining me mentally, emotionally and physically. My so-called husband cared less about anything that was going on with me, my family that gave me out as a peace offering like Jaxon has always said, they never checked up on me since my wedding day. I have slowly and painfully come to the realization that I have none but myself.

The shiver ran through my spine as I stood somewhere close to the entrance of the event center, hoping to catch some cool night air and relieve myself of the stress around me.

“I also do not have a thing for events.” I quickly turn to the feminine voice behind me. It was a mid-aged lady. Looking at her, she should be in her late 20s or early 30s. Her dark green silk dress that fits her body perfectly and excluded some kind of confidence and high aura that spoke of wealth.

“ Hmm Excuse me” I cleared my throat waiting for her next statement.

“I'm Mrs Smith, Mr Smith's wife.” She stretched her hand along with a glass of champagne to me.

“Thank you Mrs Smith”. I am Arya, Jaxon Pierce's wife. I sent her a small smile. I really needed something to cool off with, and the fruit champagne she had given me did the job.

“I prefer to be called Anna,” she added.

“I saw the way you walked out of the hall. I hope you're fine”. She asked, trying not to sound too curious.

“I'm fine, Thank you”. I only came out to get a better view of the environment. I chuckled. Trying to hide my stress from Anna.

“Am out for the same reason” she chuckled knowing fully well i was lying right true my teeth.

“I'm sorry I couldn't make it to your wedding”. She instantly changed the topic and relieved us both from the awkward silence.

“Oh.. but your husband was present and he invited Jaxon and me here for the awards”. I responded as we took a little walk down the garden.

“Yhh we all go way back, since i couldn't make it so my husband had to go on our behalf. I went to the US to visit my mom because she had been sick for a while”. She added

Anna tells me about herself and how she met and got married to Mr Smith and how they've come a long way in business as well. She also tells me about my husband Jaxon and they used to be college mates. I must say the things I heard about Jaxon from Anna are most definitely not what he is now.

Although Anna says he is the most caring person she ever knew before she met her husband, and how Jaxon made sure to pay attention to people's feelings and handle situations at such a young age. I also heard he had a very weak spot for his mother or any lady he was in love with but he changed since his mother's death. It made me feel bad for not trying to know anything about him since I've only seen him as an arrogant man all these while.

Anna is a wonderful person and a good conversationalist. Talking to her made me feel safe like I was talking to an elder sister I always wished I had. That triggered something in me wanting to tell her about the situation of being married to Jaxon but carrying a child for my ex Brian, but I have to keep my secret a secret.

~~

“Hi pretty ladies.” Jaxon slid his hand on my waist from behind and kissed me on my cheek.

“Hi Jaxon, it is good to see you again,” Anna said and hugged him. I was just telling your wife a little about you, she laughed.

“Too bad I have to steal her now”. He gave her this friendly vibe I have never seen before.

“How about we go take our seats, the event is about to start”. Jaxon said, stretching his hand and leading the way into the hall.

On the other hand, I had already seen my mother, Mr David, my step-sister Rose and Brian a few minutes ago on the red carpet while Anna and I were talking. I am very sure they didn't see me and I hope not to have an encounter with any of them.

The hall was full with millionaires and billionaires. There is a fifty percent chance we could bump into each other but I'll prefer not to. So I walked quietly to my table, hand-in-hand with jaxon.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen.” Mr Simon gave an opening speech along with his wife Anna and everyone applauded them.

“Let us begin the award with the nomination in the category of Best quality raw material.”

Jaxon and I just sat applauding the wins of various categories. Although his father's business might have gone down the drain, I am proud of how he has been able to handle the situation and keep his head high amongst others.

I was getting tired so I decided to use the restroom. Fixed my makeup and hair and was heading back to the hall, when I was grabbed by huge hands before I could make a sound my mouth was covered by those hands. I was taken back to see it was Brian.

“How dare you touch me.” I protested. And all he did was pull me in for a hug. I craved staying in his arms since he was my first love and I am carrying his unborn child but remembering how I had caught him cheating on me with my step sister I pulled myself away from him.

Arya please give me a chance to apologize to you. He said holding my hands. But I just remained silent.

You look so beautiful as always. He tried flattering me but I still kept a straight face.

“Excuse me Brian my husband must be waiting for me”. I said removing his hands from mine as I walked away without turning back.

Having to bump into Brian was more than enough to spoil my evening. The last few categories were already being awarded and I needed to leave before it ended to avoid seeing my family as well.

“Jaxon, do you mind if I go wait in the car? I don't feel too good.”I pleaded.

“You will sit right there, You will be fine.” He waved off like I am of no importance but his ticket to the public as always. I got aggravated.

“We shall close the event with the best and most important award of the night.”Mr. Simon announced and for some reason I felt relieved. I did not want to spend another minute here, as a woman got up on stage and started to call the nominees for Biggest New Business.

“The winner of this category started their business five years ago and in the first three years, they managed to rack up a whopping sum of two billion dollars worth of income, which has increased since those first three years. Ladies and gentlemen, the award goes to Pace Automobile, owned by Mr. Jaxon Pierce.”