The Billion-Dollar Secret

Chapter SiX

~ARYA~

The hall was silent for a few seconds then became rowdy from the cheering around. Even I was trying to make sense of the situation when Jaxon stood up to take my hands into his, leading us to the stage.

I have never been confident to stand in front of many people, since as long as I can remember. I have always tried to avoid crowded places but here I was standing in front of over fifty people. I could literally hear my heart beating out of my chest.

Jaxon’s confidence was everything, that explained why he was so bent on coming to the event even if I had protested about it from time to time. I was more worried about his father's bankruptcy than he was.

“Thank you for this wonderful award.”Jaxon went on with his speech while I just stood by his side as his supportive form with a gentle smile on my face like I wasn't shocked myself.

The moment we came down the stage we were surrounded by many people giving out their congratulations while some were asking questions on how he was able to pull it off all these years without anyone being aware of it. The exact questions on my mind.

The ladies of the event, some being investors themselves while some being wives of millionaires and billionaires also came around me to congratulate and asks me questions on something I had absolutely no idea of.

Jaxon and my marriage might have been out of circumstances but the least he could have done was to tell me about his business plans then maybe i would have been able to give a better answer to the ladies. But thanks to Anna, I was able to say a few things about my husband, when my hand got pulled by someone from behind. It was my mother.

“Excuse us please.” she said to the ladies and took me along with her to the corner where Mr David, Rose and Brian were standing.

~~

“Arya! We haven’t seen or heard from you ever since you got married. You really forgot about us, huh?” Mom laughed, pulling me into a hug when she saw me at the event.

I didn’t hug back, but I stayed still in her arms as I still craved some form of bond with my mother, no matter how forced.

“Well, well, well.” The familiar voice of my step sister had me turning to face Rose and Brian, who was standing by my side. If it isn't the latest billionaire's wife in the city she said while trying to pull me in for a hug but I resist for such, fighting the urge to roll my eyes afterwards.

My mother took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze as if telling me to not say a word to her.

“Arya, why didn't you tell us about Jaxon's company”? Mr David said going straight to the main reason they wanted to talk to me at first. Just when i was about to reply to him my attention was called by an usher who was telling me my presence is needed where Jaxon was.

“Excuse me.” I said leaving the presence of those wanting to devour me with their curiosity.

“Meet my wife Arya.” Jaxon said to an old lady while taking my hand into his.

“Meet Madam Brinada.” Jaxon introduced her to me and I sent her a small smile.

“You've got a beautiful one there son.” Madam Brinada said and pulled me in for a hug. I exchanged my greetings with her and the other people who were present there.

“My team and I will have to go now, I have a conference meeting to catch up with in Italy in the next six hours.” I am proud of you son for keeping up the good work.” Madam Brinada said to Jaxon while patting him on the shoulder. I have never seen Jaxon so humble before. It made me wonder who the lady must be.

“And to you my darling.” she said, turning to me and taking my hands into hers while she smiled gently.

“You're beautiful and humble.”keep being a good and supportive wife to your husband. I'll have Jaxon bring you over for dinner one of these days so we can spend some time together if it's ok with you.

“I will be delighted.” I replied, smiling back at her.

“Let's see you off.” Jaxon and I along with her team and security escorted her to her car and she left immediately, leaving the both of us to our own space for the first time throughout the night.

I finally had the opportunity that I have been waiting on to get in a one on one conversation with Jaxon. It might not be the right place or the right time but I needed to ask.

“Why did you keep your company a secret from me?”. I'm your wife. The least you could do was prepare me for the moment, not trying to make me look like a fool who knows nothing about her husband and his businesses. I said trying to sound in the calmest way possible.

“Your duty is to be present where I am.” And that was the only reply I got from jaxon.

“I am not and I refuse to be a form of trophy for your showoff.” I protested

“You already are, remember your family gave you out as a peace offering.” What Jaxon said hurt me deeply but it was the sad truth.

“Speaking about family, My mother, Mr David, my step sister Rose and my ex Brian just have to come in at the wrong moment.”

“Hey Jaxon..Congrats man!!.” Why didn't you tell us of your big plans earlier. Mr David said, stretching his hand out for a hand shake with Jaxon who only looked at his hand in disgust.

“I owe no one any explanation and I am still bankrupt as you all know so let's keep it that way.” Jaxon said and excused himself to the car pack where he drove his car and told me to get in.

I was quiet all through the drive but my phone kept buzzing from the different texts I was getting from my mom, and surprisingly Rode and Brian. They all wanted the same thing– an answer to something I know nothing about so I ignored it.

Within a few minutes Jaxon and I arrived home. We went to our separate rooms without exchanging any words. Since we got married, I have stayed on the lower floor of the mansion while he stayed on the top floor. I have been strictly instructed never to go to the top floor where Jaxon stays no matter what the situation may be.

It was a long night already. Not that I've thought about it thoroughly but I somehow came up with the decision to tell Jaxon about my unborn child. Still dressed in my dinner gown, I stood up from the dresser chair in my room.

“Here goes nothing”, I said to myself. Breaking all the rules given to me, I headed to the top floor.

“Jaxon, I'm pregnant.”