The Billionaire's Secret Wife

Chapter Two

*ARIA'S POV*

Five years later…

Grateful is an understatement to what I owe Iva, for pulling strings to get me this job. And my life? Calling it chaos would've been generous.

Was it mum's unpaid hospital bill? The overdue rent? Or raising Leo, let alone myself? Two exhausting jobs, and I was still drowning in debt.

But this job… It was my breakthrough, and I clung to it with everything I had.

I stepped out of the subway, Montclair Media towered above me, exuding an aura of power and class. “Will I fit in here?” I muttered. Here goes nothing.

I strode through the traffic which is a normal thing in the bustling Manhattan city to the other side.

“Hey pretty,” the voice behind me made my chest tighten. I gripped my bag tighter, ignored him and fastened my pace.

He yanked my elbow. Panic shot through me. My breath hitched. My stomach dropped.

Damp clothes and sweat hit my nose as I turned. He looked younger than me. Probably mid-twenties. Dirt smeared his face and clothing.

“Let go!” I snapped, trying to break free from his grip. My blood simmered.

“Didn't you hear me?” his eyes, dark and hungry as they scanned me. “You look expensive. Got any cash on you?”

He grabbed my bag and shoved me. Not thinking, I held on. People passed like we weren't even there which hurt more.

My eyes glistened, bottom lip quivered. “Pl…please,” I whispered through gritted teeth. My knuckles white as I tightened my grip

He shoved me hard, I fell. Pain shot through my knee. I blinked fast, fighting back the tears. Not now.

“Drop the bag. Now. And get lost.” A deep voice snapped from behind.The thug froze, his eyes widened,legs numb, hands trembled as he muttered inaudible words.

I turned to see a tall figure in a sleek suit, shoulders broad, jawline sharp. But I was too shaken to care.

It wasn't the stranger's look that scared the thug but the complete lack of reaction on his face. Like he could kill you and still make his 10am boardroom meeting.

The thug threw my bag at me and sped off.

“Thank you,” I muttered, gathering my scattered files.

“You’re bleeding,” he said,his eyes on my knee.

I looked at my bloodied knee, staining the skirt Iva lent me. I couldn't afford a dress for this interview and now the borrowed one was ruined. Before I could say another word, he was gone.

Was this a sign for me to just go back? Then my phone buzzed. A message from Aria; “I’m rooting for you, girl. You can do this.

I scoffed but a flicker of hope hit me. Iva always showed up at my lowest, like she knew when I needed her.

I sucked in a deep breath. You can do this. I stood, pain shot through my knee, but I endured it.

I dusted myself off, wiped the blood, adjusted my skirt and walked into the building.

The air was cool, marbles floors sparkled beneath my feet. Everyone moved in silence, only the click of their shoes echoed.

A young lady with a bun, in a knee - length purple gown and black scarf on her neck, welcomed me with a smile and escorted me to the last floor. Her black stiletto heels clanked on the marble with every step.

At the top floor, we stopped at a door. “Are you ready?” she asked, smiling wide, easing my nerves.

“Yes.” I said, taking in a deep breath.

She opened the door and I walked in. A man sat behind a mahogany desk, sleeves rolled up, eyes fixed on papers. The desk was littered, a plaque beside the computer, his name boldly written ; Rowan Montclair, CEO.

I sat, heart pounding in my ears, sweat around at my temple. He didn’t look up.

“Who told you to sit?” His voice cut through the silence.

I sprang up. “I...I’m sorry, sir.” My legs trembled as he met my gaze.

“It’s you, from earlier. I didn’t…” The words slipped out but he cut me off before I could finish.

“If you’re under the impression that I want gratitude for stepping in, you’re mistaken. This is an interview, not a reunion,” his voice was sharp.

“I... I’m sorry about that sir,” I stuttered.

He leaned back, scanning me in silence before speaking.

“As my Executive Assistant, you are expected to be sharp, deliver solutions and won't be cradled. Can you handle that?” His lip thinned, gaze cold.

I wished the earth would swallow me, so I will be free from his deadly gaze, but I braced myself and spoke. “I can do it, sir.” My shoulders lifted, confidence swelling in me. I can’t show weakness.

His lips curled like I had walked right into his trap. “Prove it.” He gestured toward the glass wall. “That desk is yours. The last assistant lasted three days. Do better or you’re out.” His tone was final, face void of emotion.

I can’t believe a cold, ruthless man like this will be my new boss. I’ve handled worse from men. I can handle him. I held myself from rolling my eyes.

“I will,” I said, my voice steady.

He ignored me and reached for a pen. His arm came into view. A tattoo stretching from his arm to his wrist sent shivers down my spine.

My eyes widened, and I froze. I could never forget that tattoo, not even in dreams. My blood ran cold. Dizziness hit me, making me stagger.

After five years, we meet again. He doesn’t recognize me, probably doesn’t remember that night. And now he’s my boss. No, this can’t be happening.

“Are you okay?” He eyed me without concern.

“Y..yes sir.” I mumbled, trying to pull myself together. He waved me off, motioning for me to leave.

I darted out and sank into the chair. Heat boiled in my belly, my hands and feet trembled as I stared at him through the glass.

“Get yourself together, Aria,” I whispered, breathing in and out to calm down.

The day flew by with emails, endless tasks and coffee errands, specifically three sugar cubes, latte and very hot.

A strawberry-vanilla scent pulled my attention to the lady that walked past.

Heels clanking, suit hugged every curve, skin glowing, blonde hair, mild makeup. She exuded an aura of wealth and power.

Barely sparing me a glance, she flung the door to Rowan's office open. I watched them through the glass wall.

He barely looked at her. I couldn't hear them, but the way she flung her hands, slammed them on the desk and paced around, I sensed trouble.

What stunned me was Rowan. He didn't flinch or utter a word.

He didn't pass as someone who allowed tantrums in his office without consequences. Who is she? What did she have over him?

“What are you staring at?” I jolted. Lost in thought,I hadn't noticed she’d come out. “Not worth my time. You’ll quit soon, like the others.” She sneered and walked off.

I clenched my fist under the desk, glaring after her. Nasty b***h. Probably a top executive, but who cares.

I grabbed the file I’d worked on for Rowan and went to his office.

One knock. Two. No response. I hesitated then went in. He was lost in his screen.

“S…sir, here's the file you asked for.” He jerked back; I staggered. What could make Rowan Montclair flinch?

His eyes burned. “Don't you have manners? How dare you enter without knocking?” He barked.

I went cold, my face burned, my throat tightened as shame hit me.

“No…I..welI…I…”

“Get out before I lose it and fire you.” His jaw twitched, fist clenched.

I held the file and dashed out. I sank into my seat, eyes teary. I bit my lip to hold it in.

All he could do was make me cry and I will make sure he never sees it. He will need to do worse to make me leave. I'm here to stay. I wiped my tears and got back to work.

The day ended. I packed up and rushed into the elevator.

“Miss Vale.” I turned, it was Rowan. My heart pounded. What did he want now, my life?

I held the elevator door. “Be here by 7am, not a second late.” His tone was final.

Maybe I hadn't messed up after all, I smiled. A ray of hope flickered through my chest.

“One more thing.” He paused, silence stretched, my heart pounded. What does he want to say?…

“Have we met before?” his eyes lingered, making me shiver. “You seem… familiar.” He tilted his head, brow arched.

The elevator doors slid shut between us.

I staggered back, heart racing.

Was he starting to remember?