The Billionaire's Secret Wife

Chapter Four

*ROWAN'S POV*

“You’ve crossed the line this time, Rowan.”

Evelyn stormed into my office, enraged. Her heels clattered, each step sharper than the last. She didn’t knock - she never did.

I leaned back in my chair and gulped down the last of my coffee . “Good morning to you too, Evelyn.”

She dumped the magazines on my desk, ignoring my greeting; the headlines and blurred photo screamed at me - that damn name.

My jaw tightened. “And?”

She scoffed.” What do you mean, ‘and’?” Her hands flew into the air. “Half the board members are threatening to leave and the other half wants you out, Rowan. And those people out there” - she pointed to the window where camera flashes popped, “are acting like this is the season finale of their favourite show.”

“They watch every day. Today’s just the special episode with extra sparkle.” I said, coolly.

Her eyes narrowed. “You think you can get out of this with your jokes?”

“I'm not joking.” I started, but a knock on the door cut me off and I could tell who it was.

Sophie walked in, shoulders held high, a bright smile spread across her face, the kind that appears when one of her mischievous plan is working. Aria followed behind, her head down as she entered.

Evelyn - clearly oblivious - shot them a glare, then turned to me with the ‘we’re not done talking, wont you send them away?’ look.

To me, our conversation was over and I wanted her gone, as far away from me as possible. I ignored her.

She rested her hands on my desk and leaned in. “Fix this before the end of today, “ she said through gritted teeth and walked out, sending death stares at Sophie, who didn’t seem to notice and at Anna, who quickly looked away.

“Sir, Aria has something to tell you.” Sophie said, buzzing with excitement.

“Okay, Sophie. Please leave us.” Her smile faded, then she walked out. I guess I’m not called the smile breaker for no reason.

I already knew the answer from yesterday. Women like Aria don’t walk away from offers like mine. I sensed the desperation when I told her I would triple her salary, though she did a good job hiding it.

“So?” I raised a brow, my eyes scanning her. She hesitated, took a deep breath, then finally looked up at me. Probably she was giving herself some motivation.

“I... I’ll do it.” She said. Her knuckles were white from clutching her bag tightly, skin pale, dark circles vivid like she didn’t sleep all night but none of that bothered me. When I want something, I get it.

“Good.” My tone was sharp, treating it like the business deal it was. Taking her serious would be a joke.

I slid a folder across the desk. Twenty pages of legal and strict rules. I had my lawyers draft them overnight.

Her eyes widened, lips parted slightly. “You… already drafted this?”

Of course I had and I saw no reason to answer her. She didn’t need to know that the moment I left her alone, I’d ordered my legal team to clear their schedule and draft it. Some things are easier when you don’t give people time to think, let alone run.

Read it carefully and sign at the bottom of each page. I turned my gaze to the screen. The rules are in sections five and six. Break any of them and the contract is nullified, you walk away with nothing. I locked eyes with her, letting the last line sink in.

Her brow knitted. “Rules?”

I stood and walked towards her. Her eyes sparkled, her cheeks flamed and her hands trembled. A pang of satisfaction slid down my spine as I watched her grovel. I should get paid extra for how easily I pull this off.

I leaned in, a faint vanilla scent hit me. Her brown eyes locked with mine; our gazes held for a charged moment then I whispered. “Rules keep chaos out, Miss Vale.” I withdrew and walked back to my seat. Her faint exhale drew a slow smirk to my lips.

“No interviews without my approval. No unsupervised appearances with men and of course, no speaking to the press. And under no circumstances will you enter my personal chamber without permission.” My voice frigid

She nodded. Looking defeated, she glanced through the whole file and signed it, her hands trembling,

When she finished, I took the folder. “Welcome to the arrangement.” I said, my lip curled. Don’t get me wrong. I'm not thrilled. But it’s nice having someone to toy with… for a while.

“We’ll have a press conference tomorrow. Someone will take your measurements, then get your outfits and shoes ready. After that, you will officially move into my pent house. Ms. Dante will help you settle in.”

“I understand,” her voice careful and neutral. I let the corner of my mouth lift. Smart.

The press conference next morning was nothing short of drama, well staged and played out. Fake smiles behind the camera as hands clapped and voices echoed. Some cheered, others whispered. I wanted it to be over. I hated being the center of attention.

My hand rested at her lower back. She was so close, her scent wrapped around me. Our smiles perfectly aligned as bright lights flashed into our faces from different angle. We’d make the magazines’ couple of the year list without trying.

The moment it was over, I walked her to the car, careful not to let our bodies touch.

“Where are we going?” she asked softly. I’d been too busy to notice the transformation. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves. The gold beaded gown clung to her, tracing every curve and setting her skin aglow. Then there were her eyes, those soft brown eyes that caught me and refused to let go. I hadn't felt this kind of pull in years and I hated that I noticed.

I could pull her in, crush my lip against those red painted lips until the colour smudged her skin, cup her breast softly and feel her heat but I jerked back. What the hell was wrong with me? I don’t lose control. Not for anyone.

“Home,” I said, and signaled the driver.

Silence filled the car. I couldn’t wait to be out, I needed to get rid of this tension and I knew how.

We got home and her eyes widened at the sight of my penthouse. It seemed she’d never been to a place like this.

“Let me help you,” Ms Dante said, smiling brightly. I rolled my eyes

“Thanks a lot Miss…”

“Oh, where are my manners? Dante. I'm the housekeeper.”

“I’m Aria.” A cold smile gave way as she extended her hand for a shake, but Ms. Dante engulfed her in a warm hug.

She froze, then softened and returned the hug. An emotional moment, too friendly for my liking. I cleared my throat to break them up.

“Don’t forget the rules, Miss Vale.”

I walked in, while they scurried behind me. Fake smiles, I let out a groan.

My house was just like any other wealthy bachelor’s in Manhattan. Towering chandeliers, high ceiling, exquisite couches, a private gym, large kitchen and guest rooms. The top floor was my space; the boxing room, dressing room and my bedroom. Aria would never enter it. No one would.

Her gaze drifted around the room, taking in its beauty until she paused at something at the corner.

I followed her gaze. It was the piano. “You play?” I asked

“Not anymore.” The words came out before she though about it - too rehearsed.

“Ms. Dante will show you the house. And remember, don’t enter my room without permission. Don’t discuss our arrangement with anyone, family included. And…” I paused, letting the silence stretch. “If you will stay under my roof, you will never lie to me.”

She swallowed hard. “Understood,” her voice firm, gaze locked.

She sounded confident but I could sense she already lied.

I left them and retreated to the boxing ring to let off some steam. Afterwards, I walked to the kitchen to tell Ms. Dante to cook up something for us.

Then I heard the sound of the piano lid lift, soft but distinct. “Who is there?” Silence followed.

I stepped closer, but the notes I heard made me pause. My legs went numb, my hand tightened, my jaw twitched.

The melody tugged at a memory I’d buried. My chest tightened. A night I thought I’d forgotten.

And for the first time in years, I wondered if letting someone into my home… had been a mistake.