MR BILLIONAIRE, NOT YOUR WAY!

|Helena| “I can’t believe this is happening all at once. I didn’t plan to take it this far”, was the thought running through my mind as I sat in front of the huge dressing mirror. The maids were busy doing their thing and dressing me up for the night’s occasion. . It was not something I could escape, it was my right and what was expected of me. That night, I would be standing beside my husband as the wife of the Chairman and everyone who had been jealous of my position would be choked the more. My aides had been dolling me up all evening with the best of the best products and clothes they could lay their hands on. My skin was glowing like porcelain. My father might have worked as a butler all his life, but he raised me with all the care in the world. He made sure I lacked nothing. “You are glowing tonight ma’am”, Toria, my secretary commented, her cheekbones high in the air with a broad smile. I smiled. “Was there any day I never glowed?” My response made everyone chuckle as I was dressed up for the occasion before one of the maids came in with a designer box. She gently placed the jewelry box in front of me and opened it for everyone to see. “Your husband sent this”, she announced, and a series of gasps filled the air. It was screaming expensive and glittering wealth. Everyone leant forward to feed their eyes with the luxurious Harry Winston Cluster Large Diamond Pendant necklace that was carefully placed in its box. Her gloved hand-picked the exquisite piece and brought it closer for me to see. “Wooooww” My mouth curved in amazement. I never expected a gift from Michael because he had bought me several things over the weekend, solely for the ceremony. Everyone gushed about how thoughtful and intentional he was and how they would do anything to get themselves a man like him. I only chuckled softly at their words and focused on my face in the mirror. I didn’t dream of being in that position just a month ago. There was enough burden on my shoulders as his wife and also the manager of the financial department at work, now I have to giggle and butter up with other wealthy wives in order to keep my husband relevant. That was already exhausting, just thinking about it. “It’s time, ma’am.” Toria announced, and the finishing touches were made to my face. The necklace was fastened around my neck and my silver heels completed the look of my turquoise backless dress. With every step I took, elegance was exuded. I became the center of attention as the large hall’s door parted to reveal me. Michael was waiting by the door with a huge smile as he welcomed me. His arm went up in a curved elbow and I slid my hand between them, gracefully. The entire hall was filled with people of powerful status from all over the world. The atmosphere reeked of class, wealth and connections. Michael recently lost his parents to a ghastly car accident which shook the entire nation, considering how they are the biggest businessman with the largest business corporation. He had started from the bottom and worked his ass up the ladder, given the fact that his father had always vowed to leave the company to the best and not have him inherit it just because he was his only son. A year ago, he got married to me, a young and famous financial analyst and the only daughter of the Clintons’ butler, and was supported by the family until the last day of my education. The late Chairman took a special liking to me because of my keen eyes for business and understanding of the financial world, and when Michael brought me home as his wife, he didn’t have any cause to disagree. Our wedding was the biggest ever held in Spain. For a full week, it was celebrated loudly. No one could pull such a party except the Clintons. I had been supportive right beside him since then and the company had felt my impact, no doubt. “You look stunning” he whispered. My lips curved into the most beautiful smile, which was quickly overtaken by a blush that made my face red. He motioned for us to move forward, and we walked to the huge podium, in the midst of a heavy rain of claps. “Thank you for coming to celebrate with us today. We will make sure to carry on the legacy of the Clintons and work hard for the success of the company, the nation and the world at large”, he kept his speech short and another series of clapping sessions followed. The toast was taken, and the connection spree began as everyone ate their fill. Still linking their arms, we went around to greet the guests, communicate with them and all other necessities. My legs were killing me already, but who was I to complain? My husband’s success was mine too. Finally, the party came to an end, and we left for the house of Michael’s parents, which would be our new residence. We were welcomed and ushered in by the waiting maids and servants. It took us about two hours to settle in, eat and everyone left us to our own. I was applying her night skin care lotion when the door suddenly opened to show Michael, who was now in his comfy home wears. “You don’t plan to spend the night here, do you?” His voice boomed from the entrance as he lean on the door, looking at me like I was some stranger who broke into his house. My hands paused at his question. It was not clear enough for me to understand. “You say?” Closing the gap between them, he walked towards me with his hands in his pants’ pockets. “Have you forgotten the terms of the contract? Miss Helena. We only agreed to put on this façade until I get my inheritance. Fine! I got it earlier than expected and even became the Chairman that I didn’t plan for. You got fame from it and I got my inheritance. Both sides has benefitted. I believe you should have taken the hint before I had to say it. Our contract ends here, this night.” His words were like a cold knife, cutting me brutally and making me shiver at the same time. The man that was smiling warmly a few hours ago had gone cold. I knew it was a contract marriage, but I wasn’t expecting him to cut me off like that. What happened to talking about it amicably? My eyes quivered, my lips trembling as I tried finding the right word but found none. “If you leave tomorrow morning, it will cause too much gossip. It’s best you leave this night. I have already prepared your compensation. Jude will make sure you get everything. It was worth it while it lasted, Miss Helena Mavis.” He concluded and the sound of the door slamming hard against its frame jolted me back to life. The marriage I had put my all on crumbled within seconds. My mouth parted open in disbelief, I couldn’t believe he was jilting me like that, cold as f**k. Not wasting any time, I packed up my bag and left the house. Jude was waiting for me by the door and offered to help, but I declined. “You are the same scumbag as your boss. You couldn’t even hint me?” I glared at him, hard. My tears were fighting hard to drop, but I was stronger. I held it tightly as I clenched my teeth and tightened my fingers around my bag’s handle. I was moving out when his voice stopped me. “Ma’am, you have to sign the divorce papers” My head rang with anger. The tears I was fighting hard were unleashed. My right hand quickly wiped it and I turned to snatch the envelope from him in silence. My seal landed on the paper and I threw it in his face. “Tell your boss that he will regret this” I declared. My brows furrowed in anger as my heels turned, and I disappeared behind the door.