The Billionaire's Forgotten Vow

Chapter 4

Talia Everhart POV

I still couldn't wrap my head around it. Yesterday, I was utterly disgraced, humiliated in front of an entire office by Skyler. The same woman who once stole the man I loved and painted me as a thief.

The night I was to announce to Allen my pregnancy, I caught her sleeping with him. In frustration, I ran out, never telling Allen the truth. And now…. That same man, Allen, the father of my son Ethan, the one who abandoned me when I needed him the most, requested I marry him instead.

Letting out a bitter laugh. “Life really has a sick sense of humor,” I muttered.

“I need you to act as my wife,” he had said.

“It's a contract. You'll be compensated and get whatever you want.”

I watched as Skyler brought in another man and slept on their matrimonial bed; she deserved every punishment Allen gave her.

I did say yes to the contract.

Of course. I don't have the luxury of rejecting. Mom's health was worsening, and Ethan needed to be operated on. The contract was the only way to save them. Pride has no place in my vocabulary anymore.

However… something about Allen was unsettling. He didn't seem to recognize me, no matter how close I got to him. Not a flicker of familiarity in those cold sea eyes of his. No guilt, no pain — nothing. Just a businessman offering a deal.

Was this some kind of cruel joke?

Or… had he truly forgotten me?

But, it does favor me.

“Do you, Miss Talia Everhart, take Allen Walker as your wedded husband?” The priest's voice boomed in my ears, drawing me back to reality.

I turned to my soon-to-be husband, a smile pealed through my lips. “I never imagined myself in the hands of Allen again,” I thought.

His expression was usual, stern, and held no signs of emotion. That was our contract, by the way.

No emotions attached. Just business for a year.

“I do”

“You may kiss the bride.”

Allen met my eyes, and for a moment I thought I saw something — the Allen I had once loved, but it shifted. His gaze flared as he took off my veil for a kiss.

My heart throbbed against my chest, my legs wobbled, and I began sweating. I felt nothing but guilt as his lips met mine. Then he pulled it off; it was quick, and I almost didn't notice it.

The church roared with applause and joyful smiles. Everyone was happy but me; a sick feeling clung to my belly. Suddenly, the church's door burst loudly, and Skyler walked out looking disheveled. Her hair was unkempt, her makeup smudged, and her eyes puffy.

She marched straight to the aisle and stood at the heart of the church, her hands pointing.

“How could you do this to me, Allen?” She began, snorting her nose, “I thought you loved me, but no. You ran back to your mistress immediately you met her.”

Allen turned his frame to her, “What is all this madness, Sky?” he asked firmly.

“You knew. You remember all along who Talia was,” Skyler cried out. “Did you also remember how she slept with your friend and tried stealing a million dollars from you?”

“I did not…” but before I could defend myself, Allen butted in

“Have you gone insane, Skyler? What has Talia got to do with this?” Allen fumed, “How can you come here and interrupt…”

“It's her. She's the b!tch I told you about, who tried to steal your parents' money,” Skyler let out loud.

The crowd gasped, and they all turned to me, including Allen, his gaze hot and hard on me, questioning and curious.

“Talia, is this true?” He arched his brows.

I opened my mouth to speak, but every word died in my throat.

“After my accident, I forgot half of everything that happened in my life; however, my mother and Skyler told me about you.” he paused, waiting for me to speak. “They said my lover ran away with millions of dollars after I caught her cheating. That was you?”

“I swear I did nothing,” I managed to say.

“Liar!” Skyler hollered. “You came back as soon as you heard Allen had gotten better and richer,” she smacked her lips and crossed her arms.

“You came begging so he could take you back, and you'd steal from him again!”

“That's not true!” I barked.

“That's enough!” Allen thundered, “I've had it with you, both of you.” Silence.

“We'll continue this back home,” Allen said.

The wedding party was canceled, the media ran wild, and the news of us saturated.

We drove back home, I, being the newlywed wife; however, it wasn't all I wished for. True, I had wished to get married to Allen, but not like this.

Tense air, suspense, and all awkwardness. “Now tell me, Talia, what Skyler said wasn't true?” Allen was glaring at me, his sleeves rolled up, his veins peaking out.

I tried shaking my head, but couldn't stop the tears from falling. I'd never been good at defending myself, and not now.

“I can explain,” I began.

“So it is true. You really were the lady who betrayed me,” Allen concluded.

“What? No, that never happened.”

He lifted his hands to stop me, “I don't want to hear it.” He began pacing and running his hands through his hair. “I can't believe I made a mistake twice,” he muttered. “No wonder you looked familiar,” he said, turning back at me. “When I saw your photos, I wondered where you actually were, so I could teach you a lesson for betraying me.”

Silence stretched out between us again.

My mind began reeling again. “There's still no chance with him? He'll never see me the same way again. The Talia he used to love and cherish,” I wiped the tears in my eye. “I should just leave.”

I got up, pulled off the wedding ring he had just given me, and dropped it on the table. “I'm sorry for the nuisance I caused you.” I glanced at him, then back at my wedding clothes, “I should probably thank you for the dress.”

“What are you talking about now?”

“I'm leaving.” I walked past him, but he stopped me, his large hands grabbed my arms.

“We're married now, and we have to continue with the rites,” he said in a low tone.

Cold shivers ran down my spine, and I stuttered, “What rites?”

Without a word, he carried me on his shoulders, walked over to the bed, and dropped me there whilst hovering above me. “I've been stressed enough tonight.”

I froze

“Strip off your clothes”