The Return of the Billionaire’s Wife

Chapter Nine

She stepped out of Richard’s grand mansion and walked down the highway. She hailed a cab waiting by the curb and the driver asked, his trench accent thick and rich, “Where to, Madame?”

“Please I need you to take me to any hotel far away from here,” the driver nodded and she entered the car. As they drove through the city, she gazed out the window thinking about the conversation she heard earlier.

She replied to the words, ‘…your father will disown you,’ and shook her head. She doesn't want him to be disowned by his father. This is the only way for her to leave him.

She knew he probably would be looking for her but she was determined never to come across him and his family. She knows what it feels like to be rejected or hated. She shivered despite the warmth of the cab.

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the hotel. She paid the fare and stepped onto the sidewalk. She walked into the hotel with her luggage rolling behind her.

“Welcome, madame,” the receptionist said with a warm smile. She returned the smile and said, “I'd like a room, please,” The receptionist handed her a key card and said, “That will be €500 per night, Madame.”

She winced as she glanced at her in shock. She was planning to stay for a week before she searched for a job. Her savings from the UK would barely cover a week. She handed over her credit card and the receptionist processed the payment.

She took a deep breath and thought about her decisions. Was she making a mistake? She took the key card and made her way to the elevator.

The room was cozy with a stunning view of the city. She freshened up and collapsed onto the bed. She was exhausted by the ride. She felt tears stream down her face as she thought about her life. Everything she had gone through since she was a kid.

How her problem started when her mother felt sick. She sniffled and cried softly. She thought she'd left her pain behind. But unfortunately, it hadn't ended.

She stared at the ceiling and thought about Richard's sudden wealth, his power, and his influence. It was a world she’d never been part of, a world she didn't understand. She never knew the man she'd fallen in love with.

She remembered his smile, his laughter, and his kindness. She knew he did it out of pity. He saw everything his father and step-sister did to her and he tried his best to defend her and stand for her. She knew she wasn't made for this kind of life.

The soft hotel sheets surrounded her and she felt warm. Then, she drifted into a sleep.

The next morning, she woke up early, tossed off the covers, and got out of bed. She sat on the couch, her eyes fixed on the phone as she searched for any vacancy.

Then, her phone rang. She checked the caller ID and her heartbeat was faster. She saw Richard’s name flashed on the screen. Her fingers trembled as she hesitated. She dropped the phone and left it to ring unanswered.

He called again and again with each ring piercing her ear. She ran a hand through her hair and finally picked up the phone. She blocked his number and switched off her phone. Her call stopped and she heaved a sigh of relief. She lay back with her eyes closed, thinking of what to do.

In a couple of days, her payment would be due and she would have to renew it. She doesn't have any money with her. She'd used literally all her savings to pay for the hotel room.

One week passed and her funds were dropping off. She received a message from the hotel manager. “This is a reminder that your payment for the hotel room is due. If you intend to stay beyond the current booking period, please settle the payment for the next few days. Otherwise, we suggest you leave the hotel premises and explore alternative accommodation options, such as a budget-friendly motel.”

She felt her heart beat fast as she read the message. She'd been avoiding this reality. She felt tears streamed down her face as she read through the message again. There's nowhere she could go.

Two nights later, she packed her bags and slipped out of the hotel. The cool Parisian air shrouded her as she stepped onto the sidewalk. The city was breathtakingly beautiful. The streetlights toss a golden glow on the cobblestone streets.

She wandered, lost in thought. As she strolled, a sign caught her eye. ‘Vacancy: Waitress wanted.’ Her heart skipped a beat as she walked closer to the restaurant. She pushed open the door and stepped inside. There was warm lighting and the aroma of sweet delicacies filled the air.

A friendly face greeted her. “Bonjour! Welcome to Le Bistro,” she smiled and introduced herself. She asked about the vacancy and the man took her to the manager, Monsieur Dupont.

"Ah, perfect timing! We need someone to start immediately,” the manager muttered and she felt her heart leaped. “Really? I'll take it!”

The manager chuckled and muttered, “Excellent! You'll work with Lydia, our head waitress,” The lady turned to her with a soft smile. She showed Elena the ropes and she started immediately. She poured coffee, served plates and exchanged laughter with Lydia.

For the first time, she felt a sense of belonging. She explained her problem to Lydia about accommodation issues and she took her in.

The next day, she woke up early and showered quickly. She got dressed and ready for work alongside Lydia. Suddenly, she felt dizzy and held onto a couch. “Hey, you okay?” Lydia asked, noticing her pale face.

She forced a smile and nodded slightly. She knew she wasn't fine. They headed to the kitchen for a quick breakfast. Then, her nausea hit her full force. Her throat was tightened and she felt like throwing up.

“Oh no,” she muttered, rushing to the sink. Lydia followed close behind and asked, “What's wrong?” She took a deep breath, her body shaking as she vomited. “I think I have malaria,” she said and Lydia rubbed her back.

She chuckled and mumbled, “Honey, those are pregnancy symptoms,” Her eyes widened in shock as she glanced at her. “Pregnant? No!” she cried out.

Lydia’s expression softened and she explained to her. “The signs are there, Elena. Morning sickness, sore throat… you're probably exhausted too,” She nodded and shook her head abruptly. Then she remembered that one night she had with him. Her face turned pale and she whispered, “No, this is not happening.”