The Return of the Billionaire’s Wife

Chapter Four- A stranger

Victoria spotted her and walked towards her slowly. She was always poised and gleaming. She wore a stunning designer dress that hugged her figure, and her blonde hair was perfectly styled. But it wasn't the outfit that caught her attention. It was the massive diamond ring sparkling on her finger.

Her engagement ring from Jackie. Victoria’s gaze was focused on Elena and she let out a slow, smug smile spreading across her lips. She tilted her head as if she were daring Elena to react.

Her throat tightened as the words stuck in her chest.

“Elena,” Victoria purred, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. “What a surprise. I didn’t expect to see you here. Isn’t it a little… out of your budget now?”

Her friend stepped forward and said, “What do you want from her? Why are you so mean towards her? You need to stop doing this or else…”

“Stop right there. This is a family business, it's none of your business. It's between me and her” she interrupted Nina and leaned against Elena. She whispered, “I know your eyes haven't left my finger since I walked in. Isn't it gorgeous? Jackie has such good taste, don't you think?”

She twirled a lock of hair around her finger as she smiled widely. She held up her hand, flashing the ring in Elena’s face. Elena’s throat tightened and her faze fell on Jackie. He shifted awkwardly but said nothing. He's trying to avoid her gaze.

She felt like her heart was being squeezed. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't think. How could they do this to her? How could they parade around, rubbing their engagement in her face like this?

She finally voiced out, her voice barely above a whisper. “I… I didn't expect to see you two here.”

Victoria shrugged and chuckled. “Well, we were just doing some shopping. You know, planning for the wedding.” she glanced up at Jackie with a sickly smile. “Right, babe?” He muttered something under his breath, trying to avoid Elena’s gaze.

“I would love to invite you to my wedding, Elena. Will you grace me with your presence?” Victoria asked mockingly. Her mind raced as she felt words stuck in her throat. She couldn't stay there anymore. She couldn't deal with this right now. Without another word, she turned on her heel and made for the door.

She entered the car and pressed the gas pedal. She spotted a bar on the corner. Without hesitation, she walked inside. The smell of whiskey and smoke hitting her as she made her way to the counter. “I need something strong,” she said to the bartender, slumping on a stool.

He poured her a glass of Whiskey. She downed it in one go, and she winced as the burn hit her throat. Her phone buzzed in her bag but she ignored it. She wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone.

She signaled for another drink, and after one hour, she had lost count of how many she'd had. The bar started to blur slightly as the alcohol took hold of her. She stared down at the glass, stirring the liquid. She tried to focus on anything but the ache in her chest was taking over her.

“Rough night?” she blinked and looked up to see a man standing next to her. He was tall and incredibly handsome. He had dark hair, and piercing green eyes. He was dressed in a sleek suit like he had just stepped out of a magazine.

She forced a smile and tried to brush him off. “You could say that.” The man smiled back, not moving from his spot. He offered, “Can I buy you another drink?”

“Yes, please,” she said firmly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

He whispered to the bartender and took a seat beside her. He leaned in slightly and muttered, “You shouldn't be here alone.”

She narrowed her eyes, and she felt her head spinning. “I'm fine,” she insisted. She didn't want to bore him with her pathetic story. She just wanted to have a blast night.

He chuckled softly, his gaze never leaving hers. “Look, I'm not trying to be creepy, but you're clearly upset and… a little too drunk to be wandering around. Let me get you home.”

She blinked again, and felt her world crashing before her. She shook her head, though it felt heavy but she managed to say. “I don't… need help,” She felt her legs stagger as she stood up.

“Yeah, but I think you do need help,” he said, catching her arm before she could stumble. “Let me give you a ride. Where do you live?”

She wanted to argue but she was feeling dizzy. Before she knew it, he had helped her into the passenger seat of his sleek black car.

The next morning, her eyes fluttered open as she felt her head throbbed. She blinked at the unfamiliar ceiling above her. There was a faint smell of expensive cologne. She wasn't at home. She quickly sat up and her eyes scanned the room thoroughly.

There was a sudden movement by her left which startled her. Someone sprawled out on a couch. It was the man from last night. The stranger from the bar. He was still asleep.

She felt her chest tightened as she checked herself. Her clothes were still on, everything were intact. She let out a shaky breath as she slid out of the bed quietly. Her heart pounded in her chest as she knelt beside the couch and shook the stranger’s shoulder.

“Hey…hey! Wake up.” he groaned as his eyes fluttered open. His hair was disheveled. He sat up groggily and blinked at her. “What's going on?” he asked, running a hand through his hair.

“Why am I here?” she demanded as she folded her arms tightly across her chest. “Did… did anything happen between us?”

He shook his head. He was still half-asleep, and he muttered, “No. Nothing happened.”

She exhaled as she glanced around. “Then why did you bring me here? Why didn't you take me home?”

He sighed and leaned back against the couch. “You passed out in my car. I couldn't just leave you on the street, and you didn't exactly give me directions to your place.” he continued, “So, I brought you here.”

She stared at him curiously. A part of her was grateful he hadn't abandoned her on the streets, but another part was furious that she had been put in a position to explain herself to Richard about her whereabouts.

“Look,” he continued. “I didn't touch you. You were safe. I just let you sleep it off.” she hesitated as he was about to touch her arm. “Thanks,” she said firmly. “But I need to go.”

He nodded and stood up slowly. “I'll drive you back.”

“No,” she cut him off quickly. “I'll call a cab,” She wasn't about to get back into his car no matter how trustworthy he seemed. She grabbed her bag from the nearby couch and was about to open the door when she heard him say, sounding uninterested. “Suit yourself.”

He ran a hand through his hair and glanced at her. “I was just trying to help.” She paused for a moment at the door. She knew he hadn't done anything wrong but being here in his apartment felt kind of wrong. “Thanks for…not being a jerk,” she said calmly not glancing at him.

He chuckled softly as his lips curled into a small weary smile. “You're welcome.” Without another word, she left the room. She exhaled as she pulled the coat tighter around her. She dialed the number for a cab.

Her head throbbed with the lingering effects of last night’s alcohol. She glanced out the window as she tried to focus on the passing scenery when her phone suddenly buzzed in her hand. It was her father.

She felt a strong pain of fear in her chest. She knew she couldn't ignore it. She took a deep breath and answered. “Hello?”

“Elena,” Her father’s voice roared from the other side. “Your sister’s wedding is set.” She felt her blood boil inside her. Of course, he wasn't calling to check on her. It was always about Victoria. It was always about what mattered to them, never her.

“I'm not going,” she blurted out as her grip tightened on the phone. The last thing she wanted was to sit through her sister’s wedding, watching Jackie. The man who betrayed her with her own sister.

“Oh, yes, you are.” he threatened, leaving no room for argument. “You’ll be there, Elena. This is family, and I will not tolerate your excuses.” She clenched her jaw as she felt her blood boiling in her stomach. “I don't care. I'm not going to stand there and watch—”

“You don't have a choice,” he cut her off angrily. “You will attend, or I'll make sure your life is hell. Don't forget who holds the power here.” Her hands began to tremble because she knew exactly what he was capable of.

He had done it before. He made her life unbearable whenever she didn't fall in line. This wasn't a request, it was a demand. And he wasn't bluffing.

“Please, dad…” she whispered. She heard him chuckle at the other end and muttered, “The invitations will arrive at your place soon. I will be expecting you and perhaps, you can bring along Richard if you want. And I don't want any drama that day. Just show up, smile, and behave yourself.”

She felt her heartbeat fastening at the mention of Richard. He was the only one who could protect her from the insults and stares she knew were coming. But Richard… She couldn't rely on Bim to come to this chaos.

“I—i can't go alone…” she stammered as her throat tightened. He was silent for a moment then he let out a harsh laugh. “That is none of my concern. Whether he comes or not is up to him. But make no mistake, you will be there no matter what. You are still part of this family whether you like it or not.”

She felt her breath caught in her throat as tears streamed down her face. No matter how hard she tried to escape from them, they would always pull her back into their tangled trap.

“Do you understand me?” he demanded angrily and she shivered. She swallowed the lump in her throat and whispered, “Yes.”

“Good. The wedding is next Saturday. Make sure you're prepared.” With that, the line went dead. She lowered the phone slowly as she heaved a deep breath. She leaned her head against the window as she felt the cold glass easing the heat in her cheeks.

She alighted from the cab as it pulled up to her apartment building. She reached the front door and her phone buzzed again. It was a message from Victoria. “Hey sissy, my secretary will send the two invitations to you. Don't dress shabbily because I won't have you ruin my wedding and put up a show that day.”

Her stomach stirred as she unlocked the door and stepped quietly inside the apartment. She glanced around, trying to make sure she wasn't seen by the staff or Richard. She took her shoes in her hand and tiptoed slowly making her way upstairs.

“What the hell are you doing? Why are you acting like a thief?” she heard a voice behind her. It was Richard. How did she want to explain where she was coming from?