The Billionaire's Intertwined Affair

Chapter 1

I found it difficult to sleep peacefully, plagued by the discomfort of being around Kiro. It was still early in the morning when he compelled me to accompany him to a private hospital once again. I had no idea what awaited us there. Despite my repeated inquiries, his brows furrowed even more because I was too loud.

As we entered a private room, an elderly man in glasses and a formal suit approached us. He greeted Kiro first before turning his gaze toward me.

"Attorney Lucio," he introduced himself, extending his hand in the air, waiting for me to shake it.

I reluctantly accepted his hand, attempting to force a polite smile, although the situation left me uneasy. After exchanging brief pleasantries, my attention shifted to the hospital bed. There lay an elderly man, connected to life-support machinery that seemed to have been a fixture in this hospital room for quite some time.

"I have your grandfather's last will and testament here," Attorney Lucio handed me the documents.

I took them and furrowed my brow as I examined their contents. The man lying on the hospital bed was indeed my grandfather. Despite the uncertainty of whether I would ever awaken from my two-year coma, he had bequeathed nearly 70 percent of his assets to me.

"He wishes for you to oversee all the real estate properties he left behind in Puerto Rio," Attorney Lucio explained.

I was left speechless, momentarily stunned by the weight of this responsibility. Attorney Lucio's words were interrupted by the loud beeping of the hospital monitor.

Two nurses and a doctor hurriedly rushed to attend to him, attempting to revive him. Witnessing this scene, I couldn't help but marvel at my grandfather's resilience, his unwavering battle against life and death.

"His health deteriorated rapidly after the accident, Regina. You were the closest person to him, and he didn't hesitate to give you more than half of his property," Attorney Lucio explained.

I approached the elderly man, still hazy in my memories. I held his hand, unable to suppress the feeling of compassion that washed over me.

"He only has one month to live. Your father disagreed with the idea of your grandfather undergoing surgery because the location of his tumor is quite risky," Attorney Lucio continued.

Suddenly, a profound sense of longing washed over me for reasons I couldn't comprehend. I glanced in Kiro's direction. He stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall. His eyebrows raised slightly when he noticed my gaze fixed upon him.

Is this why he wanted to rush our marriage?

My irritation grew, as it seemed my suspicions were proving to be true. After spending several hours watching over my grandfather's condition, we finally headed home.

"Can you please tell my dad to stop this damn wedding?" I mustered the courage to confront Kiro once again. He remained focused on driving, refusing to even glance my way.

"I won't be happy with you. I don't want you," I stated firmly, only to be met with his soft chuckles.

"Really? If only you could remember how many times you begged me to stay before, you wouldn't be acting like this, Regina."

"That's all in the past! Now that I don't remember anything, I don't want you. I don't want to spend another lifetime with you!"

"If only you had spoken to your grandfather earlier, you would know that he still insisted on this marriage. He planned it all. So don't make any foolish decisions, Regina."

His words left me speechless. I thought we were heading home, but I was mistaken. He didn't even give me a hint about where we were going.

I couldn't help but continue complaining, "Can't we just go home? I'm starving!"

He remained silent, instead taking hold of my hand without a word as we strolled through the grand lobby of his company. I attempted to free my hand from his grip, but he held on firmly.

"All eyes are watching."

Realizing the truth in his words, I composed myself and straightened my posture.

"Good afternoon, Miss Regina," greeted the employees we passed, their voices filled with respect.

Even in the elevator, the employees voluntarily made way for us, ensuring we had our space. I glanced at Kiro, but he didn't offer a smile or exchange pleasantries with them. He stood firm, refusing to release my hand until we entered his spacious office.

A sumptuous spread of food awaited us, but my stomach churned with hunger, realizing I hadn't eaten anything since morning.

"Do as you please, but do not leave my office," he commanded with authority, taking his seat at his desk and shuffling through a stack of papers.

"I am not your possession, Kiro. Why do you feel entitled to dictate my every move?"

His gaze deepened as it bore into me. "Once we are married, I will grant you freedom."

His words evoked a sarcastic laugh from me. "So, the truth finally emerges! I know you are merely after my family's wealth, which is why you are so desperate to push this marriage forward. You could have simply allowed me to die!"

"Don't be so obstinate, Regina. As long as you remain under my control, you are powerless."

My anger intensified, etching a scowl on my face. "How audacious of you! You took advantage of my grandfather. What did you say to him to win his favor? And my father, why didn't he have any qualms about marrying me off to an arrogant man like you?" I nearly gasped for breath after pouring out those words. "Is it merely because you are exceedingly wealthy? Is that the sole reason you are so eager to wed me... or is there another motive lurking beneath?"

A devilish smile played upon his lips as he met my gaze. "You have wasted an abundance of energy by uttering those words. Just trust me, alright? I will take care of you."

My resentment didn't dissipate upon hearing his response. Luckily, his office housed an array of books, providing a temporary solace amidst the turmoil of my thoughts.

Kiro's demeanor grew even stricter. Sensing my reluctance to marry him, his gaze remained fixed upon me. I realized seeking help from anyone was futile, as even the bodyguards stationed nearby were loyal to him.

Dad was desperate to push this marriage too, even though my grandfather was still unconscious. They were determined to proceed with the wedding in just three days. I felt like my feet were bound, preventing me from running away, no matter how much I yearned for escape.

"I won't sleep beside you, Kiro. Stop controlling me!" I angrily declared before retreating to the sofa, wrapping myself in a comforter.

I couldn't believe he would violate my privacy as well. He insisted that we share the same room and bed, but he could dream on! I would rather endure the discomfort of this cramped sofa than be anywhere near him.

"Tomorrow is our wedding day. Make sure to get enough rest," he reminded me sternly.

I didn't dignify him with a response, choosing instead to close my eyes. He continued talking, listing off various tasks and expectations, but my anger had reached a boiling point, and I couldn't bear to listen to his words any longer.

When I woke up the next morning, I found myself in his bed. I had no idea how that happened. I was about to question him, but then I realized he wasn't in the room. Soon after, there was a gentle knock on the door.

It was still early in the morning, and I felt reluctant to rise from the bed. But when I finally mustered the energy to open the door, three women greeted me with bright smiles.

"Congratulations in advance for your wedding, Madam Regina," they cheerfully greeted me.

"We're so excited to dress you up, future Mrs. Villareal. We'll make sure you become the most beautiful bride ever!"

I tried to force a smile, although it was clear they were more excited than I was. They spent over three hours meticulously styling my hair and applying makeup, while I allowed them to do as they pleased, even though they could probably sense my lack of enthusiasm. As they worked, my gaze drifted to a picture frame resting on the bedside table. I picked it up and stared at it intently, lost in thought.

I looked so genuinely happy in that old picture, a radiant smile on my face as I stood next to Kiro. He proudly mentioned that our daughter, Ayesha, who is now five years old, was beaming with joy. I couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance she had to her father, from her sparkling eyes to her contagious smile.

"Surely Ayesha will be pleasantly surprised when she sees her parents getting married tomorrow. It's going to be her birthday as well."

As I stared at the photo, a peculiar connection tugged at my heart. Despite my frustrations with Daddy, Kiro, and his family, I couldn't deny the strange affection I felt for Ayesha. I couldn't recall the memories, but it seemed like Kiro was telling the truth. Perhaps this child was indeed my daughter, and the unexplainable surge of maternal love I experienced was a testament to that.

After the stylists finished preparing me, I gazed at my reflection in a full-length mirror. The fit and flare wedding dress hugged my curves elegantly, its delicate lace embellishments cascading down the gown. The soft ivory fabric adorned with intricate beadwork and embroidery added a touch of timeless grace. The veil delicately adorned my blonde curls, each strand expertly styled to perfection.

"You look absolutely stunning, Mam Regina," the stylists praised me without restraint.

However, I couldn't bring myself to accept their compliments. I felt a heaviness in my chest on that day. They say that weddings are every woman's dream, but ever since I lost my memories, the idea of marrying Kiro didn't spark any excitement within me. My heart no longer beats for him. Instead, I sensed that something was amiss, and it was imperative for me to uncover the truth. Perhaps marrying into the Villareal family would be the key to discovering who I truly was before.

As the stylists helped me descend from the second floor, my eyes immediately caught sight of Kiro waiting for me. I couldn't deny that he looked exceptionally handsome in his wedding suit.

As I approached him, I couldn't help but become transfixed. I didn't understand why I couldn't resist his charms. At the same time, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over me, accompanied by a strange sense of déjà vu. It was as if we had been in this very situation before, locked in an eternal loop of unknown memories and unanswered questions.

His kiss on the back of my hand sent my entire system into disarray, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions within me.

"How are you feeling today?" he asked, feigning concern as he gazed into my eyes.

My brow remained furrowed, a deep frown etching itself onto my face. "Do you think I look happy today? Out of all the brides, I probably have the heaviest heart."

He moved closer, our hands intertwining as if trying to anchor me to his presence.

"Say what you want, but you cannot escape from me, Regina. This is your life. And after everything we've been through, we're finally getting married."