THE BILLIONAIRE'S MISSING PIECE (ENGLISH)

Naime often caught herself wondering how her life had become so full, so impossibly complete. Some mornings she would sit at her desk, sunlight pouring through the tall office windows, and feel as though she were living inside a dream she had once been too afraid to claim. Clifford loved her with a devotion that felt steady and unwavering, the kind of love she had only read about in novels. She had a best friend who never failed to stand by her side, and a career that was finally taking root in fertile ground. And now there was the wedding. The thought of walking down the aisle sent a flutter through her chest. She imagined the soft murmur of guests rising from polished pews, the scent of fresh flowers lining the path before her, and Clifford waiting at the altar with that gentle smile that had first made her heart surrender. She could almost hear the music swelling as she whispered her vows. A framed photograph of her and Clifford sat on the corner of her desk. In it, his arm was wrapped around her waist, her head tilted against his shoulder, both of them laughing at something outside the frame. She traced the edge of the picture with her finger before carefully setting it back down. With a contented sigh, she turned to her computer and resumed typing the final lines of an email addressed to a potential client. The proposal had taken weeks of careful planning, and she wanted every word to reflect her dedication. “Naime, congratulations. I am sure Clifford will take great care of you.” Drevin’s warm voice drifted from the doorway. She turned in her chair, her smile brightening at the sight of her boss leaning casually against the door frame. Drevin had interviewed her months ago, already aware of her engagement because of his long standing friendship with Clifford. That connection had made the interview less intimidating, though she had still worked hard to prove she deserved the position. “Thank you, Boss,” she replied, unable to keep the excitement from her voice. He nodded, eyes kind. “Once you are done here, feel free to head home and get some rest. You deserve it.” “I will. Thank you.” He gave her a reassuring smile before stepping away. He had a personal meeting scheduled that afternoon, one that did not require her assistance. Naime appreciated how supportive he had been since her first day. The office environment felt lighter because of him, more like a shared effort than a hierarchy. After sending the email, she leaned back in her chair and stretched, rolling her shoulders to release the tension. She glanced at the clock and allowed herself a small grin. Only three hours at the office, yet she had completed everything on her list. It was unusual for her to leave early, but today felt different. Today she wanted to immerse herself in wedding preparations. She had already spoken to the coordinator that morning. The invitations had been mailed, cream envelopes sealed with delicate gold script. All that remained was finalizing the venue and choosing her bridal gown. The thought of slipping into white lace and satin made her pulse quicken. Her heart brimming with anticipation, she reached for her cellphone and dialed Clifford’s number. He answered almost immediately. “Hey, babe.” His voice carried that familiar warmth that always softened her. “Where are you?” she asked lightly. “On my way to the condo. Do you need anything?” She bit back a playful smile. He had no idea she planned to surprise him with lunch. She imagined his expression when he opened the door and found her already there. “Nothing for now. I just spoke with our wedding coordinator about the venue. He is sending over some designs. We can choose our favorite together.” “That sounds exciting. I cannot wait, babe.” “Me too. See you soon.” “I love you.” Her heart swelled. “I love you too.” She ended the call and stared at her reflection in the darkened screen, cheeks flushed, eyes shining. Across town, inside a sleek black car pulling into the underground parking lot of the condo building, another pair of eyes rolled sharply. Shelly withdrew her hand from Clifford’s thigh, her lips pressed into a thin line. The sweetness in his voice during the call had soured her mood. “What is with the attitude, Shelly?” Clifford asked, irritation edging his tone as he shifted the car into park. She folded her arms. “Did I do something wrong again, babe?” Her voice carried a mock innocence that did not reach her eyes. He exhaled slowly, glancing around the dim parking area before lowering his voice. “I am engaged. You know that. We need to keep a low profile. I do not want Naime finding out about us and ruining everything. Do you understand?” “Fine,” she snapped, turning her face toward the window. The engine ticked softly as it cooled. For a moment, silence hung heavy between them. Then Clifford reached for her, pulling her closer until her shoulder brushed his chest. “Just be happy for us,” he murmured against her hair. “I have been planning this for a long time.” Her eyes darkened at his choice of words. Us. The word echoed differently in her mind. She pushed him away and opened the car door without another word. The sharp click of her heels echoed in the parking garage as she strode toward the elevator. Clifford followed, catching up just as she unlocked the condo door upstairs. The moment they stepped inside, he closed the door behind them and seized her wrist, pulling her back toward him. His lips found hers in a sudden, possessive kiss. The tension in her body softened, resistance melting as his hand slid to the small of her back. He knew exactly how to disarm her anger, how to replace it with heat and distraction. When he finally drew back, her earlier annoyance had transformed into a sly smile. She traced a finger along his collar, eyes glinting. Then she stepped away. “Let us not do this now,” she said firmly, though her breathing was uneven. Clifford studied her expression, trying to decipher whether she meant the kiss, the secrecy, or something far more dangerous that neither of them dared to name. Outside, unaware of the shadows gathering around her happiness, Naime gathered her things and prepared to go home, her heart still glowing with love and expectation. “She will be here later,” Shelly whispered, her fingers tracing idle circles against his chest. “Let us enjoy this while we can. You might miss this once you are married. Or maybe you will not. Even if you are lying beside her, I will still be here to keep you warm on the nights she cannot.” Her voice dripped with temptation, each word carefully placed, each pause deliberate. It wrapped around Clifford like silk, tightening with every breath he took. The air in the room grew heavy, thick with secrecy and desire. He leaned down and kissed her, slowly at first, as though savoring the taste of something forbidden. His hands moved with practiced familiarity, yet there was urgency beneath the tenderness. Piece by piece, fabric fell away, discarded onto the floor that had once held Naime’s laughter when they first moved in together. They sank into the bed. It was the same bed where Clifford had once held Naime close and spoken of dreams. The same bed where they had imagined children, shared whispered confessions, and promised a future built on loyalty. Now those promises lay buried beneath rumpled sheets and restless hands. Clifford’s restraint dissolved as Shelly’s skin pressed against his. The sight of her, revealed before him, ignited something reckless inside his chest. He moved as though chasing a hunger that had no name, driven by impulse rather than love. For a fleeting moment, the world outside that room ceased to exist. Across town, unaware of the betrayal unfolding beneath her own roof, Naime loaded the final grocery bag into her car. She paused, closing her eyes as she mentally reviewed her list. A soft groan escaped her lips when she realized she had forgotten a few key ingredients. Laughing at herself, she locked the car and hurried back into the store. The fluorescent lights hummed above her as she quickly gathered what she needed. Tomatoes, fresh basil, cream. She double-checked her basket before heading to the cashier, determined not to forget anything else. Her phone rang just as she stepped out of the store. “Hi, Miss Alvarez. I have sent the venue designs for you to review. Please take your time choosing. Let me know within a week so we can proceed with the preparations.” Naime’s smile widened. The coordinator’s timing felt almost magical. “Thank you so much for your hard work,” she said warmly. “If you have any preferences for colors or design details, please inform me,” he added. “I will. Thank you again.” She ended the call and leaned against her car for a moment, letting the breeze brush against her face. Everything was aligning beautifully. The venue designs were ready. The invitations had been sent. And then her phone chimed with a message that made her heart leap. Her bridal gown was ready for fitting. A delighted laugh escaped her lips. She imagined standing before the mirror in white silk, imagined Clifford seeing her for the first time as she walked toward him. Would his eyes fill with tears? Would he reach for her hand and squeeze it the way he always did when he felt overwhelmed? She started the engine and turned on a playlist of love songs. The melodies filled the car, soft and hopeful. Her fingers tapped lightly against the steering wheel as excitement fluttered in her chest. She could not wait to tell Clifford everything. By the time she arrived at their condo, the sun had begun its slow descent, painting the building in warm gold. She balanced the grocery bags in her arms and approached the door. It was slightly open. Her steps faltered. Perhaps he had forgotten to close it properly. Perhaps he had rushed inside and not noticed. Clifford’s work as President of E Largo Travels often left him exhausted. Maybe he was asleep. She nudged the door wider with her elbow and stepped inside. The living room was quiet. Then she noticed a familiar shoulder bag tossed carelessly on the floor. Shelly’s. Naime’s breath caught in her throat. Her heart began to pound, not fast with excitement this time, but heavy and uneven. A faint sound drifted from down the hallway. Laughter. Soft at first. Then unmistakable. A woman’s voice. Playful. Breathless. Another sound followed. Low. Intimate. The grocery bags slipped slightly in her trembling grip. She told herself not to jump to conclusions. There had to be an explanation. Maybe Shelly had stopped by unexpectedly. Maybe Clifford was helping her with something. Maybe she was imagining things. Her feet moved forward despite the storm gathering inside her chest. Each step toward the bedroom felt heavier than the last. The door was closed. Her hand hovered over the knob. For a moment she considered turning away, choosing ignorance over truth. But the sounds beyond the door shattered that fragile hope. With a shaking breath, she turned the knob and pushed the door open. Time seemed to fracture. There, tangled in white sheets that Naime herself had chosen, were Clifford and Shelly. Skin against skin. No space between them. No room for denial. Clifford’s face drained of color. Shelly froze. And Naime stood at the threshold of the life she thought she had, watching it crumble before her eyes.