THE BILLIONAIRE'S UGLY EX-WIFE

The atmosphere in the room was palpably tense. The middle-aged couple standing in front of Rora exuded a malevolent aura that needed no seer to discern. With a face twisted in disgust, Mr. Smith spoke, "Rora, you’ve been living with the Smith family for years without contributing anything. Don’t you think it’s time you gave something back? We’re not asking for much—just to share a glass of wine with investor Sam." "Rora, your father is right," Mrs. Smith echoed, her nose wrinkling as though she were looking at a latrine. "You’re not literate; this is the only favor we’re asking of you. We promise no one, especially Kelvin, will find out." Rora sat on the sofa a few feet away, her head bowed, disheveled hair obscuring her face. Her body was twice the size of the standing couple and their daughter, Rara, who sat opposite her. When Rora finally raised her head, it revealed a face marred by scars, likely inflicted by a sharp knife. Her entire body was drenched in sweat from anxiety and nervousness. "I-I-I can’t do it," she stuttered, lowering her head in fear again. Since Old Smith, who had brought her to the family at the age of five, passed away, Rora had been treated worse than a stray dog. "Rubbish! You’ll do it whether you want to or not!" Mr. Smith shouted, pointing a furious finger at her. His face was red with anger. This was the first time Rora had ever refused their demands, and it infuriated them. "Dad, Mom, let me talk to her," a soft, delicate voice interjected. Mr. Smith, about to continue his tirade, stopped and turned to their precious daughter. Rara was dressed like a princess, while Rora wore a threadbare gown worse than a beggar’s. The colors of the fabric had faded from countless washings. Rara walked over and took one of Rora’s large palms into her slender hands. If Rora had looked up, she would have seen the disgust on Rara’s face. "Sis, are you refusing because of Kelvin?" Rara asked with a knowing tone. Rora nodded vigorously, her head rattling in agreement. Rara’s lips curled into a mocking smile. Everyone in Aberdeen knew of Kelvin’s hatred for Rora, but Rora was oblivious. Rara’s eyes flickered as she said softly, "Mom and Dad bought you a princess dress. Go upstairs and put it on; I’ll take you out to dinner tonight." Rora’s face lit up with surprise. "Are you really going to take me out?" she asked, her voice trembling with excitement. Rara nodded, handing her the packaged princess dress. "Yes, hurry up and get dressed before Mom and Dad change their minds." Overjoyed and unsuspecting, Rora quickly got to her feet, clutching the dress tightly, and ran up the staircase. Despite sweating and gasping for breath, it took her ten minutes to cover the short distance. After she was out of sight, Mr. Smith directed a frown at his daughter. "What are your intentions? You are aware that she is meant to stand in for you in the meeting with investor Sam." "Dad, Mom, don’t worry. I’ve made all the arrangements. Investor Sam will definitely invest in the movie and support our company," Rara responded confidently, a smug smile on her face. Her relaxed demeanor left no doubt that she was in control. Mrs. Smith smiled warmly. "That’s why you’re my daughter. Don’t worry; your father and I will talk to the Henderson family so you can replace Rora as the bride." Rara beamed with joy. Hearing footsteps, she turned to see Rora descending the stairs, looking extremely happy in the princess dress, which was double her size. She couldn’t remember ever seeing Rora wearing something so pretty. "You look beautiful, Rora," Rara complimented her with a smile. "Yes, you’re beautiful," Mr. Smith added, though his face showed disgust. Rora lowered her head shyly, standing silently beside Rara. "Dad, Mom, we’ll be on our way," Rara said. "Don’t stay out late, and let Mark drive you," Mrs. Smith cautioned. "Thank you, Mommy," Rara said, leading Rora out of the living room. They hopped into a car, and the driver, Mark, drove them away from the mansion. An hour later, the car pulled into the parking lot of the Essential Hotel in Aberdeen, the city's largest and most prestigious hotel, renowned for its sky bar and high-class service. As Rora stepped out of the car, she gazed at the towering building with shining eyes. Once Rara alighted, the driver, Mark, asked, "Miss Rara, should I return to the mansion or wait for you here?" "No need, return to the mansion. I'll call you if I need you," Rara replied. She then walked over to stand beside Rora. "Is it stunning?" Rara asked softly. Rora nodded enthusiastically. "Let's go inside. I've already booked a private room. You're going to taste the specialties of a five-star chef today," Rara said with pride before leading the way. Rora followed closely behind. They soon entered the hotel and were escorted to the private room that Rara had reserved for them. "I'll be right back," Rara said, leaving Rora alone in the room. Clutching her princess dress tightly, Rora looked around with wide-eyed interest, as if she were seeing the world for the first time. Rara returned shortly with a waiter carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses. After the waiter served them, Rara said, "You may leave." After the waiter left, Rara poured wine into both glasses and handed one to Rora. "Rora, I have to step out for a moment. Feel free to start without me," she said, before swiftly leaving the room without waiting for a reply. Rora nodded, taking a sip of the wine. Her eyes widened in delight at the new flavor, her very first taste of wine. With excitement, she emptied the glass and promptly poured herself another, relishing each sip. A few minutes later, as she raised her hand to take another big gulp, her arm flopped weakly, causing the glass to fall to the floor. Her eyelids grew heavy, and her vision began to spin. Unable to stay awake, she leaned to the side and closed her eyes. At that moment, the door opened, and Rara entered with two brawny men. "Take her to room 316," she ordered.