The Billionaire’s Ex-wife

Chapter 17

"You’re delusional" I said, my voice icy. Before I could speak again, he cut me off.

"Anita was sweeping for bugs. I honestly don't know why or how it was planted here. I'm grateful she found it though" I didn't reply and he sighed softly

"Do you want the police case number?"

"I don’t want any of that. I just want to go on with my life”

“So do I” His voice broke sharply as he took a step forward.

"Why are you doing this Dante? Why not ‘I'm sorry’? Why not ‘I was wrong'?"

"Because sorry is what you say when you spill wine or step on people's toes"

"Oh?"

"Yes, Alessia”

Alessia.

He’d been the only one to ever call my name like that. With that thick Italian accent and he made it sound like a prayer.

"You don’t know me, Dante. I'm not the Alessia from years ago"

"Good. I don’t want the Alessia from years ago. I want the one standing right here”

He moved into the kitchen and dropped a bottle of water on counter and I grabbed it.

"So what am I expected to do as your mistress?” I opened the bottle.

"Not mistress. WIFE” he corrected. “I already told you I spoke out of turn last time and I apologized” I rolled my eyes.

“So what do you want me to do? I hope you don’t expect to perform any marital duties” He leaned on the counter and spread his palms on it

“We can do things your way. Separate bedrooms, separate accounts, you keep your name, you never see my family, you don't work…”

"Sorry?" I cut him off there.

“Honestly, I don’t want you to work under anyone. If you want a job, I’ll buy the company and make you CEO”

“So that’s why you had me kicked out of work?”

“That was a dumb move on my end and I apologize for that”

“What else? I want to hear the full terms of this arrangement. Am I to live with you?”

“Yes. The truth is that I need your help. I need the board members to see that I am a family man. I promise to behave myself and not touch you unless you beg. I’ll not control you. I’m just asking you to play the role of my wife again” I scoffed.

He was having a little problem with the company and that’s why he needed my help I could use this to my advantage.

“You said you won’t touch me right?”

“Unless you ask me to which I know you’ll soon do” he said with a wink.

“Asshole” I muttered. He's not changed at all.

"When do I start to okay the role of your wife?” I asked. His lips curved into a smile.

“Tomorrow. There’s a conference by 2pm”

"Where?"

“The Upper Room by 2pm”

“Fine. I’ll be there. And Dante?" I set the plastic down. “This time around I’ll walk out if I feel like I can’t do this anymore” He nodded once like he was talking orders

“Understood, ma'am”

I turned to leave and walked out of the room. He pressed the button on the elevator and stepped back without crowding me.

"Alessia” he said as the doors opened. I looked over my shoulder.

"Thank you"

I nodded and stepped in before the doors closed.

The next day at exactly 2pm. Dante walked out of the restaurant in a wool coat and a paper bag in one hand. I tried to hold back my smile when I sighted him, he look too good and it made me want to eat him.

I wore a simple red long dress, and adjusted while he sat down.

"Hey babe”

"Behave” I said in a warning tone. He nodded and signalled at the waiter

“Coffee first, no sugars please"

“I remember how much you hate sugar” he said after the waiter left. I cleared my throat

"Now tell me everything and why you need this fake parade. Don’t leave a single thing out” he sighed.

"The image of the company isn't good. My uncle thinks I’m weak because of my love for women. The bug was planted in my space to prove I’m unstable so they can kick me from the chairman position”

“You mean Uncle Hayden?”

“That very one. If he sees I’m back with you, he’ll forget about my past mistakes”

“He knows about the five years we were not together. I’m not sure he would believe that we are suddenly back together after a long while”

“That’s why we need to convince him”

“Whatever. I have another condition”

“I’m listening”

“You won’t try to dig up any information about me. Whatever you see now, you take it”

This has been bothering me all through last night. I knew what Dante was capable of and I didn’t want him to find about Leo just yet.

“Why would I do that when I can just ask you?”

"Swear it”

"I swear on my life, Alessia. Your past is yours until you want to tell me”

"Good”

The waiter dropped the tray on the table

“Enjoy your drink”

I picked up the glass, sipped the drink and rested my hands on the table.

"So where do we go from here?” He chuckled softly before reaching into his coat, like he had it all planned out.

My heart stopped when he brought out my old ring box. I couldn’t believe he had still kept it. Tears stung my eyes. He opened it and it was still the same heart shaped diamond.

“I couldn’t throw it away even though I tried” I was speechless at his confession.

He got up and dropped one knee on the floor beside me

"Alessia, will you be my wife again?”

My mouth formed an O shape. I looked around and noticed we were now the center of attention. I wanted to slap Dante for this.

"Say yes. Say yes"

A crowd had formed and some were recording already. I could even hear the distant whispers.

"Isn't that Dante? Wow he looks go good. She's beautiful too. Aww, My crush is taken”

"Yes” I said, then whispered, "I’m not letting you off the hook”

I stretched my hand. He wanted a show, I’ll give it to him. He took my hand and slid it on my finger. The crowd cheered.

“You are gonna have beautiful babies" someone said.

Yes. Indeed. Leo's is so handsome.

In about an hour, the news will be spread far and wide and that was the point.

Then his phone rang. He ignored it. It rang again and again. The fourth time, he glanced at the screen and his face went blank.

"Your Uncle?" I guessed.

"Worse”

"What’s worse than protecting the image of your company?" He looked at me.

"The people whose company is in a competition with mine" he said

I realized the bug in his bedroom wasn’t to watch him. It was to watch who came to him and all and he had told them.

"Let's go" he said quietly. I didn’t stand up, but he got up and took my hand. His fingers closed around mine.