MY CONTRACT HUSBAND IS A RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE

Chapter 6 - We Don't Talk About It

We flew back to Manila in silence.

He sat in first class. I sat 3 rows behind him.

Like strangers.

For 3 days after Paris, he didn't talk to me. Not even at dinner.

He'd leave for work at 6AM. Come home at 2AM.

Rule 2 was back. Stronger than ever. Stay away from me in private.

I hated it. I hated that I missed his touch.

I hated that I kept replaying that kiss.

It was a mistake. He said so himself. "Last time."

So I threw myself into being the perfect wife. In public.

Galas. Meetings. Photos.

I smiled. I laughed. I played Mrs. Virel perfectly.

But at night... I cried into my pillow.

On the 4th day, I broke.

"Are you happy now?" I asked him at dinner. Our first dinner together in days.

He didn't look up from his steak. "About what?"

"About the contract. About me following the rules."

"Yes." Finally he looked at me. Empty eyes. "This is better. Less complications."

Complications. That's what I was to him.

"Good." I stood up. "Then I won't be a complication anymore."

I walked to my room. Packed one bag.

My phone buzzed. Hospital.

`Payment received. Thank you.`

Because of him. Because of the contract.

I was at the door when his voice stopped me.

"Where are you going?"

I turned. "Home. To my real home. Not this fake one."

His jaw tightened. "The contract says you stay for 1 year."

"The contract also says no feelings." I laughed bitterly. "Guess I broke that rule."

He walked toward me. Stopped 1 foot away.

"Don't go."

Two words.

My heart stopped. "Why?"

"Because..." He looked away. "The board will ask questions if you leave."

Right. The board. Always the board.

I nodded. Dropped my bag. "Fine. I'll stay. For the contract."

He walked away without another word.

But that night, I heard him outside my door.

Standing there. For an hour.

And I wondered...

Was he regretting the kiss?

Or was he regretting that it meant nothing?