Chapter 6 – Breakfast With a Billionaire
748 Words
Aira woke up to the smell of fresh coffee and something warm and buttery wafting through the air.
For a moment, she forgot where she was.
Then she rolled over—and saw Elian Navarro, shirtless, sipping espresso by the window like it was the most natural thing in the world.
She groaned and sat up. “You’re one of those people who wakes up early on purpose, aren’t you?”
He didn’t glance at her. “Routine builds discipline.”
“Coffee builds survival,” she muttered, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.
She shuffled toward the kitchen, still in her silk nightgown—thankfully modest—and reached for the coffee pot.
Elian raised an eyebrow. “Good morning to you too.”
She gave him a look. “Forgive me if I don’t greet my fake husband with sunshine and sparkles.”
He poured her a cup without a word and slid it toward her. “We have a breakfast meeting.”
She blinked. “We?”
“My parents. They insisted on meeting you.”
Aira nearly choked on her coffee. “Already?!”
“You’re my wife. They want to see the woman who ‘tamed me,’” he said, tone dry.
She stared at him. “Do they know this marriage is… business?”
“No. And they can’t. My mother’s health is fragile—too much stress or disappointment could affect her condition.”
Aira’s expression softened. “So you’re doing this for her?”
“In part.”
“And the other part?”
Elian looked away. “That’s not your concern.”
Before she could press further, he disappeared into the other room. When he returned minutes later, he was dressed to kill—tailored navy suit, polished shoes, the whole powerful package.
“You’ll need to wear something formal,” he said. “I had Renna send options.”
Aira stood and crossed her arms. “What if I don’t want to play the perfect wife this morning?”
He met her gaze. “Then you’ll make this harder than it needs to be. For both of us.”
Aira hesitated.
Then she exhaled. “Fine. But if they’re judgmental, I’m switching to wine for breakfast.”
---
Two hours later, they arrived at The Silver Garden, an upscale restaurant with a view of the sea and staff who probably signed NDAs.
Elian’s parents were already seated—his mother delicate and regal in a white lace dress, his father stern and proud in tailored gray.
“Aira,” his mother said, rising with a warm smile. “It’s wonderful to meet you.”
Her embrace was gentle but firm, as though Aira were someone precious. It was... unexpected.
“Likewise, Mrs. Navarro,” Aira replied, genuinely.
Elian’s father, however, gave her a once-over and barely concealed his skepticism.
“So, you’re the one who finally convinced my son to settle down,” he said.
Aira smiled sweetly. “Or maybe he convinced me.”
The mother laughed softly. “She has spirit, Elian. I like her.”
Elian’s jaw tightened—but Aira saw the flicker of tension in his eyes. He didn’t like pretending. Not here. Not with them.
They sat, ordered, exchanged polite conversation. Aira played her role well—smiling, speaking confidently, even letting her hand rest over Elian’s occasionally when his mother looked their way.
Halfway through the meal, his mother leaned closer. “I must say, Aira, you bring out a light in my son I haven’t seen in years.”
Aira blinked. “I do?”
“Yes,” she whispered. “Don’t let him push you away. He needs someone... real.”
That word hit hard.
Real.
And suddenly, Aira felt like she was standing on thin ice, dancing beautifully above a lie that could shatter everything.
---
As they drove back, Aira stayed silent.
“You did well,” Elian finally said.
“Your mother’s lovely,” she replied.
“She’s stronger than she looks.”
Aira turned to him. “And you? Are you as cold as you look?”
He didn’t answer.
Instead, he said, “We have another event tonight. Charity ball. You’ll need to wear the red gown.”
Aira stared out the window, heart heavy with thoughts she couldn’t quite name.
This wasn’t just pretend anymore. Not entirely.
Because somehow, she wanted to be real in a world built on lies.
- Writer
