Unravelling the Billionaire's Bride

PROLOGUE

Anna was so elated as she looked forward to the award party being hosted for the art contest participants for two reasons-she was one of the awardees, and she'd overheard Casper (her boyfriend) telling his friend he had a surprise planned for the party. They were about to complete their junior year so maybe he wants to propose, and to no one else but her!

Whatever the surprise is, she was so looking forward to it that she kept smiling as she ironed her dress. She sketched the design herself and had a dressmaker sew it specially for the occasion. She lifted it to check if there was any overlooked crease when she heard a car honk outside her apartment and peeped to see Jessica had arrived. Putting on her dress in a hurry, she stepped out to meet Jessica.

Jessica bent a little to stare at her as she approached the car. "Why are you blushing? You look like someone going for their first date."

She laughed as she sat in the passenger seat. "In case you forgot, I am an awardee and..." She lowered her voice and stared at the car floor. "Casper has a surprise planned for the party, I overheard him telling his friends."

Jessica eyed her, "No wonder you're grinning ear to ear."

Anna jerked forward as Jessica entered the highway and stepped on the gas suddenly.

"Jess!" She screamed. "You'll be the death of me. Why are you in such a hurry? The party is not starting until the next hour."

Jessica laughed easily as she navigated the traffic. "I want to get there early so I can snatch a really handsome guy for myself."

Anna rolled her eyes, "Says someone who has two guys fighting for her attention right now."

"I've yet to meet the love of my life." She shook her head, "You know, like my soulmate. When I do, I'll stop chasing boys around." She parked behind the hall and turned off the ignition.

"I wonder what I'm doing with a crazy boy-chaser like you." Anna said, and they both laughed.

"Thanks to me, you'll have a lot of college stories to tell." She grabbed Anna's arm, "c'mon, let's get inside."

The fairy lights that glowed in the multipurpose hall had transformed it into a party venue. Small paper lanterns in maroon and white colors were strung on the wall. All chairs and tables were covered in white, with a stripe of maroon tied around the back of each chair and a centerpiece on each table. A backdrop with logos of different companies who sponsored the contest and the theme of the event written boldly in the middle graced the wall behind the carpeted stage. Students in dresses and suits made small talk and laughed as low, soft music drifted from the DJ booth.

They chose a table with a clear view of everything going on in front. As soon as they were seated, Jessica brought out a bottle of Barcadi's Extra Rare Gold Rum. She eyed Anna as she poured herself a drink, "mind joining me?"

"No thanks. You know I don't do alcohol."

"But tonight's special. You should celebrate."

"I insist." Anna said, her gaze fixed on the entrance.

"You are so eager to see him, aren't you?" Jessica relaxed her back on the chair and took a gulp.

"I just can't help it." Anna smiled and briefly covered her face with both hands. "I can barely sit still."

"Well, now you don't have to."

"What d'you mean?" Anna asked, and Jessica jerked her head in the entrance's direction. Casper had just entered. Anna shot up from her seat excitedly, but she had only taken two steps when she halted-a girl was on Casper's arm. She recovered from the shock and maneuvered her way to him, moving between several people because the hall was getting filled now.

On getting near, she recognized the girl as Bella, the contest's overall winner. (Anna was the first runner-up.)

"Casper," she managed a smile, but the excitement in her voice was gone.

"Hi Anna," he said dismissively. He wanted to say more but Bella elbowed him. She disengaged from Casper's arms and smiled brightly as she extended her hand to Anna for a handshake.

"Hi, congratulations on winning an award."

Anna looked at the proffered hand for a while before she shook it, "thank you."

"Hope you don't mind, I met Casper just outside and he offered to escort me in. He's such a sweet guy." She tried to explain their appearance.

Anna didn't want to be seen as obsessive, so she just waved it. "It's okay."

"Thanks. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to find my friends." Bella left them alone. Anna made to hug Casper but he held her back. "You'll stain my suit with lipstick and makeup."

He was actually right because he wore an ash suit and any stain will be obvious on it. She pointed to their table, "that's where Jess and I are seated, would you like to join us?"

"No. His voice was cold. I'll sit with my guys."

She searched his eyes, "Casper, is something wrong?"

"Nothing." He said and started moving to the back before she could ask more questions.

Anna dragged her feet sadly as she went back. She heard the MC tap the microphone and clear his voice to announce the arrival of the chief guest.

Ethan Cole, founder and CEO of Cole Med-tech entered with his secretary in tow. They were ushered to designated seats at the front, close to the stage. His brows furrowed slightly as he scolded his secretary in low tones. "I'm supposed to give you a query for accepting this invite without asking me. You know I hate parties."

"More aptly put, you hate parties if no potential investor will be in attendance." She whispered back.

Ethan gave her a cold look. "I'm thinking of how to wring off your neck right now."

She laughed softly, not intimidated at all. "I'm sorry," she raised her voice so he could hear her above the MC's voice bellowing from the speakers. "But your mother has been on my neck. She assumes your single status is due to the fact that you don't socialize, so I thought you might find a girl who catches your fancy here."

"You seem to forget who signs your paycheck. Your loyalty should be to me, not my mother. I already told you to ignore her."

"Actually, I did it because I'm of the same opinion. You're too good to waste, you should belong to someone."

"Divorce your husband and date me then."

"Tempting offer, but... " He couldn't hear the rest of her words because his name was mentioned, so he turned to pay attention to the MC. He was saying that Ethan will present the contest's overall winner's award as the one that made the most impact on their school for that year. Ethan scoffed, that was their way of saying he made the highest monetary donation. The MC mentioned other guests that will present to the two runners-up.

Jessica already knew what was responsible for Anna's dampened expression as she came back to take her seat, her eyes darting around to locate where Casper sat.

"Stop obsessing over that boy, I'll get you a date before the party ends." Jessica gave her one of the two glasses of Baileys Original Irish Cream she had grabbed from a server. "Drink this and cheer up."

When Anna sniffed it suspiciously, she laughed.

"You think I'll poison you or something? It's clean."

Anna smiled. "Why is it I don't trust you despite what you said, my dear friend?"

"Okay then," she exchanged the glasses. "Just to assure you, I'll give you mine."

Anna sniffed it again, "what's it made of?"

"Malt, chocolate, and cream." Jessica answered.

Anna sipped a little and could taste the cream and chocolate. It gave her a velvety mouthfeel, so she drained the entire glass. "It's smooth, I like it." She reached out to grab the other glass but Jessica stopped her.

"That's okay for now, we don't want to have you swaying to the stage when you are called upon."

"And why will that happen?"

"Take one more glass and find out." Jessica laughed, eyes glinting with mischief.

Anna's eyes widened in realization, "oh no!" She frowned. "You just fed me alcohol!"

Jessica dodged a blow from Anna. "It's just for you to relax. You'll be okay."

Anna snubbed her and focused on what the MC was saying. "Now to the next item on the program, the moment you've all been looking forward to ladies and gentlemen," he paused for effect, "the award proper. And after that, y'all can take turns on the dance floor."

"I'll now request the awardees to make their way to the front. Miss Bella Smith, Miss Anna Bennett, and Mr. Jones Buffet, please come forward."

Anna rose slowly and walked elegantly to the stage. Bella was already there, and she saw Casper going towards the front as well. She thought he wanted to celebrate with her, a smile touched her lips.

The MC continued, "I would like to call on Dr. Ethan Cole to do the honors for the contest's overall winner."

A plaque was handed to Ethan as he climbed the stage. He presented it to the blond girl as he shook her. He pretended not to notice that she held his hand longer than usual, he didn't want to have anything to do with ladies, with the exception of Clara. He returned to his seat after smiling for the camera.

When Bella was given the mic for her acceptance speech, she said, "I'm glad the judges recognized my lame talent." The hall erupted in laughter.

She continued, "Yeah. I'm grateful to my lecturers and everyone who has contributed to my success. I'd like to share this with a special someone," she paused for her words to settle and draw more attention, "my boyfriend, Casper." She beamed at him as he joined her on the stage to snap with her.

Anna went still where she stood. The MC had called on the Vice chancellor to present her award, and he was already waiting on stage. Everyone was looking at her, wondering why she didn't move.

"Miss Anna Bennett." The MC called into the mic again. It was then she snapped from her reverie.

"Please come up to receive your award." He gestured to the waiting vice chancellor.

Anna took a step, surprised that her feet still obeyed her brain. She moved mechanically to the stage, collected the award and barely waited for the photographer to capture her before she walked back. Everyone was looking at her now, for her behavior was not normal. Jessica, who had been pacing near the front, caught her as soon as she descended the stage, but she shrugged her off and continued walking. Jessica followed her, and when she grabbed Anna again, she turned and gave Jessica the plaque.

It looked like the alcohol was working now because she took bold, determined steps to where Casper was standing with Bella and her friends. The two stopped laughing when they saw her approach them. She stood before Casper, looked him straight in the eye, raised her hand high above her head and slapped him hard on the cheeks. When Bella tried to hold her back, she slapped her too.

Everyone watched as she walked back to her table and sat with an expressionless face as if nothing happened.

Ethan was dumbfounded. That girl-he'd heard the MC call her Bennett-didn't look like she was capable of violence, but he'd seen color drain from her cheeks in shock when the overall winner called her boyfriend. He leaned in towards his secretary. "What's going on?"

"It looks like a love triangle. Her boyfriend must have jilted her for the overall winner."

"Are you sure?"

She shrugged, "My guess."

"Find out," he said.

"I didn't know you liked gossip this much." She gave him a surreptitious look before turning to some students sitting behind them to confirm her suspicions.

"It's as I suspected." She informed him.

"I can't help wondering why he'll dump her." He mused. "She's the most beautiful lady I've seen here tonight."

Clara cleared her throat. "That's a glowing compliment, coming from you. Is this more than just her beauty?"

He turned away from her, "Don't poke around."

She raised a hand in surrender. "Alright, I'll back off. But on a serious note, more than beauty, matters of the heart are the hardest to decipher."

For someone who'd been betrayed, Ethan knew that quite well.

The third-place award was presented, and as the chief guest, Ethan was invited to open the dance floor. The dance was the main reason Clara accompanied him to parties-he doesn't dance with any other person.

As Clara stood, he pulled her back to her seat and whispered. "I'm going to break your heart this evening, darling." He stood up, "and you'll be busy dealing with the press for a few days."

She watched in astonishment as he walked to Anna's table, held out his right hand, palms upward, and said, "will you do me the favor of dancing with me?"

Anna was shocked for the second time that evening but the alcohol egged her on, so she took his hand. He smiled and led her to the center of the dance floor in front.

Everyone in the room was stunned. Even the DJ lost himself, and the music stopped momentarily. When they recovered from the shock, phones were held up to capture the moment. The journalists that were present busied themselves clicking away, this scoop was definitely going to fill the gossip column in every magazine.

At the side table near the front, Clara buried her face in both hands, her shoulders shaking with a soundless laugh. "Oh, Ethan," she muttered under her breath. "You've just made headlines."

They danced in silence for several long minutes before he looked down at her. She wore a brown silk dress that clung softly to her body, accentuating her curves. Her auburn hair had been swept up, the reddish-brown strands woven into a braid that hugged the side of her head before folding into a voluminous bun at her nape. Tiny pearl pins adorned the braid, catching glints of light with every turn of her head.

She tripped, and he drew her close to steady her. He caught a wisp of her breath as it fanned his collarbone. The smell of Bailey's chocolate and cream was faint but he recognized it. "No wonder you're unsteady," he smiled to himself.

"What'd you say?" She looked up at him briefly and he saw her blink rapidly to keep tears back but it escaped, forming a streak down her cheeks. He deftly wiped it with his thumb.

"You know," Ethan said, his voice low enough that only she could hear him above the music, "you should look cheerful and victorious right now."

Anna tilted her head up, confusion in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

His lips curved into a knowing smile as he spun her gracefully. "Look around you, half of the persons in the room are watching us, but most importantly," Ethan guided her into a gentle turn that gave her a clear view of Bella where she stood close to the refreshment table with a face frozen in amazement. Casper stood beside her, his mouth agape as if he could not believe his eyes, his palms clenched into fists at his side.

Ethan dipped his head slightly and murmured into her ear, "Did you see them speechlessly watching with pained looks? That's what real victory does to your enemies."

She looked down. "thank you," she said, her voice almost a whisper. The music stopped, and he led her slowly away from the dance floor back to her seat. Jessica was no longer there now; she must have found a dance partner too.

"Thank you, she bowed again and continued walking."

"Where are you going?"

"I need to use the ladies." She said over her shoulder.

"Wait," he grabbed her arm to stop her. "You shouldn't go alone, let your friend accompany you."

She laughed, "I'm not a kid who needs help using the chamber pot." She jerked her arm away from his grip, "why is everyone treating me like a pushover?" Ignoring him, she walked on.

Ethan swore under his breath. He knew it wasn't okay for her to be alone by herself since she was drunk. His eyes scanned through the crowd in hope of seeing Jessica. He was unsuccessful, and Anna had already gone through the passageway that led to the restroom. He quickly followed her, maintaining a safe distance. He rested his back on the wall as he waited for her.

The Baileys, now fully absorbed by Anna's system, made her so dizzy that she staggered when she came out. Ethan was quick, his arms caught her in time before she fell and she placed a hand on his shoulder to support herself. He looked at her face and saw that her eyes were filled again, her blue eyeballs gleaming like diamonds. Her lips were quivering, and her fingers trembled slightly where they rested on his shoulder.

Ethan didn't move, he continued studying her: her milky, porcelain skin, the thickness of her brows, the slope of her nose, the sharp curve of her jaw, and her lush lips that mesmerized him. She appeared fragile and fierce at the same time.

And then, without thinking, he leaned in. His hand moved to her jaw, his fingers brushed the skin behind her ear as if asking for permission. She shivered but said nothing. When she didn't stop him, his lips met hers in a kiss.

It was nothing like the brief, hesitant kisses Casper had given her. Ethan's kiss was bold and demanding, as if he'd been thinking about doing this all evening. His lips were firm and warm, one hand tangled in her hair while the one at the small of her back pressed her closer to him, until she could feel the steady beat of his heart through his shirt.

Anna's hand that rested on his shoulder slid down his chest to grab the lapels of his jacket. She was uncertain at first, but later, her lips moved with his, matching his bold rhythm. She felt like she was floating in the air, a moan escaped her lips. It was that sound that brought Ethan back to his senses. He broke the kiss and pulled back, his fingers still cradling Anna's jaw like something precious. She was drunk and he had just taken advantage of her, Ethan cursed.

She was breathless. Eyes wide, chest heaving, and face flushed.

"I'll drop you home," Ethan murmured in her ear before releasing her. His strong hands guided her effortlessly through the back exit to where his car was parked. His driver had gotten out and opened the door as they approached. He helped her settle comfortably on the back seat and called Clara.

"Find out if anyone knows where Miss Bennett lives and bring her purse to the car."

Clara appeared with another young lady who greeted him.

"I brought her, I'll take her back." Jessica said. Ethan gave her a measured look but relaxed when he remembered she sat at the same table with Anna when he'd gone to ask her for a dance. "You are...?"

"Her friend." Jessica snapped. She opened the door and tried to pull her out only to find out she's asleep. "Damn it," she breathed.

Ethan just looked on, "You should have paid more attention to your friend when you know she's drunk."

Jessica gave him the once-over. "I thought she was safe with a gentleman like you."

"I accompanied her back to her seat after we danced like a 'gentleman' should," he stressed the 'gentleman' word, "but you've left. If it weren't for me, she could have passed out at the entrance of the restroom."

His words made Jessica feel a bit guilty. He was right, even more so because she was the one that gave Anna the drink, knowing full well that she couldn't hold her liquor. "Thank you," she muttered.

"Get in the car, I'll take you home."

"We came here in my car."

He raised a brow, "Don't tell me that you intend to drive after drinking?"

He opened the other door for her, "give Clara your keys and get in." He said in a tone that does not allow further argument. Jessica did as she was told, giving the driver directions as they drove home.

Ethan wondered what came over him. How could he be so overcome with wild emotions like that? He doesn't know if Anna would remember the kiss or not, but if she did and contacted him afterwards, how would he explain his action?