Chapter 5 CH. 5

"What were you thinking? Why would you throw a challenge like that?" Christine's trembling voice rose as John took her hand, leading her to their room, away from the prying eyes and judgemental whispers of the guests.

John could understand the looks in her eyes, a mixture of fear, confusion and hurt. He had noticed the way she looked at him earlier while he was throwing the challenge at the sons of the billionaires.

"Why would you do such a thing?" She pressed further, her eyes brimming with tears. "Why would you risk everything, even our marriage for a challenge? You're slowly giving up on me aren't you?"

"Hush,'' John said, trying to prevent her from talking any further but Christine wasn't going to let that happen.

"Why can't you just swallow your pride for once and admit that you're no match for the sons of my father's billionaire friends?" She asked, the tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.

"Can you please trust me this once?" John asked, taking her hand in his, his gaze as steady and assuring. "This has nothing to do with pride," he said softly. "It's about proving to everyone - and to ourselves - that we're stronger than they think. Trust me, I know what I'm doing. I promise I won't lose you."

Christine was torn apart emotionally. She didn't know if she should trust him, as it was so obvious that John stood no chance with William and Andrew.

She knew if they were to come up with an area for the challenge, it'd be in the area of money and if that should happen, John was sure to lose no matter how hard he tries.

She searched his eyes for a moment, seeing the determination and unwavering confidence there. Slowly, she nodded, though her fear didn't completely vanish. "I really hope you know what you're doing?" She replied, expressing her deepest worries.

"I do, and I assure you that I'm not going to lose," John offered a reasurring smile.

"Alright, I trust you," She whispered. "But please, be careful."

_____

"There's no reason to be afraid of my son in-law. He has absolutely nothing to his name," Mr. Bernard said, his voice tinged with bitterness and contempt towards John as he addressed William and Andrew after the birthday party had come to an end.

He had so much looked forward to the day when he'd be able to come between his daughter and John and this challenge was just the perfect opportunity he's been waiting for.

As a well respected billionaire and a socially admired figure, Christine's marriage to John was a taboo for him and he had vowed to put an end to it.

He wished Christine was like her older sister Helena who got married to David Lawson, son of a fellow billionaire friend and business Mogul.

Helena, and Joyce the youngest of his three daughters were the only ones making him proud. He could already tell that just like Helena, Joyce would also get married to the son of one of his billionaire friends.

The two of them exchanged glances, a temporary alliance formed between them as they had one goal and that was to see to the end of John's and Christine's marriage.

Whoever ends up with Christine will be solely dependent on who beats John at his challenge.

"I want either of you two help me dispose off my useless son in-law." Mr. Bernard urged, his eyes gleaming with a sinister satisfaction. "Whoever wins this challenge, I'll reward with shares in my company worth one billion dollars."

Both William's and Andrew's eyes lit up with greed and ambition. The stakes had been raised and they've now been motivated to win by all means necessary.

"We'll make sure he regrets challenging us," William was the first to speak, a smug grin spreading across his face.

"Indeed," Andrew concurred. "He doesn't stand a chance."