Chapter 5 A Date with my Billionaire Fiancé

Ashley bustled around the room, helping Serena prepare for her date, her excitement barely contained. Serena clutched her phone, heart racing with the hope that this time might be different-maybe she'd receive the apology she yearned for from her soon-to-be husband. "Third time's the charm," she whispered to herself, pulling on a dress that hugged her curves just right.

Suddenly, a burst of energy filled the air. "He's here!" Ashley squealed, practically bouncing on her toes. With a grin, she ushered Serena to the gate. As they stepped outside, there glimmered a sleek black limousine, its chauffeur standing at attention, ready to open the door. "Good luck, girl," Ashley whispered, a smirk on her face, before heading back inside.

Taking a deep breath, Serena approached the car, mentally preparing for whatever lay ahead. She slid into the backseat, where Adrian awaited her in a perfectly tailored black suit, his eyes glued to his phone. "Good evening," she said casually, hoping to spark some connection as she settled in. "Evening," he replied tersely, barely lifting his gaze. She rolled her eyes, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "What did I expect?" she muttered to herself. "So where are we going?" she ventured, trying to keep the conversation alive. Adrian's response was blunt. "A restaurant. I'd prefer you not ask any more questions." His gaze returned to the screen, leaving her feeling as invisible as the traffic passing by outside.

The ride felt agonizingly long, full of suffocating silence. When they finally arrived at the restaurant, Serena inhaled deeply, like a lifeline offered after nearly drowning. The tension in the car had been oppressive, and she was desperate to escape it. "Are you coming?" Adrian demanded, already striding toward the entrance without glancing back. She hurried after him, heart racing as she caught up.

Inside, a waiter guided them to their table. Adrian surprisingly pulled out her chair, nudging her to sit, before crossing over to take his seat. She was taken aback-perhaps he wasn't completely devoid of charm? But then again, his attention was back on his phone, leaving her in a swirl of confusion. The waiter returned with menus, and Serena busied herself admiring the restaurant's ambience, pressing back the frustration building within her. "Please mind my manners. I'm trying to close a deal," Adrian muttered, leaving her to wonder if he somehow sensed her thoughts.

As they ate in a strained silence, Serena couldn't help but feel trapped, longing for conversation, for laughter-anything to break the ice. Just as the tension reached its peak, she heard a familiar voice behind her: "Serena Moretti?"

She turned to see Ian, her ex-boyfriend from five years ago, who had moved to London. "Wow, Ian?" she exclaimed, standing up to greet him with surprise sparkling in her eyes. "Still as beautiful as always," he said, taking in her appearance with genuine admiration. "Always, thank you," she replied, her pulse quickening.

"What brings you here?" she asked, focused on Ian as she felt her heart soften. Intent on connecting, she ignored the glare Adrian shot her from across the table. Ian flashed her a business card. "Call me when you're free. Let's catch up," he said, bidding both her and Adrian farewell with a smile.

Before she could even sit down, Adrian surged out of his chair, grabbing her arm with surprising force. "What's going on?" she yelped in disbelief. "You're hurting me!" she protested, attempting to wriggle free as he dragged her toward the car, fury radiating from him. He swung open the door, practically shoving her inside. "What the..." she stammered, rubbing her arm where he had gripped her.

As he slid into the car from the opposite side, rage consumed his expression, a vein pulsing in his forehead. "What was that about?" she demanded, disbelief colouring her voice. Unfazed, he turned to her, his demeanour calmer but his eyes aflame with anger. "Just keep quiet," he replied evenly, signalling the chauffeur to start driving.

Serena faced the window; the city lights blurring into streaks of colour. She desperately fought the tears threatening to spill, wishing she could escape both the car and the man sitting next to her.

As the car rolled to a stop in front of Ashley's house, Serena couldn't contain her excitement. She flung the door open and jumped out, barely waiting for the vehicle to come to a complete halt before it whisked away into the night. The moment she caught sight of her friend's face, a wave of joy washed over her, transforming the fatigue from her tumultuous evening into a fit of laughter.

Making a beeline for Ashley's room, Serena felt a lightness in her step. Ashley was in the shower, but she could hear the faint sound of her voice calling out, "Serena, is that you?!" There was a hint of worry in her tone as if an intruder might have slipped inside. "Yes, it's me!" Serena replied with an amused grin. "I've had quite the night!" She kicked off her shoes nonchalantly, sending one sliding across the floor as she eagerly awaited her friend's appearance.

Moments later, Ashley stepped out of the bathroom, the soft, fluffy robe cocooning her damp figure as water droplets glistened on her skin like tiny jewels. Her eyes sparkled with an irresistible curiosity, wide and bright with excitement. "So, how was it?" she asked, leaning forward, her energy almost palpable as she practically vibrated with anticipation. Serena, unable to suppress her playful grin, raised her arms, proudly showcasing the prominent red mark left by Adrian, a vivid reminder of their heated encounter.

Ashley's jaw dropped, her eyes wide with disbelief as she reached out to gently touch the spot. "No way! Did he really do this?" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and excitement. Serena nodded, beaming, unable to suppress her grin. Enthralled, Ashley perched herself on the floor below, ready to hang onto every word as Serena dove into an animated retelling of her unforgettable date.