A BILLIONAIRE'S UNEXPECTED ROMANCE

Evelyn's POV

My older sister Olivia yelled, "Evelyn!" from downstairs. I was reading a magazine that I had discovered on the couch downstairs while curled up in my bedroom.

It was one of her tantrums, therefore I had no authority to respond. In this house, Evelyn's torture game was the constant.

She yelled, "Evelyn Sydney Richard!" I imagine she was stumbling upstairs now. It meant fire when my family called me by my full name. Even though I had requested it, was it really necessary to respond to a reprimand?

My door sprang open in two minutes, presenting Olivia. She gave me a fierce look that said, "You haven't seen the last of me."

"Evelyn, you've been pretending you couldn't hear me even though I've been calling you for ages. What in the world are you doing with my magazine, too? "I thought I warned you not to touch my things without my permission," she growled as she took the magazine from me, her long, pricey nails leaving scratches on my hand.

My mother Flavia Richard entered the room followed closely by her other son Charles, who happens to be Olivia's twin brother, as if the drama wasn't enough. Lord, please save me.

Will there ever be harmony in this house? Why the commotion right now? Mom enquired.

I stared at them without saying anything. I was not looking for trouble.

"Mother, I believe it's about time you parted ways with Evelyn. She's simply so unbearable to me now. You must act," Olivia yelled, spreading her arms.

Mom shot me daggers, "Evelyn, what have you done this time?"

Of course, my mother has always taken a stance in favor of her two eldest children.

"Does it always have to be my fault or something I did Mom?" I spoke softly while staring directly into her eyes.

I wouldn't hesitate to accept a theory if someone said that she wasn't my real mother and that they weren't my biological siblings.

"Evelyn, please respect your mother," Charles said as he tapped on his phone. He was identical to the others.

Is she ever going to respect me? I feel like I'm a nobody in this house since she has two kids."

Yes, you are that! Did you think you were a princess? I find you repulsive. Nothing about you makes Richard worthy. Olivia angrily spat at me, saying "You are a disgrace to our family."

It ached. It was quite painful. Indeed, I was aware of it, but they didn't need to point it out to me. Tears were starting to fill up in my eyes and threatened to spill.

"Why? What went wrong with me? What did I do to earn your intense hatred?

Even though my eyes were overflowing with tears, they remained unfazed.

"You are the reason Dad died, Evelyn. You alone are to blame for it. All I wanted was that you had perished in that mishap instead of him. Charles spat at me, saying, "We will never forgive you for snatching away the best man from this planet."

He would have given me a severe slap if we had been closer.

"How was I supposed to know we'd crash that day?" I stood up for myself.

"Evelyn, you were obstinate about going out. Evelyn, your immature outbursts have cost me my spouse."

"But..."

"Have you ever been told how annoying your voice is? You have such a scratchy, low voice. Since nobody would be interested in hearing you speak, perhaps you could try speaking less." Olivia gave her advice and left without waiting for a response.

Charles and Mom banged on the door in unison after that.

An unexplained lump appeared in my throat. I collapsed onto the ground in a messy heap, letting my tears fall naturally down my cheeks.

I was gushing blood inside. Perhaps they were correct. I would never hurt my closest friend or Superman wherever in the world, even if it was my fault.

My entire universe revolved around Gerald Richard. I thought about his passing every day as though it had happened yesterday. I never even had a chance to say goodbye, much less try to save him, because everything had happened so quickly.

He was able to save me but not himself. I felt a great deal of guilt.

Everything was ideal before his passing. Our family was ideal. I was the favorite child and a daddy's girl. I used to be the life of the party, grinning, and laughing too.

A wind of change came with his passing. That day, I lost everything. Along with losing my voice, I also lost my family, my inner self, and hope.

I screamed so loudly that I hurt myself when the automobile caught fire that I was unable to speak any louder. In any case, I lacked the self-assurance to do so.

I sometimes wished I had passed away instead of him. Without one another, we could not survive. I was internally collapsing.

I missed him every day even after five years had passed.

I dried my eyes and hugged my quivering knees while thinking back on all the experiences.

I wish I could go back in time.

Charles and Olivia were both twenty-six years old; Olivia was a top model, attractive and intelligent. She had all the necessities for a lady. At the moment, she was the highest-paid model in the state.

Charles had assumed command of the business. The new CEO was him. He was incredibly prosperous, well-liked, and stunningly beautiful. He was popular among ladies especially models of the same class and businesswomen.

My mother, Flavia Richard, operated a prosperous boutique in the community and was on the board of the company. She had amassed enormous wealth via sheer hard work. She looked younger than her actual age, giving her the classic Richard appearance.

Next, me. Evelyn Richard Sydney. You can call me the lone wolf. the one who is not well-liked. I was twenty-five years old, and I tragically had no one. Despite my education, I needed to find employment. I never went anywhere in public to avoid upsetting my flawless family.

I inhaled deeply and stood up. I had been looking forward to that bright spot five years ago. What location was it?

Olivia appeared in my bedroom three hours later, at around two in the afternoon, with a radiant smile on her stunning face.

awkward. She dropped the large package she was holding and came running over to hug me. She gave me such a strong hug that I nearly believed Olivia had returned, but then I had an idea. Olivia Richard was who she was. A surprise-filled parcel.

She said, "Guess what, Sydney?" with excitement.

When my dad was living, they all used to call me Sydney. It was the first time in five years.

"What?" I made an effort to sound enthusiastic.

She said, excited, "Guess who's getting married tonight?"

For the first time in years, my eyes glowed. Excitement pulled me back from her.

"What? Not in a manner. Are you getting hitched? I was unaware that you were committed to someone."

I had no idea. She was my sibling. Despite all this, I had to be happy for her. My wishes for her have always been pure.

"Oh, please! Why must you always be so dimwitted? She rolled her eyes and remarked, "I'd never get married now."

"So who's getting married?"

Who, in all honesty, would make Olivia feel this way? One of her companions? But how would it worry me?

"You are foolish. You will finally leave our lives tonight. I mean no disrespect, honey."

Me? My heart sank and I stopped smiling. I wasn't seeing anyone, though. I had a perplexed expression.

"Keep that face off of me. Prepare for the wedding. Although it's tiny and straightforward, the reception will soon be magnificent. That package has all a bride's necessities in it. Charles will come to collect you at precisely 5 p.m. I'm more than happy to help if you need it."

"I don't understand."

You wouldn't understand, of course. Frederick William, a well-known hottie and billionaire, is the man you will marry. To not be aware of him would be to live under a rock. Honey, you are so fortunate. You finally steal the show."

"I'm still lost."

She was, for the record, patient with me, but she was getting agitated.

"The marriage is arranged. A contract for a year between the Williams and the Richards. The bride is you. You two aren't engaged, of course, but to the outside world, it appears that you have been for the last three months, and now you are getting married. In other words, it was a covert affair. It's a business contract that you wouldn't comprehend."

Olivia described the circumstances. She assumed that my only understanding of how things functioned was that they were useless. I forcefully gulped.

"I refuse to wed an unknown person. I told her, trying to come across as resolute and confident as possible. I have the right to select my partner.

Olivia snorted and looked over my physique.

As if someone would desire to be selected by you. This one is not up for discussion. Do not squander our time.

"I refuse to get married," I said, clenching my hands.

I had had enough of being in charge.

I suddenly got a sharp sting on my cheek. I had to put my hand on it because it was so painful.

I had taken a hard swat from Olivia. Among her best, this one. Her ring had sliced me right below my eye, and she had left a scarlet welt in her wake. I had bleeding on me.

Glancing at me fiercely, she asked, "Anything more to say?"

No, I shook my head. I would be killed if I said anything further to her.

"Excellent. She said, "Suit yourself," and swung her elegant hair out of her way.

I used my palm to wipe the warm liquid that I felt streamed down my nose. I had bleeding on me. I hastily cleaned up after using the restroom.

After fifteen minutes, I was lying on my bed, looking at my gown. Despite how beautiful it looked, I didn't want to be in it. Why me?

Who was this Frederick guy? I had no idea about him, so I felt like I was living under a rock. I didn't know anyone.

I hastily pulled out my laptop and searched Google for him.

There were other pieces about him, including the one that became popular recently on his covert engagement.

Right now, I had no time for all that crap. I hurried to the photos because I had to see his face at the very least, and there was a whole gallery of him.

Alright, so my mouth fell open. Immediately, my heart missed a beat. My cheeks took on an unfamiliar hue, and a smile appeared on my lips.

I've never been a believer in the story of love at first sight, but the masterpiece I was staring at made me experience emotions I had never experienced before. How on earth was he so flawless?

After reading three or four pieces on him, I was certain that he was well-respected by women.

Was I gonna have this Frederick guy as my better half? The idea alone caused me to experience strange emotions.

Was my newfound excitement about getting married a good thing?

My gut prompted me to start working on my appearance right away. I needed to make an impression on him. My initial impression needed to be flawless.

My foot, one year. By trick or crook, I would make sure it worked.

There is at last hope for a brighter future. My prince charming had arrived at last.

Yes, that persistent idea bothered me even though I was excited.

Would the attractive millionaire put up with a socially uncomfortable social misfit like me?

Frederick's POV

"You are kidding me, right Dad?" I asked, arching my brow.

It was evident that he was pulling a terrible joke on me. There's no need to panic.

Dad picked up the newspaper from me and looked at the top page headline. His aging face lit up gracefully with a smile. He appeared rather content.

He tossed it aside on his desk, saying, "Well, at least the media got everything right this time."

Then my dad leaned back against his desk, staring at me intently. I was furious. He gestured for me to sit down, and I grudgingly followed. My dad seemed to have other ideas, but all I needed was a clear-cut explanation.

He whispered, "Fred, my son, you have to get married." His voice was compelling.

I did my best to appear composed as I ran a hand over my hair. I did a terrible job at it. I undid the neck button and dropped my tie. I filled a glass with water for myself, swallowed it, and met his gaze directly.

"What kind of drama is this, anyway? Dad, have you finally made up your mind to wreck my life?"

"Son, I would never intentionally damage your life. I promise you that this was more difficult for me than you could have ever imagined."

"You look damn proud of yourself and pretty calm about this whole nonsense Dad!"

"This must take place. For both businesses to succeed in the future, they must cooperate. There needs to be a strong relationship of some kind for this to occur, and helping out and working together on projects has long been a tradition. He continued, swinging a pen, "Our company will receive shares in their successful business and so will their company."

The other main justification is to cut off rivals. This year, we'll be working together on several initiatives. Because we have access to Richard's family benefits and they have access to ours, we are stronger in this way. Since we will be family, nobody will question us. You are aware of the reactions of certain board members when non-family members obtain private perks. I'm constructing your future son.

"I'm not able to marry. I can't, as you are aware. I will not get married, and I don't mean to offend you or anything. I told him that my mind was racing and that he should have at least told me before leaking it to the media.

Frederick, it's not a lifelong commitment. Just just a single year."

"One year can screw up my entire life, Dad."

"It won't happen. Son, you have to go get ready. We still have a few hours left," he said, averting his gaze. Although he appeared composed, his eyes were far more animated than mine.

All I had was Julius William. my father. He had shared in every moment of my life and supported me during the lowest points.

My mom meant everything to me, so losing her to cancer five years ago when I was only twenty-one was devastating. For Dad, she was everything.

It seemed like my mother knew the answer to every issue there was. She had unwavering love for both of us. Both of us took a serious hit from it.

I did my best to follow him at all times, and he always looked out for my best interests. It wasn't the same this time. It wasn't simply my feelings at stake here. Aria's heart was also in jeopardy.

As you are well aware, Dad, I adore Aria. After two years of dating, I want to spend all of my time with her. I'll marry her. My children will have her as their mother. Dad, your daughter-in-law. You've already given your blessing to our union."

My heart was pounding frantically and leaking blood. Aria could not take the thought of my marrying someone else; she was too delicate and lovely. Come storm or thunder, I was going to marry her, I had vowed."Aria I am well aware that Facer is the love of your life, and I have no problem with your connection. A year later, you can wed her. I decided to do this once she gave her okay."

"What? You discussed this with her?" I asked, obviously astonished. The things she was going through were beyond my comprehension.

"Frederick, you are not required to feel anything for the Richard bride that you will wed. All you have to do is be her husband in public. Maybe you two could just agree to be friends and lead quiet lives in private. You ought to find this simple, son."

"You've let me down, Dad. I said, "This is not the life I wanted to lead.

I didn't want to drag this conversation on. Dad had done so much for me, and he was in dire need of anything from me at this very moment. It was obvious to me that he hurt. I was also in pain. a tremendous amount. I had to get out of his office right away. I didn't want to make any mistakes in my words.

"I'll be present. A lavish wedding is not what I desire."

"Don't worry, it's a small ceremony. Fred, I know you will honor your wife, and I'm proud of you. When you're calmer, we can discuss it. Jasper has the information. He'll give you further details."

I got up and marched away because I had nothing else to say. Right then, I was on a rollercoaster of emotions. I had to take a breath. I had to see my child. I had to make sure she was alright. I couldn't survive without her strength.

I sank into my desk chair and shut my eyes. I felt irritated. I did not close the door. I had to come up with the ideal way to tell Aria. I had to see her immediately and cradle her in my arms.

"Hey, hey. "Guess who's getting married tonight?" Jasper asked, his flawless smile glued to his face as he walked in. He had always been the gregarious, exuberant kind.

In him, I had found more than just a best friend. He was my sibling. My first day.

"Jasper, drop it. He sat across from me and crossed his legs, so I informed him, "I don't need your bothering right now. It appeared that he had been occupied.

"Hey my man, what's up? You appear agitated."

Jasper. Is it OK to ask me that question at this time? Here I am going to marry a stranger."

"Oh, please. Don't worry about getting married soon."

"I'm not concerned about her. Just the fact that I-I I.

"You know I've got your back, Frederick. I am aware that Aria is currently your main worry. I completed the task for you already."

I quickly raised my head again and opened my eyes.

"You succeeded? In what way? Were you able to spot her? Is she alright? Was she in tears?

"Whoah, whoah, dude. You look so freaked out right now, damn you. Your best friend is right here, so don't worry. "So, last night your dad visited her apartment," he said, fiddling with the ring on his finger.

"What were you doing there?"

"After her shot, I gave her a ride home. She contacted me since you weren't answering your phone, and I rescued the day," he said. He only needed to use his dreamy tone to make me feel it.

"When will you get into the details?"

"All right. At about eight, your father arrived and explained the situation. Fred, I will not lie to you. Despite her broken heart, Aria managed to carry on the conversation."

"She cried a lot right?" I posed the obvious question. In my mind, I could see her stunning face, smeared with tears.

Yes, buddy, but after your father departed. You know, he's a great dude. He treated her well and gave her his word that he would always adore her. She sobbed uncontrollably and let out her tears as he departed. She does adore you, man. Throughout it all, I held her hand, consoled her, and said things to her that I knew you would say. After that, I got her her favorite pizza, we watched a movie, had some ice cream, and she dozed off in her bed. She left town for another shoot this morning, having behaved herself well. She promised to give you a call and asked me to make sure you were alright and handling things properly. Verify that I'm performing a fantastic job.

How will I ever manage without this crazy person?

While Jasper poured a glass of wine, I inhaled deeply. He poured one for himself and handed one to me.

"Jasper, you are incredible. Regards. For all of it," I truly did mean it.

Frederick, please stop embarrassing me in this way. In any case, what are friends for?"

"Yeah right."

"But hey you still have to pay me back for all the times I've covered up for you plus writing your homework in high school."

"Hello, how are you? Who supported you during all of your breakups and helped you endure your nightmares back then? In addition, could you hold your hand in the dark in case a creature appeared somewhere?"

"Are we heading back to kindergarten now? Must I begin?"

"Please save me. Some of our weird memories are just too humiliating. "I laughed to myself. We had made great progress.

"Now that you are in a better mood let's address the elephant in the room."

"All right. Let us put this behind us and move forward. This Richard bride, who is she? Tell me you looked into this.

Yeah, that's right. I looked into the Richard family all night long. You're aware of Olivia, Charles, and Flavia, correct?

I knew them all, of course, especially Charles. Together, we had completed a few assignments and were enrolled in the same high school course.

Regarding Olivia, she and Aria were friends. They were both signed to the same modelling agency, and we went to high school together. We had already had a few encounters.

Being married to Aria's best friend would be strange.

"Permit me to read your ideas. Marrying your girlfriend's best friend would be awkward.

"Bingo," I snapped in response.

"Awkward is fortunately out of the picture although in your case I'd prefer the awkward."

"Enlighten me."

"You're not going to marry Olivia. Richard is the youngest. Evelyn Sydney Richard "As he filled his glass again, he filled mine.

"Who is that? Other than Charles and Olivia, I have never heard of any other Richards."

"All right. I was astounded as well. She is real, and she will marry you."

"Well since she is a Richard at least I won't get stuck with some socially awkward freak who has to be taught how this world works."

Right, at least?

"Well, I'm not so sure. It's she who is the outsider. Some sources claim that she hardly speaks at all."

"That's a good thing for me."

"She doesn't go out much. She's been called dull, unremarkable, Richard-unworthy, and so on. Positive comments are also made by some sources."

"Don't tell me that I'm going to be forced into a dull marriage. She sounds nothing like my kind of person. We can't even pretend to be friends, I wager."

"Wait until you meet her then judge later."

"Is she cute?" My question made us both chuckle. It reminded us of a corny high school saying.

Frederick, observe for yourself. In my opinion, she is alright."

Jasper said while passing his phone to me. If she appeared normal, it implied that she was not even close to Aria.

The picture showed a dejected girl. She had a youthful, innocent appearance. She wasn't my kind of person. I didn't think we would ever get along.

Everything returned with a bang. The anxiety and despondency caused by this unwelcome union. My attitude shifted. Frederick, don't judge based on that old picture. Her online presence is quite limited. Perhaps she's more attractive in person. Give her an opportunity."

"We just can't be."

"Okay, if that's what you want. You can always decide differently. Hey, time is ticking. Come on, let's go."

This was something I detested. I detested her. Why was she required in my life at all? She brought an unwanted alteration to my life.

Evelyn's POV

"Have a smile, Sydney. Charles led me down the aisle, whispering in my ear, "This is your moment.

To say I was nervous would be an understatement. My face was burning, my knees were shaking, and my palms were perspiring.

I looked stunning in a mermaid gown that was designer. Olivia must have chosen it because everything was to her liking.

For the first time in a very long time, I had made a big effort with my appearance. At least, I hoped it went well.

I hated this situation. Although fate had other ideas, I had always imagined my dad to be the one to lead me down the aisle. Charles was there, at least. I was aware that he harbored fond memories of his younger brother.

When we arrived at the altar, I was standing by my future spouse.

He hadn't given me even a sidelong glance, so perhaps I missed the moment. His expression was fixed on the priest, not showing much happiness. Hell, he didn't even appear content.

I was still in awe of his effortless good looks despite all that. In person, he looked even more amazing.

He was taller than me and had a figure that any woman would kill for. He was smoking gorgeous. His eyes were emerald ice and his hair was dirty blond. Surprisingly, I thought it was his best feature-they looked cold. I still had not figured out the secret they held.

These resembled a forest. One that would envelop me. Although I had never been interested in getting lost, I would gladly volunteer to do it if it could be done in his forest.

We exchanged vows and all the formalities of marriage. His voice itself gave me the chills. This was no ordinary shiver. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before; it was powerful and personal.

My cheeks flushed when the kissing moment came around. I had a mental image of a dramatic movie kiss. A kiss that would make me feel butterflies in my stomach.

Once more, my imagination was completely derailed by reality. It was just a little kiss on the corner of the mouth. That was not considered a kiss!

I found it amusing that I would receive my first kiss on my wedding day, but it now seems even more absurd. Even after the banquet for my wedding, my lips remained virginal.

Everything happened so quickly that I found myself stuck in the billionaire's vehicle pretty quickly. Excuse me, but didn't my husband's automobile also technically belong to me now?

There was an overwhelming smell of him in the limousine. My mind was seduced by it and my nostrils were filled. I will soon be able to run my hands over his gorgeous hair and smell his perfume up close.

But one thing troubled me. He hadn't glanced at me or said anything to me. His brows wrinkled as he hurriedly typed on his cell phone. He appeared preoccupied.

I had no idea how the whole wifey thing operated, but I figured I'd give it a go. I tried to grab their attention by gently clearing my throat, but I didn't.

Yes, perhaps I was too sensitive. I gave it another go.

He questioned me, his eyes fixed icily on his phone, "Do you need something?"

Despite its coldness, his voice seemed to me like melody.

"Umm, I was thinking that since we don't know each other we could maybe start by introductions," I started making an effort to speak up a bit.

He did not respond. I was starting to feel strange.

"So, I'm Evelyn Richard. Well, Mont...."

"I recognize you. I wouldn't get married to someone I don't know."

That was unexpected. Alright, so perhaps I was just being naive and immature. He was not helping, and I had no idea how this operated. Did newlyweds act this way in general, or was it just me?

"How about you tell me more about yourself or maybe I'll go first?" I asked more than I spoke.

"There's nothing to tell."

I'll tell you about myself instead, then. First of all, I enjoy..."

"Please, might I have some peace? Is that how you always speak? If that's the case, I apologize, but that's quite low."

My heart stopped for no apparent reason. Now that he was staring at me, I felt self-conscious.

Charles gave me that focused look in his eyes for milliseconds before beating me black and blue.

That intense stare told me that a volcano was going to erupt, and I would never forget it.

"Fred, I don't understand w.."

"Avoid calling me Fred. I will never be called Fred. I am only that to my friends and family," he angrily spat at me.

Now my heart was thrashing around inside my rib cage like a caged bird.

"But I am your wife."

"You have no right to fling that nonsense in my direction. Although you are officially my wife, this is all merely an arrangement in the eyes of the outside world."

His voice was growing louder, almost explosive. His knuckles had gone white and his face was flushed with rage.

"I'm not sure I understand. Yes, this is planned, but I believed you had given your consent."

There would be tears soon. I was keeping them back, but eventually, any moment would become a breaking point.

"I never wanted this marriage; in case you were unaware. I don't want any of it. Our marital status is ineligible."

"Please don't say that. I swear to do my best to treat you like a nice wife. I'll alter my voice if you don't like it. I'll attempt to speak up more.

"And what if I tell you I hate everything about you then what?"

"I'll change myself for you."

This was different from what my father had always taught me-that I shouldn't change who I am to win someone over-who would love me for who I am. My heart demanded it. I was willing to go to any lengths to ensure our relationship worked. "So that tells me how cheap and undignified you are."

I gave in to my tears at last. My heart was being pounded by him. This was quite nerve-wracking.

"What the heck is happening? Although I haven't met you before, it seems like you have a lot against me."

"You simply had to enter my life at the perfect time, when everything was radiant. You seem content with this arrangement."

"Did I ruin something precious to you?"

Indeed. Indeed, you did! You are the reason I am not with the love of my life at this moment. She is everything to me. My surroundings. I wanted her beside me at the altar. I wanted to give her my wedding vows." "You have a..."

"Yes, I am in a relationship, and I have no intention of breaking it off. She is the one who deserves to be my wife if anyone."

My veins filled with adrenaline. Was he falling in love with someone else? It appears that this was not your typical romantic relationship. He was utterly enamoured with this woman.

Now there was sadness in his eyes. His beautiful eyes betrayed the deep anguish and sorrow I could not ignore. My beating heart was mercilessly wounded by the realization that I was the source of this agony.

He was on the verge of crying. I'm not sure why, but seeing him in such horrible shape stung so much.

"She is stunning. She is the ideal woman I could have only dreamed about. I cherish her. "I am deeply in love with her," he said, gazing at his trembling hands as though she were in front of him.

I was crushed to my core when I heard Frederick admit his love for someone else. It was obvious that I had no hope of succeeding with him.

"What about me?" I instantly regretted saying those words and croaked.

It was obvious that I was asking for trouble. I was already being called cheap and undignified by him. What more could I ask for?

To me, you are insignificant. You don't appeal to me. Even as friends, we can never be. Simply avoid me and don't attempt to convince me that I'm not a human."

He spoke with a great deal of power and command. They gave me the chills. The vehicle abruptly stopped. I suppose we were "home."

Frederick got out of the car and slammed the door in my face, full of tears. Having been kindly granted access by the chauffeur, I trotted followed Frederick, who was already standing near the entrance of 'the mansion'.

He forcefully opened the doors and barged inside. I resembled a lost puppy sprinting after him, with the exception that puppies are adorable. Tears were streaming down my cheeks, making me look even more awful.

After a protracted battle with my excruciatingly long heels, I was in at last. Frederick was already stumbling wildly upstairs.

"Fred," called a sweet, peach voice.

He seemed to come to a complete stop upon hearing that voice. Curious, I turned to see where the beautiful voice had come from-the opulent living room.

My shock kept me motionless. The scene that met my eyes left me speechless. A woman was standing there. Not just some average Jane like myself, but an incredibly stunning woman.

She looked gorgeous in a long-sleeved, crisscross bandage dress that accentuated her soft proportions.

She was inches taller than me. With her warm chocolate eyes and mascara highlighting her lashes, her face exuded angelic beauty. Her face was perfectly composed of all her characteristics.

Her well-groomed hair was a rich chestnut color. What made her appearance so similar?

Frederick appeared to inhale deeply, and his chest began to swell once more. I watched my husband come down the stairs in a different person.

The man I'd spoken to in the automobile wasn't the same as him. He looked kind, gentle, and affectionate. He was standing apart from the woman I was starting to believe was his girlfriend.

It appeared that he did not consider himself deserving of her closeness. He appeared upset.

"I apologize, Aria. I am entirely to blame for this. I ought to have spoken up for us. I ought to have..."

Aria. I could identify her now. Olivia's closest friend was her. It was clear that I was losing this game.

"It's not your fault, Fred. I'm so infatuated with you that I still adore you just as much, if not more, than before."

Aria had been crying, too. Her eyes were swollen and red, giving off the impression that she would cry shortly.

"Aria, you are loved. I have always done so and I always will. Nobody is going to stand in our way. Not this marriage, either," he reassured her.

He was disturbed by her tears. that I was able to determine. He didn't seem to be at all phased by mine.

"At this moment, all I need from you is one thing. I need proof that you are still in my life. I must sense your presence beside me, honey."

I see. Honey, she just gave my spouse a call.

"Anything, sweetie. I'll do anything for you; just say the word."

"Kiss me."

easy to understand and uncomplicated. She had just asked for a kiss from my husband. I had the feeling that I was invisible.

When he suddenly turned to face her and closed the distance between them, my heart fell apart.

His mouth looked so delicious that it fell straight onto Aria's. My entire universe collapsed.

In my marriage, I thus happened to be the other woman. It wasn't just any greasy, ravenous, and demanding kiss. It was perfect, slow, and passionate. Their lips were moving in perfect synchronization.

Frederick expertly wrapped Aria's hands around his neck, ensnaring her by the decanter-shaped waist in his arms.

They were ardent partners in love. They knew the method and had the experience. I had no prior experience. In matters of the heart, I was just like any other person.

What on earth was I thinking? Someone like me could never entice him. He was way above my pay grade.

Aria's tanned legs encircled Frederick's chest, and the kiss intensified. It was not just any old kiss. It was truly remarkable. This billionaire was extraordinary in every way.

Most likely to his bedroom upstairs, he led the two of them upstairs. Let me say, 'Enjoy their wedding night.'

For me, he was too busy. He'd never be interested in me. I was never going to get my desired love.

I was left behind having a self-pitying party for myself. I'm crying so much that my eyes hurt. The lovebirds had probably been listening to my incessant sniffing as background music.

I stumbled upstairs, exhausted, and discovered my bedroom, where my bags had been placed. I had to fight for a long time before I succeeded.

I fell onto the bed and fell asleep right away. I was unable to take a shower or change. All I could hope for was that when I awoke the following morning from this nightmare, I would laugh at how ridiculous and unreal it had all been.