BABY FOR MR. BILLIONAIRE

"I want to thank my management, my agent, and all my great staff. Without their hard work, I would never have stood in this place to receive the most prestigious award in art. Oh and one more thing, I would like to say a very big thank you to my beloved husband, Gabrielle Rolland, who is definitely watching me right now from our favorite sitting room. It's a shame that my husband couldn't come to accompany me here."

"Bullshit!"

Gabrielle turned off the television and threw the black remote on the floor. A loud sound echoed throughout the quiet living room. And then silence.

Gabrielle hated all that fakeness. Fleura acted as if she was a beautiful wife who really cared for and loved her husband. In fact, Fleura only made him as a trophy to show off to everyone who adored her. Her fans.

All of Gabrielle's annoyance with his wife was diverted when his phone rang loudly. Gabrielle was too lazy to take his phone from the bar table. But he finally answered the call after the ringing had almost stopped.

"Piston? Why did you call me?"

"Oh, Gabe! What's with that bitter voice of yours? Abandoned again by your beautiful wife, huh?"

"Dammit! Stop mocking me and tell me what's in your interests. I don't want to make small talk."

Piston's laughter could be heard howling through the phone, mingling with the loud music that shook Gabrielle's frayed nerves.

"Come and join us. You are still a member. Even though you're married."

"Where are you?"

"We are in our usual place and table. Come here. Mark Jacob is celebrating his anniversary with his new girlfriend. There are several single women here," Piston whispered seductively.

"I'm in, but I'm not coming for the single women you mentioned. You know that I'm loyal."

"Oh man, you sound like a lousy sissy."

"You damn bastard. I'm a man of principle."

"Whatever. Just drag your ass over here and have fun. You don't have to be a bitter man tonight."

Ten minutes later Gabrielle came out of his room wearing an expensive outfit that was specially made for him. His appearance wasn't over the top, but he definitely looked expensive. Women usually had sharp instincts about men like him. And the scent of the perfume he wore tonight would attract more women to sniff it.

"Sir?"

"Martha. I'm going to meet my friends. No need to wait for me to come home. Just lock the door."

"Yes, sir."

"Good night, Martha."

After closing the garage door with the remote, Gabrielle drove his car out of the Bel Air area which was quiet, but offered a high level of comfort and security. His car stopped at the intersection because the traffic light suddenly turned red. Gabrielle had to be patient. He groaned in annoyance when he found a large billboard with a picture of his wife displayed at the corner of the intersection.

He really wanted to tear up the billboard showing the faces of his wife and Diego Mitchell looking at each other intimately. The picture was taken from one of the scenes in their drama series. And even though Gabrielle had never watched it, he already suspected that some of the scenes in the drama contained very strong sexual elements.

"Good evening, sir."

"Hey Jake. My regular parking space."

Gabrielle threw his car keys and Jake quickly caught it. The African-American man saluted Gabrielle before he took over his black Jag and drove it to Gabrielle's special parking slot.

"Dude, welcome!"

"You're purposely waiting for me at the entrance, huh?"

They exchanged man-to-man hugs and patted each other on the back. Piston dragged Gabrielle into the club which was getting busier and hotter.

"They are waiting for you. I was just walking someone to the car."

"A woman?"

"One of Mark's girlfriend's friends. Mark's girlfriend is a doctor."

"Wow, what's with his taste now? After dating a hot playboy model, Mark decides to date a genius doctor?"

"I think Mark has given up on dating a hot model. The woman was too exposed, and Mark always has to share her with other men."

Gabrielle silently agreed. Marrying an actress like Fleura was not as beautiful as it seemed on the outside. He harbored too much annoyance, disappointment, and jealousy towards Fleura whenever she had projects with handsome men.

"How long has Mark been dating this woman?"

"He said it was their three month anniversary."

"Wow, I hope they last longer than his exes."

Gabrielle and Piston walked through the crowd of people who were swaying on the dance floor. Several sexy women threw lewd looks at Gabrielle. One of them touched his arm, but Gabrielle brushed it off. Gabrielle wasn't interested in any of them. He loved Fleura too much and had no interest in cheating behind her back.

"Mark. Hi, buddy."

"Gabrielle! Glad you came."

Mark stood up from his chair and welcomed Gabrielle with open arms. Gabrielle glanced at the people sitting around Mark's table. A woman in a tight white dress, but quite polite, sat next to Mark. Gabrielle assumed the woman was Mark's new girlfriend.

"Congratulations to you, bro. You got a better woman."

"Very much. This woman is the most beautiful gift. I think I plan to take our relationship to a more serious level."

"You finally plan to get married?" Gabrielle chuckled softly as she punched Mark in the shoulder.

"I guess so. I should learn more matrimony tricks from you. You're the only guy from our gang who's married."

Gabrielle only responded by shrugging his shoulders briefly. Most of his friends never knew what happened to his household.

"Who is her name?"

"Miranda Stanley. You should get to know her."

Mark turned to Miranda and called her, "Honey, this is Gabrielle."

The woman in the white dress stood up. She looked just as Gabrielle had imagined, a classy woman who was elegant and refined. Miranda really showed her qualities as a doctor. She didn't look cheap like Mark's exes.

"Hi, nice to meet you."

"Yeah, nice to meet you too. This is my first time meeting Mark's friends."

Miranda shook his hand and Gabrielle squeezed it gently. For a doctor, Miranda has small and delicate palms.

"You are a doctor, right? Do you have a speciality?"

"She's an obstetrician," Mark answered quickly while elbowing Gabrielle in the ribs.

"Honey, Gabrielle has been married for three years. He wants to have a baby. You might be able to give him some suggestions on how to make a baby quickly."

Miranda blushed when she got a naughty wink from her lover. Gabrielle only responded with a flat smile. He hated bringing up the topic in front of someone he had just met. Even though that person was his best friend's girlfriend.

"I'm very open to giving you some advice from a medical standpoint."

"Okay, thank you. I will take my wife for a consultation."

"His wife is a famous actress. Fleura Delacour."

Once again, Mark's leaking mouth spat out words that made Gabrielle's mood fall to rock bottom. He did not like his private life being discussed in public.

"Really? I'm a big fan of Fleura. She is a great actress."

"Thank You."

"Maybe next time you can take your wife. I really want to meet her."

Gabrielle smiled faintly and nodded slowly. Although he wasn't sure if Fleura would be willing to come and meet his friends. Fleura was very picky in choosing friends. Piston was one of his friends who Fleura didn't like. Gabrielle was sure she wasn't interested in his other friends either.

"Enjoy the party, man. You can order whatever you want."

"Thanks, buddy. I won't stay all night. I have an important meeting tomorrow morning."

"Damn. I know you're busy, but try to enjoy the party. Some of Fleura's friends came. At least, they are available to accompany you tonight."

Gabrielle growled at the whisper. He chose to ignore Mark's teasing, and walked towards the empty seat next to Jerome. But just as he turned around, someone suddenly came running into him and spilled punch on his expensive shirt.

"Omegosh! I'm sorry."

"Oh shit! Use your eyes when you walk, girl. You just got my expensive shirt wet."

Gabrielle shook the front of his soaked shirt while hurling harsh curses.

"What? You're very rude. I already apologized to you, Mr. Rich. Besides, it's not entirely my fault. You suddenly turned around when I passed by."

"This is clearly your fault. You carry a punch in your hand, but walk carelessly."

They shouted at each other loudly, and became a spectacle for the club visitors. Piston was the only one who immediately got up from his seat to separate Gabrielle from one of Miranda's friends.

"Gabe, I don't think this is something to make a fuss about."

"Shut up. This damn woman spilled her drink on my shirt."

"She didn't mean it," Piston whispered in his ear.

"What did you say? You are a truly rude and immoral man."

"Belle, stop it!"

Just as Belle was about to scratch Gabrielle's arrogant face, suddenly Miranda and Nathalie came to pull her back. They gave her sharp looks and told her to stop embarrassing herself.

"Sorry, this is my friend, Belle Triston. I'm sure she didn't mean to spill her punch on your shirt."

"He was rude to me," Belle said fiercely. She was annoyed because Miranda seemed very polite to the man

"It's okay, Miranda. Gabrielle is just in a bad mood tonight."

Piston calmed Gabrielle and took him away from Miranda's friends.

Before Belle could say anything, Miranda and Nathalie dragged her away from Mark's friend's table.

"Beib, I have to go cool Belle's head. Enjoy the party with your friends. I'll be right back."

Before Belle could say anything, Miranda and Nathalie dragged her away from Mark's friend's table. They dragged Belle to a quiet corner of the club.

"What was that? Why are you defending that damn man?"

"Belle, you're embarrassing yourself," Nathalie glared at her.

Meanwhile, Belle didn't seem to care and just crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"You've dealt with the wrong man."

"Who is he anyway?"

Belle accidentally found a man winking flirtatiously at her. The guy was about twenty years older than her and he had several sexy women lining up for his attention. Belle shot him a disgusted and sharp look, go to hell.

"What the hell are you looking at?"

"Nothing. So, who was the guy who hit me earlier?"

"Gabrielle Rolland."

One second, two seconds. Nathalie and Miranda were both waiting for Belle's excited reaction. But after five seconds had passed, they still had nothing but a confused frown on Belle's face.

"You don't know who Gabrielle Rolland is?" asked Nathalie in amazement.

"No. Is he someone important enough to know?"

"Oh my, Belle! You must really be living in a cave."

"Hey, I have an apartment. Yes, even though it's not in the elite area of LA. But I don't live in a cave!"

"For your information, Gabrielle Rolland is one of the most desirable rich men in LA. He is the owner of the largest automotive company in LA, Starlight Company. And you know, he married a very famous actress of this century, Fleura Delacour."

In contrast to Nathalie, who looked enthusiastic when explaining Gabrielle's brief profile, Belle didn't seem interested at all. She did not like his rudeness and arrogance.

"To me, he's nothing but a fucking bastard with very bad manners. Such a great man should be able to respect a woman."

Miranda and Nathalie looked at each other. They both gave up trying to persuade Belle to stop her cynicism towards Gabrielle.

"Okay, forget that. Didn't we come here to have fun? Belle, I want you to meet one of Mark's friends."

"Nothing really caught my attention. The man named Piston is talkative and flirtatious. He tried to rub my thigh when I sat next to him. And his other friend looked terrible. He kept drinking and he was sweating profusely even though it was very cold here. I assumed he was nervous."

"Geez, Belle, you're too picky."

"Being a picky is important. Especially for my future."

"Then you will remain single forever."

Miranda crossed her arms in front of her chest in annoyance. This was her thirtieth attempt to match Belle with a man. But things never worked out. Belle was always fussy about the men. Tonight Belle was even more annoying because she caused a scene with a hot guy like Gabrielle Rolland.

"I will find the right man someday. Now, is just not the time."

Nathalie rubbed Belle's arm, trying to calm her down.

"You should be like Nathalie. She even made it after just one date."

"Well, that's her luck. Nathalie found the right man like Ernest. He is smart, handsome, and gentle. If I were dating a guy like Erenest, I wouldn't be so cranky either."

"Gurls, this debate will get us nowhere. Besides, I have to go home now."

"Nat? Why?" Miranda whined.

"Tomorrow I have an operation scheduled at eight o'clock. I don't want to show up with dark circles under my eyes while anesthetizing my patient. And Ernest must have returned from his business trip. We promised to have a video call before going to bed."

"Ahem... Are you guys going to have phone sex?"

"Geez, Belle! You're so nosy," Nathalie laughed.

"If you want to know, you should find a lover, so you can make a video call with your lover."

"Oh, that's really rude," Belle pretended to touch her chest and acted dramatically.

"I'm leaving, gurls. See you tomorrow at the hospital. And you Belle, I hope tonight you manage to find at least one interesting man."

Belle waved her hand in the air. "Don't expect too much. I'll go home after drinking a few shots at the bar."

They hugged each other before Nathalie left the club.

"I have to go back to Mark."

"I'll go to the bar alone. Tell Mark I'm sorry for the mess tonight."

"Okay. See you tomorrow, Belle."

Belle waved softly at Miranda and turned towards the bar. Tonight might not be her luck. But for how long?

Belle groaned inwardly. She was tired of going on all the dates arranged by Miranda. Not a single date ended well for her. She even experienced some unpleasant things with random men. She was once asked to pay the bill for the cliche reason that the man had forgotten his wallet. She was also almost raped by her date. She never told Miranda, but Miranda thought she was too picky and fussy. Well fine, maybe the man she was destined for didn't want to come just yet.

"Hi beautiful, you're back."

The bartender greeted Belle cheerfully while wiping the glasses lined up in front of him.

"Umh yeah, my friends just got home. Please make me a Bloody Marry."

"Sure. This will be the best Bloody Marry in town."

The bartender added a flirtatious wink before he got busy mixing some liquids to make Belle's order.

Meanwhile, Belle took the only empty place at the bar counter and sat on a high stool. She really didn't have any inkling until someone next to her spoke sarcastically.

"You still have enough courage to stay, Belle Triston?"

The woman wore a short fuschia dress with spaghetti straps. She looked sexy, but she was not slutty. She wrapped herself in an expensive, untouchable elegance. A simple gold watch circled her wrist along with a white gold bracelet full of beads. There was no ring on her finger. Her wavy auburn hair was like flames that framed her stern face. Gabrielle admitted that Belle was beautiful. But, Belle had a fierce mouth. She did not hesitate to yell at anyone who openly bothered her.

"I wouldn't say that I'm happy to meet you here."

"Me neither. But you are free to sit wherever you are, I will not kick you out."

"Well, this club isn't yours. You can't kick me out while I'm here and pay for my own drinks."

"I could buy this place right now if I really wanted to kick you out."

"Tsk, you arrogant rich guy."

Gabrielle shrugged his shoulders indifferently. He sipped his bourbon slowly. His elbows propped on the table. He tried to enjoy this evening as best as possible even though his mood had fallen to the bottom of the abyss.

"Your drink, Milady. Enjoy."

"Thank you...."

"Joshua. Pleased to meet you."

The bartender went to serve other guests after placing Belle's order. His friendliness relaxed Belle's tension a little. All men should be like Josh. He was friendly, but he was not lewd.

"Where are your other friends?"

"Over there."

"Why don't you join them?"

"I'm lazy. I just want to enjoy my bourbon in peace."

Hearing the sarcasm, Belle automatically stopped moving her lips to ask Gabrielle more questions. Besides, she was clear enough about Gabrielle's profile and she didn't need any more information.

For half an hour Gabrielle and Belle were just silent, ignoring each other and trying to enjoy the boring atmosphere around them. But Belle found their nonchalance repulsive. She couldn't stand pretending to be nonchalant for too long, so she decided to finish her drink and go home.

"Give up, eh?"

"Sorry? Are you talking to me?"

"Do you see anyone else here?"

Shit! Belle cursed her own stupidity.

"Tsk, what do you want? You keep skeptical of me. Are you angry because I wet your expensive shirt? Okay, I'll change your shirt tomorrow."

"No need. I have a pile of expensive shirts at home. You'd better go home and go to bed. You look tired, miss."

Belle's anger rose to the top of her head. She really wanted to scratch this man's annoying face and shower him with the rudest curses she had ever known.

Belle exhaled roughly. She wasn't going to escalate the ridiculous argument. She'd better go home and go to sleep like that damn man suggested to her.

"Alright. Good night, Mr. Rolland."

Belle tossed her hair before walking away. Gabrielle grinned as he took a sip of his bourbon. He thought Belle was quite funny and sweet. He found solace in Belle, and he hoped to meet the fierce woman again.

"Nite too, Belle," Gabrielle mumbled into the air.

-00-

"I am ready. Let's get out of the car."

"You look amazing. Happy birthday, darling."

Gabrielle took Fleura's right hand and kissed the back of it gently. The corner of Gabrielle's eye accidentally caught the diamond ring on Fleura's finger. It was their wedding ring. He noticed that Fleura didn't wear it in Milan because her fingers were too full of designer rings. However, this time Fleura wore her ring again to perfect her role as Gabrielle Rolland's wife.

"I have a gift for you."

"Now? I thought you'd surprise me at the end of the day."

"There are some gifts. This is the first gift," Gabrielle smiled broadly at his enthusiastic wife.

"I love gifts. Oh, thank you my darling."

Fleura grabbed Gabrielle's nape and kissed him passionately. They crushed each other, and Gabrielle hugged her back tightly. It had been a long time since they kissed like that. And Gabrielle didn't want to miss a single sweet moment with her on her birthday.

"When are you going to give me a gift?"

"After one more kiss."'

Gabrielle kissed her wife's lips greedily, like a hungry man. He didn't need to worry about journalists around the lobby because he protected his car with frosted glass.

"OK, that is enough. You messed up my lipstick."

Fleura pushed Gabrielle's shoulder. She pursed her lips when she saw her reflection in the mirror.

"My lip is swollen, gosh. You kissed me greedily."

"We haven't done that in a long time," Gabrielle shrugged nonchalantly.

"I hope that tonight we can celebrate your birthday more intimately in bed."

"Hmm, I have a party with my friends at the club. They have prepared a surprise for me."

"Oh shit! Can you cancel the party?"

Applying lipstick to her lips, Fleura shook her head with a fake sad expression.

"I can't let them down, Gabe. Everyone will attend. Including my producer and director."

"Are they more important than me? Your husband?"

"Of course, you are more important than them. Never compare yourself with them. Come on, I don't want to start an argument with you. Are you going to give me my gift now?"

Gabrielle reached into his pocket excitedly. He took out a red velvet box and handed it to Fleura without opening it.

"It's a very rare ruby necklace. I managed to get it at last month's auction."

Fleura clapped her hands excitedly and opened the velvet box impatiently.

"Oh, honey, it's so pretty. You know that I really want it!"

Fleura lifted the necklace and screamed with joy in front of the mirror while holding the necklace to her neck. The red ruby on the pendant shone beautifully under the lamplight. Fleura couldn't wait to wear it, so she could show off the rare necklace to her friends.

"Can you help me, honey?"

"Turn around. I'll put the necklace around your neck."

Gabrielle took the necklace from Fleura's hand then put it around her neck. He was a bit annoyed that Fleura chose to party with her friends instead of spending time with him. Watson's words flashed through his mind. He said he could use his money to buy the happiness he wanted. Fleura was not the only woman in the world. There were lots of women who were willing to replace Fleura in his bed.

"Come on, Gabe, smile for the camera."

Fleura put her arm around Gabrelle's shoulder as they walked through the hospital lobby. The flash slightly blinded Gabrielle's eyes, who was not yet used to the presence of paparazzi. Meanwhile, Fleura looked so relaxed when facing the paparazzi. She posed very elegantly while showing off her affection for Gabrielle. That's what Fleura always did. Pose and pose. Her ruby necklace shone beautifully under the flash. Fleura looked perfect in front of all those paparazzi.

"Hello friends, thank you for coming to celebrate my birthday as well as to visit the children here."

"Happy birthday Ms. Fleura. Your heart is so noble. You choose to celebrate your birthday in the hospital with children with cancer. While other actresses, who may not be more famous than you, choose to party in clubs or in private villas."

Fleura smiled gently as she glanced at Gabrielle, who was looking at her with loving eyes.

"My wife wants to share her happiness with them, right sweetheart?"

Gabrielle kissed her wife's cheek tenderly. A group of nurses cheered wildly behind the pillar, biting their nails with envy at Gabrielle and Fleura.

"And today you are allowed to record my activities inside, but I hope you can be calmer when you do it because we are currently in the hospital."

The reporters muttered noisily, then nodded in understanding. One of them raised a finger to ask Fleura a question.

"Yes?"

"I see you are wearing a very beautiful necklace."

Fleura's eyes twinkled. She excitedly touched the ruby against her neck and pulled Gabrielle closer to her.

"My beloved husband gave it to me as a birthday present. Thank you very much, baby."

"The pleasure is mine. I always have to ensure my wife's happiness."

They kissed passionately. The hospital staff buzzed around excitedly amidst the clicking sounds of cameras. Rollands would be a hot topic in all the magazines.

"Come on guys, it's time for us to meet these cute children," Gabrielle exclaimed excitedly then took his wife's hand into the hospital.