Billionaire's Heartless Love

The loud song echoed through the whole club, echoing as the loud drums in my heartbeat thundered.

In the midst of the swarm of bodies dancing, the sweaty bodies grind against each other, dancing to the rhythm, forgetting about tomorrow.

There he was.

Standing in all his glory.

Our eyes met, locking eyes even with the distance. I shuddered at his gaze, his dark chocolate eyes piercing against my soul, entrapping me.

I stopped dancing and it felt like the world slowed down for us. The tension lingered as his eyes gazed at me. It felt like no one was around at this moment. I tried to act innocent and nonchalant. But I could see the faint smirk coming from his lips.

He's being photographed by the media and paparazzi around him, but his eyes stayed glued to my spot.

I raised my eyebrows and winked at him.

We have to keep it private. Or the world will keep us apart.

****

"The famous Filipina-British model, and the sexiest Ellaina Amalia Ramirez, is now divorced with her spouse, Noah Wilson."

I could hear the news echoing clearly as I ate my morning salad. I rolled my eyes. It has been a month of me trying hard to hide it from anyone, yet the media is so nosy.

I guess this is the harsh truth of having to be a model. They would pry into my business, even into my personal life.

I sighed, grabbed my bag, put my hair in a low bun, and made my clean makeup look. I looked at the clock and saw it was past 7 in the morning.

Our call time for the shoot is 7:30 and I have to be early.

I would be late if I won't move something now.

I made sure I was presentable with my black crop tops and black leather pants, I put on my leather jacket and helmet before locking my condo unit with my keys. I took the elevator down and decided to use my motorcycle as it is rush hour now. The street would be too busy if I used my purple Chevrolet car.

I'd better hurry before I get late and Manager Smith will scold me again.

I turned on the engine of my motorcycle and hopped on it before driving off.

The busy morning crowd of the city is starting, and I saw a bunch of students crossing the street.

The traffic lights turned green and I stopped, I pulled my sunglasses on to avoid getting recognized yet a teenage girl met eyes with me.

"It's Ellaina!" She pointed at the skyline, and I gulped, feeling all eyes on me.

I could see the group of teenagers running to me and grabbing their pens, "Please sign this for me!"

A car behind me beeped and I parked to the side to cater to them.

I put on my dazzling smile and accepted their paper, "Hi guys, are you all going to school today?" I asked, attempting to start a conversation.

"Hi, Ellaina! Yes, we are, but good thing we saw you! My day is complete! I could even die!" Said the girl and I giggled at her.

She looked adorable and full of spirit, while her other friends were calm and some were impatiently waiting.

"Oh dear, no haha. Go now, your friends are waiting." I urged her, glancing at my wristwatch to check the time.

Good. I still have fifteen minutes left.

"Go study hard, alright? I'll be here watching you, dear." I winked at her.

Another of her friend came to ask to do my signature too, probably jealous and I did.

"Yes, I'm going to sell this." I heard him mumbling, and my mood changed at that.

I just allowed them, and I could see cameras flashing now.

"Is it true you are now single, Ellaina?" asked the woman, and I nodded, admitting it.

"Yes, I am."

"But would it be your downfall in your career? How are you feeling?" Her tone was rather harsh and condensed.

My mood instantly went down, and all I did was smile in response.

Tsk. I appreciate my fans, I really do, but at times like this, I wish I could just be a normal person.

Having a good day and suddenly bringing that up to me is just a no.

I'm sorry, I'll be late. Thank you!" I excused myself and left them.

In a hurry, I revved my engine and took a turn but a car behind me drove past me faster, pushing my motor's tire and I bounced to the ground.

It took me a few moments to realize that I am having a road accident.

Wow. An accident in the morning. Manager Smith must be fuming now.

"Dammit!" I cursed under my breath and could see the black tesla stopping behind me. A man with a suit on got out and approached me to help me up.

"Are you alright ma'am? We apologize. We were running late-"

I pushed his hand off and stood up myself, groaning in pain as I could feel my feet in pain.

I hope it wouldn't leave a bruise!

I stood my ground, despite my wobbling knees, and faced the one in charge of this, "What? And you think you own the road for you to drive like that?" I said in anger. I know that my manager strictly. told me to be nice in public to avoid rumors in the media but this is too much for me.

"We'll pay for the damages. My boss would like to ask for your number-." Said the man, handing me a business card but I was too angry now.

Glancing at my wristwatch and knowing I have only five minutes left, I sigh. "You know what? No. It's fine. I hope karma will get you for ruining my day like this."

As much as I would love to stay and argue more, I decided to let it off.

What's more important for me is to not be late! Even if I arrive in pieces!

I decided to call a taxi and let my motorbike be towed off.

As soon as I arrived at the building, I saw Manager Smith's angry face by the entrance as he grabbed my bag, "You're late."

I scoffed, "I'm just in time, you're just early. And can you get me a cup of coffee? My head is killing me right now."

He blinked, "Do I look like your assistant? Kidding, I will get you one later, but wait, your limping-oh, gosh, you got in an accident, didn't you?"

My eyes were blurry and I could hear a loud sound in my ears. "It's just a mini accident-"

"No! As much as you wasted my minutes, I don't want you fainting in the middle of the shoot. I'll get you a check-up in case of any damage." He panicked, and before I could even protest, he drove me to the nearest clinic to scan my head.

We received the results instantly. The doctor said I was fine, and just needed to take a rest for now. My head was experiencing post-trauma from the car's impact. Thank goodness I didn't have major injuries. Or any bruises. I thank myself for even wearing a leather jacket at that time.

"Let's just shoot when you're fine," said Manager Smith.

I shook my head, "But we'll lose the brand-"

He shrugged, "I have other models. Don't worry," he said, "Or do you want to stay the sexiest model?"

I chuckled at his teasing, "No. I want to take a rest."

He then offered my bag back, "A phone's been calling you since we were in the clinic."

I sighed, "Ignore that. It's probably my ex-husband."

I had blocked Noah's number since last month when I divorced him because he's been calling me nonstop. I mean, I want to ignore him for a long time because just hearing his voice makes me remember how hard I endured his crazy temper and having to act as a trophy wife. I even have to risk having a break in my career for him, only to see him cheating.

I'm not someone who has so much patience, so I cut it off. I knew that arranging a marriage just to save my family's business was the wrong decision.

What a big mistake.

My modeling career is the only one I have now, and I won't give it up.

As soon as I got home, my phone was still ringing, and I sighed, wanting to put it off now.

I clenched my teeth and clicked the answer, "Stop calling me, you lunatic bastard! We're over since last month!"

"Uhm... hello? Is this Ms. Ellaina Ramirez?" the male voice replied hesitantly.

I stopped, noticing it was different from Noah's voice, "Y-Yes? This is Ellaina speaking."

The voice cleared his throat, "This is Singles Haven, the Reality show. Well, we are sorry for calling suddenly, but we have a dare for an actor who has a major crush on you."

Is this a scam? A fraud?

What the hell is this?

This is the first time I've encountered this in my five years of modeling.

"Hi, Ellaina. You probably don't know me, but I like you. Can I maybe..drop by later?" I heard another voice speaking. It was deep and husky, and a bit sexy for me.

He had a bit of an accent while speaking English. I furrowed my eyebrows, "Later?"

"I am in the Philippines also now for a shoot." He answered, and I gulped.

Whatever it is, this must not be true, "No, thank you. I'm assuming this is a fraud. So nope, I'm not going to be up for your shenanigans."

The voice chuckled, "Uhm... this is filmed internationally. You're humiliating me."

I just had a bad day and this is pushing me off. internationally? So who cares? This must still be a scam!

"Do you not watch a television show? Turn your television on and go to channel 12."

I did as he said, and soon enough, I saw that there really was a reality show!

Oh goodness. My career...

There was a woman and a man host there, and seated in front of them was a handsome man.

The camera zoomed in and the man winked.

I gulped. He looked cute, and I turned him down. He looked tall, dark, and handsome.

He has a sharp jaw and chocolate hair and clean-cut hair jelled in a neat style.

I shook my head no. This is not the time to think about that. Noah is handsome too, yet he cheated. For all we know, that man is a player two.

I mean, who calls someone randomly for a "dare"? And it is broadcast live! That is suspicious enough!

Now panicking, I instantly turned off my phone.

Soon enough, I could hear Manager Smith's phone call.

"Ellaina! You're a model! You should have acted nicely!" That was the first thing I heard from him, "I let you rest, but you're destroying your career! Don't you even know who that guy was?"

"Who?"

"It's Ajax, the Spanish actor and the CEO of Sillas Corp!" He said.

I sighed. To hell with that CEO. I am not familiar with his name.

I don't even care. "I just got through the divorce. I don't want another man to ruin my life again, Manager Smith."

He sighed, "I know you are in pain now and angry, I understand that dear, but you should know you are in the modeling industry." He lifted my chin and clasped my cheek, "Get it together, sis! That man is a big time! You know he got here in the Philippines just to be on that show. We're definitely gonna be busy with the press with how you acted!" He said, "And don't let me save you again once rumors start!"

"Fine. We'll sort it out." I said, and hung up on him.

I muttered a curse.

Just then, the doorbell rang, and I looked out the eyehole to see my mother outside.

I bit my lip. Here we go again.

As soon as I opened the door, she stormed inside my room, "You are viral again. You should not have divorced Noah."

I closed the door, "It's my choice."

"Alright. Fine. work hard to provide for us. But there will be a time that your pride won't save you just because he cheated. You should have endured it as I did to your father."

I raised my eyebrows. She would always invalidate my feelings like this.

How toxic.

"I'm not a saint like you, mom."

I let her leave first and took a nap. My phone was blowing up with notifications, but I ignored them.

I need to maintain my mental state.

**

Wearing my two-piece bikini, I went to the poolside to unwind from

Today's events.

I asked for my usual tequila drink and sat on the stool first.

He then gave me wine and I paused, "I didn't order again."

He pointed at the man far from me, "It's from him."

I looked at the man who had shades and waved at me.

Tsk. Another man.

"Then I refuse to drink that," I said and watched as the man approached me.

"Hey miss, I see you alone there. Do you mind me sitting with you?"

"No." I shook my head.

"Why? You refused to drink the wine I gave you."

"I'm alone for a reason. So stop bothering me."

He removed his shades and raised his eyebrows, "Oh, aren't you the model who just got divorced? Your career is going down, let me help you."

I raised my eyebrows at his snide comment but remembered Manager Smith's reminder.

Goodness. I have to stay nice. For my reputation.

For my career.

I was about to drop it off when another man went to us, "She said no. Back off."

The man snorted, "And you are?"

"I'm her boyfriend."

He has shades too so I can't recognize him but his build is familiar.

The man grunted in response before leaving us alone.

I faced the man who protected me, "Do I know you?"

"Oh, you do." He said confidently and removed his shades. "The one you rejected at the reality show."

I gasped. I don't really remember his name but I'm not mistaken... it Ajax? The Spanish actor?

"Oh..." I trailed off. "You?"

"Yes me. I came to say hi."

"Did you stalk me here?" I asked him.

He blinked, "Are you calling me a stalker, Ellaina?"

I looked at him suspiciously. How else would he be here? He's an A-list, he should be at a five-star hotel...why here with me?

He said something like having a crush on me right? No way, he must have done it purposely.

"Earlier this morning, I was looking for you to pay for the damage I caused." He said, "And I want to apologize. I'm sure you must have been hurt. I wanted to take you to the hospital to get you checked but you were rushing-"

I instantly cut his sentence off, "So you were the man who bumped into my motorbike?"

He nodded.

I gritted my teeth. Damn.

"You were not letting me pay so I guess I'll have to pay another way."

"What is it?"

He then grabbed an envelope from his suit and handed it to me, "I'll invite you to my welcoming party."

I grabbed his envelope. What? It's too formal. Is he royalty or something?

Written in the envelope were the time and date, along with her name written in cursive.

7pm. At the Diners.

Ms. Ellaina Xzania Ramirez.

I turned back to him to see him as he winked at me, "I can't miss out on my model crush. Be sure to come."

Manager Smith had been looking at me, taping at his foot as he pointed his eyeglasses at me.

"So?"

I looked at him innocently, "What?"

He breathed, "Ellaina! Go prepare for that party!"

I averted my eyes to the ground, not listening to him, "I have a shoot."

It's a good thing I can get along well with Manager Smith because this is the nicest he can be and he can only be like that around me.

"You don't have a shoot scheduled. I rescheduled it." He said, "And I covered up the rumors about yesterday. The least you can do is pay me back by attending that party."

He said, grabbing a fitted backless dress from my closet, "And Ellaina? Rock that party."

Give it to Manager Smith for being both her mom and her best friend. He's too serious for his job but also protective as her best friend.

Staring at him for a long time, I sighed, "Alright. I'll show up but just for you."

His serious face instantly turned into a grin as he brightened up, "You can flirt with him."

I stuck my tongue out, "Don't wanna."

"C'mon. This will be good for the media."

Media. Tsk. Media again.

As soon as Manager Smith left, I went to change my clothes and put on the dress, wearing my makeup and red lipstick. I sprayed my Chanel perfume on and did my hair curly before leaving to use my car.

The ride to the Diners was just half an hour away due to the traffic but as soon as I got there, I could see high-profile celebrities with their dates.

There was a man waiting at the entrance and greeting the guests and my feet froze at the spot, wanting to leave at that moment.

Was this even a good idea?

I instantly turned around and was about to leave when the man acknowledge me, "Ms. Ramirez. This way please."

I bit my lip and mustered courage as I saw eyes on me everywhere.

I mean I am used to the stares I get due to fascination, but I don't even want to go to this party despite having many in my career.

The man guided me to a secret room where I was asked to wait and minutes later, a fully dressed up Ajax came.

I paused, can't help but take in his appearance.

He looked rather..dashing...I admit.

It was the first time I felt like my breath was hitching and my heart beating quickening but I shook my thoughts away to hide it.

"Hello, you came." He said, his grin spread on his face. He looked at me up and down and gulped.

He looked like he was in a trance until I snapped my fingers at him, "Sorry, you were saying? I just can't help it cause you look beautiful, Ellaina."

Tsk. His words are sugarcoated. Well, I already know that.

I nodded, "Yes because you invited me."

He chuckled, "And you go? Alone?"

"Yes. Is there a problem? Should I just leave-"

I instantly stood up but he quickly and softly my arm, "No, Stay. Please."

I stared at the panic in his eyes, he must have really believed I'll leave, "Alright."

He then offered his hand, "My date is beautiful tonight."

I stopped, "Date? You didn't inform me."

"Did I? I put it in your invitation. You must have missed it." He said and guided me outside where soft music was playing in the background and clapping from everyone.

"Let's give it up for Ajax Gideon Sillas!"

He was introduced to the stage and I decided to stay in the crowd.

"Everyone, thank you for coming." He said, interlocking my eyes, "Especially to my favorite special someone."

Everybody stared at me and I widened my eyes to him. I don't want to stand out now.

He then continued his speech and then went back to me.

"How did I do? Was I good there?"

"No," I said.

"Oh please..." We ate and when we finished, the loud song from the DJ played and everyone was dancing on the dancefloor.

He then left me to chat with others.

I sighed, now that I'm left alone, I have no one to talk to. Everyone was familiar and some other models I've worked with were here. Aside from the random smiles and occasional smiles they offer, I am not close to them.

I separate my personal life from my work. It's like Manager Smith is the only friend I have.

I went to the bathroom to hear some other celebrities' gossip.

"Ajax really brought her. It should have been me."

"No, you delusional! Ellaina is the top model, of course, we don't have a chance with the Ajax." Her friend added.

"She's not even that pretty. For sure, she has a sugar daddy or some powerful elite behind her."

"Oh goodness, didn't she marry the rich Mr. Wilson just to recover her bankrupt family? After using him, she's dumping him and going to some other successful man now."

I gritted my teeth.

This is the reason why I don't make friends with the other celebs.

Jealousy and backstabbing.

They would pull down anyone they hate and get jealous of.

They would hate the successful one and makeup stories. I'm not even surprised that half of my rumors are from them.

And backstabbing is okay for me, but having to hear how my hard work was criticized like that.

I instantly flushed the toilet and got out to surprise them. And the look on their faces priceless.

They cleared their throat, "Oh hey, didn't know you were there Ellaina."

I fake smiled at them and put my lipstick on as I stared at the mirror.

"I think you need a lot of hard work and maybe stop backstabbing someone for you to become successful." I said, showing my shiny keychain, "Right ladies?"

They trembled, "R-right."

I instantly returned to the room and grabbed my bag. Since I finished showing up, I'll leave now. What else do I have to stay here?

I could see Alexis returning to me, "Are you leaving already?"

"Yes. I'm finished."

He pouted, "But... I invited you to cheer you up and make up for the damage I caused, but you look like you're not enjoying it."

I rolled my eyes, "Yes, I'm not enjoying it. I have a shoot early tomorrow."

He nodded, "I understand. I apologize if I ever did anything bad to you. Enjoy your night, stay safe."

I nodded, feeling a bit off how he didn't even ask me to stay.

"Oh, Ellaina? I forgot to tell you. We'll be seeing each other more soon."

I gasped. No. This man. Really, he must have planned something behind my back. I have to ask my manager about this.