Carrying The Billionaire's Heir

"You have to marry Mr. Lorcan Amadeus, Atasha."

That was my mom's sweetest welcome right after I came home from a high-end club which I can't remember the happenings last night anymore because I was too wasted. Blame it on the Bacardi that Sydney made me gulp for about twenty times, I think?

Ugh, nevermind the numbers! But seriously, I feel sore all over my body and one thing is I'm sure... I may have forgotten some details of events last night at the club but somehow, I can still remember that particular steamy moment I had with a stranger.

Oh shoot, right! I slept with a random man and worse, he got my first V-card! Damn it...

"Atasha, are you listening?" Mom snapped my senses back. She's arching her brow at me while holding her waist.

My forehead crinkled at her. "Come again, mom? Marry who?" I asked again, hoping I just misheard it.

"I said, you will marry Mr. Lorcan Amadeus for the betterment of all, for the sake of our growing business---" I gasped as I cut her off.

"No!"

Are they serious? No, no, no. This isn't happening!

"But yes, sweetie. You have no choice but to obey," she then, hovered around Dad who was sitting on his swivel chair, never throwing care at my disapproval. "The matrimony is set to happen the day after tomorrow so, be ready." Mom announced with finality.

Oh fvck this.

"B-but... how about my own freedom? How could you do this to me? I don't want to marry someone I do not love and I don't even know!" I shouted, driven by my emotions.

Because aside from their news shocked me to the core, it also tore me apart, like burned down all my better expectations from them.

"Goodness, Atasha! You're not getting any younger so whether you like it or not, you have to marry him. Don't worry, dear because we assure you, he's the most perfect husband for you. Trust us." Mom smirked wickedly as she sipped on her wine.

Meanwhile, Dad just gave me his nonchalant look as if all of mom's decisions had been approved by him.

I so hate this family...

And just like that, my precious freedom of being 22 was taken away from me and I found myself walking down not on the aisle but on the tiled floor of the courthouse where the wedding is being held.

"You may now kiss your bride." The judge announced.

Lorcan silently cupped my face as his soft lips brushed into mine.

It was the most bittersweet kiss I have ever experienced in my entire life as I realized how fate played a trick on me because my husband happens to be the stranger I slept with and ran away from.

My parents never told me the real deal about the person whom I married. He's not just a rich hottie bachelor no more but a freaking billionaire and a devil disguised in his expensive suit. Lorcan Amadeus, the man who is a nightmare for me but an ultimate dream for every woman out there.

But despite the culture shock upon witnessing his dominance, I can't deny the fact that it's ironically affecting every bit of my system, and my heart beats erratically for him, recognizing his touch, kisses and warmth against my body.

It was such an experience, for a short span of time being his wife, I learned to fulfill my duties and today, I'm holding a lunchbox wrapped in a foil while heading towards his office.

All smiles, I entered the elevator for me to reach the 20th floor. My fingers were fidgeting, maybe because of the excitement I was feeling, thrilled to see his reaction once I gave him the foods I had prepared.

I stepped out of the elevator and walked towards his office and without knocking, I opened the door and went inside.

Only for me to freeze for a moment, unable to mobilize as my eyes are being welcomed by an unfamiliar woman sitting comfortably on his table, wearing a very short pencil cut skirt and sleeveless top that should be covered by a coat!

My eyes found my husband who's sitting on his swivel chair, letting her play his necktie.

What crap is this...

But the true load of crap has slapped me hard the moment his cold dripping gaze bore into mine and he spat the words I never prepared myself for.

"Glad that you came. I don't have to ask my men to bring you here," he then handed me a piece of paper... that I never wanted to see nor read its content. "I want a divorce right fvcking now, Atasha Rae. Sign it." He muttered acidly.

I felt like a cold water had poured all throughout my body. I was too stunned to speak for a second but when I saw how his secretary for this month flirts with him, my blood boils automatically.

"But... why?! I did nothing but be a good wife to you, Lorcan! And why are you with her..." I trailed off while surveying his secretary dressed as a slut.

She's a snake!

"Oh cut the drama, woman. All I want is for you to sign this damned divorce paper. Sign it now! Leave and never come back again!" He stood up from his seat, eyes were darkly unreadable, piercing through my soul.

It was such a heavy pair to stare at. Slowly, I put the lunchbox on the spaced table, it should be his lunch for this afternoon but I think he doesn't need it anymore, and with my falling tears and trembling hands, I took the paper and stared at it for seconds.

God. Did he find me boring? Am I not enough to be his lover?

I guess, we can't really force the love that's not meant for us.

I looked at him for the last time, the perfectly sculpted face of a man who made me feel the sparks fly in a short span of time.

"As you wish, my beloved husband." Pride is the only thing left to me. Gulping all the pain leaping through my throat, I signed the paper and it fell on the floor.

... just like how he dropped my heart and broke it into tiny pieces.

As soon as I turned my back, I burst into tears. Never wanting to look back, I made a step forward to his office door to make my leave but deep inside my heart and despite the decisions of my rational mind, I'm still hoping for him to call me and apologize and say he never meant those words, like it was all just a misunderstanding.

But he didn't. It wasn't.

Leaving his life means burying a little secret that ought to grow in my womb.

Because little did he know, I'm carrying his heir... the billionaire's heir.

I don't know how to start again. I think everything is back to zero, and after leaving his place and life, it's as if I also lost a certain part of me.

My phone vibrated on the table and I can guess it fifteenth attempts since earlier I sat here. Layla Rae is on the caller ID. Oh jeez, mom. Why do you have to be this persistent?

Yeah, right. Because I disappointed them big time and they are enraged now because their ace of a daughter has accepted the divorce offered by her oh-so loving husband. Note the sarcasm.

I took a very deep breath before I decided to answer the call.

"Mom," I uttered as I readied myself for her to burst out.

"You wench! What have you done?! Why would you sign the divorce paper? Was that all you've got, huh? We didn't teach you to be this weak and pathetic, Atasha!" She was hysterically saying on the other line.

I inhaled sharply. Nice. They didn't even ask me first about how I feel. Of course, when did they consider my feelings as their top priority anyway? I never learned.

"He was asking for a divorce so, I just gave it to him. What do you want me to do? Beg him to stop and reconsider me as his wife? Be desperate and force myself to stay still in his life---"

"Yes, Tasha! Because that's the right thing to do!" Her voice has raised its tone this time.

I stiffened. "What?"

How could she say that...

"Oh please. Don't tell me you didn't even fall for him in that span of week? That's way too impossible. Every woman is getting hooked to him, a rich, hot and wise young tycoon. Lorcan's definitely a catch! How stupid of you to let him go!" Yes. I guess I really am stupid.

But what can I do? That's how I love, the way of love I know. To let go because the person I love asked for it and I'm willing to give him the happiness he wants even if it doesn't count me.

"There's no love between us. I didn't fall in love with him, mom." Liar bitch!

"What?! W-well then, if that's the case... there's still a lot of ways to fix that! Love can be taught and learned. Now, go back to his place and beg him to take you back. If you need to fall on your knees then, go---" I cut her off immediately because I just heard some ridiculous words!

"No! I would never do that! I won't stoop that low for that man or any man. If he doesn't want me as his woman then, suit himself." I remarked bitterly.

"You stubborn wench--"

I didn't let her finish her lines and ended the call instead. Putting back my phone on the table, I ran my fingers through my hair and let out a frustrated sigh. I probably look like some problematic divorced lady.

"Was that Aunt Layla?" A blondie voluptuous girl with a pair of aquamarine eyes has come out from the kitchen.

And she's my no boyfriend since birth, party girl best friend since grade school. Sydney Hamilton, the hottie bubbly fluffy proofreader slash editor in a famous publishing house in the Central City.

"Yup," I replied absentmindedly, popping the 'p'.

Sydney squinted her eyes and slightly pouted. She's actually holding cups of coffee as she walks towards my direction which is the center table. I set aside my phone to give her some space and also, pulled the unoccupied chair.

This is her house after all and I'm just a visitor. Err-- if that's how she pertained to me. A broken friend staying in her humble abode rather.

"Sometimes I don't get your mom's logic," she sat on the chair while nodding her head repeatedly. She looked at my stressed face and sighed. "Well... oftentimes rather. Why don't you try explaining to them personally? I mean, you're their daughter so it's impossible for them not to consider any of your rants and understand where you're coming from! That's how family works!" She exclaimed as a matter-of-factly.

I threw her a bored look. "Unfortunately, our family was just merely blood. I know you know that ever since, Syd. It's useless to argue and explain words by words to them. Their ears and mind were severely covered."

"Oh, right. How insensitive of me to forget that..." She chuckled awkwardly.

I didn't make a response and just took a cup of coffee and sipped on it. I can feel her worried eyes lingering on me. I can even hear her questions through that expression of hers. Ah, my very transparent friend.

After a moment of silence, only the wall fan and our sips on each coffee can hear, she spoke up again.

"What are your plans now? I support you with your decision to let go of that good for nothing asshole ex-husband of yours but..." She paused a bit, my lips curved a smile with the way she cursed Lorcan. "But what if there's still something from him that is left in you? Something he might have a hold onto." She said, eyes were suspicious yet still has a hint of concern.

"What something are you talking about?" I asked, totally confused.

She rolled her eyes at me and stressfully brushed her hair through her fingers as if I'm the most stupid person she ever met.

"Don't you get my point? He was the man who took your innocence, Atasha! Therefore, there's a huge possibility that what happened between you two has resulted into something---" I cut her off and started shaking my head.

I clearly get what she's trying to imply. But hell, no!

"No, no, no. It's impossible, Syd..." I defensively countered but the truth is, I'm slowly feeling so nervous about this matter.

"It's too possible! You two didn't use any protection, remember? A one fucking night stand." She smirked devilishly and somehow, I can see through her eyes the accuracy in her words.

Shit then!

Frustrated, I cupped my face harshly. "We're not yet sure. I have to buy packs of pregnancy tests first..." I said firmly.

"That's my Tasha!" Syd grinned widely. Why does she look so happy while I'm in a total distress, anyway?

I just rolled my eyes at her.

Upon knowing the possibilities, I realized I can't stress myself out over things I have no control with. Thinking that there's a life slowly growing in my womb scares and thrills me at the same time. But every time I remember how unsure it is to give him or her a complete family, my heart is being twisted countless times. An innocent angel doesn't deserve complicated parents.

The other day, I woke up to do my morning routine and fulfill the goal which is to find a temporary job and apply as a secretary, janitress, staff or whatsoever. I'm still staying in Sydney's house though. As I was done with my hair and feeling satisfied with my pencil cut skirt and ruffled sleeveless white top covered in blazers, I marched downstairs only to see the empty dining and living room.

Syd was probably on her way now to her work. What a productive employee.

Taking a single slice of loaf bread, I headed out of her house and locked it before turning my heels on my Mazda. I heaved a sigh before starting the engine.

Trying to become an independent woman isn't that easy at all. But carry on, this is part of being a brave soul, yeah. Ugh. It's gonna be a long day for me. I can already feel shits all over my way.

"Atasha Lovelle Rae from Caventry St., and I would like to apply for uh... secretary or anything available here in your company." I smiled pleasantly at the staff on the front ground floor.

She took my resume and scanned all the details through her rounded black eyes behind gleaming glasses.

"Just go upstairs and click the elevator to the 13th floor, miss. You're gonna be interviewed by our boss himself." She informed me in a monotone and handed me back my resume.

I thanked her shortly and followed her instructions then. On my way to the 13th floor, I saw some women dressed in the same corporate attire as me. Slightly conscious, I stepped into the personal office of the CEO and there, in his swivel chair, a man who looked two years older than me, tall, fair and well-built has welcomed me with his charming smile.

"Another applicant? You're a goddess for someone aiming to be my secretary. Have a sit, please." He boastfully said and gestured to me.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Another sperm specimen full of guts. Great.

Like what usually an interview works, he made me tell about myself and personal details. I just find his stares awkward and the way he laughs sounded like a maniac to me, or probably I'm just being judgmental again.

"Do you have a boyfriend, Miss Rae?" He asked afterwards.

"Is that still part of the interview though?" I cleared my throat and shook my head. "No, I don't have." But an ex-husband, yes...

"Cool! Congratulations then, you're hired!" He suddenly announced, full of enthusiasm. He stood up and I absentmindedly followed as we did handshakes.

O---kay. That fast? I haven't even gained sweat!

"Err. Thank you, Mr. Williams." I said with an awkward smile.

"Just Seijan for you, Miss Rae." He laughed at his own suggestion.

Oh boy. My boss is freaking weird and seemingly a duplicate of my cheesy suitors back then.

"Anyway, you can start now. Don't worry, I won't go hard on you." He winked at me before going back to his swivel.

What the hell was that?

You are supposed to put me on a work under pressure, you weirdo boss.

Well, on a second thought, I might as well use it for my own advantage. Light worker, huh. Not bad at all.

After I did my initial duties as a newly hired secretary, I decided to wander around the company. Willms Enterprise isn't that small nor big either. Unlike L.A Holdings Inc. which triples bigger than this and an arena. That's why it is considered as the top performing incorporation nationwide but let's not talk about its CEO anymore to maintain the mood. He's probably busy now typing on his laptop while having his brunette secretary on his lap.

Damn you, Amadeus!

At last, after murdering them in my mind, the elevator opened for me to step in. But I was too stunned to speak as soon as I saw who was currently going inside, too. Speaking of the devil I was trying to get rid of.

My ex-husband gazed coldly at me, looking so intimidating in his black slacks and coat. He's darkly handsome with his slightly messed up hair though.

Wow, Atasha. After everything, you can still compliment him? You stupid neglected ex-wife!

I acted cool and composed as I entered the elevator where he's in. God. He's even alone! Where are his men? Or beloved secretary perhaps? What is he doing here?

Don't tell me...

Oh shit! He's a freaking business partner of my boss?! Just how the world can be this small!?

"After getting divorced, you have all the rights now to get yourself a new man, huh. Finally, a freedom to flirt while on duty." Suddenly, Lorcan's deep baritone voice reached my ears.

Fists clenched, I turned to him with death glares. How dare him!

"Don't accuse me of something you usually do, Sir." I emphasized sardonically. His eyes widened a bit but it was short-lived.

"How I loathe that sharp tongue of yours. So, you're not denying it? You're really planning to get along with another man now?" He began stepping closer, I automatically stepped back. His eyes were icy, deep seeping through my system.

"And what is it to you?! We're already divorced, right? You have no more hold on me and i'm not yours anymore! So, please--" I was about to push him but he even got closer than ever!

His body almost pressed into mine, he leaned closely. Oh God. What is his problem?!

"Uh-huh? And what if I change my mind? What if I steal you from your potential lover, miss? You're mine to begin with, anyway." My eyes widened, he breathed on my neck. And that's when I lost it all.

The elevator clicked as it opened. He was smirking darkly and moved away from me, stepping himself out, leaving me dumbfounded.

"Miss, are you going out or what?" An impatient voice pulled me from being astonished.

"Oh. I'm sorry, ma'am." I quickly stepped out of the elevator and gave her a way in.

This is ridiculous. I felt stupidly stunned for a moment. Probably it was his ego talking? For all I know, he never meant those words and he was just challenged with the idea of his ex-wife getting herself a new lover which is not so true and purely absurd.

I don't need a man to get even and use it for my own benefits. Especially that Seijan Williams? Oh please, I have no plans to deal with a seventeen year-old boy hiding in a twenty-four year-old man's body. And he's my freaking boss for pete's sake!

Later on, after reciting the 'Lorcan ego thing' in my mind repeatedly, I have successfully convinced myself. Better than assuming things and becoming a delusional bitch.

"Atasha, I have an urgent meeting to attend to. Come with me." My boss, Mr. Seijan Williams called me on the intercom.

"Coming, Sir!" I was half-running through his office.

Aw, my poor brand new heels. Anyway at least, they are strongly intact.

"When is my next appointment?" Mr. Williams asked as we headed out of his office.

So, I scanned his whole schedule for today on the iPad. "Later at one thirty noon." I informed him.

"Good," he clicked his fingers and turned his shoes ahead. I followed him while carrying my MacBook and some documents.

We arrived at the conference room a few minutes later but to my shock, that the things I was holding almost slipped from my hands, the least person I wanted to see today and for the next days of my life was sitting comfortably on the swivel, second to the first businessman beside him. He's wearing his iconic poker face, lips hardly pressed in thin line, his unfathomable eyes were directly hitting mine.

"Good morning, everyone. You may proceed now." Mr. Williams signaled the Architect who is the presenter today.

I avoided that piercing frozen gaze which was definitely starting to affect my composure. I sat beside Mr. Williams and put the things on my space table. While all of the board members were focusing on the project being presented and proposed by the Architect in front, I feel distracted on the other hand.

I can't seem to focus because of the sharp eyes lingering through my skin, sending shivers down my spine and it was coming from my front! Literally, he's just sitting in front of me.

Too much for my plans on avoiding my billionaire ex-husband.

"Through these quantities, all we have to seek are the qualities by then. If we look at the modernized furniture and such, technology is never out of the line. We can make the low and middle class feel like they are upper class, with the expensive looking designs yet cheap pricing. They will feel rich even if they aren't..." The Architect keeps on discussing which I can't clearly comprehend now.

"But how about the materials? I think your plan on making them feel rich with cheap pricing is kinda impossible if the materials nowadays are tremendously competitive in costs." An opinion from one of the boards.

"It is possible through the techniques of innovation..."

My eyes found Lorcan's. He's shamelessly staring at me. Shit! Why is he not paying attention to the project being discussed? He's the CEO of a leading company for God's sake!

"Do you think his proposal is worth investing in?" When suddenly, Mr. Williams leaned to whisper near my ear.

I awkwardly moved an inch. "Well, uh... I think, yes, Sir! Let's give him a chance. He graduated holding a degree of Architecture with flying colors and probably underwent numerous apprenticeships so..." I trailed off.

"Hmm, you think so?"

Damn, I can't make a response anymore because my whole attention has diverted again to the other side. My ex-husband is looking in our direction and if gazes can kill, we're probably dead by now. Jaw clenched, his majestic gray eyes were screaming rage. He looks so furious.

Why does he seem mad though? Like any minute by now, he's gonna turn this table upside down and burst into violence.

I roamed my eyes around him. He really went here alone. Where's his secretary by the way? Already dumped her because it's time now to get himself a new perhaps? What a big jerk.

"Meeting adjourned." Mr. Williams announced and everybody stood up from their seats, it also pulled my attention back to its right track.

Some did handshakes with those who proposed their plans on the current project. I stood up and scooped my things before I followed Mr. Williams outside.

"Looking forward to another successful project with you, Mr. Lim." Mr. Williams laughingly did handshakes with one of the asian boards.

He turned to me when the man left. He's with his wide smile again. Carry on, Atasha. You should start to get used to dealing with weirdos from now on.

"Let's take our lunch together, Miss Rae. I bet you prefer expensive cuisines, yeah?" He suddenly insisted.

"But--" he cut me off quickly!

"Uh-oh. No buts here. I don't accept rejections." He grinned from ear to ear.

What the heck. Is this man serious? Is this some kind of date?

Jeez! My assuming side is poking again. I should stop overthinking. Maybe this is just his polite way of treating his every new employee.

"Uhm... well then," I forgot my supposed words when I looked behind him and saw Lorcan standing beside one of the boards from the recent meeting, a brunette with curvy waist and rounded butts. Definitely his type. She was talking enthusiastically to him while he remained impassive, looking at us, at me. "I guess it's alright. As long as it won't deduct my salary." I remarked which made Mr. Williams chuckle.

"Skeptical, huh? Don't worry, that is not the purpose of it."

I laughed awkwardly and ignored Lorcan's sharp blade gazes as I walked with my boss towards his Audi.

I could never understand where Lorcan's raging presence was coming from. The only reason I could think of is that I'm severely stepping on his precious ego. That's it, the only valid reason I can consider.

"A western cuisine?" I voiced out as I went out from Mr. Williams' car.

"You deserve to have lunch with me in this expensive place, Miss Rae." He grinned boastfully.

He's really getting creepier, I swear. But bearable though.

He insisted on holding my hand through guiding me inside but I refused and distanced myself a bit from him. Gosh! I hate touchy people.

Haven's Hill, that's the name of this cuisine he picked. Not a bad taste for an old-fashioned man like him.

My eyes wandered around. Everything looks luxurious, shining in billion dollars. everybody is wearing corporate attire and branded dresses. Oh that limited edition Louis Vuitton heeled boots of a blondie next to us! How ravishing. This place is literally for rich people, those who are in the upper class, the billionaires...

A realization hit me in a sudden. Our world is definitely small for us not to meet again. Oh shit! Don't tell me...

"Hey, Miss Rae. I have been talking to you but you seem not to be in yourself the past minute." Mr. Williams' curious voice made me blink.

He pulled me a chair. I utterly thanked him and sat silently. He sat on his seat and scanned the menu. I bit my lip and looked at the menu on my front. I'm so not in myself, really. I don't think I could enjoy this lunch.

He called the waiter and asked for his orders for us. Seconds when he began blabbering about his life, the history behind his company, from rugs to riches kind of life story he had and all I could do is to nod my head and pretend as if I'm really interested when the truth is I badly wanna shut him up already.

"They thought I was a weakling but how wrong they are..." His boastfulness seeped through my ears but never lingered and in a snap, as the waiter finally put our foods on the table, the double glass doors opened, revealing Lorcan Amadeus who immediately became the center of attention.

I fvcking knew it! What do I expect? This is a place for billionaires like him!

He made his way through a table just next to us, ignoring heartlessly those flirtatious stares from every woman in every table here. Well of course, except from me. I'm done drooling over him.

Oh really, Atasha?

I mentally rolled my eyes.

"Hey, Miss Rae. Are you still listening?" Mr. Williams snapped me.

"Uh, yeah!" I pretended to be attentive as I started eating foods.

He started blabbering again but I'm completely ignoring him now because of the presence of the man next to us. There's the frostiness in his eyes again! I can't deny how he can intimidate me with that look, so easily. I gripped the utensils tightly and looked away, trying to shrug it all off.

"Water please," I requested the waiter and it only took seconds for him to give it to me. "Thanks!"

Halfway through drinking it, I almost got choked when I saw Lorcan being flirted by a waitress wearing very short black skirts and her boobs looking double sized, directly in front of his face. Oh wow! A perfect view, huh.

"Hey, hey... You okay, Miss Rae?" Mr. Williams was about to touch my hand when a waiter interrupted him. "Oh! Here's our desserts. Thank you, boy!" He told the waiter.

Oh my God. What is that smell...

I looked down on the desserts and spotted the parmesan cheese on top of a sliced pie. That's where the weird smell is coming from!

I covered my nose and quickly stood up. Mr. Williams looks alarmed.

"Excuse me. I need to get to the restroom." I didn't wait for his response anymore and made my way to the restroom area.

Dang it. I feel nauseous. My stomach feels empty yet heavily loaded at the same time.

The moment I entered the female area, I threw up in the sink. I vomited until I felt so drained.

"Damn..." I uttered weakly and held onto the sink, trying to balance myself.

As I looked at the mirror in front of me, I couldn't help but to ask, "Could it be? What if Sydney was right?"

I absentmindedly touched my tummy.

Mixed emotions, I left the restroom. I was about to make another step forward but I bumped onto someone's hard body and when I looked up at that someone. It's no other than my ex-husband. Lorcan's eyes were darkly suspicious. My chest boomed rapidly in nervousness, my eyes were wide as if I was caught red handed.

"I heard someone vomit. Was that you?" He asked in his icy tone.

"Why did you follow me here?" Instead, I countered.

His brows furrowed. "Was that you, Atasha? Are you sick?"

"And so? Don't pretend like you're concerned about my health. Now, if you'll excuse me--" my words have flown to air because in an instant, he cornered me on the wall!

"And what? Let you go with your shit of a boss again? Let him wait there. I fucking hate his lewd looks on you. Miss Rae, huh?" He smirked but it didn't reach his eyes, it was a plain mocking one.

"I don't need your opinion about that, my ex-husband," I uttered. His jaw clenched in a manly way, the veins on his arms were clearly showing. "Let me go, Mr. Amadeus." I bravely said.

Each second passes by, my nervousness gets doubled. He's a wise man. It's not so hard for him not to suspect me, lying about being sick. But somehow I'm still hoping that he can't read me...

He shouldn't know. He shouldn't!

He chuckled humorlessly. "I so love the way you lie, right straight into my eyes." He said, full of sarcasm.

I froze. Oh no...