Sold to the Abandoned Billionaire Husband

"Veteran actress Serena Laurel marries full-time businessman and billionaire Ezekiel De Silva!"

As I stared at the old newspaper headline and our wedding photo, tears couldn't help but fall from my eyes.

It has been three years since I left him, ever since I witnessed his betrayal.

In the three years of our married life, all I felt was pain and resentment towards him, all because I loved him.

But my life with him was far better than my life with Brantley. Especially now that he has sold me to the black market to be feasted upon by wealthy people from different countries.

"Damn it! I've retouched your makeup so many times! Why are you still crying, you wench?! Do you really want no one to buy you?!"

"S-Sorry, ma'am."

I quickly wiped away my tears as Madam Ging scolded me angrily. I threw away the newspaper and adjusted my posture.

From behind, she faced me with a sneer. "I've been telling you, you wouldn't want no one to buy you in full, Jia. If the auction starts and no foreigner shows interest in your appearance, human traffickers will kill you to sell your organs one by one!"

I shuddered at her words and tried to forcefully wipe away the tears in my eyes. I searched for the small, broken mirror to fix my makeup.

I can't die! I would rather have someone buy me and then find a way to escape later!

"Let me do it, let me! You're just ruining your appearance, Xiao Jia!" Despite her anger and harshness, she started fixing me up again.

They know me here in China as Jia. For three years, Brantley and I have been secretly living here as different people. But it didn't turn out well, and I fell into this kind of place.

I interacted with the pitiful people imprisoned in slavery and human traffickers. Some people with no looks or proper body shape were immediately taken to another place to do unspeakable things.

While people like me, whom they considered slave women, were being prepared to be presented on stage,.

"If it were up to me, they should have put you in prostitution," she smirked, sending shivers down my spine. "But because of your beauty, they'll surely earn more money from the bidding alone! You look like a celebrity!"

I swallowed hard. I would rather be sold to one person than be passed around by different men as a prostitute! I know it's impossible to escape once I end up in that kind of place. But I still have a chance to escape before whoever buys me takes me away!

That's how relieved I felt when none of them recognized me as the famous actress Serena Laurel. Even though Madam Ging knows we're compatriots, she doesn't care, perhaps because she's used to seeing people like me. She has no mercy!

"Oh, there! The show is about to start. Come with me."

***

"Next to be auctioned is-the bride!" The host announced enthusiastically. "The bidding starts at fifty thousand dollars!"

The curtain blocking my view was suddenly pulled up, causing my heart to race with nervousness and fear.

Blinding lights shone on me, and I couldn't help but close my eyes tightly. Despite the trembling in my legs, I stood tall at the center of the stage.

I have to be sold, no matter what!

I could feel my hands shaking as I held the small bouquet of wedding flowers. And the white gown I was wearing sparkled with beauty, as if I were a complete bride. That was the chosen "theme" for me to fetch a higher price.

"Nonsense! It's worth one hundred thousand dollars! Just look at how gorgeous it is!" The voice of an old man echoed in the surroundings.

Finally adjusting my vision to the lights, I saw people looking up at me.

Most of them were men, while the women were busy flirting with men, including an old man who seemed to stare at me like a dog.

It's funny how he regarded me not as a lowly person but as an object of immense value.

"One hundred thousand dollars; surely there's someone who wishes to go higher than that!"

"Two hundred thousand dollars."

"Three hundred thou-"

"Five hundred thousand dollars!"

Different voices of men, different accents, all from different nationalities, all gathered tonight in the black market to blatantly showcase their money.

Gradually, my emotions faded. What did I do to deserve this?

All my life, I did nothing but follow my mother's orders-to become an actress, to be exposed to the camera at a young age, to not finish my studies, and to marry early for money. I followed all of that!

I only rebelled once to give my heart a break, but this is where it led me.

It's as if the world has a grudge against me to make me experience all of this.

But even so, I won't let myself be completely destroyed!

I need to leave this place and escape!

"One million dollars!" A man in a blue suit yelled. I looked at him because of the amount he bid.

He had a playful smirk on his lips. His eyes flickered as he looked at me with intense desire. He ran his fingers through his small mustache on his face while comfortably leaning back on the black, soft chair, surrounded by women.

He looked attractive with his fair olive skin and thick black hair. But then again, a person who goes to the black market to buy people is equivalent to the devil.

I've heard many stories about people being sold to different "owners." Some become sex slaves, forced to do dirty work, or even tortured and killed.

None of the stories I heard before ever had a happy ending. But I wouldn't let that happen to me as well.

"One million dollars! Going once? Going twice?" The host became more excited as he was about to hit the hammer against the flat wood.

I closed my eyes tightly, thinking that that man would be my new "owner" from now on. I swallowed my saliva and waited for them to finally close the bid.

"Ten fucking million dollars."

I trembled at that chilling, deep voice.

I could feel the coldness in the air and the deafening silence inside. It was as if an angel passed through that silence before the noise started again.

I was stunned. My heart, which was silent just a moment ago, was now pounding violently. My hands and feet turned cold. I almost lost my balance in the high heels I was wearing as my knees trembled.

His familiar voice...

His familiar voice...

It can't be that...

I tightly closed my eyes, overwhelmed by fear. In the three years we were together... That voice is not easily forgotten. But it can't be! He can't be here.

"Fifteen million!" I heard the man in the blue suit's voice again. For some unknown reason, I was rooting for him!

Please, close the bid!

The men inside became more excited, laughing in amazement, and let the two voices dominate the bidding. It seemed like chaos had erupted since that voice spoke.

Even though my every breath trembled, I gathered my courage and slowly opened my eyes to search for that man.

My attention was fixed on the man at the center of the back of the venue. His position was even higher than the stage where I stood.

There was a single chair there that I knew was empty earlier. But now, he was seated there, seemingly taller than anyone else present.

"F-Fifteen million it is-" The host, who was engrossed in the amount of money, was interrupted when that man stood up abruptly.

"Fifty fucking million," he exclaimed sharply and descended the short staircase slowly.

My breathing grew heavier as I watched him step into the spotlight to reveal himself.

All eyes were on him now, but as I knew him, it seemed like he didn't care about them, as if the only thing he could see was me.

I blinked several times, accompanied by the trickle of my tears. My knees felt weak, knowing they could give way at any moment.

I let go of the flower I was holding and took three steps back.

His cold and intense way of staring at me three years ago-I was seeing it again now.

The man I ran away from because of the pain I felt from him... is now right in front of me.

"Close the bidding." His voice sounded so authoritative, and his sharp gaze never left my face. "No one wants her more than me."

"Y-Yes, yes!" The host finally struck the hammer against the wooden surface in full admiration.

A thunderous applause filled the room. I was completely deafened, with nothing else in sight except for the husband I left behind.

"E-Ezekiel..." I weakly whispered his name.

There's no denying that his appearance is outstanding. But because he has that look on his face, he screams danger, which makes people want to run away from him as fast as they can.

He walked so much closer to me that I had to take a few steps back to escape, but his big hand caught my wrist forcefully!

I gasped, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions, as malevolent eyes stared at him.

But his eyes showed no trace of any emotion. The corner of his lips slowly rose, and I was filled with a chilling fascination as he looked at me.

"A slave like you shouldn't call my name. Now, address me properly."

"W-What?"

My husband, the man I escaped from three years ago when I caught him in bed with someone else...

Why does he want me back just to experience the same thing I experienced with our marriage, or even worse?

Five years ago...

"You surprised everyone with the success of the hit television series 'The Wife's Illicit Affair'! Your portrayal as a married couple is truly convincing, right? The fans even say that there's a strong spark in the SereLey love team! What can you say about that?"

Both Brantley and I laughed at the host's question, exchanging glances to see who would answer first. He gestured for me to go ahead.

"For me, well, first, I am very thankful for the fans of SereLey, who eagerly await each new episode and support Ley and me-it's really heartwarming to know that they are emotionally invested in every scene!" I said with a smile, glancing at Brantley beside me. "I don't know, but many people say that Ley and I have a real spark! It's definitely fun to know that our acting chemistry doesn't end on-screen!"

Brantley chuckled and agreed with me. "Yeah, for the fans to praise us like that-it means a lot to me, especially since I'm working with a professional actress," he said, giving me a smile. "It's nerve-wracking to think that someone might criticize me because I'm not worthy of working with her on this project."

"Wow," I laughed at his comment. "It's not just me carrying the show, you know! We're both working hard, and you deserve as much credit as I do, Ley."

Mami Vic exclaimed, seemingly thrilled. "But is it really just a loveteam? Could it be that something more is developing off-camera that you haven't revealed to the fans yet?~"

The studio erupted with excited screams from the audience, most of whom were fans of the SereLey love team that was formed through the series we were currently starring in.

My smile slightly diminished at the host's question and the teasing from everyone.

The truth was, nobody knew that I had been married to another man for two years. The media had no idea that I had a husband waiting for me behind the scenes.

"Um," Brantley scratched the back of his neck and looked at me inquisitively.

I forced a smile, indicating that I would face the audience. "Not yet, for now, let's focus on work, haha!"

"Not yet, for now?" Mami Vic emphasized, standing up from her seat and playfully interacting with the audience. "Does that mean there will be something in the future!!"

The crowd erupted in cheers and excitement. Background music added to the liveliness. I laughed along with them.

The truth was, there was nothing between Brantley and me beyond work. Yes, we were close off-camera, and he was my best friend on set, but it didn't mean anything more.

But to further boost the popularity of the SereLey love team, we were advised to create scenes that would delight the fans. This way, they would support us even more, making the show more successful.

***

After the interview, I felt tired as I returned to my car. It was late at night, and I was starving since I hadn't eaten since lunchtime.

"Are we going home now, Ma'am Serena?" my elderly driver, Kuya Pier, politely asked.

"Where else? Your boss is already mad at me for not going home, saying I'm disrespecting our marriage! If I don't go home now, I don't know what other insults I'll hear from his sharp tongue!"

"Ma'am, that's just how Sir Heskel is; he just misses you!" He started the engine, and I let out a sigh.

Misses me? Really? That's why every time he sees me, he looks at me as if I'm a disgusting insect. He just doesn't want me to cause a scene, expose our secret relationship to the media, and tarnish his reputation.

He's always so strict about my actions in front of the camera, as if I could do something wrong at any moment that he wouldn't approve of.

It's in our contract to keep our relationship hidden from the public for the sake of our reputations. So he doesn't need to be strict with me because I won't do anything that would tarnish my name.

With so many women out there, why did he choose to marry an actress if he didn't want any disturbances in his peaceful life?

I clenched my fist as the reason why he chose me suddenly crossed my mind, and frustration overcame me.

"Sorry, Ma'am Serena!" Faye entered the car looking exhausted and sat in the passenger seat before Kuya Pier drove off.

"Where were you going? I didn't see you after the show."

She hesitated to look at me. "Many people wanted to take pictures with you earlier; luckily you left quickly. Sir Brantley got caught up in it, and I couldn't pass because I didn't have my ID! The guard wouldn't let me through! Fortunately, Sir Brantley recognized me and let me in."

"Tsk! You know the guards are strict; don't take off your ID when you're on set, understood?"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

Faye was my personal maid, provided by my talented husband. She was always there for my needs, and my life became easier when she arrived.

The downside, however, was that she was a spy. She reported all my actions to Ezekiel. Isn't that amazing?

"Oh, by the way, your mother has been calling, Ma'am Serena." Faye handed me my personal cellphone.

I furrowed my brow and accepted it. There were ten missed calls and over twenty messages from her.

'Serena, don't you have a two-week break before the next shooting? Why haven't you been home for a week??? Your husband is looking for you!'

'Why aren't you answering his calls?! Do you really want to give me a headache?!'

'Do you want us to suffer? Come home now. What are you waiting for?!'

I didn't bother reading the rest of the messages and immediately powered off my cellphone. I closed my eyes and massaged my temples.

It's my mother's fault that I ended up marrying that heartless billionaire who looks at me as if I'm a big insect!

Because my mother was buried in debt from gambling, my earnings as an actress weren't enough. I don't know what she did, but one day she presented me with a marriage contract to sign!

She even attempted to take her own life when I refused, burdened with debts that I couldn't repay no matter what I did.

Even though I didn't want to marry for money, I had no other choice. This marriage was just an opportunity for us. If I didn't take it, I would regret it for the rest of my life.

But now, I already regret choosing this kind of marriage with Ezekiel. I can't feel his love, so why should I show mine?

Even though we do some things that married couples do, it still feels different because neither of us shows any emotion.

"Ma'am Serena!" Panying exclaimed as if she saw a savior when she saw me enter the mansion. "Thank goodness you're home! You should change your clothes first! Sir Heskel is waiting for you in the dining room!"

One of my eyebrows was raised. "He knew I was coming home and hadn't eaten yet, huh?" I glanced discreetly at Faye, who seemed startled and hurriedly left.

"Tsk! Has he been waiting for long?"

"Um... maybe?"

"Exact time?"

"A-Around eight p.m.?"

"An hour, is that so?" I sighed and made my way to the dining room. "I'll eat first before changing."

"Ah, alright!"

When I arrived at the dining area, I immediately saw him seated in the central chair, surrounded by rows of empty seats and various types of food.

He looked up at me as he sensed my presence. Just like before, there was no emotion to be found on his face.

He also seemed to have just come from work, as he was still wearing his business attire. But considering he had been here for an hour, why didn't he change first? Tsk!

I sat on the chair opposite him in the middle, three meters away. Then, I stared at him.

His undeniable beauty couldn't be denied. Honestly, Brantley pales in comparison to him, especially in terms of physique. But when it comes to personality, he can't compare to Brantley.

We haven't seen each other for almost three weeks. I was busy with shooting, and he was busy with his new project in business. I didn't even come home for a week just to have some rest.

Honestly, being an actress is tiring; you always have to act happy in front of the camera, and it's also tiring to come home to this mansion without any happiness. No rest!

"Why are you sitting so far away?" His voice was hoarse, and he looked tired.

"Change the dining table next time if you want me to sit close to you."

Panying approached to move the plate beside Ezekiel's plate and placed it next to mine. She also brought some dishes closer to me.

"Thank you, Panying," I said, starting to scoop food. My stomach was rumbling with hunger.

"You're welcome, Ma'am. Just eat a lot! You've lost so much weight, that's not healthy!"

"Yes," I ate without restraint, not paying attention to the man staring at me.

From the corner of my eye, I saw him move his knife and fork to eat.

"If your agency is starving you to death, you should just leave."

"No, thank you." I took a sip of juice and looked at him. "My agency values me a lot. Besides, I have a contract with them. I cannot leave, especially since our show with Brantley is still airing."

He tapped his fork on the plate, and his gaze suddenly intensified. "That... that television series you're making-when will it end?"

"I don't know?" I shrugged. "As far as I know, because of its high ratings, they will prolong the story. And we're only halfway through the plot. We still have to go through those tragic scenes, hot scenes, and a lot of drama before it's over!"

I just thought about how tired I am. Another sleepless night and an endless flow of emotions after this remaining week they gave us.

"Hot scenes...?" He lowered his gaze to the large piece of pork on his plate. I watched as he sliced it into small pieces with a small knife. "Aren't there already a lot of kiss scenes? What do you mean by hot scenes?"

"It's rated R. What do you expect?"

Besides, it's not like Brantley and I are having sex for real. That's why it's called acting-because it's not real!

I was taken aback when I heard a 'crack' sound from his plate. My eyes widened. "What cracked? Did you just break your plate?"

He had a dark expression as he set aside the knife he was holding and stood up quietly. "I'll wait for you in the bedroom."

"Huh?" I was dumbfounded as I watched him leave the dining room. "Hey, I'm tired right now! Tsk!"

I know he has his own needs, but shouldn't he be considerate of me? Instead of suddenly attacking whenever he wants.

My small, poor womanhood still can't get used to his big, thick, and large manhood!

"Ugh, whatever!" It's not like he'll ever care about me.

"Take all of your clothes off and bend."

That was the first thing Ezekiel said to me as soon as I entered our bedroom. My lips dropped open in shock.

"Excuse me? Can't I take a bath first? My breath still stinks!" I retorted.

He turned to look at me, holding a glass of red wine. His hair was still wet, and he was only wearing a black bathrobe, as if he had been waiting for my arrival.

Is he always this horny? No wonder he wants me to come home just for sex!

"You will still have the same scent and taste, fresh or not."

"No!" I widened my eyes and quickly walked into the bathroom.

I undressed hastily and prioritized brushing my teeth before heading to the shower.

Ezekiel De Silva and I have been married for two years. He is the renowned owner of Esabella Green Holdings, often featured in the news for his immense wealth in the country.

My mother told me that he had an interest in me, and I held onto that when we got married. But who knows that I am just a replacement?

His treatment of me is not much different from that of the people who work for him. He's a dictator here in his mansion, telling me what to do, how to behave in certain manners, and giving me a salary for being his wife. I mean, who does that to the person you supposedly like? Especially to your wife!

We didn't even consummate our marriage during our honeymoon days. We only started having sex when we were both drunk about half a year ago.

He even told me that it's our responsibility as spouses to consummate once in a while. But God knows how he's addicted to ravishing my body to the point of impaling me the next day!

"I can't wait."

I was startled when I heard his voice from inside the bathroom! I quickly turned to look at him and gave him a glare.

"I'm taking a shower; please get out," I calmly told him.

He leaned against the bathroom door, arms crossed, his gaze filled with desire as he looked at my body.

Yeah, right. The look of desire is the only emotion I have ever seen besides his emotionless look.

"Serena..." he frowned. "You have lost a lot of weight since the last time I saw you."

"So? Does my body look unattractive to you now?"

He pursed his lips. "I didn't say that."

I rolled my eyes and grabbed the soap, rubbing it on my neck and arms while the water from the shower continued to pour over my body.

After a while, I felt him approaching me from behind until he reached my back.

I held my breath as he took the soap from my hand and slid it over my voluptuous breasts.

"Ezekiel." I tried to stop his hand, but he didn't allow it to happen. "Mmm..."

I felt his naked body pressing against my back, his hardened length included.

"Ah!" He pulled my body closer to his from behind, squeezing my breasts harder. "It hurts!"

"Your nipples look like they're enjoying my massage," he whispered in my ear.

There was something alluring about his seductive voice and his hot breath. My breathing became heavier, and I closed my eyes, allowing him to do as he pleased.

He moved his hand down to my waist, between my legs. At the same time, he kissed my earlobe, trailing down to my neck.

"Spread your legs apart, Serena," he paused his kissing to whisper.

I gasped and reluctantly obeyed. He immediately inserted his long middle finger into my womanhood, causing me to inhale sharply.

"Ah!" I couldn't help but moan and bit my lower lip to suppress it.

His finger moved inside me, in and out, repeatedly.

"Oh god! Oh!" It was hard to hold back the moans that escaped my lips.

"Now you feel good, my wife?"

He didn't stop, and he inserted two fingers inside. I gasped for air, but before I could moan loudly, he quickly covered my mouth!

I opened my eyes wide. He was kissing my lips passionately from behind.

I closed my eyes again and responded to him because of the pleasure that enveloped my entire body.

"Hmmm..." I breathed heavily, trying to control my breathing through my nose.

"Haa..." he momentarily pulled away to catch his breath before kissing me again.

The feeling of his hot tongue entwined with mine was incredibly pleasurable.

His chest also moved up and down with his heavy breathing. I could feel the rapid beating of his heart against my back due to what he was doing.

"Ah!" I was taken aback when he suddenly turned me around and pressed me against the wall.

He didn't separate our wet bodies as he continued to kiss my lips.

I couldn't match his aggressiveness with my own. But I didn't stop him, and I even embraced it.

He removed his fingers from my womanhood and started thrusting his hardened length inside me.

"Ah! Oh shit! Ahh!! You're so big, E-Ezekiel!"

"I know." He chuckled with heavy breathing. "You've already said it like a hundred times."

"Ahh!" I tightly gripped, scratching his broad and wet back. "H-Hundred times? Counting the times we've had sex-ohh! Ah!"

"I know." He keeps moving his hips and keeps on thrusting! "This is our thirteenth time."

"W-Why are you even counting-ahh! Oh god!!"

His length continued to enter and exit repeatedly. The sound of our bodies colliding and my uncontrollable moans echoed in the bathroom, along with his heavy breathing.

"Oh fuck! This feels so fucking good... ah!" He cursed several times while intensifying his movements inside me. "How I miss this... so badly."

I almost lost my sanity due to the pleasure he was giving me. I had long given up on denying that I enjoyed having sex with him.

Sex is amazing, and he is my first. He's the first man to ever wreck my virginity and keep ravishing my body all over again.

This is the only side of our marriage life that I actually enjoyed.

"Let's move this to bed."

"But I'm not done yet-ah!" I was surprised when he lifted me up as if I were a sack of rice and threw me onto our soft bed. "Ezekiel! I'm not finished showering yet! I haven't shampooed!"

"I'll wash you afterward."

"What?"

He lifted me up and threw me onto the bed before immediately mounting me!

"Wait!"

It was as if he didn't hear anything. He didn't care about me and only did what he wanted.

He spread my legs apart. My eyes widened when his head descended to kiss my womanhood.

"Ah! Ezekiel!" I screamed several times as he licked and inserted his tongue without any restraint. "Holy-ahh! Uhm... hmm! Ah!"

My hand tightly gripped the bedsheet, while the other one aggressively pulled his thick and wet hair.

"Ah... it feels so good!"

I looked up at the sparkling ceiling of our room and savored every sensation he was creating in my body. I couldn't help but let out moans with each movement of his tongue.

The deep thrusting of his tongue matched the rhythm of his heavy breathing. I could feel the quickening pace of his heartbeat against my back, fueled by his actions.

"Ezekiel..." I whimpered as my feet curled and my stomach twisted in response to his relentless tongue.

I couldn't resist the pleasure building up inside me any longer. It was overwhelming, and I didn't know where to direct my head!

Adding to the intensity was the sound of his own moans and the weight of his body pressing against mine.

"Serena..."

Both my feet and fingers clenched tightly as I reached the peak, unable to contain the pleasure before everything finally settled down.

***

The next morning, I woke up to the bright sunlight streaming in through the window.

I rubbed my eyes with my fingers and slowly sat up.

"Ezekiel?"

I was immediately disappointed to find that he wasn't beside me in bed. I felt for any trace of warmth he might have left, but there was none. Perhaps he had already left for work.

That disappointment quickly faded and was replaced by a blank expression. I felt tired as I got up and headed to the bathroom.

I observed the marks he had left on my body and closed my eyes tightly.

"Why can't I seem to hate it-to hate him at all?"

I placed my hand over my chest.

My heart can't seem to stop beating for him after all.