THE BILLIONAIRE UNEXPECTED FAMILY

* "How could you, Derek?" * As I gripped the envelope tightly and the incriminating photos spilled onto the dining table between us, my voice faltered. I could taste the poison of his name on my mouth.

Derek's face furrowed in pretend bewilderment as he glanced up from his phone. He dared to pretend that he had no idea what this was about.

"Tracy, what is this?" His voice was too informal. I pushed my hand down, locking it under my palm as he went for one of the pictures. When I touched the glossy print, it wrinkled.

"Don't act foolish," I growled. I was certain that he could hear my heart beating so loudly. "Describe these."

It was deafeningly quiet between us. Leaning on the chair as if he had nothing to conceal, he drew his hand back. The type of half-smile that used to enchant me twisted his lips. All it did now was make my stomach turn.

"I'm not sure what you believe you saw-"

"What I *believe* I saw" My giggle cut through the tension like a knife. I didn't see you with her, then? Derek, at the hotel? Due to the fact that this- I poked fun at the photos, one of him with his arm wrapped around an unfamiliar lady, another of them together, their lips mashed together-"this doesn't lie!"

At last, he stood taller than me. Something colder replaced his laid-back manner. Didn't you go through my belongings? How did you get these?

My throat constricted as I took a step back. "That's your justification? Just accusing me-not denying, not regretting?

"Tracy, you're acting paranoid." His voice was measured and calm now as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. She is merely a friend. I've been assisting someone with their business.

"Business?" I hated it when my voice faltered. He had shaken me so much that I didn't want him to see it. "You call that skulking around behind my back? Giving her a kiss?

Derek let out a sigh and squeezed the bridge of his nose as if *I* were the issue. "You're exaggerating the situation."

I gazed at him, trying to see any sign of the guy I had fallen for. The guy who made me a lifelong pledge. However, all I saw was a stranger posing like Derek-someone I didn't know.

"Why?" My voice was a whisper now, barely audible. "Why would you do this to me? To us?"

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he moved to the window, pulling the curtain aside and looking out as if the answers were written in the city skyline. "You don't understand, Tracy. Things between us...they've changed."

"Changed?" The word seemed strange in my tongue. "How? Derek, our wedding was scheduled for three months from now. We were planning. A future.

His eyes were chilly when he turned to me. "Maybe that's the problem. You're constantly planning, always thinking about the future. You never pause to think about the present. About me."

The oxygen fled my lungs as his words impacted me like a slap to the belly. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "You're blaming me? For your infidelity?

His expression was unreadable as he shrugged. "I'm just stating that things are more complicated than they seem. Relationships are difficult.

My nails dug into my palms as I clenched my fists. Derek, you don't get to change the story. You told a lie. I was betrayed by you. It's cruel; it's not complicated.

The space felt cramped and claustrophobic. Even though I wanted to lash out, cry, and scream, I refused to give him the satisfaction. Rather, I squared my shoulders and made myself stand erect despite my broken heart.

"This is finished." Now my voice was firmer, more steady. "We're done."

For a second, I thought I saw a spark of remorse in his eyes, but it was gone as fast as it emerged. "You're being dramatic, Tracy. We can work through this."

"No." I shook my head, retreating toward the door. "You made your choice, Derek. Now I'm building mine."

I grabbed my bag, my fingers quivering as I opened the door. His voice halted me before I could walk out.

"You'll regret this."

I turned back, meeting his stare with a stubbornness I didn't know I possessed. "The only thing I regret is wasting my time on you."

I slammed the door behind me, the sound echoing down the hallway. My legs carried me to the elevator, though I felt like I was walking on air, unsteady and weightless.

As the elevator doors closed, I leaned against the wall, my chest heaving. My vision became blurry as the tears I had been holding back finally came out. I brushed them away angrily, hating myself for sobbing over someone who didn't deserve it.

The cool evening air hit my face like a wake-up call as I stepped outside the lobby. With the city lights fading through my tears, I tightened my coat around myself.

In my pocket, my phone buzzed. I paused before taking it out, half-expecting Derek to make another weak excuse. It was a message from an unidentified number instead.

**"Come see me at Pine and 11th. Derek needs to be discussed.**

As I gazed at the television, my thoughts racing, my breath caught. Who might this be? And what did they know about Derek?

I looked at the time-9:45 PM. The corner of 11th and Pine wasn't far, just a ten-minute walk. My gut told me to disregard the message, to go home, and to bury my problems with lousy TV and ice cream. But a persistent voice whispered that I needed to know, and curiosity gnawed at me.

I put my phone back in my pocket and began to walk, each step becoming more difficult. The city's normal hum appeared muffled today, the lamps producing long shadows that danced with every gust of wind.

When I approached the crossroads, I examined the surroundings. It was quiet, too quiet. A lone street lamp flickered above me, its light creating an eerie glow on the pavement.

"Tracy."

The voice made me jump. I swung around, my pulse thumping, to discover a lady standing in the shadows. She moved into the light, her face half hidden by a scarf.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice stronger than I felt.

She drew the scarf down to reveal a somewhat familiar face. The woman in the pictures was the one. Derek's "business associate."

"I apologize," she said in a shaky voice. "You are entitled to the truth."

"What is the truth?" With my hands balled into fists, I demanded.

A car screamed to a stop close by, its headlights piercing the night before she could respond. The woman's eyes grew wide with fear.

"They're observing us," she said. "I shouldn't have shown up."

"Who is observing?" She was already pulling away as I pushed.

"Tracy, use caution. You don't know how dangerous you are.

And with that, she retreated into the darkness, leaving me alone beneath the flickering street lamp, her words resonating in my thoughts.

* "Another round?" * I was startled out of my reverie by Kenneth's voice, which broke through the soft murmur of music and conversation.

With the remains of my second whiskey sour clinging to the edges, I gazed at the empty glass before me. Even though I still felt a burn in my chest, it was little in comparison to the pain Derek's treachery had caused me.

"Yes," I said, sounding more composed than I had anticipated.

With his effortless charm on full show, Kenneth leaned comfortably against the counter and gestured to the bartender. There was something about him that attracted people without their conscious effort. His dark eyes studied me with an intensity that made my heart race as he turned back to face me.

"Tracy, you're quieter than usual," he stated in a playful but worried tone. "What's happening?"

Swirling the ice in my glass, I paused. Derek's closest buddy, Kenneth, was more than just a regular person. And yet here I was, drinking with him in this darkened pub. It wasn't prearranged. I had traveled aimlessly after leaving Derek's place in a rage and had finally found myself here. Additionally, Kenneth simply joined me when he saw me without asking any questions.

"Are you truly interested in knowing?" I looked him in the eye and asked.

"Try me."

My tongue was loosened by the wine as I gently breathed. "Derek cheated on me."

Kenneth's jaw tightened as his face became serious. "With who?"

I laughed resentfully. "A woman he says is only a 'friend.'" I shook my head, my rage stoked by Derek's lack of concern. "I have no idea why I am telling you this. You are, after all, his friend.

A thin line formed between Kenneth's lips. "Derek's my friend, but that doesn't mean I condone his crap. He has no authority to treat you that way.

My chest ached in a different manner because of something in his voice-an undertone of honesty.

Kenneth pushed one of the fresh drinks toward me as the bartender slid them toward us. "Here's to forgetting that jerk, at least for tonight."

I clinked my glass against his, the sound sharp and decisive. "To forget."

For a while, we drank in silence as the night's burden settled between us. Kenneth, however, wasn't one to let things go on for too long.

"So, what's the strategy?" With a cunning smile pulling at his lips, he asked.

I arched an eyebrow. "Make a plan?"

"Yeah." His words trailed off as he moved closer. "How are we going to make him regret it?"

I had not felt a rebellious flame in years until his words ignited it in me. "What do you propose?"

Kenneth shrugged, his grin widening. "A small amount of retribution wouldn't hurt, but I'm not advocating for a full-scale conflict."

I was surprised by the sound and chuckled in spite of myself. "And how does that look exactly?"

"Well," he said, his tone playful but his eyes serious, "we could start with making him jealous. Nothing too crazy-just enough to remind him what he lost."

I gazed at him, the thought both fascinating and horrifying. It was risky, impulsive, and utterly out of character for me. But maybe that was the goal.

"What do you have in mind?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

Kenneth's smile went evil. "Leave it to me."

---

After an hour, I was in Kenneth's svelte black vehicle, speeding through the streets as the city lights flickered. Through the open windows came the chilly night air, which smelled of danger and opportunity.

"Where are we heading?" At last, my curiosity overcame me and I inquired.

Kenneth responded, his hands calm on the wheel, "You'll see."

Derek and I used to frequent exclusive rooftop lounges for special events, and we drove up to one of them. As we entered, Kenneth took the lead and put a gentle touch on the small of my back.

The music was louder here, the bass slamming in my chest. The throng was a mix of well-dressed aristocrats and casual partygoers, their laughing and talk filling the air.

With a strong presence, Kenneth led me to the bar. I didn't mind that he ordered two drinks without asking what I wanted. I simply wanted to feel for once, not to think.

He handed me my drink and said, "Let's dance."

The idea of being on the dance floor made me pause. But before I realized it, Kenneth was guiding me into the throng because of his infectious confidence.

The beat was rushing through my blood, and the music was intoxicating. Kenneth walked with a smoothness that was both frustrating and captivating, his hands on my hips as he led the way.

For a time, I forgot about Derek. I put the hurt and treachery out of my mind. The music, the warmth of the space, and the way Kenneth's eyes never left mine were all that mattered.

With his voice low in my ear, he said, "See?" "Told you we'd enjoy ourselves."

I let forth a gentle, sincere chuckle. "You were correct."

However, the blissful time was fleeting. A familiar face caught my attention out of the corner of my eye. Derek.

He stood close to the door, watching us with an inscrutable face. Even if my heart stumbled, I didn't want him to see me fail.

"Derek is here," I said in a strained voice.

Kenneth tightened his jaw upon seeing me, and his eyes followed mine. "All right. Show him what he's lost.

Before I could react, Kenneth drew me closer, his hand moving to the small of my back. Now, his actions were purposeful, and his eyes met mine as if to suggest, *Play along.*

Yes, I did.

My laughing was louder than ever as I let the music take me and swayed in sync with Kenneth. Derek's eyes were burning into my back, and I could feel them on me.

As the song came to a finish, Kenneth went closer and kissed my ear. "You're doing fantastic," he whispered.

I turned to face him, my breath faltering at the proximity. "Is everything in line with the plan?"

"Perhaps," he murmured, his smile playful. "However, I'm having more fun than I anticipated."

Before I could digest his comments, Derek arrived, his countenance a combination of fury and surprise.

His voice was stern as he continued, "Tracy."

Kenneth took a defensive stance and moved between us. Derek, take a step back. She owes you nothing at all.

Derek shot back, his eyes tightening, "This doesn't concern you."

Kenneth's tone was calm but menacing as he answered, "Oh, I think it does."

The air crackled with unsaid threats, and the tension between them was evident. I looked around and became acutely aware of the increasing number of people watching us.

Taking Kenneth's arm, I murmured, "Let's go."

He didn't protest, so I was able to guide him away from Derek and the onlookers.

I didn't know I was holding my breath until we got to the street. "That was really intense."

Putting a hand through his hair, Kenneth laughed. "I think we left an impression."

My voice was weak but genuine as I laughed. "Yes, we did."

However, uncertainty started to creep in as the adrenaline started to wear off. Had I exacerbated the situation?

Kenneth's phone buzzed before I had time to think about it. His face hardened as he looked at the television.

"What is it?" I inquired.

He paused before responding, his voice low. "Derek. He's not done with you yet."

The sunshine shining through the window was unyielding, slicing through my eyes like a brutal reminder of the decisions I had made the night before. My head throbbed, a deep, constant pain that matched the weight in my chest.

I turned away from the light and moaned, only to discover that I was not in my bed.

The space was unfamiliar-sleek, contemporary, with dark oak furnishings and neutral tones. I sat up, clutching the blanket around me as panic began to claw at my chest. My pulse pounded as the night's events-the dancing, the bar, Derek's entrance, Kenneth's intervention-came flooding back.

Kenneth.

Half expecting to find him next to me, I looked to my left, but the bed was empty. Except for the slight buzz of the metropolis outside, the chamber was unnaturally quiet. A tiny comfort that allayed my immediate anxieties was the fact that my clothes were folded neatly on the window chair.

Grasping the blanket tightly, I stood on unsteady feet and swung my legs over the side of the bed. I knew my hair was knotted after a restless night and my makeup was a smeared disaster without even looking in the mirror.

I froze when the door creaked open. With a paper bag in one hand and a coffee cup in the other, Kenneth intervened. His hair was a little disheveled, and he was wearing jeans and a simple white T-shirt.

"Good morning," he remarked in a steady tone, as if this was an ordinary occurrence.

"Good morning," I said in a raspy voice.

Leaning against the wall with his arms folded, he placed the bag and coffee on the bedside table. "How are you feeling?"

Unsure of how to respond, I paused. "Perplexed," I confessed. "What took place last night?"

A little grin curled Kenneth's lips. "Calm down. Nothing occurred. You were quite rattled up when we left the lounge, so I brought you here. You fell asleep nearly as soon as you touched the bed."

Relief poured over me, but it was swiftly replaced by humiliation. "I'm sorry," I muttered, averting his sight. "I didn't mean to...impose."

"You did not," he said plainly. "I wouldn't have allowed you to leave like that."

Despite his kindness, his remarks simply made me feel worse. I was there in the aftermath, not knowing how to proceed, after allowing my sadness to send me into a wild spiral.

I answered, grabbing my clothing, "I should go."

I wasn't stopped by Kenneth, but he also didn't go. "Tracy," he stated in a soft but forceful voice. "This is not something you have to handle alone."

I turned to look at him, my annoyance leaking out. Kenneth, why are you concerned? For you, isn't this simply... awkward? You are Derek's best buddy, after all.

His face became serious. "No longer."

His remarks carried a lot of weight, and I wasn't sure how to react. Rather, I concentrated on dressing, putting on my top and pants with robotic accuracy.

Kenneth's eyes were fixed on me as he observed me in silence. He gave me the paper bag and the coffee when I was ready.

"Breakfast," he instructed. "You'll require it."

With a muttered "thank you," I accepted them grudgingly. The elevator trip was stressful, and we were silent the whole time.

The fresh morning air struck me as soon as we walked outdoors, dispelling some of the mental fog. With his hands stuffed deep in his pockets, Kenneth led me to the curb.

He said, "Do you want me to call a cab?"

I gave a headshake. "I'll get by."

He tightened his jaw and nodded. "Tracy, look after yourself."

His words halted me as I turned to go.

"What about Tracy?"

I met his steady state with my own.

"Don't let Derek win," he muttered.

His words stuck with me as I left, moving quickly and deliberately. Although I was unsure of my destination, I was aware that I couldn't allow the night's events to define who I was. I had to put everything behind me-Derek, the heartache, the careless choices.

---

Back at my flat, the emptiness of the area seemed oppressive. I placed the bag and coffee on the counter and then sank down on the couch to gaze at the wall while the memories replayed themselves in my head.

Why had I let myself fall apart so easily? Why had I allowed Kenneth to lure me into his world, even for one night?

A croissant and a note written in Kenneth's handwriting read, "You deserve better," when I opened the bag. Remember that.

My eyes pricked with tears, but I fought the urge to cry. I could no longer afford to mope.

I tidied up drawers, scrubbed every surface, and threw out anything that made me think of Derek for the remainder of the day. Although it was somewhat cathartic, the pain in my chest persisted.

By nightfall, fatigue had taken over. My phone buzzed, so I curled up on the couch and idly flipped through the channels.

The text came from an unidentified number.

*"Tracy, we need to talk. Please.*

Derek.

As I gazed at the message, my heart pounded, bringing back the hurt and rage from the previous evening. However, another text message arrived before I could determine whether to reply.

*"I made a mistake. I want to repair this."*

I clenched my jaw, my fingers lingering over the screen. Fix it? After what he has done?

As I contemplated my next step, another message appeared-but this time, it wasn't from Derek.

*"Tracy, it's urgent. Call me."*

It was from Kenneth.

The jarring contrast between their messages sent a shudder down my spine. Something was wrong, and I wasn't sure I was ready to confront it.