The Billionaire Lady's Husband

"He is not the right man for you. Leave him."

Those words echoed in her mind, refusing to fade even as the heavy rain blurred the windshield, obscuring her vision. She paid no attention to it, her hands gripping the wheel tightly as she drove at full speed, her face drenched in tears. The warm, clear drops streamed relentlessly from her eyes, and the sound of her sobs was the only thing filling the silence inside the car.

Her gaze was fixed on the road ahead, barely visible through the downpour, but it shifted when her phone vibrated on the dashboard. She glanced at the screen, pressing her lips into a thin line as she read the name flashing there.

"Shameless man. How dare he still call me?"

Frustration swelled in her chest at the mere sight of his name, which kept appearing as he called incessantly. Unable to contain her rage any longer, she grabbed the phone and pressed the side button to turn it off, completely forgetting that her car was still speeding. The moment she looked up, it was too late.

She finally noticed the roadwork ahead. A worker waved frantically, signaling her to stop, but in a panic, she jerked the steering wheel to the right with all her strength, desperately trying to avoid him.

The black sedan skidded violently, swerving off course before crashing into the roadside barrier with a deafening impact. Smoke billowed from the hood and the back of the car, while shattered glass from the windshield scattered everywhere.

"Ma'am, are you okay?!"

The road workers rushed to the wrecked vehicle, banging on the windows in alarm, trying to wake the driver slumped over the wheel.

But she didn't move. Tears still streamed down her face, as if the pain from the deep gash on her forehead was nothing compared to the agony in her heart.

As her consciousness faded, she whispered in a broken voice, her heartbreak pouring out with every syllable.

"Why is my fate like this? Do I not deserve happiness?"

And with that, her eyelids fluttered shut. A final tear fell, mingling with the blood trickling from her wound.

"Ma'am, open the door! Ma'am!"

"It seems we have to force open the car door and get the lady out."

However, the voices of the officers conversing could still be heard by the woman, and she slowly opened her eyes again. No, she did not want to be disturbed by anyone at this moment. She would not allow the officers to pull her out of the car. Acting recklessly, and despite the pain from the wound on her forehead that was still bleeding, she started the engine once more, forcing the heavily damaged car to move forward.

The car sped down the road at high speed, ignoring the shouts of the officers trying to stop her. She kept driving, not knowing where she was heading. After a few minutes, the vehicle came to a stop-right on a bridge, beneath which a busy highway was filled with passing cars.

Staggering out of the car, the woman walked to the bridge railing. Her gaze drifted downward, watching the vehicles that appeared small from her vantage point. Her eyes held a determined look as she gripped the railing, slowly lifting one foot. Whatever she was planning to do, the sorrow in her eyes was unmistakable-deep heartache, disappointment, and a spirit that had faded away.

This is the story of Rhea Addilyn Blaire... a strong and independent woman who now seemed on the verge of despair, cursing the fate of her love life that had always ended in heartbreak.

***

Five Years Ago

Several people sat quietly in the courtroom, occupying the seats provided for them. Two opposing parties faced each other, their expressions starkly different. On the left side, a group of individuals appeared restless and tense. Meanwhile, on the right side, the people remained calm and composed, with a woman seated at the front occasionally smiling, convinced that she would win the trial.

As the sound of the gavel echoed through the courtroom, all eyes turned forward, focusing on the chief judge, who was about to announce the verdict after nearly two hours of proceedings.

"Based on the testimonies of the witnesses we have presented and heard, and the evidence examined throughout this trial, it has been decided that Watson Industries is found guilty of copying the product designs of Blaire Industries. Therefore, all claims from Blaire Industries have been accepted and must be fulfilled by Watson Industries."

The woman who had been smiling throughout the trial now widened her grin. She had anticipated this outcome-she would emerge victorious because her side was in the right.

As the chief judge and other trial participants exited the courtroom one by one, the woman-Rhea Addilyn Blaire, the president of Blaire Industries, a major company operating in the food and fashion industry-rose from her seat. A thirty-year-old woman known as a successful young entrepreneur, her name frequently appeared in various print and digital media. Rhea-beautiful, firm, and independent-had never lost a business competition. Like today, when her instant food product was copied by Watson Industries, she had successfully won all the claims she had filed against her opponent.

"Miss, congratulations. We've won this trial."

Monica, a 25-year-old woman, cheerfully congratulated Rhea on her victory. For the past two years, she had been Rhea's personal assistant and most trusted confidante in the company.

"Of course. We were bound to win because we were right. They copied our product, and I will not let them get away with it. They must face severe consequences for their wrongdoing against me."

"You're absolutely right, Miss," Monica replied, nodding in agreement.

"Send our lawyers to Watson Industries. They must pay the compensation of 100 million dollars as per our claim, and I want them to settle it immediately."

"Understood, Miss. I will deliver your message right away."

Rhea nodded and began to walk away, feeling that all her business here was done.

"Wait a moment!"

A voice suddenly halted her steps. Rhea turned around, raising an eyebrow as she found her opponent in this trial now standing before her.

"Don't get too comfortable just because you won this trial. One day, your arrogance will be your downfall."

Watson Hana, the CEO of Watson Industries, spoke through gritted teeth, visibly furious after being defeated in the court proceedings just moments ago.

Rhea remained completely unfazed. She scoffed and flashed a faint smile.

"And what exactly are you going to do? Copy my company's products again because yours can't compete in the market? Will you send your people to my company once more to steal our product designs, just like you did before? Listen, Miss Hana, if you think this case is over just like that, you're gravely mistaken. Do you want to know why? Because I won't rest until I've completely destroyed anyone who dares to cross me."

Rhea was about to turn away again, but something made her pause.

"Unless you publicly issue a formal apology, I might consider settling this matter peacefully. Oh, and one more thing... Make sure your company pays the compensation as soon as possible. My lawyer will be in touch with you shortly. Good day, and I do hope your business survives now that your dirty tactics have been exposed to the public. Excuse me."

Throwing a smirk, Rhea finally walked away, leaving her rival clenching her fists, her heart burning with anger and resentment.

"You just wait, Rhea Addilyn Blaire. I will make you pay for humiliating me today," Hana muttered under her breath, grinding her teeth as she began plotting her revenge.

Meanwhile, Rhea walked confidently through the corridor of the courthouse, intending to return to her office. There was still much work to be done. If her phone hadn't started ringing from inside her bag, she would have already reached the parking lot.

Rhea pulled out her phone and saw an incoming call from Aliza Blaire, her mother. She answered without hesitation.

"Hello, Mom," she greeted as soon as the call connected.

"Rhea, how was the trial?"

Rhea smiled, having already expected this question.

"It went smoothly, Mom. Of course, we won," she replied as she resumed her steps.

"That's great, congratulations to you," said Aliza cheerfully on the other end, genuinely happy for her daughter's victory. "Rhea, can you come home right now?"

"I can't, Mom. I have to go back to the office; there are still some matters I need to take care of."

"That can wait. Come home first. There's something important I need to talk to you about."

Rhea furrowed her brows. "What important matter, Mom? Just tell me now."

"I can't. We need to talk in person. I'll be waiting for you at home right now."

"But, Mom-"

Before Rhea could finish her protest, her mother abruptly ended the call. Clicking her tongue in frustration, she had no choice but to give in. Reluctantly, she changed her destination from the office to home to comply with her stubborn mother's request.

***

"Good afternoon, Miss Rhea."

A middle-aged woman greeted Rhea warmly as soon as she arrived at the luxurious mansion, a home that resembled a palace. The woman was Johanna, a housekeeper who had been working in the household since Rhea was a teenager.

Rhea offered a small smile. "Good afternoon, Aunt. Where's my mother?"

"Madam is in the library. She's been waiting for you."

Letting out a deep sigh, Rhea grew even more curious about what her mother wanted to discuss. "I'll head there now," she said before making her way to the library.

As Johanna had mentioned, Rhea found her mother sitting in a chair, flipping through a magazine.

"Good afternoon, Mom."

Rhea approached her and placed gentle kisses on both of her mother's cheeks.

"Good afternoon, sweetheart."

"What magazine are you reading?" Rhea asked, puzzled. It was unusual for her mother to be reading magazines in the library. She knew very well that her mother didn't enjoy reading, a stark contrast to herself and her late father, who had passed away when she was 20. After her father's passing, Rhea had to take over the company at the young age of 21, stepping into leadership far earlier than she had ever expected.

"I saw your photo in this magazine. Your father would be so proud of you up there, knowing that you've successfully built up the company he worked so hard to establish. But at the same time, he would also feel sad-just like I do."

Rhea's eyebrows knitted together. "Why would you say that? Why would Dad and you feel sad?"

Aliza placed the magazine she had been holding onto the table. She gazed at her daughter with a sorrowful expression. "Because you've been too busy working to grow the company, you're still not married."

Ah, so it was about that. Rhea let out a frustrated sigh. If she had known this was what her mother wanted to discuss, she wouldn't have bothered coming home, leaving all her work at the office.

"You're already 30 years old. It's time for you to get married, Rhea."

With a sigh, Rhea lazily sat down on the chair placed directly across from her mother, with only the table acting as a barrier between them.

"How can I get married when I've never even been close to any man?"

"That's the problem-you're too busy with the company to have time for a relationship."

"I also haven't met the right one, Mom."

"It's not that you haven't met anyone. You just aren't interested in getting close to any man. You're too picky, even though women your age should already be giving their mothers grandchildren. I feel so lonely in this house, Rhea. I want to hold my grandchild soon."

Rhea rolled her eyes. She had lost count of how many times her mother had brought up this topic. "Come on, Mom. I'll get married when I find the right person."

"How long do I have to wait? It's been over five years, and your answer is always the same."

"What else can I say?" Rhea responded lazily. "I really haven't found the right man."

"Do you remember Uncle Garry Damares and Aunt Greta Damares?"

Rhea froze, trying to recall the two names her mother had just mentioned. "Hm, Uncle and Aunt Damares? I remember them. They were your good friends from school, right?"

Aliza smiled widely, nodding enthusiastically, delighted that her daughter still remembered her two best friends from school. Back when Rhea was a teenager, her mother used to take her to visit their family often.

"Yesterday, when I went to the hospital for a check-up, I ran into them. We started talking about the promise we made back when we were still in school."

Rhea furrowed her brows deeply. "What promise, Mom?"

"The promise to marry you to their son."

Rhea's eyes widened in shock, taken aback by her mother's intention to arrange her marriage.

"You were originally engaged to their eldest son, but he's already married now. But that's okay because they still have a younger son who can marry you."

Rhea raised a hand in front of her, signaling her mother to stop. "Hold on a second, Mom. Are you seriously planning to arrange my marriage with your friend's son?"

Without hesitation, Aliza nodded. "Yes, I've made my decision. It's because you're still not married. I worry about you, Rhea. Besides, we made this agreement long ago, so it's already decided-we will marry off our children."

Rhea firmly shook her head in rejection. "Does arranged marriage still exist in this modern era? No, Mom. I don't want this."

"This is your own fault. I've been waiting for five years, yet you haven't introduced a single man to me."

Rhea clicked her tongue, her patience wearing thin as she discussed this matter with her mother. "That's because I-"

"I don't want to hear your excuses. You must marry their son. I'm sure he's a good man who will make you happy, Rhea."

"I don't want to, Mom. How could you arrange my marriage without asking for my consent first? I refuse, and you can't force me."

With that, Rhea stood up and quickly walked out of the library, even though she could clearly hear her mother shouting her name. However, she ignored it completely-whenever this topic came up, she lost all interest. She hated it. Marriage.

The sound of knocking on the door successfully disrupted Rhea's concentration as she was focused on reviewing the revenue reports of all her retail businesses displayed on her computer screen. A clicking sound escaped from the lips of the 30-year-old woman, expressing her annoyance.

"Come in!"

Monica appeared from behind the door, flashing a polite smile at her superior. "Miss, Mr. Benjamin has admitted that he was indeed the one working with Watson Industries. He was paid to leak our company's product designs."

Rhea, who had initially been leaning forward, focused on her computer screen, now changed her posture, reclining against the back of her chair with her arms crossed and one leg arrogantly resting over the other.

"Is that so? So that scoundrel has confessed? A criminal who earns a living in my company but dares to stab me in the back."

Monica nodded. "Yes, Miss. All the evidence points to him, and when we questioned him earlier, he finally admitted it."

"Good. I like how quickly and decisively your team works."

Monica smiled widely, pleased that the team she had assembled to investigate this case had just received praise from the president.

"In that case, bring him to my office. I want to see the face of the person who dared to mess with me and became a traitor in my company."

"Understood, Miss." Monica then stepped out.

Not long after, precisely fifteen minutes later, she returned to Rhea's office with the perpetrator who had leaked their company's product designs to a competitor.

Benjamin... The 46-year-old man immediately fell to his knees upon seeing the imposing figure sitting arrogantly in her executive chair-the highest authority in the company where he worked. His body trembled, as the president's ruthlessness was infamous throughout the office.

"Forgive me, Miss. Please, have mercy on me," the man pleaded, tears streaming down his face, hoping Rhea would feel sympathy for him.

However, Rhea was not one to be swayed by such cheap theatrics. Rising from her seat, she approached Benjamin, who was still kneeling on the floor. She then perched herself on the edge of her desk, her arms still folded across her chest, her gaze sharp and piercing.

"If a mere apology could solve all problems, then I wouldn't have had to go through that trial yesterday and suffer such massive losses."

Benjamin's body trembled even more just from hearing Rhea's firm voice, laced with biting sarcasm, filling the room that suddenly felt tense.

"I want to ask you something now. How long have you been working at this company?"

"Twenty-five years, Miss," Benjamin replied, still bowing his head, too afraid to look at the president.

"Twenty-five years? Wow, that's a long time. In other words, you've been an employee here since my father was still around."

"Yes, Miss. I have worked at this company since your father was still in charge. I am a senior employee here, so please forgive me. I deeply regret my foolish actions, and I promise never to repeat them."

Rhea scoffed, curling her lips into a sneer. "The fact that you are a long-time employee of this company makes me even more disappointed. You know how hard my father worked to build this company, yet you had the heart to betray him. My late father must be furious and deeply disappointed in you right now."

Benjamin now pressed his forehead to the floor, desperately begging for forgiveness and a second chance. "I truly regret my actions. Please forgive me, Miss. I had no choice."

"Can you explain to me why you did this? Maybe if your reason is reasonable, I might consider forgiving you."

Benjamin lifted his head again, his face brightening with a glimmer of hope, believing he had a chance to be forgiven. "Because I needed a large sum of money for my family. My eldest child suffered a terrible accident and had to undergo surgery."

"Oh, so you betrayed the company and accepted a bribe from Watson Industries to cover your child's medical expenses?"

"I'm sorry, Miss. I was truly desperate and in dire need of money."

"Then what is the point of your status as an employee in this company if you end up seeking assistance from another company instead?"

Benjamin blinked in confusion. "What do you mean, Miss?"

"I am still here in this company. If you needed help, you should have come to me and asked for my support. I am not a heartless boss when it comes to my employees' well-being, especially when it's a financial matter. But instead, you sought help from another company and betrayed the very place that has provided for you for twenty-five years."

Rhea clicked her tongue and shook her head. "If your reason for doing this was that you felt your salary was too low, I could have understood. But instead, it turns out that you needed a large amount of money, and you had the option to ask for my help-but you didn't. Hah, this only convinces me even more not to forgive you."

Benjamin's face instantly turned pale with panic. "Miss, that's not what I-"

"Monica."

Rhea cut him off, calling her assistant's name before he could finish his sentence.

"Yes, Miss."

"Fire this man immediately and do not give him a single cent in severance pay. Announce his dismissal publicly in front of all the other employees. Oh, and one more thing... issue him a formal notice demanding reimbursement for the losses the company has suffered due to his betrayal. I'm giving him three months-if he fails to pay, take this matter to court. There is no forgiveness for a traitor."

Benjamin's eyes widened in utter shock. Not only was he being fired, but he was also required to repay a substantial sum to the company. He had been given three months to come up with 50 million dolar, and if he failed, he would be reported to the authorities.

"Miss Rhea, please have mercy on me. I don't have that kind of money. How am I supposed to pay such a huge amount?"

"You should have considered the consequences before committing this crime. Besides, 50 million dolar is nothing compared to the losses I've suffered because of your actions. You nearly drove this company to bankruptcy-do you realize the terrifying consequences of that? You almost cost thousands of employees their jobs. So, reflect on your mistake. If you really can't repay the money, it's simple, isn't it? Just accept your fate and prepare to rot in prison. It's that straightforward-don't make it complicated."

Rhea waved her hand, signaling for the man who had ruined her mood to be taken away from her office.

"You will regret this, Rhea Addilyn Blaire! One day, you will pay for your cruelty!" Benjamin shouted as he was dragged out by two security guards who had been waiting outside since the beginning.

"Miss, isn't it too harsh to only give him three months to repay such a large amount?"

Rhea shot Monica a sharp glare. "Do you feel sorry for him?" she asked.

"Yes, Miss. Mr. Benjamin has contributed a lot to our company."

"But he is also a traitor who nearly destroyed my company. I can forgive any mistake, but not betrayal. That is an unforgivable offense, no matter what. Besides, if you feel so sorry for him, why don't you help him pay the 50 million dolar?"

Monica's eyes widened in shock. She dared not say another word and quickly exited the president's office, fully aware of how firm and unwavering her superior was.

Rhea sank back into her chair, massaging her throbbing temples. Her gaze shifted to her phone, which suddenly vibrated on the table. Picking it up, she clicked her tongue in frustration as she read the message that had just come in.

It was from the housekeeper at her parents' home, informing her that her mother was sulking and had gone on a hunger strike-protesting Rhea's refusal to marry the man her mother had chosen for her.

"Ugh, what now?" she muttered irritably as she stood up from her chair. Grabbing the white blazer hanging on the coat rack, Rhea strode swiftly out of the room, determined to face her mother, who had been causing her endless trouble lately.

***

"Where is my mother?" Rhea asked the moment she stepped into her parents' house.

"She's in her room, Miss. She hasn't eaten anything since last night, and she hasn't taken her medication either," the housekeeper informed her.

Rhea clicked her tongue in frustration. Her mother's illness made it crucial for her to take her medicine on time.

She knocked on the bedroom door as soon as she reached it. "Mom, open the door. It's me!" she called out, hoping her mother would hear her and unlock the door.

"Mom, open up! You can't do this. You have to take your medicine!"

"Madam hasn't eaten anything since last night either, Miss. I'm really worried about her. She hasn't come out of her room all night," the housekeeper added anxiously.

Hearing this only made Rhea more panicked. Worry consumed her-her mother was the only family she had left. She was the most precious person in Rhea's life, and she couldn't bear the thought of anything bad happening to her.

"Has she been like this since I left yesterday?"

"Yes, Miss. After you left, Madam became extremely gloomy. She refused to eat and locked herself in her room."

Rhea closed her eyes, now fully understanding the reason behind her mother's sulking. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled slowly before calling out, "Alright, Mom! I'll do what you want. I'll meet the man you chose for me!"

A few moments later, the door suddenly swung open, revealing her mother's beaming face. "Really? You're going to marry the man I chose?" she asked, her wide smile still intact.

Rhea rolled her eyes. "I'll meet him first, Mom. I need to see what kind of person he is. If he's suitable for me, then I'll consider marrying him."

Aliza clicked her tongue. "Hmph! In that case, I still won't eat or take my medicine."

Rhea frowned deeply. "Why are you being like this, Mom?"

"Promise me first that you'll marry him, then I'll eat and take my medicine."

"Mom, don't do this."

"It's up to you. If you want me to eat and take my medicine, that's the only condition."

Rhea held her breath, trying her best to suppress her irritation. "That's not fair, Mom. I-"

Before she could finish, Aliza started closing the door again. But Rhea quickly reached out to stop it with her hand. "Alright, alright. I agree."

"You agree to marry him? You promise?" her mother pressed.

Rhea shut her eyes tightly before reluctantly nodding multiple times. "Yes, yes, Mom. I promise."

Letting out a slow exhale, Rhea watched as her mother clapped her hands in delight. The woman who had been sulking and starving herself was now glowing with joy, thrilled that she had managed to make the undefeated, ruthless businesswoman surrender in defeat.

To ensure that her mother actually ate and took her medicine, Rhea stayed at her parents' house overnight. After all, she had been living in the house she bought for herself for quite some time.

Stepping out of the bedroom she had used as a teenager, Rhea descended the stairs and made her way to the dining room for breakfast.

Upon arriving, she saw her mother already seated at the dining table, where their breakfast had been neatly laid out.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Aliza greeted cheerfully.

"Good morning, Mom."

Rhea sat down, facing her mother across the table.

"I've already informed your fiancé that you want to meet him today."

The glass of water Rhea had just sipped almost came spraying out of her mouth. "What? What did you say?"

"Yesterday, you said you wanted to meet him. So, I contacted him and let him know. He said he's available today. He'll be waiting for you at Time Square Mall at 10 a.m."

Rhea was stunned, unable to believe how quickly her mother had acted on this. "Mom, you should've asked me first instead of just calling him like that."

"Well, you were the one who said you wanted to meet him."

"Yes, but that doesn't mean I wanted to meet him today. Besides, I have an important meeting at the office. I can't meet him."

Aliza clicked her tongue. "This is exactly why you're still single. You're too focused on running the company. Blaire Industries is already the largest food corporation in California, sweetheart. Our restaurants are everywhere, even expanding overseas. Our boutiques are in shopping centers all over the country. There isn't a single person who doesn't know Blaire Industries. The company is already hugely successful, so stop chasing your career, Rhea. It's time for you to get married and have a family. Remember, you're already in your thirties."

Rhea completely lost her appetite. The chopsticks she had been holding were now set back down on the table.

"I know, but I don't want to rush into this, Mom."

"That's exactly why I'm letting you meet him first before getting married. Just go see him. I don't want to hear any more excuses."

Aliza turned her head away, crossing her arms in a clear show of her serious discontent. If Rhea dared to come up with another excuse to avoid meeting her so-called fiancé, her mother would undoubtedly get even more upset.

"But I just found out that you've been in frequent contact with him?"

Hearing her daughter's question, the middle-aged woman finally looked straight ahead again. "Yes, I've contacted him several times, which is why I know he's a good man who will make you happy. He's a pleasant person, and I'm sure you'll like him. Oh, by the way, his name is Dion Damares. He's very handsome-you're lucky to be marrying him."

Rhea frowned. "Have you met him in person?"

"No. But I've seen his photo. Do you want to see it too? I can send it to your phone."

Rhea shook her head. "No need. I'll be meeting him, so I'll just see him in person later."

Aliza's face immediately lit up. "So, you're going to meet him today?"

"As if I have a choice? I know you'd just pout again like yesterday if I refused to meet him, right?"

Aliza grinned widely, nodding her head as if she felt no guilt over her childish behavior yesterday, which had sent everyone into a panic.

"I'll send you Dion's number so you can contact him later."

Rhea simply shrugged, choosing not to comment further and letting her mother do whatever she wanted.

***

At exactly 10 a.m., as promised, Rhea arrived at Time Square Mall, one of California's largest shopping centers, to meet the man who was supposed to be her husband.

The mall was already starting to get crowded as it had just recently opened to the public. Rhea sighed, realizing she had no idea where to find the man. He hadn't mentioned a specific meeting spot, even though the mall was vast. She regretted declining her mother's offer to send his photo. Feeling tired from standing around, she decided to enter a café just outside the mall.

After choosing a table and ordering a cup of coffee, Rhea finally decided to call the number of her mother's chosen candidate.

She sent him a message first, but after ten minutes without a response, she opted to call instead. On the second ring, the call connected, and a deep baritone voice came from the other end.

"Hello."

"Hi, my name is Rhea Addilyn Blaire. Are you Dion Damares?"

"Oh, yes, yes. I'm Dion. Are you already at Time Square Mall?"

Rhea rolled her eyes. Clearly, this man hadn't checked his phone. "I've been here for almost thirty minutes. You should have checked your phone-I sent you a message earlier."

"Oh, really? Sorry, sorry, I was busy earlier. Since you're already there, can you come upstairs? I'm at Time Zone."

Rhea frowned. Time Zone. She knew exactly what that place was-a gaming arcade usually crowded with kids and teenagers. To her, it seemed completely inappropriate for an adult man to be hanging out there while talking to her on the phone.

"You're at Time Zone?" she asked, making sure she hadn't misheard.

"Yes, that's why I didn't see your message earlier. Sorry about that. Can you come here instead?"

Rhea let out an audible scoff. "No. I don't like crowded places. You come to me instead. Do you know the café in front of the mall?"

"Yes, I know it," Dion replied.

"I'll be waiting for you there."

"Oh, okay, okay. I'll head over now."

The call abruptly ended-Dion had hung up without warning.

Rhea couldn't believe it. The man she was supposed to marry still enjoyed playing games at a mall arcade? She couldn't help but wonder what kind of husband he would turn out to be.

Still, she decided not to dwell on it. She sipped her coffee and turned her attention to a report that Monica had just sent to her phone.

Just as she was deeply focused on the screen, she was startled when a man suddenly sat down across from her without permission.

Rhea shot him a blank stare. He looked young-probably a college student, judging by his appearance. She had to admit he was incredibly handsome, and with that smile he was flashing, his charm seemed to increase tenfold.

"Sorry, but that seat is already taken," she said, politely trying to dismiss the young man.

But instead of leaving, he extended his right hand toward her.

"Hi, my name is Dion Damares. And I won't be leaving this seat-because I'm the one it's reserved for. Isn't that right?" He playfully winked at her.

Rhea blinked, utterly shocked by his introduction. "W-wait... What did you say your name was?"

"Dion Damares. I'm your fiancé. And you must be Rhea Addilyn Blaire-I've seen your face on TV and in magazines plenty of times."

Rhea was too stunned to hide her reaction. She instinctively stood up, leaving Dion's outstretched hand hanging in the air, unanswered.

"W-wait here for a moment," she stammered before hastily walking away, leaving Dion sitting there, looking confused.

She stepped outside the café, finding a quiet spot before quickly dialing the one person who owed her an explanation for all of this.

"Hello?" A familiar voice answered. The very person she wanted to scold to no end-if only that person wasn't her own mother.

"Mom, explain this to me. Why is there a young man claiming to be the fiancé you chose for me?"

"Oh, so you've met Dion?"

Rhea scoffed. "I just told you there's a young man claiming to be-"

"That is Dion. He's still a college student. So? What do you think? He's handsome, just like I told you this morning, right?"

Rhea was at a complete loss for words, too shocked by her mother's response. "So that young man is really my fiancé?"

"Yes," Aliza answered without hesitation.

"How old is he, Mom?"

"Twenty. And remember, you already promised me you'd marry him, so don't say anything that might hurt his feelings, okay?"

Rhea was officially speechless. How could her mother have arranged for her to marry someone ten years younger than her?