The Billionaire's Estranged Wife

"Mr. Huxley has been asking for an appointment with you. He said you won't answer his calls." I heard Ella, my personal assistant, as I sat in the car.

I shrugged.

"Schedule it by next month."

"But he said it's urgent."

I looked outside the window. Suddenly, he's been calling me. I had to turn off my phone just to avoid his calls. I've been feeling like something is going down.

Lorenzo isn't like that. He barely wants to meet me. But, even if he'd want to meet with me, I can't. I've been busy with work. I had to indulge myself with work these days.

"You know my schedule, Ella. I'm busy the whole month."

"But he's your husband. At least--"

I had to cut her off.

"What does he want to talk about?"

She pursed her lips and shook her head.

"He doesn't want to tell me. He wants to talk to you personally."

"I have no time for him. Take me to my penthouse."

She nodded and ordered the driver. My eyes were fixed outside the window, but my mind remained in thought of my husband. He wants us to meet. After a few months of no contact, he wants to talk. It's clear to me that he's treated this marriage as business from the day we said our vows.

Now, I'm treating it the same. Yet, it's still hard to prevent myself from reaching for him. I sighed as I entered my penthouse. I headed straight to my room and quickly got myself ready for bed. My body was too tired from work that it immediately shut down to sleep. My deep slumber was peaceful until thunder grumbled the skies. Then rain poured and lightning strikes kept coming.

I rose up from my bed when I heard another thunder. It's still two in the morning, but I can't sleep through this storm. I looked at my phone on the bedside table and saw a few missed calls from Lorenzo.

Together with the thunder, my heart shook.

I have my black lacy night gown on and a silk robe to cover my body. I headed to the stairs when one of my maids approached. She looked hesitant and... scared.

There was fear in her eyes. I don't know if it was for me or for... something else. My brows furrowed.

"It's already late, Diane."

"You have a visitor, Madame," her head remained on a bow.

My brow shot up.

"At this hour?"

"Yes, Madame."

"Who is it?" A name popped in my head but dismissed it.

There was a long pause from her before she spoke.

"Mr. Lorenzo, Madame. Your husband."

I heard the thunder rumble and a lightning strike from somewhere. Unknowingly, my breathing ragged. I nodded at her as she walked away.

My husband is downstairs. I glanced back at the door of my room before I returned my gaze to the stairs.

How did he know about this place?

I took a step on the stairs and immediately heard the clack of my sandals. I swallowed hard and went down.

I made it to the living room and saw him. His figure so broad and mighty. He's looking at the window, his back facing me. I gathered all the strength I have before heading to his direction.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm simply visiting my wife," he's still fixed on the rain outside the window.

"It's two in the morning. You can visit some other time," my voice was full of indifference.

Silence stretched in every corner of my penthouse. I could hear my heartbeat despite the storm outside.

"So, this is your hideout?" he faced me this time, and I saw his menacing smile with eyes so dark and dangerous.

I tried to match the intensity in his eyes.

"This is my home."

"We have a house, Valera."

"Does it matter?" I scoffed at him.

His eyes turned icy cold. His lips were in a grim line, brows relaxed, and a hint of annoyance in his expression.

"You haven't been coming back for months. Our families are asking questions."

"Then answer them."

"That you're cheating? You're full of parties and men? And you bring them here?"

I gritted my teeth.

"Mind your own business, Lorenzo. Since when did you care about what I do?" I crossed my arms in front of my chest.

"You're my wife," his voice rose, and my blood boiled. How can he say that? After neglecting me for three years. I matched the intensity in his eyes.

"We're married by paper. Nothing more, nothing less."

The corner of his lips rose. "Is that why you fuck around?"

I took steps forward, closer to him. When I was inches away, I let my eyes travel every part of his face. I saw him swallow hard. I smirked playfully at his sudden show of weakness.

"If you fucked me then I wouldn't have been fooling around."

His jaw clenched harshly.

"I can't," he said, as cold as ice.

I lost my cool. I bit my lip and eyed him intently.

"Why?"

"Your very existence is what I despise the most."

My eyes searched for something in his. Waiting for a glimmer. A sign he's lying. But he's not. I stood up straight and turned my back at him. For once, I hoped he'd like me at least. Not as his wife but as a human.

I fought of the tears threatening.

"Your affairs are raising questions, Valera. Our families are the ones being cornered into this."

I shrugged. "Do you think they don't know? They're perfectly aware of my infidelities, Lorenzo."

"And you're even proud," his laugh was full of sarcasm.

I watched him as his hands rested in his pockets. I saw his coat draped on the couch. His tall figure always made my heart flutter. Even on this situation with him, he can still make my heart skip a few beats. And I don't like that. I don't want to feel anything towards him. Not again.

"Do you have to care, Lorenzo? In fact, we haven't seen each other for months already. So... why bother?" my voice was tinted with mockery.

"You could at least take care of your reputation. For yourself and for the company!"

"My image is clean," I briefly said.

He shook his head. His hand massaged his forehead. I watched as he folded the sleeves of his white button down shirt to his elbow. I saw how his muscles flexed under his shirt. His jaw clenched. That was a magnificent view. I snapped myself back to reality.

This man can never be mine.

"Get out of my penthouse," I ordered him.

He returned his eyes on me. There was a smile his lips formed. But it wasn't the smile you'd feel warm and delighted to. It was threatening.

"I have a deal."

His words reminded me of something. The reason why we got married in the first place.

"I'll meet you tomorrow for that," my voice trembled. I have a feeling something bad is coming from him.

"This can't wait. I need this done as soon as possible."

"You came here uninvited, Lorenzo. It's best if you leave. Or I'll call security."

"Shouldn't I be the one calling security here? You invite your play toys here."

"This is not your property," I smirked at him.

He sighed heavily before he sat on the single sofa like he owned it. I gritted my teeth looking at him.

"I don't want to be in this marriage anymore."

I raised a brow. I chuckled at him sarcastically.

"You're not the only one who feels the same."

"Then let's have divorce," he said so simply.

I felt like my world stopped. Not because of butterflies and sunshines. It stopped because this isn't what I want! This is a nightmare! My hands turned to fists before pointing at the elevator.

"Get out."

He gave me that smirk again. "Sign the papers first."

"You can't make me do that, Lorenzo! Divorce? Are you insane? You think our families will agree to this?" I panicked.

Divorce would be my savior. But... I don't know why I can't do this. I'll have my freedom. I'll live the life I want. Get the boys I want. Party without anyone's judging eyes on me.

This is my escape! So why can't I agree with this?

"We married for convenience, Valera. We got what we want at the end of the day. I have the company. You have your career. It's time we part ways."

I shook my head. "That's the point! It was all convenient! We never loved each other! So, why the hell are you here acting all displeased by my infidelities?! And then ask for divorce?! This marriage has been beneficial to both of us!"

"It is beneficial. But you're doing a lot of damage."

"No," I said with finality.

"I'm not asking you to agree on this. This is where we'll both end up. Divorce."

I shook my head.

"You're stuck with me. Whether you like it or not."

There was a sinister smirk on his lips before he stood up and threw the divorce papers on my center table.

"Then don't regret what happens tomorrow."

He left with those words that night. He left me confused until I watched the news the next morning.

He exposed me. I watched as the news broadcasted my infidelities a year ago. Pictures of me with men and parties.

He didn't just scar my heart. He has ruined me.

Two years ago...

I give up.

I slumped my body on the soft sheets of the mattress. My fingers felt the rose petals on the bed. It's our first anniversary, yet I'm alone in this suite. I looked at the time, and it's already midnight. A lone tear escaped my eyes.

It has always been like this. I prayed something would change now that it's our anniversary, but Lorenzo is still Lorenzo.

With my red lingerie, I dozed myself to sleep alone. The next day, I was already flying back to work. I immediately made myself busy with work. I had a few films to shoot so it made me occupied for the whole week.

"We published the article, Val," I heard Ella whispered as I got outside the car. After eight months of shooting a film, I'm now back in the mansion. It's the longest I've been away from here.

I nodded.

"Did you pay them already?" I asked regarding the people I hired to pretend like me and Lorenzo for publicity.

I read the article. It's about our romantic vacation trip. Of course, the woman in the pictures just looked like me. The man looked just like Lorenzo, too.

"Yes..." There was a small pause Ella did. I looked back at her. I raised my brow and prompted her to speak.

"How long are you gonna keep doing this?"

I sighed.

"As long as this marriage continues."

"I know it's not my place to say this, but... you're lying to the public and-"

I cut her off.

"I know what I'm doing, Ella. I just want this marriage to look... perfect. You know how everyone was always excited about my union with Lorenzo. It's disappointing to let them down."

Lorenzo and I agreed for this marriage to be of convenience. For him to acquire the company. And for me, to impress my family.

But...

He never knew I always desired him. He was my goal. My dream. I knew my parents were never gonna be impressed with my passion for arts and theaters. And the accomplished Lorenzo Huxley was the key to get my parents proud of me.

"I have a deal," I rushed to him. He's walking fast, but I had to run to get to his pace.

He stopped when I blocked him from his office. He's the new Finance Director after working in their company for 4 years.

"I'm busy. What is it?" he never really had any fond memories with me compared to his half-brothers, Matias and Mikael. He always seemed distant.

"Marry me," I went direct to the point.

I saw his eyes widened at my words. I chuckled at his reaction.

"You want the company, right? Use me."

His eyes narrowed. "Why are you offering me this?"

I smirked, "Use me to acquire this company. To inherit it. Then, I can also use you to impress my family and finally have my freedom in accepting projects in my career."

He looked at me like I just made the stupidest offer to him. He was about to reach for the door when I stopped him again.

"There has been a pending deal between our families. A merge. It's still up for discussion even when it's been proposed two years ago. Other than the merge and investments that goes with the deal, Monique plans to tie me with Matias or Mikael to secure it. But your brothers haven't given it an interest since they're not interested in the company."

"So what are you suggesting?"

My lips curved more.

"You're the only one who's actively participating in the company," and you're the only one I like, my mind whispered.

"I know where this is going. I'm not interested."

He successfully reached the door and pushed it. He entered, and I did the same. I'm eager to get this man.

"Do you think Monique would let you have this company?"

"I have my ways, Valera."

"Your stepmother also has her ways. My family is considering Matias already. If I marry Matias, he'll easily succeed in the position you want. He'll be the CEO even if he doesn't want to."

He scoffed at my remarks. He sat on his desk and crossed his arms as he intently looked at me. Suddenly, I forgot to realize I'm alone in a room with him. I feel small, yet giddy being with this man.

"I know my brother. Even if he marries you, you can't force him to work here."

"But he loves his mother," I said as a matter of fact.

There was a long silence as his eyes only stared at me. I don't know what's in his mind right now, but the shift of an unfamiliar emotion in his eyes happened.

"And what can you gain from this?"

"Freedom. I'll have my career all to myself."

"Why me?"

"You're the one my parents want. You're just not in the options Monique offered to my parents. But what if I choose you myself? You'll have this company. I'll have my career. And we'll free Matias and Mikael. That's more than two birds a stone can hit."

Did I regret that decision?

No.

We agreed to have this loveless marriage. But I thought I could turn it into something I wanted. I thought I could make him fall for me. Because I always fell for him. But after getting that company, he was too busy and occupied to even notice me. Or... he wasn't just into me.

I did my best to get his attention. Brought him lunch, scheduled dates, gave him gifts, and wherever I went, I always made sure it benefited him. He was able to close deals with the Rodriguez Corporation when I met their scion at a party one time. And there were more moments like that.

Because of the word I get to give from whoever I was with, Lorenzo soar.

"Is he coming?" I asked one of our maids.

"He hasn't been back since last week, Mrs. Huxley."

I just came back to the mansion from an out of the country shoot. Our second anniversary is nearing. I have been thinking about plans, but thinking about how last year turned out, I didn't bother anymore. However, Monique still made plans.

I sighed and headed straight to my room. I already stopped from catching his attention. But somehow, I hoped one day I will. I still let the silent rumors about me and my secret men and parties wander around this mansion. I did have a good time at Costa Rica with all the clubs and men.

Eventually, the first year of marriage, I had to spread gossip about me and my alleged infidelities just so I could get Lorenzo's attention, but he wouldn't even bat an eye about it. Now, in our second year of marriage, those gossips became a reality. A hobby, a routine, and an escape.

I blocked all the numbers that kept on calling and messaging me. Those were the men I probably hooked up with, and now they want more. I turned off my phone and slept from all the thoughts that have been lurking.

"This information came from Monique," there was a look of hesitation in Ella's face.

I pouted as I rested my back on the car seat.

"Go on."

She cleared her throat before spilling me the tea. It's been a long day, and what I heard sparked all my exhaustion out of the window.

"Monique thinks Lorenzo has a love interest."

"Who?" I quickly asked, heart stammering.

"Alyssa Grey. She was initially hired as an Assistant Finance Specialist, but promoted as his secretary two months later."

There was nothing I could say. I immediately felt defeat. I lost all interest with my parties and boys. I had to make myself busy with work so I could stop thinking about him and his mistress.

"Val, your phone rang. Should I answer?" Ella tried to get my phone, but I grabbed it before she could. One of my friends called, a model. Probably inviting me to party, but I already declined.

After hearing countless rumors about Lorenz and his mistress, I stopped from all my vices. Maybe because there was no use of it anymore. It was pointless. He can't look at me. Because someone already got his attention.

Present time...

The moment I entered the building, I could hear the murmurs from different mouths. I gritted my teeth. When the elevator dinged, I immediately got myself out. I went straight to Lorenzo's office.

His secretary saw me first and signaled Lorenzo of my visit. Lorenzo turned around, and our eyes met. My half-hearted smile appeared. And he had to sigh heavily before leaving her at the balcony. My eyes followed the woman's hand as she caressed his arm as he exited.

Once the balcony door was closed, my mouth never hesitated.

"You're getting cozy with your secretary. What is this? A love story between the sought-after CEO and his lady in damsel secretary? And what? I'm the antagonist?"

His hand massaged his temples.

"Valera, why are you here?"

"Am I not your wife?" I said sarcastically.

"I have no time playing games with you."

"Should I remind you we have a marriage to fix?"

He scoffed.

"Or your image to fix?"

I swallowed hard. I breathed in deeply. He got me there.

"Both. I need you. Tell the media everything is a lie, a misunderstanding."

His deep set of green eyes stared straight to me, sending tingles of electricity through my spine. The corner of his lips curved to a smile like his planning something I don't like.

"I won't do that. Unless... you divorce me."

I shook my head.

"That's not possible."

"There's nothing else I want right now."

"And I don't want it. Do you really think our families would agree?"

He chuckled, but it was mockery in my ears. My hand formed a fist.

"I'm not 27 anymore. You're not 25 anymore. I guess we can say we're old enough to decide on our own without the help of our families," he stood there, hands on his pockets like he's not making a big decision.

"We're old enough to fix this. Why can't you just do your job like you always do. I never complained. Why do you have to do this to me, huh? Do you really hate me that much?"

He licked his lips as his eyes diverted away from me. The sight of me must have been a sore eye to him all these years. I stepped forward, closing the gap between us. My hand gripped on his chin, forcing him to look my way.

Our eyes made contact, but that was it. Indifference from mine and hatred from him.

"We married for business, for our family. We never love. Hell, I wouldn't care if you fuck someone else right now. You never said a word nor cared about my men and parties. For three years, everything was quiet. So, why? Why?!"

I know the answer, but I just couldn't accept it. My pride could not fathom.

"Unless..." my eyes turned to the woman behind us, watching us from afar. My long nails dug deeper on his jaw. My eyes returned to him with anticipation and fear.

"Unless you're in love," I said it.

My shoulders dropped when he looked away. His head turned to another direction, away from my prying eyes. My jaw dropped as my hand released his chin. I shook my head in disbelief. I should've known this.

"You must be kidding me," I laughed hysterically.

"Please, she's not involved in any of this. This is between us."

My brows shot up. I pursed my lips. I dropped to the couch next to me. This day came. I thought it would happen to me first so I could hurt him but... it happened to him before it did for me.

"That's something a lovesick man would say."

"Just leave her alone," he said before he went back to the balcony. I followed his steps back to her, away from me.

Now, I'm watching the man I never had in the first place, slip away from me. If only he knew how I felt. Why I had so many men and go to parties? He couldn't reciprocate the love I had.

He couldn't love me while I love him... in secret.

He was a dream. And like a dream, he was out of reach. I was too obsessed with the ideal of the world while he worked on the practicality of it. We had different paths in life and different interests, but there was one thing in common between us.

Our money and power-hungry families.

When I thought everything would fall right into place if he's with me, I was terribly wrong.

All he ever cared for was the business and empire his family built. And I did everything so he could see me but his work and passion was too much that he couldn't even notice me. And when I thought helping him with his work would give me the chance to be seen by Lorenzo Huxley, I was wrong... again.

I swallowed hard as the car stopped right in front of a mansion. I went out of the car and headed straight to the entrance. I don't know if I should call this home. This place never felt like home.

They called for me to meet here. I have been laying low for a week. The public and media are harsh, but my family...

In the living room were my parents, Lorenzo's parents, and him. Their heads turned to me as they heard my footsteps nearing them. My mother stood up from her seat. And the next thing I knew, her hand flew straight to my cheeks, pain immediately spread like wildfire.

"What have you done, Valera?! I knew about your dirty deeds but I have never thought you have done things so low and disgusting!" Mommy screamed so loud I could feel my body shake. I haven't recovered from the slap when her hand touched the other side of my face.

"You couldn't keep yourself behave for your marriage! All you do is ruin things! Now, what about your career? You've built your name for a decade only for it to be ruined within a week?!"

I tucked a stray of hair behind my ear before my knees bent on the ground. Silence stretched in the whole room. I couldn't face my mother. Not one of them I could be brave enough to face.

"I'm... I'm sorry, Mommy."

My mother's hand I was holding pushed me away. I fell to the cold floor. I pursed my lips as I fought hard for not a tear to fall.

"Say your apologies at the press later," she walked off and I'm left there, frozen and dumb founded.

A presscon? I have to face the world now? What am I gonna say? Lorenzo is persistent on divorcing me. My career is ruined. What's left to do? I heard footsteps walking away from me while I was staring at the floor, still processing everything.

My parents were never really a 'parent' to me. All they saw were my mistakes. For years, we lived in the same big old house but they were never present for me. They were never there.

When I thought they all left, I saw a hand just at my eye level. I knew those hands like the back of my mind. Those hands I wish held me, touched me. I swallowed hard before accepting Lorenzo's hand.

"Let's go."

I just followed Lorenzo wherever he lead me. My mind couldn't even process well on the thought that he's actually holding my hand right now. My mother's slap was enough for me to be lost at words.

Remembering the younger me, I was always persistent in becoming an actress. It's my dream. The cameras, acting, fans, and everything that came with it. It was my desire to be captured by the camera.

But now as I stand on a stage and hundreds of camera flashes, blinding me, I wish this was also a dream. A dream I can wake up to and pretend nothing happened.

But this is the reality. Lorenzo never let go of my hand. I gripped on it tighter, like pinching myself if this is even true.

"I am Lorenzo Huxley and I came here with my wife, your beloved Valera Huxley. We arranged this presscon to address issues that has spiraled around the internet," he stopped midway as he threw a glance at me.

While I remained confused, but composed for the media. Is he finally saying that everything is true? I have no defense against my family who's pinning me to do this. Do they even know he's divorcing me?

"I am here to dispell rumors surrounding about my wife's infidelity. The photos and rumors spreading are only intended to destroy my wife's name. They are distorted pictures and there is no clear proof that my wife is indeed the woman in those photos. Rumors remain fake and misleading."

His words repeated endlessly in my head. The presscon ended after his words. We left leaving a stronger impression of our 'perfect' marriage. Him holding me tight and me, in awe of what he did.

The internet and media has calmed down. After what Lorenzo did, I never realized how powerful his influence to the media is. That's why it was easy for him to cover for my dirty secrets and to reveal them himself.

I gulped another drink of liquor. I never expected him to do that. He actually saved me. But why? I thought he wanted the divorce? I thought he wanted me out of his life?

If my parents did something to convince him, it would make sense but I need to hear it from him.

I huffed an amount of breath before exiting the kitchen. I have spent an entire afternoon drinking and it's time to address the elephant in the room. I felt myself tipsy but my mind was still intact. I headed to his study and barged in.

I saw him working on his laptop while his hand was holding papers. I cleared my throat when he didn't glanced at my direction. Still looking at his laptop, always. I walked towards him, closer and closer.

The bottle of alcohol in my hand flew straight to his desk making a banging sound. My lips curled seeing him glance at my direction now. His eyes, even darker in the dim light, stared at me.

"You're drunk," he concluded.

"Why did you do it?" I asked, never minding what he just said.

He sighed and went back to his papers. I gritted my teeth.

"Isn't that what you want?"

"But why?"

His shoulders shrugged, "It's what everybody wants."

"Why did you save me? Why did you lie for me? I thought you don't like the lies I put in the media. Why did you hold me? I thought you're sick of me? Why, Lorenzo?"

He finally dropped his pen and paper. I watched him close his laptop and stood up from his swivel chair. He never did that for me. Not even once. So, now that I'm witnessing something I wished for years, what will it take from me?

"Divorce."

I shook my head, still persistent.

"No."

"I gave you what you want. It's your turn to give me what I want."

"I can't."

"Then leave," he pointed at the door. I swallowed hard. He hates me. He hates me so much that he would do what I want in exchange of me disappearing from his life. I nodded slowly. Maybe it's not the right time to talk.

I turned around and walked away. A part of me hoped there was something else, a different reason why he did those things. Now, he's doing the things I dreamed of to get rid of me.

I came back to the kitchen, staring at the leftover liquor. I grabbed a glass for us and the last remaining champagne. As dumb as it could sound, I went back to his study. I walked back to him, thinking I could maybe beg.

My hand gripped at the cold door knob to his study before opening the door. I slowly opened the door, revealing a scene inside. My jaw dropped as I hitched my breath. My hand's grip on the champagne tightly, making sure it won't fall.

My foot took a step back. I swallowed hard as the scene inside stabbed my heart a million times. Lorenzo's hand snaking around his secretary's waist, the other hand on her nape. They kissed.

Passionately. Lorenzo never did that for me. Before it could turn worse, I pursed my lips and carefully closed the door.

After the door was finally closed, a heavy sigh left my lips. I walked away, alone and defeated.

A broken dream.

A slaughtered heart.

A bottle of champagne kissing me as I flood myself with it, erasing him and the woman he's in love with.