The Billionaire's Second Wife

"Choose wisely Leo. Are you going to save your love or your unwanted second wife?"

Aaron, Asked him with a wicked smile on his face holding the gun against her head. The sound of the trigger being pulled made her heartbeat miss the rhythm. But all the time her eyes were fixed on her husband who was standing before her with the blank expression he always carries.

"I want to save my love"

Lonely tears rolled from her eyes upon hearing his reply which somewhere she already knew. She stared at him with dead eyes, so this was the end. End of her pathetic life. As decided, her life was going to end as his unwanted second wife.

Soon the gunshot made her get all blurry. Her eyes are slowly falling asleep, and all the events from the past are slowly playing in her head.

....

☆ one year ago ☆

"Sign the papers Alina, Let's end this forever"

Alina stared at her Husband with tears in her eyes, she couldn't believe what she just heard. Is this for real? Is he asking for a divorce on their Anniversary day? But why? Why did he make such a decision,

"Why Leo? I thought everything getting okay between us, we even,"

Her words were cut off by his hand. He stopped her abruptly and looked at her with some unknown inner emotions. She tried to read his pale emerald eyes, which she had been trying to do for the past three years, where she always hoped to see at least a bit of emotion for her. But as always it's blank and dead. Tears in her eyes are not ready to stop. Somewhere fear crept into her heart to see the end of this. He glared at her blankly and didn't even flinch seeing tears in her eyes.

"I think we have wasted enough time talking about this Alina. If I ever made you hope for something new between us, I'm very sorry, because I'm still the same Leo who loves his wife and the only love of his life. She may not be here with me right now, but til my last breath, my heart will only cherish her name. Nobody can take her place in my life. I hope you understand"

The last piece of her heart breaks into a million pieces. She stared at him with unbearable pain in her heart. This is not the first time he has rejected her like this, this is what she heard for the first time when their parents fixed their marriage. This is exactly what she heard on their honeymoon trip. He never failed to declare his love for his wife. At the same time, he wouldn't miss a chance to remind her that there was no way she was going to replace her in his life. Sadly she never wanted to take her place in his life. All she wanted was to be just another character in his life. not as a happily married wife but, at least as a companion in his life.

First, she disagreed knowing how much he loves his wife. There is going to be zero chance for him to accept her as his wife. But when they convinced her, she couldn't keep her feelings hidden. She agreed to the marriage hoping there might be a tiny little chance for him to consider their relationship. She thought her unconditional love might change his opinion about their marriage. But all of her hope broke into pieces hearing everything he said.

"Those three years I never interfered with the love you have for your dead wife. I was well aware of your disinterest in getting married to me, but after marriage, I told you how much I loved you, not after marriage, but from high school, but your reply is still the same. Can't you forget the past and accept me as your wife?"

She asked him in a broken way, almost begging him, there was nothing she hadn't tried these three years, she had conveyed her deep affection in every single way possible. But he was stoned and never gave her a positive reply for all that. But she always convinced her heart saying he would come around when time passed, daily she prayed to all the gods there to make her husband's heart soft, and accept her love. But here something is happening differently.

Downstairs, their both families dance happily celebrating their anniversary, without knowing the storm hitting on her life. He took a long breath hearing her words and told her in a cold voice.

"Look Alina, I have already wasted three years of my life in this unwanted marriage with you, it's okay for you, but I have a life. I can't do this anymore. I need freedom from this troubled marriage. I feel like I have cheated on Natasha because of this marriage. You're going to gain nothing, just accept the damn truth and sign the papers"

He left the room after throwing the divorce papers in her face. She collapses on the recliner feeling completely heartbroken. It feels like somebody ripped her heart out. She always dreamed that one day he would accept her as his, and they two could live happily ever after. But today life slapped her, hardly showing the reality of her life. This is the tragic end of her love life. At last, she can't even be his second wife.

A million thoughts running through her mind right now, first of all, the reaction of their parents when they heard about this. They are not going to react normally. Especially her parents. There is a chance for it to be hit as a big storm. It will create unnecessary trouble in their generation of friendship. No, she can't let that happen. She loves her husband's parents as much as she loves her parents. She needs to handle this issue carefully without hurting both parties. She is trying to shift her thoughts to them, hiding the pain she is feeling right now.

Her heart is fully heavy after whatever just takes place. The thought of never going to be with him killing her alive, it's hundreds of times more painful than the one she went through seeing him taking the vows with Natasha. After lots of struggle, she came out from that heartbreak. But this time, it won't be that easy. After spending those years with him, she won't say it's gonna be a talk for a few months. Every day she spent in this house, she hoped for a better future.

Now this same house witnessed their broken relationship. But somewhere her brain told her to stop being a pushover anymore, if she sat and thought, most of her life passed on her feelings for him. She needs life without his presence.

If anybody asks, if a woman can love a man madly, she will stand up proudly declaring how madly she loves her husband, without having any expectations. She almost devoted her whole life to a hopeless dream of living a happy life with him. At least now she needs to give herself a chance in life. Her hands slowly wiped the hot tears rolling from her eyes and she took the papers from the ground with shivering hands. If this is what he wants. Then let's give him what he wants.

Is it possible to fall in love with another person after passionately loving someone? It's really stupid logic. If we love someone genuinely from the bottom of our hearts, it's really hard to forget about them and give the same love to someone else.

After Natasha passes away, Leo wants nothing but to live a life with the happy memories they shared. But marriage with Alina made his heart more wounded and unbearable to live normally.

Why didn't his parents understand his side of emotion? They didn't even give him the space to overcome her loss fully. Every day living with Alina made him feel so guilty and Angry about everything.

Even a formal talk with her made him feel like he was cheating on his wife. After struggling for a long time, he decided to ask divorce from her. It's better to live alone than suffocate himself into marriage with her. At least she will get freed from this unwanted marriage and can mind her own life. He felt he needed his mind to be relieved rather than satisfying others.

He returned to the mansion after going for a long drive to relax his mind. The guests have already left. The maids are cleaning the place. He opened the door of their bedroom with a tired face. He hopes Alina won't start another argument now. He expected a movement after entering, but he was a little surprised to be welcomed by the cold and empty bedroom. He scanned the whole room and confirmed her absence. Somewhere he relaxed about it. Maybe she is in the study room. But his convinced mind was alarmed seeing the papers on the table.

He was dumbstruck seeing the signed divorce papers with their wedding ring. So it's finally happened. She signed the papers. She freed him from their wedding. This is something he has been wanting from the beginning. But why can't he feel the happiness he was supposed to feel? Why does it feel so empty? Feeling overwhelmed, He rushed outside the room and saw their loyal maid Matilda working with a sad face. Soon seeing him approaching she kept her face firm and respectably bowed to him.

"Matilda, have you seen your madam?"

"Young master, Madam Alina left the house soon after everyone left. She didn't inform me where she was going. But she carried her luggage when leaving" She replied, respectfully looking down, but she sensed how frustrated her young master was right now. Then she felt telling her tiny moment with her madam might calm him down.

"But young master, when she leaves. She hugged me so tightly. And wished me goodbye. And she asked me to look after you well"

That's it. Angry veins pop out from his forehead hearing her words. Now what drama does she have on her mind? Did she go to his parents to complain about him? Or is she going to hers to become a victim? Dare if she creates another drama to drag this marriage anymore. With bursting anger, he left for his room to get some peace of mind. He is not ready to handle one more drama in a single night. Anyways, tomorrow both families are going to be here, and gonna preach about how perfect life partner she was to him.

....

" How dare he? That crazy punk" Jonathan Brooke burst out soon after hearing the divorce news. His hands are itching to clutch the throat of his so-called son-in-law.

"He needs to know his place. Wait here I need to talk to him personally" Alina quickly holds her father from marching out of the house with the rushing anger he holds against Leo. She asked her mother to help her control her father, who was sitting on the sofa crying terribly.

"Daddy. Please calm down. Just hear me out. Please don't make this issue a big one. See we are adults. We took this decision mutually. It will get uncomfortable if any of you are involved in this matter"

She tried to explain in the calmest way possible. Jonathan gives her a 'Are you serious?' look.

"mutual decision, my foot. I know that bastard. I won't let this slide away easily. He along with his parents have to give me a good explanation for this madness"

He pushed her away, making her fall on the couch. He took the car key and decided to blast the Hart family tonight. Their generation of friendship won't stop him from lashing them after seeing tears in his little princess eyes. Alina quickly got up and hugged him from behind, he stopped moving when she told him something unexpected.

"I want to go from here Daddy. I want to live my life now. Let me get free from this marriage. It's been nothing but a daydream which is never going to be true. Let me go. Please, At least this time hear me out. Please Daddy"

His eyes got moist hearing her pleading with a broken voice. He felt so guilty and angry for pushing his dear daughter into such a situation. Somewhere their decision made her go through all this. He turned and took her for a big warm hug. He caressed her hair and looked at his wife who also had the same look on her face. He knows what needs to be done.

..

It's been three days since that night. Alina made her decision clear to both of their parents and made them agree with her. It's not that they can convince her after whatever happens.

Leo's parents Rose and Liam can't face the brooks after whatever happened. It was too humiliating and painful. Jonathan gives them a cold shoulder but Alina made the scenes easy and made them see how much she was looking forward to the new life she was planning in New York. She got an offer in New York as a professor at City Hospital. She is going to be the first doctor to be promoted to professor at such a young age.

She is a cardiologist. Already quite famous for her work. She is looking forward to starting a fresh life, forgetting the wounds her husbands gave her. Sure it's going to take a while. But she has confidence in herself. After all, getting heartbreaks is not something she is unfamiliar with.

"Madam Alina, young master Leo asking to meet you. Shall I let him in?" Her housekeeping voice buzzed from the intercom. She was a bit tense to meet him. But she pulled herself and permitted him to enter.

He entered her room silently and didn't utter a word. She completely avoids having eye contact with him. After holding a moment of silence he started the talk first.

"I'm quite surprised by your reaction to my decision. I thought you might cause a big drama or pull an emotional blackmail to keep the marriage on hold. The way you handle it. I'm surprised"

She sighs hearing his rough voice after a full three days. She won't deny how much his voice affects her nervous system. But that way she did notice the sarcastic tone of his words. It's like he is quite irritated somewhere, But why? Then she slowly looked into his face. He glanced at her with his infamous arrogant look. He looks all fine and fit. Unlike her, who got her weight reduced in three days. She sighs in a relaxed way before replying to him.

"That's what you wished for. I thought it was unfair to keep pushing you more into this unwanted marriage. You were always clear on your decision. It's just that I got it very late. I don't want to be a burden anymore" She ended the sentence with a little sad smile.

She saw him staring at her with cold eyes. For a second she got lost in his emerald eyes. His eyes never fail to get her weak on her knees.

The way it gazes at her brings out the memory they shared a few days ago. That rainy day event built a huge hope in her heart about their happily ever after. She quickly broke the eye, catching how he was trying to read why she was just thinking. After whatever happened she can't let him witness her weak state thereafter.

"This is exactly what I have been wanting for the past three years. There is no clarification on it. But I just want to clarify something" She winched hearing his full arrogance-filled tone. There are no feelings or emotions in it. She somewhere knows what he wants to clarify.

"that rainy night. That night we kissed for the very first time. Or said for the last time. We kinda almost crossed the limit. I think I made myself clear that night. It happened because of the alcohol effect"

Her body got a little chilled, recalling the cloudy memory with him. They two almost went to become one that night. Their passionate-filled moment got spoiled because of his phone that night. Her body is getting goosebumps recalling it. She controlled herself from turning red. She wonders why suddenly he brings up that topic now.

"Yes, Leo, I know. Not just you, even me also under the alcohol effect. I will never blame you for it" She tried to assure him thinking he might want to justify himself, because after that night they two never talked about it again. They behave like nothing happened. But his reply made her wounded heart get a fresh wound.

"That's not what I want to clarify. I just want to say. That night means nothing to me. That was just a moment I had with alcohol. If it is not you, it's maybe someone else. Just a spark I might have felt with anyone. I don't want you to feel I betrayed you after showing hope. I think you get what I'm saying"

Can this be more painful than this? It can't be. The tears she had been holding back, flowing without a hold hearing every single word he just said. She feels like her fragile heart got tied with a huge stone. She closed her eyes for a second after wiping the tears and gazed at his arrogant face with a little smile.

"I know it means nothing to you. For you, your moments with your late wife are precious. But that night was the most beautiful moment I had with you. That sweet memory will be forever close to my heart. And this memory of mine won't cause you any inconvenience. So don't worry about it"

She never let her pain be reflected in her behavior. He stared at her with some unknown emotions and soon left the room without saying goodbye.

Soon after he left, she let out the tears while sobbing. Why is he being so cruel to her? Is it that important to be so harsh with her? Hasn't she done everything without hurting him anyway?

Then why does he take every single chance to hurt her like this? Her face turned completely after continually crying. Then she wiped her eyes gathering more motivation. This is going to be the last time she's going to cry thinking about him. Tomorrow onwards she is going to change for something better. To become someone, this world has never seen till now.

..

Two weeks later.

Leo was staring at the empty whisky glass in his hand. He pushed it toward the bartender and signaled him to refill it. He gazed at the happening in the pub with bored eyes. Nothing was making him excited. It looks so lame and boring. When he was about to sip his whisky, somebody grabbed that from his hand rudely making him snap out. He is ready to blast the person, but he calms down seeing it is his best friend Ryan Mattews.

"Dude, did you get divorced so desperately just to waste time drinking whisky ? Look around you man. Fruits are begging to be bitten by you" Ryan told him with a tight voice seeing a bunch of girls dancing on the floor seductively looking in their direction. Leo glares at him with annoyance. He grabbed the glass from him and told without looking at his face.

"You know why I got it in the first place. Those things are meaningless to me. I'm happy the way I am now. Her memories are enough to keep me happy" Ryan sighs hearing his reply. He knows it's hard to convince his stubborn friend. They two have known each other since high school. The only friend Leo had was him.

Surprisingly after that tragic event, he kept holding that friendship hard when he was pushing everybody away. They get into fights sometimes. but their friendship is something special and meaningful to both of them. Now seeing his best friend sitting here drinking alone leaving all the happiness in life makes him worried about his future.

"Leo, be honest with me. Last three years with Alina, haven't you felt anything for her? At least one time? There's no way you didn't feel anything at all" He got silent upon hearing his question. It's not as easy to answer as he thought. Simple no was not the answer to it.

Ryan observed his facial reaction. Leo is an expert at hiding his feelings from others. But he can't hide his feelings from him. As a psychologist specialist, he noticed how much he was trying to not react to that question. He smirks seeing his ever-confident friend finding it tough to answer his question.

He had two more shots and glared at Ryan with a cold face. He replied with arrogance. "It's maybe surprising, but during those years I never felt anything different for her. She is just a character who entered my life without my approval. After mutual understanding, she left the place she never belonged"

Ryan Smiles with amusement hearing his stubborn reply. It's more like he is telling it to himself than a reply to his question. He admires his love for his dead wife. But he cares about his friend more than that.

"Dude, I really admire your sincerity, the love you have for your late wife is precious. But someone's life can't be stopped if their loved one passes away. One day they have to begin a new life with a new chapter. It's the honest judgment of destiny"

Seeing him hearing with silent mode he continues, "Alina loves you a lot. There nobody can love you the way she loves you, her love is so pure and deep Leo. It will be a big loss if you let her go from your life. She even,"

"Enough of your lecture Ryan. Don't try your therapy on me" He cut him off abruptly. It's disturbing him somewhere hearing all about her again and again. He slammed the glass on the table and told him with a warning tone. "I know what I want in my life. She is gone, and it's for the best. I lost the woman I loved and she is never going to come and nobody is gonna replace her. Dare if you again brag about this"

Ryan raised his hands like he surrendered and tried to calm him down. He felt it was not a good idea to dig deeper. Leo had shot after shot in the process of erasing whatever Ryan just said. But his mind couldn't take her thoughts away.

When he talks about her, it gives him new feelings, which he has never felt before. Suddenly all the memories he had with her ran through his brain like reels of a movie. Her charming smile, her gorgeous hazel eyes, her natural pink lips. Her breathtaking gorgeous body. Inch by inch every memory of her played in his brain.

If he said these memories are hunting him after their divorce. It's a big fat no. He has these rushing feelings from the moment they two kissed that day. After whatever happened that rainy day. His eyes started to see her differently. Her every move made him react in a new way. And he didn't like it. There is no way he will let someone else take his wife's place. He wants to be a one-woman man. Even if she is no more. And nobody can change the decision of Leo Hart.

...

Alina drank her morning refreshment after completing 18 hours of surgery. It was the second major surgery in the week. She is facing many complicated surgeries these days. But in the end, it always ended on a good note. Saving the patient and seeing the happiness on their loved one's faces is something she cherished. Her shift to New York is something she is proud of.

After coming here, she actually realized how much her service was needed out there. These nine months passed easily with little conflict. She won't lie saying she is totally over her ex-husband. But she overcame the pain she went through.

She no longer feels the loneliness and homesickness she felt when started to live here earlier. She accepted the fact, she is a divorcee who was rejected by her husband to be in the forced marriage. Somewhere that realization made her feel at ease. Now she is indeed an independent woman without any life commitments or not devoting her life to anybody. This new world makes her feel like a new person. And she likes it a lot.

"Hey buddy, what are you going to wear today for the party?"

Her thoughts were cut off by her colleague and friend Myra's voice. Surprisingly their wavelengths were quite matched. She was the only person who was close to Alina in Washington.

"Not decided yet. Maybe something casual"

"Yeah lucky you, don't need to worry about it when dating the most popular fashion line Owner in New York". Myra sighs sadly when saying that. But Alina knows she is just trying to pull her legs.

"Isn't it amazing to surrender around the man who is the dream of every girl in New York?" Myra asked her, almost whining about her fate.

"no, it's not. Because, to me, it doesn't matter if he is the owner of the AK Fashion Company. To me he is just Aaron. My boyfriend, and my VIP client"

"Huh, so boring. Anyways, it's going to be a big night for your man. Make sure you don't mess up with your modesty complex. Just give him whatever he demands today"

Alina shook her head unbelievably hearing her so-called advice. There is nothing to be over-excited about. It's just an Award Ceremony of the Business Industry. After the night passes, it's again going to be her usual busy life. Only if she knows how her life is going to change after this event.

....

Continuing operations, overtime without rest indeed spoiled her mental health and calm mind. She forgot there was a world outside that hospital. After a long break, wearing a dress and giving a makeover to her made her feel blessed and fresh.

She admires the decoration of the ceremony hall which was arranged in the luxurious hotel in New York. She usually avoids attending such events. But this time she can't refuse after Aaron asks her nicely. But it's worth the choice.

She sipped the wine looking around. She carries a warm smile as usual seeing almost everyone's eyes on her today. She is not sure if it's because she looks good or if they find her weird. But it's not a negative vibe much to her relief.

"They do look at you a lot. I should hide you from all their eyes" She smiles hearing Aaron's soft voice. He circled his arms around her waist and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

Dating him is something she did not plan at all. He was her client after he had a stroke a few months ago. After a few of their encounters, he asked her out. She told him about her being a divorcee. But he cared less about it.

After a few dates, she accepted his proposal to be her boyfriend. He undeniably treats her well. And respect her decision to take things slow. There is nothing to complain about him. She feels it's okay to give him a chance to woo her.

"After this event, I have a surprise for you". She suddenly gets mixed feelings about it. She already had a little doubt about him sending a red dress with a rose bouquet. She hopes he doesn't do something which will disturb their relationship, this time.

She gave him a forced smile and got her attention back to the stage. The event has already started. As time moved, she felt like somebody was staring at her from afar. She slowly looked around. But there was nobody. But that feeling is so real.

"I'll be back" She soon left towards the restroom side after telling Aaron. She did a little touch-up and took out a few relaxing breaths before stepping out. When she was about to go back to her seat, a voice made her get stuck on the spot.

"after a long time. How are you, Alina?" Hearing this voice after nine months made her knees weak. She gripped the clutch on her hands tightly and slowly turned to see the owner of that voice.

"Leo"

"Hello Leo. It's good to see you here"

Leo was staring at her with cold eyes. Seeing her after a long time made him feel all the emotions that exist. When he saw her entering the venue wearing that red dress, he recalled their wedding day. That's exactly how she looked that day. All gorgeous and beautiful to stare at. His dreadful heart danced with happiness seeing her again, but it was short-lived when he saw with whom she was entering. His rivalry with Aaron is not something that can be explained within a few words. In short, they two just want to witness each other's endings.

"Look at you. As always charming and beautiful. You took the divorce well" Alina couldn't believe what she just heard from his mouth. Did he just comment about her look? It's never happened before. She hid her surprised face and stared directly into her eyes.

"I have to take it well, otherwise people will judge you for being a bad husband. My normal self tells them we never get things ugly" He smirked with arrogance hearing her reply. She tries her best to not get intimidated by his presence. Somewhere he still has that effect on her. He got a little closer, his breath almost touching her face.

"I really admire your generosity, Alina. After whatever happens, you still care about my reputation. I'm indeed stupid for not seeing this before" Her heart beat to an unusual rhythm hearing his soft voice for the first time. What is he trying to say? It's definitely not sounding like the Leo Hart she knows. But his next words made her feel paralyzed.

"but it's okay. I'm ready to know about you again from the beginning"

"What The" That's what came out of her mouth hearing his sudden uttering. What the hell is that supposed to mean? He smirks seeing her shocked face. He slowly circled his both hands around her waist and told her almost whispering.

"Let's get married again, Wifey!"

She was completely stunned to speak the next word. What in the world is happening right now? Before she reacted angrily to his ranting, her lips got sealed by his unexpected intimating touch on the lips. Her mind totally went blank after realizing her ex-husband just kissed her on the lips.