The billionaire husband who tried to kill me

Olivia's POV

"Once Olivia drinks that cocktail tonight, she'll be completely out of the picture. The room is booked, and our guy is ready with the camera. As soon as she's knocked out, we'll get everything on video and make sure it goes viral. Your brother's divorce will be a slam dunk after that!"

"Are you absolutely certain this will work, Victoria? We can't afford to mess this up," Natalie whispered.

"Please. When have I ever failed you? This plan is foolproof."

I felt my blood run cold as I stood frozen outside my husband's study, overhearing Victoria's conversation with Natalie, my sister-in-law. Victoria is my dad's adopted daughter, she is slightly older than me and I know she has always hated me right from childhood but not up to the point of killing me.

The hatred in Natalie's voice was unmistakable. Has she always despised me this much? Enough to destroy my life?

I couldn't help myself. I needed to see who else was in that room. Holding my breath, I pushed the door open just enough to peek inside. What I saw shattered my world in an instant. There, standing between the two women with his arms crossed, was my husband, Marcus, his face hard and unreadable.

No... it can't be. Not Marcus. Please, not him.

"What do you think about all this, Marcus?" Natalie asked him. "You've been awfully quiet. Don't tell me you've actually fallen for her? Sophia is coming back from Paris next month. Have you forgotten about her already?"

I held my breath, desperately hoping he would defend me, tell them they were crazy, that he loved me. But his response cut through me like a knife.

"She's just collateral damage," he said, his voice devoid of any warmth. "I don't care what methods you use. I just need those company shares." He ran a hand through his dark hair and sighed. "Just make damn sure none of this can be traced back to any of us."

My legs nearly gave out beneath me. I pressed my hand against my mouth to stifle a sob as I stumbled away from the door, nearly knocking over a vase in my haste to escape. I ducked into the guest bathroom and locked the door behind me.

******

Four years of marriage. Four years of what I thought was love and partnership, all built on lies. Marcus never loved me. He was still in love with Sophia, the woman he dated in business school.

I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, mascara streaking down my cheeks. My whole marriage was just a business transaction to him, a way to get his hands on my family's company.

"Like hell I'm going to let them do this to me," I whispered to my reflection. With shaking hands, I pulled out my phone and called the one person I knew would help me.

"David? It's Olivia. I need you to draft divorce papers for me. Immediately."

"Whoa, slow down," my lawyer and longtime friend replied. "That's not something you just rush into. What happened?"

"I know exactly what I'm doing," I said firmly. "Can you help me or not?"

He sighed. "Of course I can. But Olivia-"

"I'll call you tomorrow with details," I said, ending the call.

I splashed cold water on my face and repaired my makeup as best I could. Tonight's gala was celebrating Marcus's latest business acquisition, a deal worth hundreds of millions. If he wanted to play games, I could play too.

When I returned to the ballroom, Marcus was charming a group of investors with that million-dollar smile that had once made my heart race. He excused himself the moment he spotted me.

"There you are," he said, sliding an arm around my waist and kissing my forehead. "I've been looking all over for you darling."

I smiled tightly, pulling away from his touch. "Sorry, I just needed a moment."

His eyebrows furrowed with what looked like genuine concern. "Are you feeling alright? You seem off baby."

"Just a slight headache," I lied smoothly. "Nothing to worry about."

"If you're sure..." He didn't look convinced, but didn't push further.

I moved away from him, making my way through the crowd of elegantly dressed guests. I could feel his eyes following me, but I refused to look back.

"Olivia!" Natalie's voice rang out as she approached, carrying two glass of champagne. Her designer dress shimmered under the chandelier lights as she thrust one of the glasses into my hand. "A toast to my brilliant brother's success!"

I looked at the champagne, noticing how intently she was watching me, that artificial smile plastered on her face. Was this the drugged drink they had planned for me?

With a sudden decision, I walked directly back to Marcus, who was now speaking with the mayor.

"Darling," I interrupted, holding up the champagne. "Natalie insists we toast to your success."

I watched his face carefully, searching for any sign of guilt or hesitation. He simply smiled and raised his own glass. "To continued success," he said smoothly, taking a sip of his drink.

The pain that shot through my chest was almost physical. So this was what betrayal felt like. I pretended to bring the glass to my lips, then deliberately loosened my grip, letting it slip through my fingers. The crystal shattered on the marble floor with a satisfying crash.

"Oh my God, Olivia!" Natalie exclaimed loudly, drawing attention to us. "Could you be any clumsier?"

Before I could respond, Marcus was at my side, taking my hands in his and examining them closely. "Are you hurt? Let me see."

His touch was gentle, his eyes concerned as they scanned for injuries. Anyone watching would think I had the most devoted husband in the world. If only they knew the truth.

"I'm fine," I said, pulling my hands away. "Please, go back to your guests. This is your night."

He hesitated for a moment before nodding. "You're always so supportive," he said, kissing my cheek before returning to his conversation.

I watched him walk away, my heart breaking all over again at how easily he could switch between caring husband and calculating betrayer.

Natalie grabbed my arm, her nails digging into my skin. "What do you think you're doing?" she hissed.

When I tried to pull away, she pushed me hard. I wasn't prepared for it and stumbled backward toward the terrace doors. The decorative glass panel cracked as I fell against it, then gave way completely.

"Olivia!" I heard her scream, though whether from genuine shock or an act, I couldn't tell.

I landed in the rose garden below. The bushes broke my fall somewhat, but pain shot through my ankle, and I could feel warm blood trickling from cuts on my arms and back.

Guests rushed out onto the terrace and down the garden steps. Marcus pushed through the crowd, his face pale with what looked like actual fear.

He knelt beside me, arms outstretched to lift me up, when Natalie's voice cut through the commotion:

"Marcus! It's Sophia...she's been in a car accident!"

His hands froze in mid-air. "What? When? How bad?"

"They just called. It's serious," Natalie said breathlessly.

Without a second's hesitation, Marcus stood up. Our eyes met for one brief moment before he turned and sprinted through the crowd, leaving me bleeding on the ground.

And in that moment, as I watched him disappear, I knew our marriage was truly over....

Olivia's POV

"Damn!" I cursed as I tried to get up, but my ankle wouldn't let me.

Murmurs erupted in the crowd as everyone pointed fingers at me and openly mocked me.

"I always knew there's no love in their marriage."

"True, I heard she seduced Marcus and forced him to marry her."

"She is just a desperate bitch!"

Those were some of the words people were saying about me. I ignored them, as my main focus was to get myself to the hospital. Defending myself to them wouldn't change the fact that Macus doesn't love me.

I retrieved my phone from my purse and called Jane, my best friend, to come take me to the hospital.

> > > > > > >

Jane and I arrived at the hospital late. It was already 9:20 p.m. The ER was quiet because there's usually no rush at this time.

"Look, Oliv, isn't that your husband?" Jane asked, pointing at Macus, who was holding onto another woman-Sophia.

I sighed. "Let's go get my legs treated," I said.

We left there to go see a doctor.

My leg and minor wounds were treated. The doctor said my ankle was badly injured, so he made me wear a cast.

"You should be more careful, especially when you are working," the doctor advised.

"Thank you, doctor," I said and left his office.

Just when we were out of the office, we bumped into Marcus and Sophia.

Macus looked surprised to see me.

"What are you doing here, Oliv?" he asked, subconsciously standing in front of Sophia, shielding her from me as if I'd attack her.

I was hurt by that action but quickly waved off that emotion.

"Did you forget that your sister pushed me off the balcony?" I asked him.

Marcus looked down at my leg. Remorse flashed in his eyes when he saw the cast, but Sophia's words made the remorse vanish in a second.

"Come on, that was just an accident. It's not a big deal," she said.

"Not a big deal? How about I take you to a balcony and make you fall from there?" I fired back, anger brewing inside me.

"You..."

I ignored her and faced Jane. "Let's go. I don't have time for dramas."

Jane nodded. We turned around and approached the exit door.

"Did you see that? She disrespected me," I heard Sophia whining to Marcus.

"Hold on!" he called. "Apologize to her," he said to me.

I looked around, pretending like I was looking for something. "Who should I apologize to?"

"Sophia," he replied. "She was involved in a fatal accident on her way from the airport. She hasn't recovered yet. Don't spoil her mood because it'll affect her recovery."

My brows furrowed as I tried to make sense of what he just said, but there was absolutely no sense in it.

Besides, Sophia doesn't look like she was in a fatal accident. Truly, love is blind!

"Apologize now," Marcus said.

Sophia was staring with a victorious smirk. I simply scoffed.

"No." I turned away from them. Jane and I left the hospital without giving them a second glance.

> > > > > > >

>The Next Morning<

I woke up to my phone beeping. I looked at the other side of the bed and rolled my eyes when I realized Marcus didn't come home last night.

My phone wouldn't stop beeping, so I reached for it. A message from Sophia popped up, and it read: How did it feel seeing the man you love abandon you for another woman? Did you like my surprise?

Attached to the message was a photo of Sophia and Marcus in bed. Marcus was sleeping with his head resting on Sophia's chest.

Before I could get the time to feel hurt, the door pushed open and Marcus came in.

"Hey, baby, you're awake!" he said, rushing to me with a smile.

He sat by my side on the bed and started caressing my face. I smiled when I saw Sophia's red lipstick on his cheek, but he thought I was smiling at him.

"I'm sorry about last night," he said, his voice calm and apologetic. "I was just confused by everything that's been happening. Sophia came back suddenly, and she was involved in an accident. I was just going crazy."

Crazy for the love of his life. Unfortunately, that's not me.

"I realized that my actions humiliated you last night. I heard some rumors about you, and I'd like to clear them up. So, I'm hosting another party tonight, and I've sent the invitations out. Get ready and attend it. I'll make sure I debunk all the rumors," he said.

I could only smile as I listened to him speak. He had no idea I came back to the hospital to retrieve my phone last night and overheard him and Natalie talking. They want to use this opportunity to humiliate me more.

"Wear something nice. I want you to show everyone that you're the queen of my empire!" he winked at me.

"Really? You'll debunk the rumors?" I asked.

"Yes. I can't sit back and let people talk trash about you," he answered with a serious expression, as if he were offended thinking about the rumors.

"Okay. I'll come. Just send me the address."

"Great." He planted a kiss on my forehead before exiting the room.

What a pretentious imp....

Olivia's POV

The day flew by in a blur of paperwork and meetings. I was still piling up files at my desk when my phone buzzed.

"Shit!" I glanced at the time. 6:45 PM.

Marcus's party. I'd completely forgotten about our little "appointment." Not that I was eager to attend, but I needed to see what new games he and his conspirators were playing.

I rushed to the company shower, my ankle still throbbing beneath the cast. The warm water did little to ease the tension in my shoulders. Whatever they were planning tonight, I needed to stay sharp.

Stepping out with a towel wrapped around me, I nearly collided with a broad chest.

"Marcus?" I gasped. "What are you doing here?"

His eyes traveled down my barely-covered body, and I clutched the towel tighter to my body.

"Picking you up, of course." His smile didn't reach his eyes. "Can't have my beautiful wife arrive alone."

"I told you I'd come myself."

"Change of plans." He dangled his car keys. "I'll wait outside while you get dressed."

Twenty minutes later, we were in his sleek black Audi, tension thick between us. He placed his hand on my thigh, and it took everything in me not to flinch.

"You look stunning," he said, eyes fixed on the road.

"Thanks." I stared out the window, wondering what humiliation awaited me tonight.

We arrived at a high-end hotel downtown. Marcus was the perfect gentleman, opening doors, his hand possessively on my lower back as we entered. People turned to stare, whispering behind their hands. The rumors from yesterday were clearly still circulating.

"Smile," Marcus whispered in my ear. "Everyone's watching."

"That's the point, isn't it?" I muttered, but plastered on a fake smile anyway.

As we made our way through the crowd, I spotted a familiar face that made my blood run cold.

"Victoria?"

My adopted sister approached us, champagne glass in hand. Last I heard, she was conspiring with Natalie against me. Now she was beaming like we were best friends.

"Olivia!" She embraced me, the scent of expensive perfume overwhelming. "I'm so glad you came! I've been worried sick about your ankle."

I pulled back, searching her face for signs of deception. "That's new. Last week you barely acknowledged my existence."

She laughed, a tinkling sound that set my teeth on edge. "Water under the bridge! Family is family, right?"

Before I could respond, a hand touched my shoulder. I turned to find Natalie, Marcus's sister who had pushed me off the balcony looking contrite.

"Olivia, I've been looking everywhere for you." Her eyes were red-rimmed, as if she'd been crying. "I need to apologize for yesterday. It was an accident, I swear."

"Sure it was," I said flatly.

She produced two champagne glasses from nowhere. "Please, let me make it up to you. A peace offering?"

I eyed the drinks suspiciously. "Not thirsty, thanks."

Marcus's grip tightened on my waist. "Don't be rude, Olivia. Natalie's trying to apologize."

"I'm not angry," I said coolly. "Just not interested in drinking."

"Take it," Marcus hissed in my ear, his fingers digging into my side.

I looked at the two glasses and had a sudden inspiration. "If you're really sorry, Natalie, why don't you drink both? Show me there's nothing to worry about."

Natalie's face paled. "I..."

Before she could finish, Marcus snatched one glass and gripped my jaw with his free hand. "Stop being difficult," he growled, forcing the rim against my lips.

The liquid spilled into my mouth before I could stop it. I swallowed reflexively, panic rising in my chest.

"Excuse me," I choked out, pulling away from Marcus. "Bathroom."

I limped as quickly as my injured ankle would allow, locking myself in a stall. Whatever they'd put in that drink, I needed to get it out now. I stuck two fingers down my throat, gagging until everything came up. Tears streamed down my face as I heaved again and again, making sure my stomach was empty.

After cleaning myself up, I slipped out of the bathroom and found an empty conference room down the hall. My hands shook as I pulled out my phone and dialed.

"David? It's Olivia. I need you."

David Lawrence was more than my lawyer, he was the only person besides Jane I truly trusted. And lately, I'd noticed the way he looked at me when he thought I wasn't paying attention.

"What's wrong?" His voice was instantly alert. "Where are you?"

I gave him the address. "Please hurry."

Fifteen minutes later, David appeared in the doorway of my hideout, concern etched on his handsome face.

"You look terrible," he said bluntly.

I laughed despite myself. "Thanks. Just what a girl wants to hear."

He closed the door behind him. "What happened?"

I told him everything, the drugged drink, Marcus's behavior, Victoria's suspicious friendliness, everything entirely.

"We need to get you out of here," David said, his jaw tight with anger. "And you need to start divorce proceedings. This is beyond toxic, Olivia."

"I can't leave yet. I need evidence of what they're planning."

"You're not safe here." He ran a hand through his dark hair. "At least let me get you home."

We shared a bottle of water he had in his jacket pocket, the simple act of kindness nearly bringing me to tears after everything that had happened.

"Come on," he said, helping me up. "Let's go before they realize you're missing."

We'd almost made it to the parking lot when a sickly-sweet voice called out behind us.

"Olivia! There you are!"

Natalie hurried toward us, fake concern plastered across her face. "We've been looking everywhere for you!"

"I'm not feeling well," I said. "David's taking me home."

She glanced at David's hand supporting my elbow, her eyes narrowing. "Marcus is your husband. He should be the one taking care of you."

Before David could respond, Marcus appeared, his expression thunderous when he saw us together.

"What the hell is this?" he demanded, yanking my hand away from David's.

"Your wife was feeling unwell," David said coolly. "Something about a drink someone forced her to take."

Marcus's glare could have melted steel. "This is between me and my wife. Back off, Lawrence."

"Olivia asked for my help," David stood his ground. "And considering you just tried to...."

"It's a lover's quarrel," Natalie interrupted, smiling sweetly at David. "You understand, don't you? They'll work it out."

"No!" I tried to pull away from Marcus. "David, don't listen to them."

But Marcus was already dragging me toward his car, his grip bruising my wrist.

"We're going home," he growled. "Now."

I looked back desperately at David, who was being physically blocked by Natalie and two security guards who'd appeared out of nowhere.

As Marcus shoved me into the passenger seat, one thought crystallized in my mind. This wasn't just a toxic marriage anymore. It is now a war...