A Secret Affair with the Billionaire

Every single day felt so fake. Growing up in a family where weakness is not accepted and only perfection is the right thing to have, there wasn’t a day that felt so real. Every single day, people will pretend. They will pretend to be satisfied and perfect. They will pretend to have embodied the concept of our world. They will pretend… that they are happy in the world they didn’t choose to live in because they were born in it. …and I am one of those people—the person who wasn't given a choice to choose the life she wants to live but had to keep pretending that everything in my world is just as perfect as it is outside. From clothes to action to words and even to how I should present myself, everything needs to be planned. How I interact with people and how I should be in front of everyone. It felt like there was a heavy stone chained on my ankles, forcing me to pull those because if I don’t… then I won’t be able to survive. So every single day… I had to pretend. …and today is nowhere different. “Can you at least stay with me the entire night? Just for tonight.” I whispered as silent as I could in the middle of the empty hallway. A sigh escapes his lips while he fixes his blazer. “You are speaking as if I don’t do that at every single party we attend.” He annoyingly backfires. “Well, I wouldn’t say it if you really did.” His gaze shifted on me, giving a warning look, and I returned with the same gesture. “You agreed to this mess, you live with it. You aren’t the only one who isn’t happy about this, Ethan.” A short argument, that is what we always had every single party we attend before facing the people in the main hall. As if nothing happened, he automatically extends his arm to my hold as I cling my hand to his then forces the fakest, happiest smile I could ever have. Just for another night, Celine, bear with it. There is no way you can go back from this anyway. Three years have already passed by. “Mr. and Mrs. Cardeo! Glad to finally have you both here.” Mrs. Juliano approaches us instantly after we reach the main hall. “I thought one of you will skip the party once again.” I shake my head and keep the smile on my lips while gently rubbing Ethan’s arm like a romantic gesture. “Well, consider yourself lucky because it happened that both of us have no work tonight.” I exclaimed, expertly. “And I should claim that. You never know how excited I always get whenever I see the most beautiful and handsome married couple in the room!” She let outs a relief sigh in amusement. “Looking at the two of you reminds me of my younger years with my husband. We were so happy and just perfect to look at.” Perfect to look at, maybe… but happy? That is a big lie. Three years ago, in order to at least hear the words that I have been longing to hear from my father’s mouth, I sacrificed the only thing I thought I had a choice to make. Three years ago, I married the man whom I never thought I would be getting married to—my childhood friend, Ethan John Cardeo. And just when everyone thought everything will fall smoothly because of our long history, things have just gotten worse. The friendship that was once there when we were in our teenage years, disappears because of a one whole mess of a marriage that we both ended up agreeing to satisfy our parents needs. And now, there is nothing left for us but with me, bearing his surname for a show while being a perfect wife, and him, acting like the best husband in the world. It’s annoying. “Oh! The happy couple is here!” Only a silent groan escapes my lips upon hearing that familiar voice from behind. I maintain my position and look back to see the only person I trust the most in this world, other than my brother, Melissa Aileen Davis—my best friend. “Are you trying to get on my nerves or what?” I exclaimed in a hint of annoyance. She scoffs in disbelief. “Chill! Why are you so hot headed tonight?” Melissa turns her attention to Ethan, glaring at him. “Did you pissed her off again?” Instead of giving an answer, Ethan just let out a timid sigh and look away. He always reacts that way whenever Melissa tries to confront him. It must be too much to bear for him now, but I don’t really care. “Well, even if you don’t say a word, I know that it is usual already.” She shrugs her shoulders, mocking him. “But it is surprising that you both came tonight. I was about to say that the two of you will be the talk of town tomorrow, but there is one guest who will be on the front page tomorrow instead.” I raise a brow in curiosity. “And that is?” “Timothy Justin Young.” I instantly notice how it ticks on Ethan’s ear just by hearing that man’s name. “I heard that he willingly accepted the invitation right away after asking about the guest list. He rarely attends crowded parties, but I guess tonight will be an exception? I wonder what made him accept it?” “Probably women.” I pointed out with no hesitation, making Melissa snort in laughter. “I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone will try to throw themselves at him later on.” “And he wouldn’t let the night end without keeping his eyes on one person alone.” She continued before daydreaming. “I wonder if my dress is enough to catch his eyes?” I couldn’t help but shake my head and chuckle softly at her interest. It’s nothing new. She has been liking elite bachelors for years now since she became a renowned model, but her eyes remain on Timothy. She is one of those women he managed to captivate. “I will just go to the restroom for a few minutes.” Ethan suddenly excused himself and leave without waiting for my response. A sigh escapes my lips and shakes my head. Just like every single time. “He is still that mad at Timothy Young?” Melissa pointed out with her arms crossed to her chest. I nod my head. “You know him. Timothy Young is a big competition for him. Hearing someone compliments even just his looks irks him so much.” I exclaimed. “I know…” She purses her lips. “But I understand his jealousy towards him because damn! That man is f*****g perfect.” That is what women usually describe him as—perfect. In their eyes, he is the kindest, the handsome one, the perfect one. If only their blind eyes can see how much of a playboy he really is. “And damn… hot.” Melissa almost whispers in awe, making me look at her in confusion. I followed the direction she was looking at, only to see the man who got everyone’s attention right away—Timothy. He only stands there yet everyone is already ogling to him like he is some kind of a high priced painting in a museum. I shake my head and tear my eyes away in annoyance. “Why is he looking… at you?” Melissa suddenly exclaims, catching my attention. I look back to where Timothy is. He shakes hand with Mr. and Mrs. Juliano, but it only took him a second after to gaze in my direction until our gazes came in contact, catching me off guard. I immediately look away in embarrassment. What the hell?! “C-Celine… H-He is making his way here.” Melissa stuteringly said. I raised a brow at her. “T-Timothy Young is walking towards here!” I look at his direction once again, only to see him just a few meters away without tearing his gaze from me. Suddenly, it felt like the world stopped. I wanna walk away so i wouldn’t end up cursing at him when my father needs him the most for business, but it is too late. …he is already standing in front of me with a damn smirk plastered on his lips. “Celine Louisse Diaz-Cardeo, it’s nice seeing you again.”