A Secret Affair with the Billionaire

06

“Will you be fine here? I just need to go to the restroom.”

As soon as Hailee gave me a nod, I instantly excused myself and went my way to the restroom. Compared to the club, even the hallways of the bar are silent. There are no people making out on each side of the hallway. I don’t even need to apologize just to pee! I really prefer this kind of aura than in that crowded place.

Once done, I did some retouching so I wouldn’t look like I drank too much already and decided to tie my hair since it starts to irritate me already. My medium length hair is too much to handle at times like this when I drink. It just keeps getting in the way and making me feel much hotter.

”Can you really trust her?”

I stopped just after taking a step out of the restroom, only to see a man dressed in a light blue long sleeve polo with its sleeves rolled up to his elbow tucked on a black slacks with a pair of leather shoes on. His pale skin makes his green eyes evident under such a dim light with a straight nose and full lips as if he is one of those men from historical movies. His tall height towers me as he crosses his arms to his chest while looking straight into my eye.

”Excuse me?” I questioned in confusion.

He suddenly stands up straight and look down to me with a sneaky smile. “Do you think that you can really trust her?” He repeated.

”I don’t know what you are talking about, but… do I know you?” My brows furrowed. “Why are you asking me this?”

“Because the way I see it, you are trusting the wrong person.” He insisted.

A scoff escapes my lips, feeling offended. “Excuse me but… who are you to say that? You don’t even know me.” I argued.

”Ciara Alaya Montellero, the youngest and only daughter of the Montellero Group. You are a potter and someone who will be getting married soon to the man that you have liked for so long. And,” He glances to the end of the hallway which leads back to the bar. “You also have a supermodel best friend whom you trusted so much… but how far does that trust go?”

“What are you trying to pertain to?” I annoyingly asked, frustrated by his words already yet he only keep his mouth shut. “You know what? Just because you know who I am and the people around me doesn’t mean you have a right to say anything you want. Maybe next time, try to become more mindful of your words first before coming to me and questioning my trust.”

I gave him one last look before letting out a disappointed sigh. What is it with people, questioning everything that I do? I really thought that my father keeping himself blind from seeing my efforts and constantly saying that I am a disappointment is already enough, but this unknown man just had to question my trust.

Who is he anyway?

”Just a warning.” I stopped and looked back to him in confusion. He faces me this time and approaches me, stopping just next to me then puts on a serious face. “Just be careful with giving your trust. You never know who can betray you in the end.”

”Thank you… but I don’t need you reminding me of my trust.”

Those were my last words before leaving him there alone without any plans on turning back anymore. If there is one thing in this world that I truly hate the most, that is when people keep doubting what I can do, the decisions I make, and the people I choose to be there by my side. Whenever it happens, it reminds me of the time when Dad barely had any trust in me.

Way back in college when I first took Hailee in our home to introduce her to my parents, I remember how Dad didn’t even bother giving her another glance after only giving one quick glance. Back then, Hailee was so simple yet intelligent in her expertise. However, in my father’s eyes, she was never fitted to be my friend but I didn’t listen to him despite his endless questioning of my decision and remaining friends with Hailee, and it was the best thing I did.

It’s just funny because even people who don't know me personally have such guts to judge everything about me. They don’t know me well yet they pretend as if they do and it pisses me off at times. But I also just shrug it off because there is nothing I can do anymore but prove them that they think is wrong.

Hailee and I stayed in the bar for another hour, talking about things that we weren’t able to discuss for the past few days. We talked about her modeling career and even the men who are trying to ask her out. It always makes me wonder how she never associates herself with other men when they are already the ones coming to her. Sometimes, it makes me think that she probably has someone in mind already, but I also cannot tell because she doesn’t say a thing. But it is the least of my worries now.

The marriage with Elijah is my worry right now.

“I’m here for the appointment by Mrs. Cristina Montellero.” I told the receptionist with a simple smile.

She instantly nodded and assisted me inside. The sight of several wedding gowns are seen all over the room once I step deeper in the building. Those white dresses sparkle with some being floor length and some just enough. If it weren’t for Elijah’s mother, I wouldn’t even come today after Mom called asking me to come here for the fittings.

“Ciara, dear!”

My face forcedly brightened up upon seeing the sight of my Aunt Juliana, scanning one of the wedding dresses in the middle of the room. It looks like they book the whole room just for the fitting today when it is still too early to fit in one. The arrangement announcement within our families was announced just days ago yet here they are, wanting me to get busy with the wedding preparations already.

“Auntie,” I exclaimed, giving her a small peck on the cheek. “I didn’t expect your call for today.”

“I hope I didn’t bother you today, dear. But your mother and I figured that it is best for you to fit in some wedding dress now.” She reasoned out with an apologetic smile.

I shake my head, smiling. “It’s okay, Auntie. I understand.” I only said.

I just skipped spending time in my studio right now to do pottery just to come here. This better be worth it.

Auntie instantly clings her arm on mine, pulling me with her. For the next hour, they forced me to wear dresses after dresses. It was too much for me considering that there is so much going on with all the adjustment just to fit it on me. Some look good on me while some do look a bit edgy, but the boutique said they can still adjust some things according to my likings. However, it wasn’t my opinion that I needed.

…it was Elijah’s.

Even up until now, I still haven’t heard from him. A part of me expected that he might send me a message so we can talk about the arrangement after that day, but I didn’t receive anything at all. It’s like in this arrangement, it was our parents who will actually get married and not us. But it’s not surprising considering that this marriage is just for formality anyway.

We were never bound to marry for love.

“You look so beautiful dear!” Auntie exclaims as soon as the door opens, revealing me in a new dress.

This white dress fits my body so well with its flowy style and a lace texture. It has a lace long sleeve style with few sparkles all over the dress. It doesn’t look too much nor simple, but just enough, fitting my likings. But based on my mother’s expression, it doesn’t look like the dress that she wants me to wear at all.

“Doesn’t she look beautiful, son?” Auntie exclaims once, making my eyes wide.

Son? Elijah?

My gaze went to the corner of the room where Elijah stands in his brown suit with hands placed inside his pockets. I can only swallow as I watch him lift his head to look into my direction until our eyes meet, making me shyly look away. It’s weird.

We have known each for so long but there was never a day when he doesn’t make me feel so shy as if my heart can jump out of my chest already. His presence is enough to flutter me. His whole being is enough to make my world stop… but I know that it just wasn’t the same for him.

“She is.” He just bluntly said before looking at his mother again before letting out a sigh. “You said you have something important to tell me that is why you asked me here. What is it?”

Auntie Julianna let out a nervous, awkward laugh. “It’s this! I wanna know your opinion about Ciara’s wedding dress. So that she can pick properly.” She exclaims.

Elijah remained silent for a while until a frustrated sigh escaped his lips. It makes me feel nervous too even though it wasn’t meant for me at all.

“You called me here and told me to hurry when I am in the middle of an important meeting just so,” He glances at me with those piercing gaze. “You can ask for my opinion about her wedding dress? Really?”

I swallowed hard, feeling the awkward and heavy atmosphere of the room now. It has been so hard to watch them like this.

Elijah, in my eyes, has always been the soft and kindhearted one. He never shows such a bad attitude in front of others, not until his father got married to Auntie Julianna when we were in the last year in the university. From what I know, he has always been close to his late mother so for his father to have a new wife, I do understand why he acts like that. However, sometimes it’s just too much for me too, but I can’t afford to tell him that.

It is not like he hates his stepmother so much. Probably just the idea that Auntie Julianna has a son as well before she married Uncle Roberto is what threatened Elijah. He has always been the heir to his father’s family business and the arrival of Auntie Julianna’s son probably made him feel like it will be taken away. But I think differently, especially when that particular son never shows his face in front of everyone and is technically away from her. Maybe Elijah is just not really fond of having a new mother no matter how kind his stepmother is.

“I just…” Auntie exclaims, unable to continue her words, making me feel bad.

“Elijah.” I called for him softly, hoping that it would ease his frustration, but I only got a cold gaze in return. I swallowed hard, surprised by how pissed he was. “Do you have some time to talk?”

He gazes at me for a while before nodding. “Sure.”

I wasn’t sure if it is because of the sudden frustration by Elijah, Mom and Auntie Julianna let us be and finally lets me go from trying on dresses. At some point, it makes me worry because Mom might question me about what happened in front of her earlier because Elijah has always been so quiet during casual lunch or dinners with both families. She wouldn’t want to miss such a drama.

After changing back to my clothes, the two of us went to a nearby cafe so we could sit down and talk. I actually thought that I already have the courage to speak to him about our wedding, only to realize that I will never be ready, especially now that he is already in front of me while getting himself busy over the phone. It wasn’t until our eyes met and he looked at me in confusion.

“Is there something wrong? Why do you look agitated?” He asks, slowly putting down his phone and giving me some attention.

I shake my head right now. “N-Nothing. Just… thinking.” I exclaimed, making him raise a brow in return.

“You said you wanted to talk to me. What is it?” He softly questioned like he is giving me a chance that he will answer me properly. “Is it about the wedding?”

My lips remain sealed as he points out what I wanted to talk about with him. Of course he would know what it is because it is the only thing that binds us together right now. If it weren’t for that sudden arranged marriage announcement, I probably wouldn’t even be able to sit down with him in a cafe and talk. He has always been so busy so such a thing is almost impossible for him to attend.

“Are you worried about it? Or you don’t want to get married to me?” He frankly asked, making me flustered.

I shake my hand in front of me right away. “T-That’s not the case! I just…” A sigh escapes my lips as I look at him again, hesitating. “Is it okay if I… ask you something? About the wedding?”

“Since we are already here, why don’t you just ask me?” He exclaims.

“If I ask you… will you answer it?” He nods his head once again, showing patience. “Honestly?”

His brows furrow as if he is judging me. “What’s with your words, Ciara? Was there even a time when I was not honest with you?” He pointed out, sounding offended.

“It’s not like that. It’s just—”

“What is it, Ciara Alaya? Just tell me.” He ordered this time in a tone which he usually uses to his employees.

It always surprises me how careful and scared I am to talk in front of him. Even back then, I always thought that I shouldn’t be acting too much nor speaking so much because he would always say that he doesn’t like girls who speak too much that it bothers him already. Since then, I have been trying to fit his standard, but it never seems to work. I guess… it is still the same now.

I took a deep breath before speaking. “We never really had a chance to talk after our parents told us about the arranged marriage. I wanted to… talk to you, but I was afraid that I might interrupt you since you are always busy.” I started.

He let out a sigh and looked at me softly. “I told you many times already, Ciara, that you don’t need to feel hesitant to talk to me. We might not spend much time together now compared to before but it doesn’t mean that you can’t talk to me anymore.” He leans forward, enough for me to see the small hint of smile in his lips. “We are friends, remember?”

We are friends.

That is what he still thinks about the two of us. It never changed.

“Okay.” I breathe deeply, looking at him. “I just wanna know… what do you think about the arranged marriage between us? I know that it was sudden and you probably didn’t know about it too. But I wanna know what you think about it.”

He slowly nods his head and remains silent for a second. I wanna know what runs in his head as he keeps his mouth shut in front of me. Somehow, it makes me scared because it might be what I really think it is. Nonetheless, I can’t blame him because no one who was involved in a kind of arrangement actually liked being in one in the very first place.

…and I wasn’t wrong.

“If I will be honest with you, I am against it.” He confessed, making me feel like the tiniest bit of hope just disappeared completely. “A week before lunch, I already know that Dad and Uncle Gilbert are already talking about having a partnership for the hotel we are planning to build. So, when you said that I didn’t know about the arrangement, you were wrong. I already do.”

“You… already knew?” I repeated with eyes slightly wide.

He nods his head. “Dad gave me a heads up and said it was their plan in order to ensure that the project will be successful. Our marriage will bind two strong families which will benefit each side in terms of business. Your company is a renowned corporation while mine is one of the top companies as well. If we get married, Uncle thinks that we will become even more untouchable by others. That is why they insisted on having an arranged marriage.” He explains clearly.

“And… you agree to it?” I question, only making him sigh.

“Just like you, it is not like I have a choice. In our world, we were born to never be able to make our own choices, right?” He exclaims in such a low voice. “Isn’t that what you have been complaining about since then? Not being able to do what you truly love to do?”

He is right. He knows about it. We were never really given a chance, and he is in the same case as I am. He might be an heir while I am close to being a spare. Our positions might be different, but we both have the same fate.

“How about you? Weren’t you just forced to do it as well?” He questions once again.

For a moment there, I wasn’t sure what to answer. Surely, I was indeed being forced to do it because it was never in my plan to get married now with the man that I have been trying my best to hide my feelings from. But… it wasn’t an arrangement that I didn’t like completely.

I like him, and this marriage is an advantage for me. I think of this arrangement as fate clearing its path for me to tell him what I truly feel, but… if he thinks differently… then I will have no choice…

“I am. I was just forced to do it too.”

But to lie.

“Dad said that since I have been effortless and constantly disappointing him in every project he assigned me, this will be the only way for me to become useful. So…” I shrug my shoulders with a heavy sigh. “I guess… we are stuck in it now.”

We will be stuck… while I am not sure whether I do stand a chance with him ever.

Suddenly, he extends his hand and reaches for mine, holding it and giving it a gentle squeeze. It wasn’t the first time he did it, but somehow, his hold this time makes me feel so down. After everything he just told me, I am not sure anymore what to actually feel.

“I don’t know what I can say to cheer you up, but… I guess this promise can help somehow.” I raise my brows, waiting for his words. “Even if this is just an arrangement, I will try to become a good husband to you, Ciara. I can never promise you anything further than that, but I will try to be good.”

And I also hope that your promise of becoming a good husband will come along with being able to love me back the way I love you too.