Renting Billionaire Boyfriend

The Calm Before the Storm - Chapter 8

Raisel – POV

Hazel will soon be here. It's just a day until my ex-husband marries his former lover. Soren has been planning, I am sure. I heard him call that paparazzi, and the article against me claimed I had an affair with Soren, with some college photos of me and Soren. Things got worse when my ex-husband, Alaric, said I was unfaithful and secretly dating Soren behind his back. He claimed he gave me many chances to turn things around and restore the relationship, but seeing no hope and being heartbroken, he found love again with Davina. The people who once supported me turned against me. I want to reply back with the truth, to expose all the lies he's told, but Soren asked me not to start a Twitter war or engage in an internet battle—it’s not the right time. I argued with him, but he begged me, so I had to stand down. Soren sat next to me, but I haven’t been speaking to him, annoyed and angry.

“You know, the day after tomorrow, you have an appointment with the counselor,” he reminded me. I ignored him. I waited patiently for Hazel so I could speak—I can’t stay silent.

“Wonder if you keep silent when around Hazel.” I glared at him, and he rolled his eyes at me, but I caught an amused look; he was enjoying my silent treatment.

“For quiet time, you are quite talkative,” I whispered. From my peripheral vision, I saw a smirk on his face—it annoyed me.

“I am getting used to your vibe,” he answered. I rolled my eyes.

“I am not talkative,” I said, knowing I was chatty with the right set of people around me. He didn’t answer. I had been pestering him to tell me the plan he has, but he has kept quiet and hasn’t even bothered to tell me. A sigh escaped from Lora, who came with beverages, and at the same time, the bell rang before I could pester Soren with the same question. Lora opened the door, and Hazel walked in hastily, taking her seat opposite me. She looked tired, and it seemed like she didn’t go home—being a workaholic, and the CEO of her company is no easy task.

“You should have some coffee; you look like a zombie.”

“Thanks, is that what you two called me here to say?” Hazel bit back. I didn’t answer and let her settle first. She had some coffee, and she sure looked a bit more human; her eyes no longer looked droopy.

“I’m all ears,” Hazel said as she emptied half of her coffee.

“Hazel, do you know who is organizing the wedding of Alaric and Davina?”

“My mother is the event manager for their wedding,” Hazel said bitterly. I felt a pang of sadness, and Hazel gave a guilty look. I know Hazel's mom is a money-minded woman and will not listen to Hazel’s request. Her eyes told me she tried to stop her mother. “Why the question, Soren? I am sure you must be aware—it’s not like anything is a mystery to you.” Soren gave a cold look, and Hazel knew something about Soren.

“I want you to ruin her wedding arrangements.” I gasped and looked at Soren; the way his cold demeanor gave me chills. Hazel, too, felt the chill, and she was on the edge of her seat. Soren was usually quiet and introverted, never the violent type.

“Stop staring,” he commanded, making Hazel and me snap out of our surprise. “You want revenge? This is nothing.”

“You’re not planning to kill Alaric or do something illegal, are you? If you have such plans, please drop them,” I urged, feeling like the Soren I know was different.

“I am not a murderer or assassin, just a businessman. I am just asking to ruin the event, not to harm Alaric and Davina. Chill.”

“He is right,” Hazel said. “Well, I will see what I can do. You should have reached out earlier with this request.”

“Weren’t you busy signing a deal?” Soren said. She glowered at him. It seemed something about the deal had pissed Hazel off, and Soren knew about it and taunted her.

“Aren’t you two invited to the wedding?” Hazel changed the subject. I didn’t know about this, and Soren nodded.

“What?” I asked, surprised. He dared to be so cold that he was willing to show off by inviting me to his wedding.

“You should have told her,” Hazel said, giving him a stern look. Soren looked for a second and stayed quiet.

“I don’t even have a gown to wear to the wedding.” Soren looked at me, surprised at the change of subject, and I had to change it because I knew why Soren kept this—he didn't want to stress me further.

“Don’t worry, I got that covered,” Soren said, and with a snap of his fingers, Lora brought out a rack of dresses. I looked at him.

“I went shopping for you and got this last night.”

“I didn’t know the commotion would bring such clothes—must have taken many workers here,” I muttered. I walked up to the racks, and Hazel, too, looking for an outfit for me. "You were fast asleep." Soren stood close to my personal space as he checked the outfits, and our hands brushed against each other for a second. Soren’s eyes held an emotion, but I didn’t pay it any mind. After a few trials, I picked the outfit Soren chose for me—a black sequin dress with a corset and sleeveless design, with a heart neckline. It looked beautiful as I stepped out wearing it.

“Well, the dress looks hot on you,” Hazel said. “I was tired of seeing you in modest dresses.” I rolled my eyes at her. “You have a goddess-like figure without gym workouts, and you hide it, right? That asshole Alaric made you do that.”

“Hazel, drop it,” I said. She sighed and shut up.

“I’ll take my leave. I have a lot to do. See you tomorrow.” Hazel’s dark smirk looked like she had the best things planned to ruin Davina and Alaric’s wedding, and thanks to her help, I would have the satisfaction of seeing Alaric feel some embarrass I walked to change my outfit, but the zipper got stuck.

“Lora,” I called.

“She’s gone out with another maid,” Soren said from the other side of the room. “Do you need anything?”

“The zipper’s stuck. I can’t reach it. Can you help?” I asked. He walked in and helped with the stuck zipper.

“You should keep more maids. Why only Lora and Lenny?” I muttered. I felt the awkward air. I didn’t gasp as his hand brushed against the skin of my back. I held the dress.

“I hate crowds. Two maids are enough, but if you want, I can keep more,” he whispered, and I turned to see his eyes not looking but elsewhere—such a gentleman.

“No need,” I smiled. Soren hastily left the room. I didn’t want to embarrass him, but it was cute to see him flushed. I stood still, shook the thought away, changed out of my outfit, and walked out. Soren was not in the libing room. Soren must be in his home office, and I saw Alaric's text on my phone, my hands shaking and hesitating to open the message to read.