The Return of the Billionaire’s Wife

Chapter Three- The agreement

The next morning, she decided to head for a little walk to clear her thoughts. She had her bath, grabbed her jacket, and headed downstairs. Last night, she slept in the guest room due to the heated agreement between them. She didn't think she would escape it today.

She is very certain Richard won't act against her will. According to what Richard said yesterday, they both seem to be stuck in the marriage. She couldn't process what he meant but she knew where he was heading.

She was very careful not to alert Richard and the staff as she made her way towards the door. She found a secluded bench near the fountain and sat down. She closed her eyes for a moment but she was interrupted by a familiar voice.

“You’re out late.” Her eyes snapped open. It was Richard. He was standing a few feet away, leaning against a marble pillar. His eyes were on her body and she felt uncomfortable with it.

“I needed some air,” she muttered. She tightened her shoelace and started warming up. She was not in the mood for exchanging words with him. A man she barely knew some hours ago.

Richard stepped closer and said, “Having a bad day?.”

She let out a bitter laugh. “Hm.. That’s one way to put it.” He studied her for a moment and said, coldness in his tone. “You don't have to stay here, you know. I can have any woman I want at any time. I don't want this either.”

“You see, this whole thing is complicated. But I can assure you that if you play by my rules, you'll not lose. It's a win-win situation.”

He ran a hand through his hair and continued. “In order to claim what’s mine, I need to abide by my some f*****g rule and marry a woman before the week runs out. Once I'm able to get it, we will get a divorce and everyone will be happy. Isn't that what you want too?”

He placed a hand on her shoulder and muttered, “I get your Mom’s hospital bills sorted out and you could also marry a man of your choice. Isn't that amazing?” he chuckled. Elena glanced at him surprised about what she just heard from him. A part of her was happy but the other part was kind of sad.

She knew this was her chance to get herself out of this complicated marriage. Just three months and she's out of here. She would be free again and nothing would hold her back. Not even her father.

“What?” she continued, “I can leave here after three months?” she asked, placing a hand above her waist. She couldn't hide her happiness.

“You are free to leave,” he said firmly. She blinked, surprised at what he said. She narrowed her eyes, confused. “What are you talking about? We are married. This whole deal—”

“The deal was never about you,” he interrupted. “It was about your father, your family. You just got caught in the crossfire. If you want out, you can leave. I won't stop you.”

“But that is after the agreement is fulfilled. I get what I want and you get your freedom. My secretary will send you the contract agreement before the day runs out. Make sure you read every detail of it before you sign.” he affirmed.

She felt her heart pound in her chest as she felt her stomach churn with excitement. But still, she needed to confirm if the promise he made to his father still stands. Her mother’s hospital bill sorted out because that is the main thing keeping her there.

“So that's it? I can just walk away, and withdraw from this matter. My family, the business, the medical bills—none of that matters to you?” she asked curiously. She needs to confirm with him first before making any decisions so as not to affect her dying mother. He's already bankrupt, how did he expect to get the money from?

She felt his face harden and his expression changed slightly. “I never said it didn't matter. But you staying here, being miserable, isn't going to fix any of that.” he clenched his jaw and added, “After three months, the contract is done and we can both go separate ways. I would do everything to make sure I fulfill my promise to your family. I would give you whatever amount you want also.”

She glanced at him angrily and shook her head abruptly. She wasn't surprised. He's just an arrogant jerk who thinks money could solve everything in life. Obviously, it can but she can't agree just like that.

“You don't get it, do you? You're just like the rest of them. You think everything can be solved with money or deals, but this isn't just some business transaction for me. This is my life. I didn't ask for any of this!”

For the first time, she noticed something gleaming in his eyes. He stepped forward, closing the distance between them. “Then why did you agree to it? Why didn't you walk away?”

“Because I didn't have a choice,” she said angrily. “My mother's medical bills, the company… if I didn't marry you, they would've lost everything. I had to do it. For my mother.”

His gaze softened slightly and muttered, “So you're sacrificing your happiness for theirs.” She shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. “I don't know what else to do.”

There was a long silence for a moment. Richard finally broke the silence, “You don't have to sacrifice everything. You can still live your life. You can still have something for yourself.”

She looked up at him, searching his face for some sign that he meant it. She asked softly, “What if I don't know how?”

He glanced at her and then let out a loud laugh, “Oh, come on. Girls like you should know what to do.”

She felt her blood boiling inside her. She moved closer to him, staying two feet away from him. “What do you mean by girls like me? I should have known you were just some proud and arrogant guy who belittled girls that came your way.” she ran a hand in her hair and added, “If you would excuse me.”

She stormed inside the bedroom angrily. She wasn't in the mood for exercise anymore. She stripped out of her sports bra and trousers. She had a quick bath and decided to visit her best friend, Nina.

She searched her closet and grabbed a simple outfit she could find. A soft cashmere sweater in ivory and a pair of fitted jeans. It wasn't much but it was comfortable. She needed to feel herself again.

She grabbed her keys and headed downstairs. She couldn't stay in the house any longer. She's beginning to lose her mind. She needed to talk to someone; someone who knew her. Nina managed a boutique downtown. It had always been Elena’s safe space.

She pushed open the glass door and she heard someone calling her. “Elena! You're a sight for sore eyes.” From behind a rack of dresses, Nina appeared, smiling softly.

Elena tried to smile back but she wasn't having it. She stepped forward and felt her chest tightening. “I just… I needed to see you.”

“What's wrong?” Nina’s smile fluttered as she placed a hand on her shoulder.

Before she could answer, the bell above the for chimed again. They both turned to look and that's when Elena froze in her spot. There were two people standing at the entrance, holding hands. It was her Jackie and Victoria.