Love, Lies and Billionaires

“Good choice for a bribe,” Maren said as she held a glass to her lips, looking at the houses in view.

The night was pitch black, with only the full moon to brighten the sky. There wasn’t so much wind, which was just perfect as they’d considered a roof top as their choice of location.

There was not too bright lighting around them, which not only served as their source of illumination but also as a source of warmth.

Alexander scoffed inwardly and waited till the server poured each of them a glass of the almost yellow coloured champagne.

Maren stared at the rooftops of the glasshouses, trying to free her mind during this once in a lifetime chance to not work.

“Shall we make a toast?”

Maren turned to face him. “Alright.” She picked up her own glass carefully. “A toast to life, new beginnings, and…”

“Forgotten pasts?”

A small smile appeared on Maren’s face. “Too soon soldier.” She clinked her glass on his even if he wasn’t ready, then took a sip.

“So sorry I couldn’t make it to the committal service, by the way. I was really occupied that day” she asked after a brief silence with only the faint sounds of car engines below to be heard as the building on which they sat was tall, just perfect for a private dinner.

“I mean, your presence would have meant a lot, but I had Eddie by my side throughout, so I guess that’s enough”

“Glad you understand”

“So how’s work? How’s the new upgrade? How’s Kendrick?”

Maren paused for a moment and stared into his eyes, but they were blank, so she looked back down at her drink.

“It is stressful, I can tell you that, but if I’m being honest, it’s enjoyable. I mean, working and seeing the actual results of your hard work is the most relaxing feeling ever. And yeah, Kendrick makes everything easy when he can. ”

“So you like him as your boss?” Alexander as after contemplating for a while.

She took a silent deep breath reminding herself about self control and the fact that she should have prepared for this when she blindly agreed to his offer. “He’s not my boss alright? He’s a partner and please let’s not get started on that topic tonight”

Maren saw his adam’s apple bob up and down in his throat as he focused his gaze on her.

“I’m sorry. Is this what this is about?” Her voice was calm. “Trying to be sneaky to get things out of my mouth?”

“Of course not. If I wanted to do that, I’d have lots of men at my fingertips,” Alexander replied with his usual authoritative tone.

“Well, great” she picked up her glass and took a sip.

“So what about my son? Haven’t seen him in a while precisely since you practically eloped with him?”

Maren almost scoffed her drink back into the glass. ‘Your son?’ her head screamed

“He’s your son now?” she said and placed the glass on the table.

“He was always mine.” his voice was now calmer.

“Oh really? What about the time you foolishly rejected him, obviously out of your own selfish decision?”

“Maren, please, let’s not have this talk now. Not today. I only asked a harmless question about our son”

“Oh my god, our?” Maren scoffed and threw her head back. “He’s my son alright? He’s fine without having a father, always has.”All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Alexander raised his hands a little in surrender. “Alright, fine.”

Maren just grabbed her glass and down the rest of his content while looking away from him.

Alexander smiled inwardly as she returned the empty glass to the table. He could feel her body tense up a little. She probably thought he’d push it further.

Then his face straightened, and he leaned forward from the relaxed position he had been since the night began, his expression neutral.

“I really want to know something though,” he began, his eyes focused on her like he was staring straight at her skeletal figure.

Maren turned to him again, her face as serious as his. This night wasn’t going according to how she thought it would.

“What’s that?”

Alexander took a sip of his drink. “I want to know how exactly you feel about me”

‘That was I credibly straightforward’ she thought.

She fought the urge to blink multiple times, as that would mean he’d caught her off guard and she was going to give him that entertainment. So she just stared back, though his eyes seemed to intimidate her.

Soon enough, she gave up on the gaze and turned to the bowl of grapes in the middle of the table, which they’d completely ignored since it arrived.

She plucked one and popped it into her mouth. She looked up at Alexander again, as her tongue played around with it before her teeth took over.

In truth, she was stalling, her mind racing, thinking of her to say what was on her mind.

“Should I be honest with you?” She finally said, after swallowing the fruit in her mouth.

“Please”

“I’ve never loved anyone as much as I’ve loved William.”

Alexander leaned back in his seat, but his expression remained unchanged.

“Don’t you dare act surprised” she said and paused, but he didn’t react. “But if I’m being honest with myself, I did develop feelings for you during the marriage, but I felt it was wrong, so I tried suppressing it”

“Coupled with the fact that you were being an inconsiderate, selfish douchebag,” she said and took a breath.

“I thought I could actually love you, Alexander.” Her voice was more relaxed. “I mean, during the time she softened and actually cared about me. But obviously, it was an act!”

“Forgive me for being delusional and thinking that in every story like this one, a sudden marriage always begins with the man having hidden feelings for the lady.

“Because I promise it’s not going to happen again, so don’t bother coming for me because I am done with this” she stopped and leaned forward.

“If I love you, I don’t.”

Alexander drummed his fingers on the table as the silence persisted. Veins appeared on his forehead as he shifted his gaze from the table to Maren.

How long have you waited to say all that?”

“You can’t imagine”