The Unloved Billionaires And I

“Do you think this is wise?” Irene asked me as we approached the giant building that was once my prison. I gathered that since I was getting married to Liam, it would be fair to call a truce with my ex-husband.

I once used to be a mother to his children so I thought it might be foolish to pretend like there was nothing between us. Whatever he did to me, was in the last and hopefully for the best. If not for him, I wouldn’t have met Liam and these past few days have been great.

“Yeah,” I replied softly, giving her a small smile. “You can stay in the car if you want. This is between me and Reyes.”

She scoffed stubbornly. “As if…” She got out. “Let’s get this over with.”

We reached the front door and knocked and waited. It was not long before hurried footfalls ambled to the door and flung it open. A woman. She looked at us curiously.

“Hello,” I greeted. “Is Reyes in?” I know he hardly stayed home on Saturdays and hope this Saturday will be different.

“And who are you?” Her eyes skipped from me to Irene and back.

“Just tell the mother fucker that his ex-wife_”

“Irene!” I snapped with a slight chuckle and tugged at her hand, flicking an apologetic look at the woman. “Don’t mind my friend. We came in peace.”

“Well, it’s a pity because Reyes is out of town.” She crossed her hands on her chest. Why do I feel like she is lying? “You can check on him next time.”

“But_”

“Babe, who is that?” The very familiar voice of Reyes came from within the house.

“Stupid bitch!” Irene lurched forward and pushed her before I would stop her.

I was fast to lunge after her and secured my hands around her waist at the same time I saw Reyes making his way to us. His steps faltered slowly as he saw me.

I straightened, taking Irene with me. Not breaking eyes contact. He seems to have thinned in these few days. Is he alright? Not like it’s my problem.

“Silva…”

“Reyes…” I returned, casually.

“Leave us,” he referred to his wife who didn’t move. She appeared indignant. I pity her. She has to put up with a man like Reyes. Well, he might treat her like a Queen if only he doesn’t see her as his children’s nanny. “Go, Manny.”

“She pushed me!” The woman snarled in a hushed tone.

“I apologize on behalf of my friend.” I gazed at Irene, warning her with my eyes not to cause any more trouble. She was only willing to agree after giving the woman a dangerous eyes bat.

“Can we… talk in private?” Reyes asked me.

“The hell_”

“Yes.” I quickly cut off Irene. “I can handle myself and my friend will be good by herself here.” I looked at her all the while.

Irene snorted and went to sit down on one of the couches. “Ten minutes and I am coming over. I can’t have my brother’s bride talking to some old piece of shit.”

I made a sound down my throat and proceeded walking away to avoid any more brand statements from Irene that might provoke Reyes.

“You look good,” he said immediately we were out of earshot.

“That is because I am happy, Reyes. I am no longer a baby sitter.”

“Hmm…” He looked down maybe in guilty. “So, why are you here?”

“Let’s cut straight to the chase, Reyes. I know you hate me. I know you lied to my father about us. And I know my father is after me to make me come back to you. But you and I know that is never happening. I am merely here to sort things out with you. I am getting married.” His eyes dilated in surprise. “To the love of my life.” I added it for effect. “I won’t want what we did in the past to come between my happiness. Thank God you have found someone. I am happy for you and I would want you to be for me.”

“You left just like that.”

“You gave me a reason to. You cheated on me.”

“And I am sorry.” His foot moved in my direction. I moved back. Any awkwardness and I will leave. ”

“It’s too late, Reyes. I realized too late that I kept making the wrong choice in my bid to stay normal and protect those that I love. But not anymore, Reyes. It’s about me now.”

“I have changed.”

“Good.” I sucked in my teeth. “But not for me. I am going to see my father and I am going to tell him you and I agree with the divorce. So he would stop coming after me. If he doesn’t, I will have to report him to the police as being a threat to my life. He will call you. You have to agree.”

“Is that what you want?”

“Hundred per cent.”

“Okay…”

I nodded. I would have wanted to ask about his kids. But that won’t be necessary. I need to be away from here as fast as possible. “Thank you, Reyes. I forgive you.”

With that, I turned and left. The moment I opened the door, Irene jumped back. I rolled my eyes at her stunt and walked past her. She ran after me.

“That was badass, Sil.”

“Don’t be deceived.” I said, sniffing back humid from my eyes. I hate him passionately, still, I can’t help but feel bad for everything.

His wife was standing in the parlour when we walked out. She glared at us all the way to the door where Irene turned and flipped her the bird hence she slammed the door after her.

“Did you need to eavesdrop?” I asked as I entered the car.

“Of course.” She turned on the engine. “I needed to be sure that son of bitch is not going to do anything nasty.”

I grinned and flapped my eyes. “Where are we going again?”

“How about we hang out?”

“I have to meet Liam by three.” I checked my phone for any sign of his message or call. Nothing. He must be really busy.

“So let me get this straight, just because you and Liam are getting married, is not going to stop us from having our girl’s time.” I giggled childishly. Irene can be that low if she wants.

“You know that’s not happening, babe.” I reassured her.

In order not to make her feel bad, I agreed to hang out with her after which we headed back home. I need to see my father by all means.

I love Liam. And I know he will not welcome the idea of us getting married. But I have to try and make him see reasons with me. I also have to find a way to unite with my son and for once live a normal life like every other girl.

“Are you okay?” Irene asked me for the umpteenth time since we got to the house. I nodded and sipped the coffee in my hand.

“I am just wondering how to reach my father, babe.” I voiced my worry. “He threatened to kill me if I leave Reyes. I know him and I know he hardly barbed.”

“He will have to take it.”

“That’s my fear. My father can be a snake. He can pretend to agree and come behind me to hurt me.”

“Do you want Liam to speak to h_”

“No way!” I stood up, going with the coffee. “He will kill Liam. You talk like you don’t know him.”

“Is there no one who could talk sense into him?”

“There is no one, Irene. My mother fears him. Everyone does.”

She sighed and relaxed back on the couch, her mouth twisting in a deep thought. “You know what? Let’s take a deep breath in and rest. This will sort itself out.”

I definitely agree with her this time around. I have been thinking about this for so long since Liam proposed. Nothing has come out of it. Now that Reyes was out of the way, the rest will follow.

I went to the kitchen to prepare dinner and checked my phone on my way. There is still no call from Liam. I hope he is fine.

I tried calling him. It rang three times and went off. He didn’t pick up.

I settled for soulful Chicken wings with sauce and mashed potatoes. It’s his favourite.

I was almost done when my phone began blasting off on top of the cabinet. I raced to it, wiping my hand off on my apron. I grabbed it, looking at the screen, expecting to see Liam. Unknown number.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

I picked up. “Hello.”

“Hy, am I speaking to Silva?”

“Yes, any problem?”

“Okay, I am calling concerning one Mr Liam. His car lost control and crashed into a roadside dumpster. He is presently un_”

“What!” I snapped out of my shock, beginning to run towards the living room where Irene was up from the couch, her eyes finding mine in question. “Oh my god. Which hospital?”

“New York City health facility.”

…