A Billionaire’s Ruse

Edward had his fault and everything, but he had never shouted at me for the duration we had been engaged. It was either he growls and walks out on me angrily, but never really this hard. I was shocked that I was mute for a few seconds

“We are going to the hospital Edward.” my mom came to my rescue.

“Tell me Edward, what are you so worried about? or rather the question should be why are you bent on making life difficult for her in the presence of her mother?” she sounded angry.

My mom must heard his voice, that was why she came to my rescue.

But guess what? Edward walked out on my mom.

Ever since he asked me for that money and I had not given him, he had been acting more like a beast.

He had no regard for anybody and not even for my mother.

I looked at my mother who looked so pitiful and I went to give her a big hug.

“I can’t go to the hospital anymore today mum.” I told her softly as I held her., “I will just sleep the day off.”

I made to go into my room but my mom blocked my path

“No Emily. I will not allow that. I will not allow you to do what you did all those years ago. I will not let you lock yourself inside.” She said, tears streaming down her face.

“Okay mum, I’ve heard you. Please, don’t cry.” I hugged her.

*****

The weekend went by so fast with little to no event since Edward did not bother coming home all through.

I tried calling his number but he was not responding nor was he replying my messages. After several tries, I had given up and settled to enjoy the serenity his absence afforded me.

The following week was going to be a busy one, as the company had two major events planned for that week

The first event was a charity program organised by the company to assist and aid artistic start-ups. I tabled this before my father last year and he accepted it eagerly. According to him, it was giving back to the society.

I could clearly see from his expression that he was super proud of me. He took his close associates around the hall and he was explaining different things to them.

When he got to where I was, he paused his entourage and introduced me to them. I was already familiar with most of them and we shared a few jokes before they continued on their way.

Looking around the hall, I felt proud of myself. My career life was a successful one. I may not have much friends, but my inner circle was a pass.

The only thing that has been like a failure to me was my marital life.

It was non-existent. Nada. Zinch. Zero

I picked up my phone and checked if Edward had sent any message but nothing yet.

“Hey Billionaire girlfriend.”

I looked up to see Ann approach me. I went to her and gave her a tight hug.

“I thought you were not coming till tomorrow.” I asked her after we untangled myself.

“And miss your personal maiden exhibition? Not on your life girl. Come on Em, show me around.” I smiled and led her indoor, holding her hands as we both went inside.

Ann and I met at my second part in college. We become close friends without much ado.

“I will not be staying long. I am on call tonight.” She said as we both stood around a table and sipped from a glass. She was taking water while I was taking cocktail

“I could really use a glass of strong drink right now.” She said looking at the cold glass in my hand jealously. “But I have to be sober tonight.”

I laughed at her as she tried to look away from the glass in my hand. I dropped the glass and dragged her away from the hall before she really started drinking.

I saw her off till she boarded a cab and made my way back to the hall.

Lilian met me at the entrance and gave me an update on how things were going. I thanked her and we both moved back to the hall.

We heard shrill laughter and I looked to the place the laughter was coming from and it was my mother. She was the life of the party. She was surrounded by friends and they were all chatting away.

I smiled at the sight and heaved a sigh. I would give anything to be that carefree right now.

As I turned to head back inside, I felt the world spin around me, I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand to see clearly. I pinched myself deeply, maybe I would snap out from my dreams. Who would have thought that I would see Jim here today?

Narrator’s POV

Emily and Jim stood there, staring at each other in disbelief. They hadn’t seen each other in years, and yet here they were, together again.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Emily’s heart was pounding in her chest. She had so many questions, but she didn’t know where to start. Things were a little bit awkward right now.

“What are you doing here?” Jim asked her, breaking the silence.

“My father’s company is hosting this art exhibition. I am convening the event.”

Jim smiled at her, and Evelyn could feel her cheeks growing warm. “I never doubted that you’d be this good. I am so proud of you Em.” It’s been so long Emily had heard anyone call her Em.

She wanted to give him a hug so bad, but she remembered she was in public. Memories of their childhood together came crashing on her and she did not know when she went and enveloped him in a that hug.

“I’ve missed you, Jim.” She said tearfully.

“I’m a woman who people look up to in the society, I shouldn’t be doing so.” Emily reminded herself, disengaging from the embrace. She wiped a stray tears from her eyes as she looked at Jim from head to toe.