A Billionaire’s Ruse

Narrator’s POV

“Tomorrow is the deadline mum. We’ve not been able to raise a hundred million dollars yet not to talk of a billion dollars. The banks keep rejecting our calls, and the stock price keep going down. I’ve had to sell my car at a freaking distress price and everything is just not working out mum.” Emily complained while her mum fixes her hair

“I know Emily, but we have to be strong and think outside the box. Hold on now” Sarah said to her daughter while she fixes the zip to her dress

“But mum, must we really be there tonight. It is no news that the Thorntons are losing it all”

“No Emily. I won’t have you chicken out of this. This is our best option.” Sarah said. She’s doing her best to be strong in front of her daughter, but she’s also shaken a little by everything that’s happening. It was her strong belief that’s keeping her on her feet and the determination not to lose her husband and everything he has built in his life to the hands of this wicked man that has come into their lives. No, she won’t allow that.

“Emily, you’re dressed up already. You’re looking beautiful. Let’s go and show the bastard that we’re still in charge. I’m sure he’s not expecting us to be at the gala tonight. But let’s show him that we’re the Thorntons.” She smiled at her daughter

It was contagious and before long Emily was smiling brightly again.

“We’ll get it all back Emily. Even if we have to put this house on sale and the cars. We can move to a small apartment and you and your dad can take the subway to work just as we once did when you were a child.” Sarah said, stroking her hair.

“Let’s live each moment as they come.”

“I love you mum.”

“I love you too my darling.”

“Where is daddy? There can’t be a Cinderella without her prince charming. Because you do look like Cinderella with that dress.”

“O no. We can’t allow that right? So, here I am my lady. At your beck and call.” Robert came down the stairs with a bow and cracked everyone up.

“Oh dad. You look like a clown. That bow doesn’t suit you at all.” Emily couldn’t help but point out.

“Shush Emily. I won’t have you look down on my prince. He’s the best there is so far.” Sarah said with an English tone and they all laughed so hard.

Sarah has always made sure that the relationship between her family is filled with love. To her, there is no point having all the money and then losing themselves to money.

“Robert. Emily” Sarah called their attention when they all sobered up. “We’re strong. We built this ourselves. We can make it out of this situation just like we did last time. O, I know this is on another level and it’s higher but we can still do it. I’m rooting for both of you all the way.”

“Yes mum. You’re the best that has happened to us so far. Let’s go. We got this.” Emily said

Robert was emotional and looked at his wife tenderly. “Thank you Sarah. Thanks for always being here.” He was close to tears already.

“Come on dad. Let’s go.”

They stepped out of their mansion and moved to the car. Emily opened the car door and Sarah and Robert stepped in and sat down.

“Are you comfortable?” Emily asked the both of them and they nodded. “I’ll meet you guys there.”

“Be careful Emily. Or do I go with you instead”

“It’s okay mum. It’s just a 20 minute drive. I’ll be fine. Drive safely John.” She said to the driver and stepped back. She waved and watched as the car moved out the gate, then moved to her own car and got in. She started it and moved out also.

Emily’s POV

I have moved back to my parents’ house now for the past two days. I could no longer stand the sight of Alex and I did not want to commit murder. Even though the world will be a better place without him, it will break my mum’s heart if I end up serving time in jail because of Alex.

“He’s not worth it.” Those were always her words to me these couple of years. Being married to a bastard like him for the past couple of years has had me thinking more of murder. I even got addicted to the show ‘how to get away with murder.’ But I could never carry it out.

Alex is all things devilish. From the night of our wedding till this time, he has been devilish.

“No, no Emily. Don’t you dare bring any gloom to today’s event.” I could hear my subconscious say but it was too late. My mind drifted of his own accord back to that night 8 months ago.

I was so happy we were finally married. I’ve waited so long and anticipated this night. The night of passionate love making between my husband and myself. This is my first time but I’m no prude. I’ve read widely and so I know what to expect.

The flight on the elevator was so silent and it made me anxious. I thought maybe it was the stress of the day. I looked at him but his eyes were fixated on something else, so I kept my mouth shut and endured the ride up.

When we got to our reserved hotel room. I was expecting the bed to be filled with roses and sweet smelling candles, but I was disappointed as there was nothing to show that this room was reserved for newly Weds. It was bare.

Immediately we got in, Alex went to the bar and started drinking. I was confused. He was drinking straight from the bottle and he was not giving me any attention. A few times we went out on dates, even when we went to the bar. I was the only one getting smacked drunk. . He claimed that he does not hold his alcohol well and he doesn’t drink because of that.

“Woah Alex, slow down. That’s dangerous. You don’t hold your alcohol well, remember?” I tried to caution him but he just laughed at my face and pushed me aside without saying a word.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Is he that drunk already? I thought. I made to move close to him again but he then turned and looked at me smiling.