THE CONTRACT WIFE: A ONE NIGHT STAND BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE

Zara’s POV

The following day, it was my schedule to do some general cleaning in the house. While cleaning, I happened to stumble into our large mirror, and I was frozen in front it. I couldn’t believe what I saw. The reflection that stared back at me was too different from who I was before.

Then, I realized I needed to have some makeover, but I had no idea where to start. Fortunately, Antoinette was available for a video call and she explained things to me. She also recommended her favorite spa in the city.

After the call, I resumed cleaning, and once I’m done, I took another shower. It felt refreshing, especially in the sticky heat of summer. Despite having air conditioning, sweating was inevitable.

Following my shower, I prepared a snack for Enrique and Lucas-juice and sandwiches. Then, I carried the tray with refreshments toward the pool area. They appeared to be thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. Lucas was teaching our son how to swim. I called their attention so they could have a snack.

“Dad! Am I doing great?” my son asked, and he was giggling.Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Lucas smiled at our son, affectionately patting Enrique’s head. “You’re doing fantastic. We’ll work on the backstroke later. And I’ll teach you how to ride a bike, okay?”

“Yes, Dad! Thank you!” my son exclaimed with excitement.

I returned to the kitchen, tears of joy welling up in my eyes. It was heartwarming to witness, even if it was only because of our agreement.

In the evening, Lucas left without telling me where he was going, but I knew it was because of Giselle. I had nothing to say about that. My son fell asleep early, exhausted from his swimming lesson.

I couldn’t understand why there was a can of beer in the fridge, but I felt like I needed a drink. My heart remained restless. I hadn’t completely moved on from Lucas. There was still a lingering pain whenever he went to see his real love, something I could never replace.

For tonight, the only way I could ease that pain was by drowning myself in beer. Just for tonight, I thought.

In the morning, I woke up with a pounding headache, despising the familiar sensation of a hangover after indulging in too much alcohol. Perhaps I had gone overboard last night. Glancing at the clock, my eyes twitched.

“Shit!” I exclaimed, surprised to find Enrique absent from my side. Making my way downstairs to the living room, the door swung open, revealing Lucas already dressed in his corporate attire.

“I brought the child…” his voice sounded monotone.

I stood frozen, realizing he had caught me in this state. It didn’t matter to him if I looked like a mess or a witch; his indifference was palpable. In his eyes, there was only one woman of beauty-Giselle. Lucas gazed at her as if no one else existed. To him, she was a goddess, his Aphrodite, while I was merely a peasant.

There I went, once again, shrinking into myself. I needed to regain control! I pushed aside my thoughts and resolved to visit the store first before heading to Antoinette’s place.

While I was lost in my thoughts, Lucas touched my arm, sending an electric shock through me, reminiscent of our first kiss. Startled, I pulled away. He looked at me with such seriousness, an intensity that became unbearable, and I had to avert my gaze.

“If you can’t handle drinking, you shouldn’t have touched the beer,” he scolded me.

My face flushed with embarrassment. I recalled leaving the room last night, feeling nauseous, and ending up vomiting on none other than Lucas. Oh, how I wished the walls would swallow me whole!

I muttered, “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry.”

But he ignored me and proceeded straight to his home office. After grabbing a folder, he left for the company. I sighed, taking a moment to compose myself. I freshened up with a shower, changed into a decent black shirt and pants, grabbed my Chanel bag, and hopped into my car to tend to my business.

“The sales are going well, ma’am. How’s Enrique? Is your adorable son doing alright?” Mariz, one of my employees at the mall shop, knew my son well since he often preferred to be there rather than at home.

“By the grace of God, my son is doing fine,” I replied with a smile.

Before fulfilling the pregnant woman’s request, I focused on fixing things at work. She seemed content; there was no sign of stress in her appearance or demeanor. She was one of those rare people who managed to stay radiant during pregnancy, defying the idea that it should be an ugly phase.

Once everything was in order and signed in my office, I briefed Mariz on her tasks and headed straight to Antoinette’s upscale subdivision. It didn’t take long for me to park my car in front of an imposing mansion. It wouldn’t surprise me if Antoinette’s house looked like this. She had a penchant for Victorian-era mansions with classical themes.

Since the gate guards recognized me, they allowed me entry. I had to pass by a grand fountain in the middle, facing the three-story mansion-towering and alluring. I was warmly greeted by the pregnant woman, already in the living room, accompanied by renowned hair and beauty experts in the country. She meant business when she said we were going for a makeover.

“Finally, you’re here!” she exclaimed joyfully, her pregnancy bump evident. She looked stunning in every way possible-truly beautiful.

“Sorry for the delay. I was taking care of some business matters.” I immediately noticed that everything was ready.

“Let’s go,” she declared excitedly.

My guess about her taste wasn’t wrong. We started with a massage, focusing on my back, of course. A hairstylist worked wonders on my neglected hair, transforming it into an apple cut that suited me. We proceeded with facials, face massage, cleansing, and nail design-a truly refreshing experience. As one of Antoinette’s makeup artists worked on my eyebrows, she teased me, unable to contain herself.

“How are you and your husband? Still the same jerk?” Antoinette smirked, her eyes fixed on a magazine she held.

I smiled and shook my head. “Nothing will change there, Antoinette. That’s just who he is. He was forced into this marriage, and he felt suffocated by it.”

“You’re a kind soul, my dear friend. Maybe you’re already an angel! Don’t carry the burden of all the sins. Why should you bear it alone? You know he’s the one at fault. It’s truly terrifying, this victim-blaming!” She couldn’t help but vent her frustrations.

“We’ve endured for six years.” I tried to explain.

“And thank you for finally seeing the truth! Date Nick. That’s my recommendation!” She exclaimed, brimming with excitement. Oh dear, she just couldn’t let go of that topic!

“Please, let go of that idea already. It’s embarrassing for our friend. Nick is just a kind person, and there’s no ulterior motive or malice in anything Antoinette does. That’s the point, nothing more.” Her insistence on Nick and me was causing me distress and straining our friendship.

“You’re so dense, my dear Zara. That’s why the man is still single. He’s waiting for someone to divorce her husband, and that someone is you. He’s waiting for you today!”

I paid little attention to Antoinette’s words. I simply dismissed the idea.

Feeling extremely relaxed from the massage, my hangover dissipating, and the silence around me, I closed my eyes and unknowingly drifted off to sleep. I woke up around 5 PM, realizing I hadn’t picked up my son!

Thankfully, Lucas had taken care of it. He made the effort, even though it wasn’t his responsibility. He sent me a text informing me that he had picked up our child, providing me with much-needed relief.

Before leaving, Antoinette handed me a dress and sandals, saying, “Your makeover is stunning, but it doesn’t match what you’re wearing. Take these; no one leaves my house looking anything less than beautiful.”