THE CONTRACT WIFE: A ONE NIGHT STAND BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE

Zara’s POV

The disappointment I felt toward Lucas Blackwood cannot be adequately expressed in words. I never expected, nor hoped, that he would lack integrity in such a crucial situation. I had to keep my overwhelming anger in check, so as not to inflict any additional pain on my son. Protecting him from shattered expectations became my priority.

Lucas proved to be incredibly selfish, devoid of any qualities that bring happiness into my life. If I was once infatuated with him, do I even feel anything for him now? There’s nothing left between us.

Regret fills my heart as I realize I initiated a conversation that I knew he couldn’t handle. The damage has been done, and the consequences of my futile attempt only serve to worsen my son’s suffering. I can’t bear to be broken anymore. If only it were just me and not my son enduring this pain. As a mother, the sight of my child’s distress amplifies my own anguish.

Enrique, my son, stood outside the house, waiting for his useless father. Tears streamed down his face as he clung to hope. Witnessing his heartbreak adds an extra layer of hurt as a mother who desires nothing but her child’s happiness.

Fury consumes me, and I sense that Nick and Antoinette share my rage. The child has finally fallen asleep in the room here at Grandpa’s house. I can’t bring myself to return to Lucas’s house; I might get lost in the midst of it all.

“That husband of yours has absolutely no shame! He is a heartless bastard and a heartless father! The next time I see his face… ugh! I still have stitches from giving birth; he’s nothing but a lump. Zara, all this time-yes, all this time-Lucas has been playing games with both you and your son. Choose wisely and leave his life. It’s time to rediscover yourself! There’s someone out there who deserves you far more than that idiot,” Antoinette’s words lingered in the air, each syllable seething with anger.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“I’m tempted to beat him up myself. He has no conscience, not even for his own son. It’s not some random person; it’s his own flesh and blood. Perhaps he’s too preoccupied with his girlfriend, Giselle,” Nick interjected, revealing his encounter with Lucas and Giselle at a hotel in the past.

Antoinette wasted no time in expressing her opinion. “Listen, Zara! Are you awake, or should I slap you with coffee? Stop being a shadow of a man who never saw your worth! Perhaps you’ll be canonized for your martyrdom and sent straight to the Holy Father.”

“Don’t worry; I’ve learned my lesson well. Maybe I’ll be the one to initiate our divorce proceedings. I don’t want him going berserk and causing any more harm to our son. I’d be a fool not to recognize our own worth after what’s happened.” It was true-we needed to separate. My son and I have suffered enough at Lucas’s hands. We can survive without him; we can manage.

As the night grew late, Antoinette bid farewell, driven home by Fin and Nick, who also departed. I entered our room, where my son slept soundly, his tear-streaked face still evident. I’m not sure if I can ever forgive Lucas for what he’s done.

It’s too late now. Perhaps there’s truth to what they say-that when there’s nothing left, our hearts simply give up. Tomorrow, I will begin packing my belongings. I’m sorry, Lucas, but I can’t bear to continue. I just want us to let go of each other.

Guess who came knocking on the door? None other than Antoinette, wearing a wide grin that stretched from ear to ear. She held a paper bag, her excitement palpable as if she had just won the lottery or come up with a wild plan. Her trademark madness shone through, reminding me of all the crazy adventures we had during our college years.

Recalling those moments when we experimented with alcohol, went to bars and parties, or took unconventional classes brings a smile to my face. It’s good to reminisce about the carefree days of our youth. Now that we’re both adults and mothers, we can no longer indulge in those same antics.

“And what did you do in there, hiding away?” I inquired, amused. She darted straight to my bed, depositing the clothes she had brought-the very ones I had never imagined myself wearing.

“I know you’d wear something worse than sweatpants and tattered clothes, my friend. So I prepared these fashionable swimwear pieces! It’s time for you to dive into the world of romance! Time is precious, Zara,” she exclaimed, wearing a mischievous grin.

I couldn’t help but fall in love with her audacity. My son was present, hearing every word from this mischievous witch. Before heading out with Antoinette, I made arrangements for my son to stay with his grandparents.

We walked together, heading towards the beachfront hut. However, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy about the stares we received from the people around us. Many eyes, mostly from foreign men, fixated on Antoinette and me, making me uncomfortable under their scrutinizing gaze.

“Hey Zara, why are you bowing?” asked the person next to me, radiating confidence. The woman who had given birth still looked like a goddess.

Unlike her, my self-confidence had always been shaky. I struggled with it since high school, and it only worsened with Lucas’s actions. Being married to him, my self-esteem takes a nosedive. Every day, he made me feel so ugly and unattractive! I looked at Antoinette with a concerned expression.

“It’s strange how we perceive each other.”

“Because we are beautiful. Zara, I hope you see yourself in the mirror and understand why you attract men’s attention.” Ever since I started taking better care of myself, I noticed visible improvements.

I no longer looked exhausted and worn out. I could be fashionable and embrace my new haircut. I could finally be myself without someone dictating or undermining my confidence with their words. You know exactly who I’m talking about.

“Don’t flatter me, Antoinette,” I replied, chuckling, as we continued walking.

“Chin up, chest out. Show them the attitude of a queen.” I laughed at her words.

After a minute or two, we spotted our colleagues.

There, waiting for me, was my child, jumping up with excitement as we approached.

“Mom, I want to swim now!” my daughter exclaimed eagerly.

“Alright, but first, let’s apply sunscreen, and then we can go swimming,” I said, retrieving the sunscreen from my bag.

I carefully applied it to my son’s skin. As I turned towards the sea, my eyes caught sight of Nick, our new colleague. I couldn’t help but feel a rush of attraction.

If you could see what I saw, you would agree that a sculpted Adonis had descended upon us. Nick wasn’t just any guy; he was a captivating delight that both women and men admired.

Observing him in his shirt, revealing his perfectly chiseled muscles and abs, sent shivers down my spine.

He was wet, handsome, and undeniably attractive. If he weren’t my friend, I might have been completely captivated by his irresistible charm. It was no wonder why so many people were crazy about him.

“Hello, miss, can I still get a kiss?” he greeted me teasingly. Nice, a bit cheeky.

“Kiss that tree,” I replied, laughing along.

“Why are you dressed like that?” he inquired, his attention focused on me.

I felt slightly self-conscious. My son had already said goodbye, going with his grandparents who were enjoying the beach and going for a swim.

“Just don’t go too far, alright? Wear your life vest with this whistle necklace. Stay close,” I reminded my son.

He nodded. “Yes, Mom, I’m a big boy now.”

I turned to Nick. “Do I look ridiculous in this outfit?” I asked him.

“No, not at all. I’m just not used to seeing you in this style. Antoinette is usually the one who rocks these kinds of clothes,” he replied. It was true; this wasn’t my usual style, but hey, why not try something different?

“Yeah, Antoinette planned this. I feel a bit uncomfortable. It seems like everyone is staring at me,” I mentioned, noticing the slight furrow in Nick’s brow and hearing his muttered curse.

“If someone is rude to you, Zara, just let me know, and they won’t be bothering you for long,” he boasted, flexing his muscles a little.

I playfully rolled my eyes at him. “Oh, really? You’re too busy with your admirers to notice.”

He gave me his infamous smirk before winking, causing a blush to creep onto my cheeks. “If you want, you can be my woman, and I won’t have to look anywhere else.”

I playfully punched his chest. “How smooth, Nick.”

I accompanied my son to the sea, and together we built sandcastles. Even Nick joined in the fun. Twenty minutes flew by, and then we were called for our boodle fight.

And guess who won? Nick was crowned the champion, devouring food like it was a mystery how he maintained his sculpted physique.

The beach party was a blast, and I could see that my son was enjoying himself. It made me realize that I had made the right decision for our healing.

Perhaps it was the right choice to walk away.

Later that night, we gathered around a bonfire, filled with excitement and the joy of youthful days. It felt like I was transported back to my teenage years, but this time, I had my adorable child with me. Maybe it was another opportunity to reclaim what I had lost all these years because of Lucas Blackwood!