Dirty Secrets of the Billionaire's Wife

I opened my eyes to find myself naked beneath the sheets, and I cringed, holding the sheet up to my chin. George was nowhere in sight. Had he drugged me just to sleep with me?

The door opened just then, and George walked in, wrapped in the arms of another lady, their tongues rolling against each other as though I were invisible. They collapsed onto the sofa next to the bed and began tearing at each other's clothes. I couldn't take it anymore.

“George!!! Are you insane? What do you take me for? A mannequin?”

He looked up at me with a killer gaze that made me shiver. I couldn't believe this was the guy I killed my baby for. God knows I was really willing to carry that baby until he showed up.

“What did you just say?”

Before I could blink, he dealt me several slaps across my cheeks until I saw stars and my head ached.

“I'm glad you know what you are. A mannequin. I will only touch you when and how I like.”

With that, he dragged me to the bathroom and locked me inside. I cried bitterly. It was hard to block my ears from the disgusting noises they made in the room. I couldn't believe this was the life my parents wanted for me.

A WEEK LATER

Our wedding was a blast and the talk of the town. My mum's operation had finally been paid for and scheduled, as well as the house bills. But I had a new problem. The baby hadn't been aborted as I had thought.

Of course, I didn't breathe a word about it to anybody until I put to bed. The family was so immersed in the celebration and preparation for the arrival of the new baby that no one noticed a thing.

“Aww… he is so cute. Just like his father,” my mother-in-law cooed at the baby a few days after my delivery. “What shall we name him, George darling? Have you thought of any name yet?” She turned to her son in her usual high and lofty voice.

“Prince Williams,” George said with a wide smile.

“Prince Williams,” his mother mulled thoughtfully.

“No. I actually thought of a name already. I think I would prefer Theodore. Theodore was your grandfather's name. He was the first to own an estate in the region and was the richest in his time, just as your father is presently.”

Theo? No way.

George shrugged in surrender. “So be it then, Mum. As you say.” He flicked his gaze to me, and I forced a smile.

“I think Prince Williams would actually be better,” I objected calmly.

“No, dear. We shall name him Theo. Your husband didn't object,” Maria, my mother-in-law, said. “You don't hate the name, do you?”

She gave me a long, knowing stare with a smile that looked mischievous. I felt a tight knot form in my stomach.

Later that evening, when I went to make myself some coffee in the kitchen, Maria came in and shut the door. I held my breath as I watched her. Even in her late sixties, she was still strong and had the energy of someone in her thirties.

“The nerve of you, Victoria, to carry Theophilus’ baby and pretend to be pregnant for my son.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came forth. Did she do a thorough background check on me? What was she up to?

“I know George is infertile, though he refuses to acknowledge it. So I was surprised when your pregnancy was announced. But I don't want a situation whereby a nobody from nowhere comes claiming my grandson.”

She produced an envelope I hadn't realized she had been holding.

“This will be between the two of us. Sign this document stating that if anyone ever comes to lay claim to my grandson in the future, you will never accept the claim. DNA test or not. And if ever you do, I will make sure you are rendered childless,” she threatened. “After all, I just did you a huge favour by naming him after his dad.”

Theodore and Theophilus don’t sound alike to me, I thought bitterly, unable to utter a word.

I signed it hurriedly without thinking. First of all, there was no way in the world Theo would know this was his baby. And secondly, it wasn't as if he would ever want anything to do with me again.

TEN YEARS LATER

It was Theodore's tenth birthday. As usual, George was hosting the celebration in grand style. I was relieved he was totally ignorant of his son's paternity. The joy of Theodore's birth had saved me from his fierce wrath. Not like he treated me half as kindly as Theo once did, but I made myself believe there was a slight difference at least.

However, as I walked among the guests, greeting and exchanging pleasantries, a familiar face struck me.

Wasn’t that Theo?

Our eyes met for a fleeting moment, and I looked away immediately as my pulse raced. Theo was ten times more handsome and elegant than the last time I saw him. He was seated among the VIP guests at the high table and was even chatting freely with George.

I hurried off immediately to avoid being noticed, only to hear George's booming voice.

“Tori, honey! Over here. Come say hi to my good friend. Theo Naths. CEO of Theory Holdings.”

Theory? Theo…ry?

The name resounded in my ears. Tell me it’s not what I’m thinking.

My heart paused as I turned around slowly, hoping my heels didn't look wobbly as I walked unsteadily toward them.

“Lady Victoria Earnest,” Theo said coolly, extending his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Earnest? My brain reeled. I had dropped that name years back after marrying George and was now Victoria Williams. Why was he calling me that?

“You know my wife?” George raised his brows at Theo in surprise.

“No, I don’t,” Theo laughed. Despite the tense atmosphere, I couldn’t help but notice he still had that charming smile. I bet he must be turning heads wherever he went. “I think your wife is the one who knows me instead,” he muttered with carefree ease, his eyes lingering on me.

I could feel my heart pounding in my ears as George's questioning gaze rested on me.

What the hell was Theo up to?