Billionnaire's regret: Ex-wife is an heiress

Claire rushed into ‘Sweet Fries’ restaurant, her eyes searching around frantically for just one person — Abraham. A sigh of relief escaped her lips when she didn't see Abraham — her husband, yet.

It was their third wedding anniversary and Claire was particularly happy because Abraham had chosen this restaurant. This was where Abraham had first proposed to her.

She settled down on a chair just before the entrance. Soon, a waiter appeared before her and she ordered a drink. 

As Claire sipped her drink, her eyes scanned around the environment, she saw mostly couples having a nice time. 

She glanced at her watch impatiently, unable to grasp while Abraham wasn't still at the restaurant. She had thought she would meet Abraham already waiting.

“Maybe he's held up in traffic.” Claire mumbled, trying to console herself. She was beginning to feel bored drinking alone at the restaurant.

“Did I keep you waiting?”

Claire looked up to see a young man smiling at her. He was dressed in a navy blue suit. The suit couldn't hide his athletic build and Claire seemed to be lost in his ocean blue eyes for a moment.

“Excuse me, do I know you?” Claire stared at the man in surprise.

“Sorry, I didn't introduce myself properly. I'm John Rhodes. The CEO of Rhodes enterprises. And your new husband.” He said stretching his arm.

Claire suddenly breaks into uncontrollable laughter. She was holding her belly while laughing. Abraham had clearly outdone himself this time around. So he put up with a random man to come act as her husband? That's some crazy shit!

“Where's the camera?” She asked, her eyes searching around. Abraham must be up to mischief for putting up this innocent man to this act. Why did he do it anyway? Was it to make their anniversary more memorable? She applauded him in her mind.

She heard someone clear their throat and she looked back up at the man. “You still haven't answered me. Where's the camera?”

“What camera?” The man inquired with a look of surprise.

She gave the man a closer look, his dark hair was tousled and his ocean blue eyes sat on a well rounded face. His lips were full and inviting. He was insanely hot. Gosh! Why would Abraham hire a Greek God like this to act on their anniversary?

“If you are done checking me out, we should finalize the marriage plans.” A deep baritone voice brought her back to her senses. His ocean blue eyes were staring at her grey ones.

Damn! He had caught her staring. She chastised herself inwardly. She was still married to Abraham for Pete's sake. Abraham could be watching her reaction to this hot geezer from somewhere close.

And did she just hear right? What the hell was the marriage talk she just heard him mention?

She cleared her throat then stood from where she sat. She was now facing the man directly. He was tall but she was no short person either.

“Tell Abraham this script is enough, I'm done playing this movie.”

“Abraham? Who the hell is Abraham? And no, this isn't a movie.”

She turned her head away from him then brought out her phone to dial her husband's number. She got feedback from the dialer that the number is busy. A frown appeared at the corner of her lips.

She heard the man curse under his breath and her frown deepened.

“I don't know what joke Abraham seems to be planning but this isn't funny any more.” She hissed, staring at the entrance and hoping Abraham would show up.

“Listen, I don't know who Abraham is. I thought Tony spoke to you about meeting here at 5pm today?” He said, brushing his hand on his hairs. He was trying not lose his cool. Why was the woman acting so tough-headed? It's not like they are going to marry for love. She was just here because of his money.

“I see you have culled up a new name to support your claim.” She paused, her eyes scanning his face to get the faintest hint he was acting. When she didn't see any sign like that, she continued. “I give it to you, your acting skills are superb, when my husband comes, I'd tell him to pay you an extra.”

At the mention of husband, his eyes flashed momentarily, “Wait, did I hear you right? You are married?”

She gave him a quizzical look, was he really sincere and had mistook her for someone else?

“Yes Mr…” She tried to remember his name.

“John, John Rhodes.”

“Well, you see, I wanted to believe your story. It happens nowadays in New York. Contract marriage is the new norm.” She breathed in, looking at his face to see maybe he was following. “But the fact you mentioned John Rhodes, gave you away so fast. Why lie to be who you are not, just because you wanted to get a contract wife?”

“I'm not lying, I'm John Rhodes.” His hands were fisted beside him. Why would this woman think he was lying?

Claire was about to give a response when she saw Abraham's car pull into the compound. She gave the man before her one last look, he was still maintaining his earlier stance. She smiled, then took her purse and the gift she got for Abraham before walking off.

Her eyes fell on Abraham who had now stepped out of the car. He was dressed in a casual shirt tucked over a denim jean. He walked over to the other side of the car and opened the door. A woman in a red fitted gown stepped down elegantly.

‘Had he brought a friend over to celebrate their anniversary?’ Claire thought. She was just a few steps away from them now.

Abraham held the woman, ushering her forward like a gentleman would. He kissed her hands lovingly. 

Claire's eyes flashed with a mixture of confusion and anger. 

She stopped in her tracks then called,

“Abraham.”

Abraham turned around to face Claire, the smile on his face instantly vanished.

Claire couldn't place the look on his face. Was that coldness he saw in his eyes?

She cleared her throat and handed him the gift in her hands. “I have been waiting for you forever, happy anniversary.” 

Abraham brushed the gift away roughly from her hands. His eyes were colder now. Claire almost couldn't recognize them. Her mouth was opened in surprise.

“Who is she?” The woman in red asked Abraham.

“My ex-wife.” Abraham replied. He then opened the car, retrieving a file, handing it to Claire. “Have this!”

Claire collected the file, closing her mouth and finally recollecting herself. Did she hear him right? Ex-wife? Was this another joke on the list of Abraham's menu?

“Abraham,” Claire called out his name in admiration. “I see you have some wonderful jokes up your sleeve, the man you sent earlier was quite the actor too, in fact I would have recommended him for an Oscar.” She said while smiling and reaching for his hands.

Abraham quickly snatched his hands away like she's some piece of crap. “Don't, don't touch me. I don't know what man you are talking about. You should check the file in your hand.”

Claire saw a sneer flash across his face. Was this still an act? She flashed a quick look from Abraham to the woman in red. She saw the woman give her an evil look.

She opened the file in her hand and gasped, “Divorce? What's this Abraham? You are taking this drama too far.”

“What drama is she talking about darling?” The woman in red asked Abraham, then broke into a laugh.

“I don't know, love.” Abraham smiled back at the woman. “You think this is some kind of a soap opera?” He demanded, facing Claire.

“Darling? Love?” Claire mumbled to herself but audible enough for Abraham and the other woman to hear.

“Oh, I see. You are still confused.” Abraham said then, held the strange woman's hand. “Rebecca here is my new wife. We just got married at the registry.”

“What are you talking about Abraham?” Claire's voice shook. “I'm your wife–”

“Not anymore, just sign the divorce and then we are done.”

“Done? Are you crazy? This is beginning to sound like a dream. Today is our anniversary, remember?”

“Then you'd have to wake up, because right here, is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.” Abraham said, kissing Rebecca's hand.