Chapter Seven: Overnight Billionaire

LAURA’S POV

I lay on the cold floor, shivering and weak. My hope was long gone. Three years had passed, and I was still trapped in this horrible place. I could feel myself letting go of the last shred of life in me. I must have looked like a ghost by now. I laid my head down one last time; the stench hit my nostrils, and I flinched before passing out.

I woke up in a bright room; white curtains and lights surrounded me. I tried to sit up, but I had little strength.

“Where am I?” I groaned.

“Mr. Styles, she's awake!” a nurse exclaimed, her voice filled with shock and awe.

A tall man walked in, holding my frail hand.

“How are you feeling?” he asked, his voice calm and low. I blinked, confused, my vision adjusting. When I could finally see clearly, I gasped.

It was Liam Styles.

Elijah’s business rival.

The last face I expected to see.

Everything went black again.

****

The next time I woke up, I was in a luxurious room. A silk canopy hung above me. The bed was massive, soft like a cloud. I stretched my limbs and realized I was in pajamas—cute ones, too.

“Who dressed me? And what's going on?” I murmured.

Just then, a beautiful woman entered, carrying a tray with medicine and food. She didn’t speak, only gave me a reassuring smile before leaving as gracefully as she came.

I read the note attached to the tray. The medicine had been carefully prescribed. I took it slowly and nibbled on the food. Later, I stepped into the shower. My reflection shocked me. Pale skin. Sunken eyes. Thinner than I’d ever been. I barely recognized myself.

My mind drifted to my twins. A tear rolled down my cheek, and my chest ached with the sharp pain of loss. Elijah’s betrayal haunted me.

A knock startled me before the door swung open.

“Good morning, Laura,” came a deep voice.

It was Liam.

“Liam Styles! Where am I?” I asked, trembling.

He raised his hands in a calming gesture. “Relax. I’m here to help you.”

“Help me? Why would you help me? I was Elijah’s secretary!” I snapped.

“Before he sent you to prison for a crime you didn’t commit,” he said quietly, eyes narrowing. “And you still speak his name like he’s worth something?”

He sat at the edge of the bed, looking me straight in the eye. “Laura, he never cared about you. But I care. I pulled you out of that hell. You were on the brink of death. And now… now you’re alive because I made sure of it.”

I stared at him, unsure if I should thank him or scream.

“I’m not here to hurt you,” he continued. “I have three companies I want you to manage. I believe in you.”

I blinked. “Why me?”

“There’s a catch,” he said calmly. “You’ll have to pretend to be my wife. Strictly for appearances. Separate rooms. Boundaries respected.”

I stayed quiet.

“I know you want vengeance,” Liam added, his voice growing firm. “And I can give it to you. Don’t you want to see your babies again?”

My heart clenched. The image of Astrid holding them, claiming them as hers, sent a jolt through my spine.

“Fine,” I whispered. “We’ll do it your way.”

“You’ll stay here until you’re strong enough to take over the companies. Until then, a representative will act in your name.”

He stood, adjusting his cuffs. I watched him walk out without another word.

Whatever this arrangement was, I didn’t care.

I just wanted my children back.

******

A few months later

Reunion at the Ball

Liam and I had received an invitation to the annual business ball, an event showcasing elite partnerships, cutting-edge inventions, and my new jewelry line—my creation. It was the ideal stage to launch the next phase of my empire. Seven companies. Ten global contracts. Liam’s mentorship had reshaped me.

That night, I wore an elegant gown that shimmered like stardust. Liam looked deadly handsome in a black suit.

As we stepped out of the limo, flashbulbs flared.

All eyes were on us.

“You nervous?” Liam asked, offering his arm.

“No,” I said coolly. “Just surprised this many people showed up.”

He laughed and kissed the back of my hand. “I’ll be right back.”

I watched him melt into the crowd before finding a quiet table. Socializing wasn’t on my agenda.

Then, the name rang out from the stage.

“Elijah Reed.”

He walked out, perfectly poised, beside Astrid—who looked smug and overly polished. But I felt nothing. Liam glanced up from his phone, then reached for my hand.

Elijah’s eyes locked on mine.

He froze mid-speech, pale and stunned.

Astrid noticed and turned, spotting me.

Her jaw clenched with rage.

I smiled into my wine.

Later, I excused myself and headed to the bathroom. As I turned a corner—

A hand grabbed me.

I was yanked into a dim corridor.

“Elijah!” I gasped, slapping him hard.

He didn’t flinch. He smirked.

“What the hell are you doing?!” I spat.

“Look closely, sweetie,” he whispered, pinning me to the door. “You’re mine. Every inch of you belongs to me.”

I pushed him back, disgusted.

“Don’t flatter yourself. I’m not scared of you.”

He sneered. “I can have you thrown back in jail. You think sleeping with my rival will save you?”

“You left me to rot in prison!” I shouted. “You abandoned me!”

He grabbed my face tightly, his nails digging into my cheeks.

“You’re mine, Laura. No matter what name you wear or who you’re f—”

The door burst open.

“Get your hands off her!” Liam barked, storming in with eyes blazing.

Elijah turned. “Oh, look who it is—the knight in shining armor.”

Liam stepped between us, his body radiating fury. “Touch her again, and I’ll destroy what little you have left.”

Elijah scoffed. “We were just catching up—old times.”

“She’s not yours anymore,” Liam said. “She never was.”

Elijah’s gaze flicked to me. “So what? You’re with him now?”

Liam stepped closer, voice low and dangerous. “You’re not in control anymore, Elijah. And you will regret pushing her.”

“You think I’m afraid of you?” Elijah sneered.

“No,” Liam growled. “But you should be.”

He wrapped a protective arm around my waist, leading me out. Elijah’s glare burned into our backs.

As we walked away, I whispered, “Liam… thank you.”

His hand tightened around mine. “He’s never going to touch you again. I promise.”

And for the first time in three years, I believed it.

****

LIAM'S POV

I laid on my bed, facing my secretary as she bounced on my cock. Elijah had been a fool to hurt Laura, her sweet innocence is what I sorely craved for.

I grabbed her hips hard and thrusted harder, Laura's face on my mind. She was intoxicating me. I wanted her. So badly.

But then, I couldn't make a move yet.

As I finished off and got up from the bed. I felt disgusted when I realized this lady in my bed did not help me forget Laura.

To get a good thing like Laura, I have to play smart.