CHAPTER THREE: AN OFFER TO THE BILLIONAIRE

July’s POV:

If someone had told me that just after one day of my current divorce, I’d be sipping champagne and lounging in the plush leather seats of a private jet, I would have laughed it off as a wild dream.

I know you might be wondering how I got here, so here’s the tea: I’m on my way to Monaco.

Yes, I know it’s a bit strange and stupid to honor an invitation without knowing who the invitation was from, but when the offer comes with a private flight on a luxurious private jet, even if the invite was from the devil, I’d gladly burn in hell.

“I can’t believe I’m actually surrounded by this epitome of luxury and exclusivity.” Avery stated as she sat down, giggling on her seat.

She had insisted on coming with me when she noticed I was not backing down from attending the ball. I stopped recording on my phone and took the time out again to really admire the ambiance of this plane.

As I glance around the cabin, I was struck again by the attention to details- from the polished wood accents to the sleek lines of the seats and the subtle lighting that’s seems to shift and adapt to the mood.

Whoever owned this plane was really intentional about it. It’s clear that no expense had been spared in creating this flying sanctuary.

“This is our reality now, at least for the next few hours.” I told her as I picked up my glass and clicked it with hers.

I felt a thrill of excitement mixed with a dash of disbelief as I watched the world below become a distant memory and the clouds drift by like fluffy pillows.

We were greeted by the sound of rotar blades as soon as we stepped out of the plane.

“Girl!!! Don’t tell me we’re about to step into a private helicopter right after stepping out of a private jet.” Avery said, clapping her hands as she bounced from one leg to the other like a child staring at an ice cream truck.

“Looks like it,” I replied as I stared at the bodyguards walking towards us.

They immediately informed us that the helicopter was to take us directly to the hotel.

“Girl, if we are actually here to get killed, then I don’t mind, cause this would definitely be first-class murder.”

“Agreed! I don’t mind if this is my last memory.”

Our laughter made the bodyguards in front of us turn back to stare, making us behave immediately.

Our arrival in Monaco was just as dramatic. The helicopter touched down on the helipad of Hôtel de Paris, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

My countenance changed the moment we walked into the hotel’s lobby. Every beautiful sight turned grey because of the person standing few feet away from us.

His eyes lit up the moment they landed on me, and mine dimmed.

“Why in the devil’s name is Liam here?” Avery voiced out the question on my mind.

“I have no idea, but I’m having a very bad feeling about this.”

He tried to hug me as soon as he approached us, but I stepped back, which made him drop his hands awkwardly.

“You look more breathtaking than I remember.” His eyes roamed every part of my body, as he declared. His voice brought back memories- bad memories I wished to never remember.

Liam, my first husband and the only man I married for love. We all grew up in the orphanage, escaped together when we were fifteen, stayed together as one big family until we fell in love and got married while still in high school.

Avery and Lily warned me about him, but I didn’t listen. We moved in together away from them, and when things started getting rosy for him, all thanks to me, he varnished into thin air and sent divorce papers to me through a dispatch rider.

Worst of all, I saw his marriage photos plastered all over the internet even before I signed the papers.

Yet, here he was standing in front of me, smiling like nothing ever happened between us. I had a lot to say, but my mouth was too heavy to even open.

Avery and he were tearing down each other’s throats with insults, and I just stood there, completely zoned out.

“You better fucking pull yourself together!” Avery yelled at me as she pulled me away.

“Don’t forget why we are in Monaco, July. I don’t care if that invite came from Liam; I want you to remember that we are here for Douglas Prime and not some bed-wetting lunatic. And if your plans have changed, then inform me so I can head back home.”

“The plans can never change, at least not for a bastard like Liam.”

“That’s the spirit. Now hurry up; we’re almost late for the ball.”

The ball room was magnificent. The smell of fresh roses, mixed with lavender and delicious food, filled my nostrils as we walked in.

The sound of the violin was welcoming and comforting at the same time. Everything and everyone here screams luxury. The waiter served us wines as we stood in front of a small, well-decorated table.

A loud gasp escaped Avery, and almost everyone in the room’s lips, but just as I was about to turn to see why, Avery pinched me hard before speaking.

“Don’t look now, but just know that luck is on your side. Douglas Prime just walked into the room.”

My heart began to thunder loudly, as low mumbling words filled the whole room, then I turned my head slowly to his direction. My breath caught in my throat, and I totally forgot how to breathe.

Seeing him in person felt like heaven. Handsome is not enough to describe this man. His hair was swept back in a very stylish manner, his dimples on display as he laughed at whatever he was just told, his Adam’s apple moving up and down.

His tailored suit highlighted his muscles and slender straight legs. This man literally beats every fictional man in all my romance novels combined. He is a walking Greek god with zero competition.

I averted my eyes the moment his green eyes began scanning the room.

“Douglas is coming this way, and on the count of five, I’ll shove you lightly. Make sure you land directly on him.” Avery instructed and began to count before I could protest.

On the count of five, she shoved me roughly, and I landed on rock-hard chest and warm hands. I gave her a side glance, and saw that she had the okay gesture before I stood up, steadying myself with his hands.

“I’m so sorry sir. I didn’t mean to fall. I was......”

“It’s okay; there’s no need to apologize. Are you okay?” His accent was thick and beautiful, but I couldn’t place what accent it was.

“July Noel. And if you don’t mind, I have an offer to make.” I said with an outstretched hand, waiting for a handshake or whatever.

Although I didn’t notice earlier, I noticed now that the whole room had gone silent and all eyes were on us. Embarrassed, I was about to pull my hand away when he engulfed it with his.

The already silent room became more silent as everyone watched with keen interest, waiting for his next move.