Chapter 4

ELLE's POV

When he said we should get out of here I was not expecting this because how were we on a private ship in the ocean?

The Ben I know was supposedly an average man with an average life but the real him was a billionaire who didn't hesitate to flaunt his wealth and power when necessary. I couldn't say I didn't like this edge to him.

“We shouldn't be skipping work like this, my manager and co workers must be looking for me” I protested while marveling at the beautiful white small ship with luxurious decorations.

“I already informed them that you are going out with me so don't worry. What did you want to tell me?” he asked as he poured me a glass of wine.

I adjusted on my seat that faced the blue ocean and cleared my throat, ready to pour out the truth that could very well end very badly, “I’m not sure it would be wise to marry someone like me. The truth is I have not been honest with you from the beginning and I'm so sorry, I was wrong and I'm ready to take responsibility for it” I started off with a genuine tone.

Raymond frowned and asked, “What’s going on, Elle?”

I exhaled and continued, “I am married, Raymond. Well, I was married to Richard for seven years. I had met him too early and we got married when I was barely 19 and he was 23. Away from that, he wanted us to keep our marriage with utmost secrecy at work, that was why you and everyone at work didn't know. So when we crossed paths and you began talking to me, I originally wanted to tell you no and stay away but he threatened me to do the opposite. Somehow he wanted your approval for a promotion before it would be taken to the higher board and thought me leading you on to get it would make sense. I on the other hand just wanted to save my marriage and I know it's still no excuse.

Yesterday, I had gotten you extremely drunk and slept with you just to get your fingerprint on the document for him. But then I got home and I was handed a divorce letter instead, turned out he was cheating on me with Melody, the COO, and wanted nothing to do with me anymore” At this point, tears were already trickling down my face and I was too ashamed to look Raymond in the eye. I was still terribly hurt with what Richard did and although I have been able to hide it, it still hurt badly.

Raymond was quiet for a few minutes while I continued crying, then he asked, “What about when I saw you both talking earlier, what did he want?”

“He didn't want me to tell you the truth for fear that he would get roped in and worse, arrested” I answered honestly.

“So why did you tell me the truth, Elle? You could have as well kept it a secret and we could get married and I'll never know” he stated.

I raised my head to gaze into his eyes as I spoke, “Because you are a good man who doesn't deserve any of that. You deserve a woman who will be completely honest with you, love you and cherish the good man that you are. I'm a result of a failed marriage and would only hurt you” I looked away, settling to calm my mind and wait for his decision. I admittedly felt lighter to get everything off my chest, receiving all his care with lies made me so uncomfortable.

After what felt like hours passed, I heard him sigh and he came to sit directly beside me, “Well, I think you tick all these boxes. Fine, some wrong decisions were made and I'm not happy with you about it, but in the end you were honest even though you were at risk of losing your job and even getting arrested. That's the quality I look for in a wife. You were willing to do anything for Richard because you loved him, he's the one that doesn't deserve you” he said.

I didn't know what to say but I still felt bad that I forgot about my own moral principles for the sake of saving my marriage.

As if he could tell what was going through my mind, he turned my face to look at him, his gaze so soft and firm at the same time that it made my knees feel weak and fluttering feelings ran free in my heart.

“No one hurts you and goes scot free. Richard, your ex husband, is going to pay dearly for what he put you through, his only saving grace is that his actions brought you to me. From now on, you are going to be with me and in case you haven't noticed, I am madly in love with you, Elle. Richard is your past now and I am your future. So what do you say, will you give me a chance to be your husband?”

Was I crazy to accept his proposal when I just signed divorce papers yesterday? Maybe I was or maybe his eyes were just too intoxicating to say no to.

Because I found myself blurting out a “Yes” and his lips crashed into mine with a fiery passion that caused butterflies to run wild in my stomach.

Butterflies… the last time I had them was when I was 19. This could either be a good sign or a really bad one. Eitherway, here goes nothing…

***

I must be dreaming. This had to be a dream because what did I do in my previous life to deserve such a good life? My life went from bad, miserable and ugly to good, perfect and beautiful in the space of two months.

Oh my darling Raymond… he was a real blessing to my life, one that I was still figuring out if I truly deserved him.

We have been married for a month and it has been the best month of my entire life. What has he not done? I was now the envied billionaire CEO's wife that everyone considered lucky and I was indeed lucky.

“You’re zoning out, Princess. The movie is about to start” Ray called my attention as he entered with a food tray full of goodies. There were wines, a variety of snacks and some mouthwatering dishes that he cooked himself. He was such a great cook, I was jealous.

“I was thinking about which angel dropped such a perfect man at my doorstep, by the way this looks exotic and amazing” I praised as I adjusted so he could sit next to me in the private theatre room of his luxuriously furnished mansion.

We had just returned from a weekend vacation in Paris and now we just wanted to stay home and recover from our trip.

“It’s not about the angel who dropped me, it's about the angel who brought a goddess to me, you are too good to me, Elle. Also I brought and made all your favorites” he gave me a short kiss on the lips and sat next to me on the modular sectional sofa.

“Uhmm I see…” I muttered, getting distracted by the kiss he gave me earlier, I wanted more… His kiss always made me want more. He was perfect in every aspect, he left me thoroughly satisfied every single time but I still craved him with just one gaze or touch.

Safe to say, I was so much in love with him.

As if he could read the sexual thoughts running through my mind, he smirked and caressed my face, “Trust me, love. I am barely controlling the urge to rip that robe off you and fuck you senseless. But it will wait so we can watch this movie that we have been too ‘distracted’ to finish for a week now” we both burst into laughter with how ridiculous it was and it helped reduce the thrill that vibrated to my core with need.

We were still laughing when my phone rang, I picked it up without checking the ID, “Hello…” the happiness was evident in my voice.

“Hello, good evening. It's me Richard” a familiar voice answered.

My face immediately fell into a frown, “Didn’t I tell you not to contact me ever again?”

“I know. I'm sorry, please don't hang up. Please I don't want to lose my job, help me plead with Raymond. The lawsuits are after my life, melody left me and I have nothing to hold on to apart from my job. Please Elle, for the sake of what we had for seven years, I can't lose my job” he begged frantically.

Now I was pissed, “We had nothing but a miserable life, Richard. Stop calling me, I'm with the CEO now and we are about to watch a movie” I said dismissively and hung up before Raymond would butt in.

It was already too late because Raymond had a displeased frown on his face, “Is that fool disturbing you, princess? I would have to teach him a lesson” he proceeded to pick up his phone but knowing what he wanted to do. I quickly stopped him by sitting on him with my face to him and muttered, “Don’t let him ruin our mood, I can feel your semi hard on pressed in between my legs. I know you want me”

Raymond groaned from the feel of the lacy panties I wore underneath rubbing against him, I was soaking wet. “Damn right I do” he cussed and in a flash, I was flipped over and my panties ripped off.

Few minutes later, the movie we had planned to watch was long forgotten. After a steamy time, Raymond laid on my lap and fast asleep. I was running my hand through his hair in contentment when he blurted out sleepily, “Nuelle, my wife…”

I was stunned to hear him call me that. No one has called me that name since when I was a child and after that incident…

No, it couldn't be!

Did Raymond know me before?