The Billionaire's Strained Wife

"Just shut up and go with me, no more buts," Darius said getting his hands on Hezekiah's mouth."Yucks," She murmured."Are you saying anything?" he asked while scrolling his iPad."Nothing," she said, keeping her mouth shut."I think that is Mr . Ramada's assistant, sir," Hezekiah said while pointing to the girl as they arrived at the location."I know, don't tell me," Darius coldly said, going in first."Very rude jerk," she said and clenched her fist.As they approached the entrance, they saw Mr. Ramada's assistant who guided them to the private room."This way ma'am and sir," The girl guides them."Thank you." She smiled awkwardly because her boss did not respond to the girl."Nice to see you both today," Mr. Ramada greeted, shaking hands with them."Good morning, Mr. Ramada.""Good morning, Sir," she sweetly smiled at the old man, following her boss's advice to help sway him."Please have a seat, Mr. Hedalgo and Ms. Peterson." They settled on an expensive sofa, facing the old man.

"Good morning, Mr. Hedalgo and ma'am. How may we assist you?" inquired the saleswoman as they stood within the boutique. He is well-known in this Mall as he is one of the investors and contributors."I'm looking for an elegant gown for her. Additionally, please include a bikini, shirt, shorts, or a dress in the selection," he replied.The saleswoman acknowledged, "Okay, sir. This way, ma'am and sir," leading them. They followed her to the designated area."You can take a seat here while waiting," she suggested. Darius complied, occupying himself with his tablet.The saleswoman inquired, "Do you like this one, ma'am?" Hezekiah, upon checking the price, was taken aback. "Wait, this one is very expensive. $50,000 for this gown?""Don't be concerned, madam, as Mr. Hedalgo will take care of the payment.""But these garments, all of them are quite pricey," she remarked. The cost of one gown could cover a substantial amount of her food."No need to worry, madam. Simply choose the dress and c

​​The whiskey burned as it slid down his throat, but the fire inside him blazed hotter. Hezekiah watched him with a mix of curiosity and caution, her dark eyes scanning his face for any sign of hesitation. None came. The man before her—determined, wounded, and quietly seething—was a different version of the one she’d known. “So, what’s your plan?” she asked, swirling the amber liquid in her glass. Her voice carried a mix of intrigue and concern. He leaned back in his chair and let out a long breath. “It’s not enough to argue with them. They’d just lie or make excuses. I need real proof. Once I have it, I’ll confront them. Not here, not now, but in a way they can’t escape.” Hezekiah tilted her head, curiosity piqued. “And you think exposing them will make you feel better?” He shrugged, his lips pulling into a bitter smile. “It’s not about feeling better. It’s about showing them I’m not a fool. And it’s about ensuring they face consequences.” The conversation was momentarily in

As they walked to the building, the silence between them was almost comfortable, broken only by the distant hum of the city waking up. But Hezekiah’s mind wasn’t at ease. The night had been a rare escape, but reality was waiting to remind her of its weight. Just as they reached her building’s entrance, she turned to face him, crossing her arms. “You know this—tonight—doesn’t change the fact that you’re my boss, Darius.” He stopped, his expression shifting. “I didn’t bring you here as your boss, Hezekiah.” “But you are,” she said firmly, her voice steady but her eyes betraying the storm within. “And I’m just your secretary. Or your assistant. Whatever title suits the day.” “That’s not how I see you,” he said, his tone sharper now. “Really?” she challenged, raising an eyebrow. “Because every time you walk into that office, I’m reminded of exactly where I stand. You’re the Hedalgo heir, the one with the power, the authority, the legacy. I’m the one who makes sure your schedule

Their lips met again, this time with more urgency, more need. The kiss wasn’t tentative now; it was demanding, filled with everything they hadn’t said. Darius’s hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer as her towel loosened slightly.“Are you sure about this?” he murmured against her lips, his voice rough, his breath hot.Hezekiah nodded, her eyes locked on his. “Stop asking questions,” she whispered, her voice trembling but resoluteDarius’s eyes darkened, the weight of her trust sinking into him. “If you’re sure,” he said, his voice almost a plea, giving her one last chance to reconsider.In response, Hezekiah closed the space between them, her trembling hands reaching up to cup his face. She pulled him into a kiss—soft, tentative, but filled with yearning. Darius deepened the kiss, his arms wrapping around her, pulling her close.The towel slipped from her shoulders, pooling at her feet as Darius’s hands traced the curve of her back. He moved with reverence, his touch gentle, a