The Daring Billionaire’s Wife

Chapter 1: Who? Aileen

Down to the last phone number on the small paper in my hand, I make the call and it's the same thing all over again, leaving me so frustrated that I shove the paper in my purse and ball my hand into a fist. I'm only seconds away from hitting the counter but soon realize that'll only draw the attention of the other customers in the bar with me. I wouldn't want to ruin anyone's evening since it's a Friday.

I barely have any money in my purse and have the options to pay for a cab and go home, or buy myself some drinks to make myself believe it'll help me forget about my problems. I'm not sure how much longer I can do this. It's been 2 days now and still no luck. Lowering my head, my hair falls over my face and I flip it back, running my hand down in the process as I look to the left, making eye contact with the two gentlemen and a lady dressed in the finest suits. They all stand out from the rest of the customers by a wide margin and I can tell that everyone just seems to acknowledge their presence.

Suddenly, one of the two guys rises to his feet, fixing the lapels of his jacket while looking right at me with a smirk. There's still quite a distance between us but his brown hair is so silky that the warm lighting from the chandelier bounces off of it. It's also perfectly styled and not a single strand is out of place.

His friend seems amused and even chuckles, but the lady seems to whisper to him while shaking her head, all this while shooting glares at me.

I can't tell what they're up to, but it's none of my business, so I face the counter again, deciding to buy myself a drink. I can always just walk home. I only hope there's no downpour as I came here with no umbrella. How could I think of carrying one when the person I came to meet told me she had exactly what I had been waiting for? Thinking back to it, I clench my fist. Meryl has said the same thing everyday and I've fallen for it, holding onto the hope that this is finally it, but it never is.

As I tell myself to never fall for it again, I signal the bartender to come and take my order. I don't even have second thoughts using that to get on a cab and go home. I'm just so over it.

While I wait for my drink, a cologne with a seductive scent wafts its way to my nose and I inhale, making me close my eyes as I let it completely take over. I tilt my head to the side, wondering how it's possible that someone could smell so good.

"You sure do stand out sitting here alone." A deep and manly voice says right next to me. I open my eyes and look to my left, immediately realizing it's that guy from the table across the room and he's actually the source of the cologne.

I lose my senses just for a moment as I take in the view before me. His grey tailored suit accentuates his broad shoulders and the fabric hugs his toned body in all the right places. The white shirt and tie only adds to his polished demeanor as it radiates an aura of wealth and sophistication. After my eyes move past his chiseled jawline, I find myself looking right into his blue eyes but soon look away and realize this isn't what I'm here for.

"How about I join you?" he says, holding his head high.

I raise an eyebrow, skeptical as I face him. "Do whatever you want."

He flashes me a charming smile, his pearly whites only making him more attractive.

Sliding onto the stool beside me, he says, "You're the lucky lady tonight."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I narrow my eyes.

He chuckles again. "I see you're trying to be funny."

"I really don't get it." I emphasize.

"Come on. It's me." He arrogantly points at himself.

"Who?"

"Liam Richards."

"Who?" I repeat myself.

me put it this way, Dominic and

"Who?"

top of the counter, poking his cheek. "You

and I don't

disbelief.

"Aileen."

me my whiskey and I take a

Liam, he doesn't take the hint and even leans in, his

met anyone who doesn't know my family. Even

ן"

don't know you

I'm thinking that by admitting I know nothing about the Richards, which is true, it will make him go away as I'm also unwelcoming, but he gets more comfortable and slowly strokes his chin. "So, Aileen, what brings

jaw, thinking about Meryl disappointing me again. "I just need a drink,

about I get you

need. What I have is

had a long

of concern, his tone is nothing but a mix of charm and flirtation and I

for a drink." I finally look in his

and persuasive as he looks down at my lips. "I'm

his usual habit before taking a lady to his

observant, I could tell you're troubled. I'm also a good

and I almost believe him, but he's obviously using this tactic to get me to sleep with him. It's for this reason that I refuse to give

with amusement as he flashes

he asks. "That's too broad. How about

mind racing. I know his type- charming, wealthy, and used to getting what he wants. That's why shouldn't let this happen, but his cologne and the way he almost sounds sincere makes me want to lean

and the guy still seems amused. As

return to your girlfriend?"

his lips together as he firmly shakes his head. "She's not my girlfriend, not in this lifetime

distance himself, it makes no difference to me as I still tell myself not to

to you. Those two need you more than I do. Actually,

think you need it. You're just so stubborn

as I realize he's seen

just don't care." I roll my