The Daring Billionaire’s Wife

The bartender could've taken it easy with the drinks he served me, but how could he when the boss gave him specific instructions? I've never been one to blame others for what goes wrong in my life, but in this case, I just can't help it. I could've still chosen not to drink it,

but the heaviness in my heart was just too much.

While my aim was to forget all about my problems, the alcohol in my system has only made me feel worse and now staggering to the ladies' room, I dial Meryl's number, ready to give her a piece of my mind.

"Hello?" she says from the other end of the line. "Any luck?"

"You lied to me."

"I'm guessing that's a no."

"Do you even double check the phone numbers you share with me? Once again, it-"

"Wait, are you drunk?"

My eyes narrow. "Are you seriously asking me that right now?"

"Since when did you start taking alcohol? Do your parents kn-"

"They're not my parents," I cut her off, gritting my teeth. "You know what they've put me through despite raising me for years."

She sighs, disappointed. "The more I hear you speak, the more I confirm that you're drunk. If only those from Oakbrook Village could see you right now."

I lean against the wall with so much force that my back hurts a little. "Why do you keep changing the subject? None of the people I spoke to could help. You promised me that this was it."

"Look, I know you're disappointed but come on. It's only been two days and you've lost hope? You've wanted to search for them for years and now you finally had the balls to leave Oakbrook Village and want to quit?"

I sigh. "If you think I'm giving up and going back to that house, you're wrong."

"Then we'll keep trying. I'll do everything I can and keep you posted. Aileen?"

"What?" I ask.

"Don't drink too much."

I scoff, the call coming to an end.

to have some more patience. If I

make it to a bathroom stall, the suffering in my adoptive parents' home flashes in my mind and it takes me a while to step out. It's only when I hear a sob from the next stall that I snap out of it. I guess I'm not the only one having a bad day. To wash my hands,

that was right next to mine opens up, an elegantly dressed lady approaching the sinks with her head low. I soon recognize her as the one who's been shooting me glares. I can't help but

her head, focusing on finishing up by fluffing my hair a little and fixing my jean jacket.

me, rummaging

I raise an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, but are you talking to

her head, shooting me a glare through the mirror. "Do you

I'm shocked, I

I'll repeat myself. You might want to check yourself

"I don't understand."

under her eyes. "I was watching you and Liam when he came over to talk to you. Be careful or you might get

you...and then look at him. Do you

you have a problem with me? That's the same glare you gave

"Cousin?"

raises her

guess you must be his friend. There's no way

that?"

face that you'll never be his girlfriend, not in this life or

over her face. It would never be my intention to

that about me?" She sneers,

believe me, ask him yourself." I don't care if I'm

her throat and shoves the brush back in her purse.

I did to you for you to speak to me this way, but

rolls her eyes. "You think I don't know the kind of person you are? You're pretending to be this dumb girl who has no idea who Liam is and the power he and his family hold just so you can have his attention!"

Stephanie!" Her silky hair

you have to say and honestly, I'm wasting my time here. Have a

"Mark my words, leech-"

"It's Aileen."

know your fucking

"Then use it."

eyes. "Whatever it is you think will come out of the conversation you had with

know what you're talking

you're still playing dumb. Enough of this. I'm done with the likes of you." She grimaces, taking a few steps away