Billionaire's wife by Ashleh Queen (best ereader for epub TXT) 📕

“I can second that.” Mrs Martinez commented taking a sip from her glass.

We were still talking when we noticed someone starting on the stage. We all looked at the stage where a man in his grey suit has started thanking all the persons who took their time out to be here. All of us slowly started dispersing to our tables. I looked at Matteo and he had his eyes for me too. I passed a smile to him when I heard Mrs Anderson ask Mrs Martinez if there was going to be a new policy over imports in Italy.

I didn’t get to hear what her reply was. They were already away at their table that wasn’t so far from us. Mrs Anderson was seated to our left not so far. The President was seated right at the front where he will definitely be in more pictures. Mr and Mrs Hashimi were seated in the front row of tables too but at the very right corner.

I was looking away to my left when I heard Matteo whisper. “Don’t…” I got my eyes fixed on the stage and automatically applauded the moment everyone started. But the next I found Matteo standing from his place. I figured he was called on the stage. I too stood to give him a side hug with a smile. I took my seat back at the table.

Before he could take a step further I found a tall figure coming to hug him. And, the moment I realized who he was my throat got dry. Matteo didn’t flinch and returned the gesture with equal enthusiasm apparently. I think I was the only one who noticed his bulging nerve on the temple.

Matteo walked to the stage without looking back and I sat frozen when that person decided to sit where Matteo was a moment ago. Not wanting to create a scene I didn’t react.

“How are you?” He asked and I didn’t find this person worthy of my reply. And, continued looking at the stage.

“Will you like to have your drink?” He asked sliding my drink to me and that made me look at him.

“I am sure you must be assigned a table too.” He smiled and continued staring at me.

“Now, this is rude…and, if you think no one here knows what a slut you must be if you are living with Matteo then you are wrong. I know Matteo. I know his ways. Mr Marinez knows what kind of person he is…Matteo is the reason that he is a president...” I had anger running through my veins. I refuse to take it from a person like him. The last time I found this person in my home wasn’t a good memory for me.

“I think my slap from the last time made it clear to you that I am the lady of the house you are not allowed to visit anymore.” And, that got me a very heated gaze from him. Inhaling sharp I turn to look at the stage where I don’t know what Matteo was saying. He was speaking in Italian using only a word or two from English.

“This confidence doesn’t suit you when you are a wife of the person called Matteo De Lucca…” I do know what he was referring to. I completely ignored him and continued to look at the stage.

“...Not every day a man is going to show up for you. I will give you the security he will never offer you. I can provide for you…may be double?…” My eyebrows got furrowed as I turn to look at him. “…if you want to stay married to Matteo…it is fine with me too. I…I really need to get you out of my system.” I jumped a little the moment he got his hand on my thigh. Looking around me I found everyone’s attention on the stage.

“What are you doing?” I hissed before catching his hand that he effortlessly slid higher. I stood from my place and took two steps back as I smiled looking at the stage. Holding both hands under my chin I acted as if I was cheering on my husband. Matteo got down from the stage in less than a few seconds afterwards. He had a huge smile on his face and did nod to some tables as he walked to me but the moment his friend got up from his place Matteo opened his arms for him.

Of course, I was disappointed but the moment I got to my chair I heard a muffled groan. Looking at my side I found his friend half bent. I could tell he was in pain but he too managed a smile on his face as he tries to leave.

“Did he touch you?” Matteo asked as he looked at the stage all smiles.

“Yes…but…” Before I could complete he asked,

“Where?” This time he looked at me.

“Can we talk about it later?” I requested and his jaw seemed hard as he turned to look at the stage. The huge screen showed the first cause of providing clean water to unfortunate people in the faraway villages. Many wrote their figures on an app that was opened on everyone’s cellphone here. Not only the people here were donating the money it was being broadcasted on the official website too and anyone could join through an app.

And, the moment time gets up the people are shown from the ones who donated the most to the people who donated the least.

I found Mrs Campbell's name in the first row for this one. I could also recognize Mr and Mrs Hashimi as the third number. Matteo didn't donate a dime. Not even for the sake of pretending but he was the very reason that this organization was existing. So, maybe people weren't expecting anything from him.

After five more causes a dance performance was given by six gymnastic girls from Russia. A singer too performed and for him, the lights were dimmed too. Everyone was being served on their table whatever they asked for.

Not so much time later the donations were asked again but this time it was an auction to have the chance of most precious things. There were paintings, dresses and ornaments and one of the paintings were sold for three million dollars too. Not only this but to have the donation more the person who donated would stand beside the things they donated too. And, I really hoped that all this money raining brightens up his mood from earlier. I stared at Matteo’s smile wondering if he was making it up or really enjoying the show.

Almost all of us around were making bids except us. He didn’t make the bid for anything. I wonder if he was looking for something more specific. Soon, I found Peter appearing at our table. I passed a smile to him the moment I recognized him. He looked different in a tux. He did return my smile before getting his ear lowered to Matteo’s mouth.