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

“Sofia Mckenzie!” I hear my husband say before a very cheerful woman stood from her place and came to offer a side hug to my husband. The man sitting and his wife too stood to welcome Matteo.

“I am indebted to your kindness. I love to have new people on my table.” I was beyond shocked listening to these words from my husband's mouth. The man who was our host had grey hair on his temples and seemed very energetic for his age while his wife had short black hair.

Matteo gestured me to take the seat and I followed while he seemed busy talking to Mrs. Mckenzie. I only offered a smile to the guests sitting ahead.

“My wife?” I only looked now to Matteo’s hand he was gesturing to me.

“Are you serious? Why…why we don’t know about it, Matteo? I never thought you are this kind of private person. I…you are so beautiful darling,” The woman whispered before taking a seat.

“This is absolutely a pleasure for us now. We would have arranged better if we knew.” That politician said and later when the food started we came to know he was someone from the ministry.

“So, why are you here?” My husband asked Sofia.

“Same things…my NGO has started work to support girls’ education here…but I know you won’t be interested because when it comes to helping? You want to do it all by yourself through your channels.”

“In the end, Mrs. Mckenzie we just want to return some of it to our community back…and, I want to be…you know…sure.” The dinner was half through. I knew from the talks on my engagement day that Mr. Lucca and my husband both run a lot of charities. So, yes it didn’t come as a surprise to me.

“So, when is the reception? You can’t literally plan to hide it from all of us forever?” Mrs. Mckenzie said making my throat dry. But I was still passing her a little smile while she was asking. Matteo was quick to reply.

“That was her plan. She wants to keep it a secret for a while and enjoy the calm. You know the media and everything.” The guests nodded in understanding.

“So, what do you do Julie? I would love to know a little about you,” The wife of that politician asked and I was about to say when Matteo added excitedly.

“She has a talent when it comes to choosing the best. Right now, I am letting her change my whole wardrobe. Because…you know why not?...” And, his tone was excited. Excited enough that none of the persons suspected he was not letting me talk. Apparently, he looked like someone who was crazy about his wife and wanted to talk about her. And, not stripping off her from speaking anything at all.

“Wow,…I used to be excited about wardrobe a lot when I was your age too.” The wife of that politician commented.

Apparently, that politician wanted Matteo to extend his business here too along with his NGOs. And, he spoke from his government side to let Matteo know how much they were interested in Matteo’s trading company and how he can have warehouses and how they would exempt him from taxes for five years. They talked about how the port is very good to have the shipments and things I couldn’t comprehend.

“Well, I guess I can’t refuse that. Why don’t you prepare official proposals and send them to my company? I will talk to my advisors and legal team to see when we can do this.” Matteo replied and I saw the people even happier. The sweet dish came while at some distance some musicians sat playing very soft music in the background.

“So, until when you two are here in Mauritius?” Mrs. Sofia asked and I don’t know why whenever that woman spoke she seemed soft and compassionate. But I didn’t want to believe that after my encounter with Mr. Lucca.

“We will be here for two days. I have a meeting after the day tomorrow and she will be busy shopping.”

“There are great outlets in the vicinity of this hotel. I am sure you would like it.” The politician's wife spoke softly.

“I love this music,” Sofia spoke,

“Really, who is the composer?” Matteo asked giving a brow to the people who were playing.

“Abel Korzeniowski,” I replied making Mrs, Sofia started, “Yes,…I love him. You know how to play instruments. I used to love it when I was your age.”

“Why don’t you play?” The politician added,

And, at that very moment, I felt a hand on my knee pressing. I could sense from the little smile at the corner of Matteo's mouth when I turn to look at him.

“No, my sister used to be crazy about these instruments. So, I know.”

“When I will be back in Italy I would love to have a coffee with you. And, whenever you are free...Ummm, feel free to visit my foster home. I am always there. You will feel amazing with the kids. And, I make the best coffee.”

“Yes…you should go. Maybe you will like kids.” Matteo said making my face red. The guests sitting had their eyes narrowed too.

“I love kids,” I spoke softly but the element of surprise was there in my voice.

“I know…” Matteo said sounding as if he was trying to cover for me. “In fact, we have talked about you to look after my NGO’s. But…Sofia I don’t want to pressure her. She can work only when she wants…but even then she can’t work for kids. Because she is not a huge fan of loud voices.” I looked at Matteo while an unbearable lump started forming in my throat.

“It is fine…you can come to my home to have the coffee.” I felt a hand on my knee again.

“I am busy for some time. But I will surely look into my schedule.” Suddenly, I was a rude person. I don’t know what it gave to Matteo. What kind of satisfaction he got from having my image this rude in front of his contacts but I found his hand now grazing my knee lightly.

We left for our room after ten in the night and he seemed quite in a good mood even after he closed the door after me. I took a long sigh before I turned and started removing his tie. My body got a chill feeling his arms around me. “I love you,” I looked up in his eyes totally stunned but the smirk on his face was making it too apparent for me that he didn’t mean it.