Billionaire's Accidental Wife novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32 The driver pulls up at what appears to be a very swanky restaurant. Two large white arches align the brick building labelled Grasso’s, one of the most expensive restaurants in the city.

Dave helps me out of the car and leads me into the establishment. The gold ceiling is dotted with crystal chandeliers, while bright red lighting gives the large space a seductive feel. The mood is quiet, private and intimate, with most couples staring lovingly into each other’s eyes.

It’s perfect for our first date. I smile on the inside and tighten my grip on Dave’s hand as we walk through the restaurant.

“Your table is right this way, Mr. Brown,” the hostess says, apparently familiar with my date.

She directs us to a private section that is only accessible through a large white door. My nerves are jittery with anticipation of what will be revealed next. Perhaps a candlelit dinner overlooking the city? Or maybe I will be serenaded by someone playing the violin? But when the door opens, I almost have to do a double take. “Hi, sweetheart! Wow, you look stunning!” I am shocked.

Speechless.

“Christie? What are you doing here?!” I turn around and snap at Dave. “You seemed to have forgotten the tiny detail that you also invited my sister to dinner!” “Oh, no, Sebastian is here too. He’s just tipping the valet,” my sister answers instead.

Ignoring her, I look back at Dave. “What made you think this was okay? Do you really think I want to spend the evening with our sister and her fiance? Why didn’t you tell me they were

coming?”

“Come on, Chelsea. Jane and Catherine will join us later.” To quell my anger, Dave’s hand rubs gently against my back. “I heard about the fight you had with your boss this morning, and I thought we needed a do over of that dinner we had at the weekend,” Christie added and winked at Dave.

I do not respond. Instead, I stabbed him with my eyes.

My first instinct is to run. Something about this situation does not seem right. I am not buying Dave’s “Games about Sebastian, his friend and business partner mantra.”

This all feels like more of an ambush and I want out.

“Yes, I think it’s a great idea, Chelsea,” Sebastian suddenly says behind me. “I think we could use a little family bonding.” I ignore him as he takes a seat at the table while Dave follows his lead.

Everyone is seated except me. And I still had no intention of staying. “Come on, Chelsea,” Dave says, clearly annoyed at my resistance.

When the waiter enters the room, I give in and reluctantly sit down. I still have a few choice words to unleash, but I do not want to cause a scene.

“So, how was your second day at Brown Inc.?” my sister asks. “Well, I-”

“I would say it went pretty well” Dave chuckles. I chose to ignore him. “It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I’m getting the hang of the whole corporate world.” “I’m really glad to hear that, Chelsea. At Brown Inc., we treat our employees with the utmost respect and strive for a positive environment for everyone. Dave has done an excellent job of making everyone feel special and appreciated,” Sebastian states. “Well, some are a little more special than others,” Dave winks at me.

What on earth is he doing?!

Is he trying to make it obvious what we did? I continue to ignore him. “As I was saying, I’m getting used to everything and the other staff are nice.” “Chelsea’s desk is right outside my office, so I can be close to her. Although, she didn’t spend that much time there.” “Oh really? Where did you spend most of your day, sweetheart?” my sister asks innocently. I find it hard to concentrate on her question because I am appalled by Dave’s behaviour. “Naked. On top of my desk,” he says casually. The table falls completely silent. I feel my palms becoming sweaty as the heat in the room rises to the level of hyperventilation. I need air or, better yet, an object to smack Dave in the face with. I glare at him before looking over apologetically at my sister and Sebastian. “Excuse me. I suddenly have to use the ladies’ room.”

It was my only way out of the unbearable and embarrassing situation. What the hell kind of game is Dave playing? Where did the kind, gentle Dave go? I desperately try to control the tears threatening to pour down my face. I am unable to wrap my head around what Dave has just said. Even I do not fully comprehend what happened between us today, and yet here he is, revealing it to the world.

Everyone is chatting animatedly when I return a few minutes later to the table.

Okay… that is weird.

Clearly, I was the only one distraught over the situation.

“Chelsea, Dave told me you both had lunch at a coffee shop and that you told him some of your concerns about being back in London.”

I remain silent. Dave obviously has no filter when it comes to our personal lives.

“You and Dave make a cute couple. I am so happy for you. It’s about time, don’t you think?” My sister says giddily. Whoa… back up the fricken’ bus.

Couple? What on earth did he tell her when I was in the restroom?

“Christie, you do realise that Dave is boss?” I state this with sheer annoyance.

“That doesn’t matter, sweetheart; love is love.”

“Well, I don’t love him!” I snap. “We’ve only known each other for like three days.” I turn and glare at my so-called boyfriend. “I think it’s time I leave.

“But we only just got here,” Dave says, a pensive expression on his face. “I don’t care,” I tell him before turning on my heels and marching right out of there. I have had enough “stupid time” for one evening, and I need to be alone. And far away from Dave. The nerve? How could he be such a jerk? “But we only just got here,” Dave says, a pensive expression on his face. “I don’t care,” I tell him before turning on my heels and marching right out of there. I have had enough “family time” for one evening and I need to be alone.

And far away from Dave.

Yes there were some more questions that needed answers a year ago. Why the hell did he want her gone? And Sebastian? Brown Inc.? How did he become so rich?

*****

When morning comes, I wake up feeling crappy and restless.

I am so apprehensive about seeing Dave today. I plan to go to work, as usual, to try and gather information about what the company is doing in Kenya. But what does that mean for the dynamic between Dave and me… I have no clue.

By the time I drag myself out of bed, have a shower, and throw on another designer outfit, I hear Marcel call out my name.

“Miss Chelsea. The driver is out front.” “Thank you, Marcel!” I shouted back.

I hastily get my belongings together, throw on some makeup, tie my hair in a loose ponytail, and race down the stairs.

“No time for breakfast, Chelsea?”

When I land at the bottom of the stairs and pass the dining room, my sister is seated at the dining table. In true high society fashion, she is surrounded by a platter of delectable food,

along with coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. The sight makes my stomach churn. Is she really this naive?

Or does she choose to ignore what is going on right under her nose? “I see you’re in a rush, Miss Chelsea. Your breakfast has been packed for you to take for the ride. The driver has it in the car,” Marcel states before I can answer my sister.

I was going to tell her the details I overheard last night and ask if she knew her soon-to-be husband and business partner were malicious billionaires.

Lucky for her, I am running late.

“Oh, thank you so much, Marcel,” I say with a small smile, then walk out without even speaking to my sister.

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