The Billionaire's Unwanted Bride novel Chapter 70

Aidan's POV

The knock on the door makes me raise my head from the paperwork in front of me. I didn't go home last night and I wonder if it is Anna. I am used to her show of concern, even though I keep telling her it is unnecessary.

At first, anytime I see her waiting up for me whenever I close from work late, it puts me off but now I like the fact that she waits up for me sometimes. But these past few days, she barely does that and I think it's because of the baby. My precious gem, Lily.

It felt like a dream the day she came to the world. Even though I was expecting her to give me a male child, I fell in love with Lily at first sight. She has my blue ocean-sharp eyes and I love everything about her. I made a vow to protect her with everything in my power.

That day, I felt a soft spot for Anna and I appreciated her for giving me Lily, one of the best gifts ever.

To show her my gratitude, I accompanied her to the graduation ceremony the second day after Lily's birth. I stayed in the car all through with Lily and the nanny. I didn't want us to be seen together and I still don't want it.

I want a quiet divorce with Anna when the time comes. I don't want things to get messy with the media when they know we are married and about to be divorced. At this point in my life, I don't want anything to ruin my image in the business world. I am still enjoying the privilege of the award.

The second knock on the door pulls me out of my reverie. "Come in", I say sharply.

The door opens and Chloe comes in with a file. I am a bit disappointed that it isn't Anna. I have been feeling this way ever since the last time she stopped waiting for me. I always arrive home with the expectation of meeting her in the living room as usual, in her night robe, waiting for me to come home before she goes to bed.

That show of affection makes me feel bad for wanting to punish her for her mother's mistakes and for pushing her away whenever she tries to talk to me like a wife should.

"Here is the file you asked me to work on, sir", she places the file on the desk when she is close enough.

I nod in response and dismissal but she is still standing. I gaze up at her. Her hands are clasped forward in front of her and her head is bent.

"What is it, Chloe?" I ask, wondering what is up with her. I have no idea why Chloe still feels uncomfortable with me, even now that I try to relate with my staff more than often.

Staying with Anna for almost a year taught me that. The maids in the house loved Anna because of how cheerful she is with everyone and I envy her sometimes for the kind of free being she is. I envy her whenever I see her chatting and laughing with our domestic staff at home. I tried doing the same thing with them but I always end up barking orders at them and before I know it, they will scurry away in tears.

I tried doing the same at work. I remember the day Chloe and I laughed at one of my clients that I called a clown.

I smile in remembrance.

"There is someone here to see you, sir. She is someone you have warned us never to let in here again but I have no idea how she got in....."

"Who?" I furrow my brow, trying to remember who I forbade from coming.

"It's Miss Tessa", she answers. I remain quiet, wondering what she is here for. It's been a while since we last saw each other. I thought she was out of New York already.

"I have been telling her you don't...."

"Why did she say she wants to see me?" I cut her short again.

"She says it's important", she replies.

Tessa always takes things about her as important, I am not surprised.

I drop my pen. "How long has she been here?"

"Almost an hour", she responds.

Tessa doesn't have much patience. What is so important? I ask inwardly.

"Let her in", I say, without giving it any thought.

"Sir?" Her eyes widens in surprise that I am letting her in. I want to know what the important thing is and if it is not worth it, I will send her out. It's not a big deal.

"I said let her in", my voice is a bit raised. She shakes her head and runs out.

I shift the paper work away and keep the

file Chloe just brought in front of me so I can begin work on it after Tessa has left. I will work on the latter before the end of the day.

The knock on the door this time is soft and before I can grant her permission, she opens the door and comes in.

Typical Tessa, I muse.

Her dress catches my attention and I suddenly remember how she used to seduce me. I hope she isn't here today for that. I have made a vow never to be intimate with her anymore. She is a devil and she can use that to her advantage. I need to be very careful.

The dress is a black short gown, stopping at her knee and her hair is down. She saunters to the chair opposite me with a little smile on her face.

"Long time no see, Aidan", she crosses her leg. "How are you doing?"

I am dumbfounded to see Tessa smiling. She is still the same person she was before now. I am thinking she is here to plead for forgiveness because she feels remorseful for what she did to me but I am wrong. Tessa will not change.

"How can I help you?" I go straight to the point. I don't want her to waste my precious time with frivolities. If she isn't here, I know I will be halfway done with the file before me already.

She looks around the office. "Your office is still the same way..."

"Why are you here, Tessa?" I interrupt her.

"I allowed you in because you told my secretary it is important.

"Oh, yes. It is", she winks at me.

I glare at her. She is wasting my fucking time. Why can't she just say whatever it is and get the fuck out of my office? I am about to tell her to get out when she dips her hand into her bag and brings out an envelope.

My curiosity increase and I keep mute. I hope it has nothing to do with my business, I hope she isn't trying to tarnish my image and blackmail me into marrying her too.

"I have always been a bearer of good news but unfortunately, I bring to you bad news", she shakes her head sadly. My heart race and my eyes are on the envelope.

"I am supposed to come to congratulate you on your secret marriage but unfortunately....."

"F***ing say what it is", I yell at her in irritation.

She smiles. "You are still that impatient man I know you to be."

I did not say anything.

"I came here to tell you that your dear wife is cheating on you", she grins wildly. I didn't understand what she was saying at first but after a while, I realize she is talking about Anna.

"What the hell?" I grunt in anger.

I know I am not supposed to be angry about this but I can't help it. I just feel it is too soon for Anna to start dating again. I know I gave her the right to do this but this is the wrong timing. Our baby is barely three months old.

Why is she desperate? What if the media knows about our marriage, is this how she will go about tarnishing my prestige and making me look stupid?

I am mad at her because I feel if this marriage is actually real, she would definitely be cheating on me.

After a while, I begin to feel Tessa might be lying just to get me to do her bidding. I stare at her with doubt.

"You don't believe me?" She gasps.

"Yes", I say firmly. I want her to prove it. My eyes fall back on the envelope. I really have no idea what I will do to Anna if this is true.

Why can't she just be patient till she is out of my house? How can she be dating another man when she is in my house as my wife? This makes no sense.

She picks the envelope up and stands up. I am thinking she won't show me and I am about to stop her when she says. "I am not here to blackmail you. I only came to prove to you that I am more worthy than your so-called wife. You married her because you think she is better than me but here she is", she leans forward and raises the envelope. "Shamelessly kissing another man when your infant is barely a year old. How the hell is she better than me then?"

My fist tightens. I don't know if I am angry at the news or the way Tessa is speaking and making a fool of my home. She should show me the proof already. I am breathing as if my heart will soon burst out of my chest.

She throws the envelope at me and strides out. I watch her go before taking a deep breath and picking up the envelope from my chest. I open it with shaky hands and bring out the only picture there.

My eyes widen at the proof before me.

"What the hell!"