The Daring Billionaire’s Wife by Lypstical

Dominic

It's been seven weeks since I brought Vanessa to the orphanage so she could speak to management about her idea and it's finally the day of the launch.

My parents, siblings, father-in-law, Frank and a few other people are all here at the orphanage to witness the launch.

Though Frank suggested that we should have the press, I instantly turned down the suggestion as I don't like to publicize everything that I do for the children. Given the honor of cutting the ribbon is Penelope, who is finally out of the hospital. Just as she cuts the ribbon, we all give a round while standing behind her.

Before I can say a word, the children excitedly run towards their extended and improved playground by stepping on the ribbon, making me look over Vanessa, who stands right next to me and she chuckles. Even with all the children screaming, I feel like speaking to her right now, so I lean toward her.

"You did it," I proudly say to her.

She nods, her lips curved into a smile. "Yes, but you also had a role to play."

"I know I did, but that was the small part of it. Since you were able to handle this, you'll definitely be ready for your hair care line."

Her smile fades as she looks away. "We'll talk about that later."

I straighten up with a sigh, already understanding that she has something to say about the team that I came up with.

Just as we both watch the children play around, I sense her from the corner of my eye looking down and when I look over, she's on her phone.

"Do you think this is the time for that?" I ask

"I'm just texting Mia about the time we're meeting up today."

"Oh, it's Mia?"

"It's not always Patrick. Give it a rest." She rolls her eyes.

I clear my throat, a little embarrassed. "How can you blame me when he calls you more frequently now that he's busy with work and you seem to be the one person he constantly wants to talk to?" She scoffs. "Don't even go there."

"I just don't understand why-"

"Shh! Here they come!"

She gestures behind us using her eyes and I figure out that everyone's getting closer to our spot.

Putting aside what I have to say to her, we turn around together and approach everyone so we can meet halfway.

My mom instantly embraces Vanessa and says, "Congratulations, my daughter. Once again, I have no doubt in my mind that when it's your turn to become parents, you'll be amazing!"

Though everyone chuckles with amusement, Vanessa's eyes widen a little as she glances at me with a fake smile.

I look over at Frank and he just subtly shrugs at me.

Until now, Vanessa's not yet pregnant and hearing everyone share the same sentiment right after my mom, makes it a little awkward for Vanessa and me. We've never spoken about it ever since we fucked at the hotel that night, which was over seven weeks ago.

Though I haven't touched her intimately in such a long time, seeing her whenever I'm back home from my business trips always feels like a new experience. She's been changing up her style and I like everything I see. Everything always looks good on her no matter what it is.

Before, all I did was lust after her but seeing how far we've come, I've come to appreciate more than just her voluptuous figure.

Since our parents have other engagements to attend to, they leave right away, my father-in-law delaying by a few minutes just so he can have a word with me regarding the investor.

After he also leaves, Vanessa, Frank, Jake, Sophie and I take over in the cafeteria, serving the children's meals while they wait in line for their turn.

Though I interact with them as I put lots of vegetables on their plates, something that's been on my mind becomes too difficult to keep to myself, so I whisper to Vanessa since she's right next to me at the end of the serving line.

"I'm still thinking about that comment about the children," I whisper to her.

to admit that it

you think

looks at me in disbelief. "You

How could I not ask when

be the

"I better be."

I'm the one next to you because I can hear you!" Frank chimes

busted. There was a time when I thought she'd never completely warm up to me again but here we are now. It took a while, but I'm glad

tray with me meant for Vanessa as she waits at our table, engaged in

get

could get used to coming here every day," he says. "The food is always

it because you helped out," I playfully

I should come here everyday just

in the pocket of my apron rings, so I take it out with enthusiasm but it instantly

to Frank, forcing myself to smile while I look around at the

pay him for the third time today since we still haven't come up with anything to get him off

I tighten the grip on my

"Will you meet him?"

find a solution to this. I can't keep giving

it was wrong of me to say that

many bodyguards and only a few when

were constantly present in the first place was because of Carmella but up until

she's back but just

She would

when you want nothing to do with

always says when she texts me on random numbers. I've even lost count of how many times I've blocked her.

are you

is I felt

course it's fading, considering how you don't see her anymore and you and

"We're just friends."

"Of course you are."

mentioned the management team for the hair care

sighs. "I knew this would happen. Well, that's for you to

leaving the orphanage, I head straight to the park and Shane is already there, trying to look as cocky as he can

around before I make my move and with

I'm about to do, he

him, tossing the money at his feet.

glare, he crouches down. "Fuck

wanting to do this in person.

grits his teeth as he rises to his feet. "I'll see you

won't be a next time because I'll definitely put a stop to this, but I choose not to say it, just in case he uses the opportunity to make

Vanessa and she picks up so quickly

go?" she asks

have him off my back for the next month.

"Yeah, until 6 p.m."

need to be ready for the dinner we're

I've gotten better at not spending

"There's barely any difference."

gasps in disbelief and I'm certain

but if I'm

Vanessa

p.m. and it's only now that I'm on my way back home. The ride feels long and the silence only amplifies my racing heart.