My Child and I Married a Billionaire novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5: A Loving Husband

Editor: Henyee Translations

Less than two minutes later, the group was escorted to the largest and most luxurious private room in the restaurant. Damien excused himself, saying he had some business to attend to and would stop by later. The moment he left, everyone crowded around Cecelia.

"Cecelia, what exactly does your husband do?"

"Why does he know the management here?"

"He’s ridiculously handsome."

"He must have an incredible job, right?"

Another coworker sighed dramatically, "You’re unbelievably lucky. If I had a husband that handsome, I’d be posting selfies every day just to let the world know he was mine."

"Exactly!"

"And you already have a child too."

"How old is your kid?"

"Is she in preschool yet?"

"Where do you live?"

Question after question came flying at her.

Cecelia hadn’t prepared answers for any of them. Nor did she particularly want to share. So she quickly changed the subject. "Let’s order first," she said with a smile. "We can talk while we eat."

Although none of them had eaten at Valoria Gardens before, everyone knew it was outrageously expensive. Anyone with a bit of self-awareness would have been reluctant to order.

Everyone except Vivian Mason.

Without the slightest embarrassment, Vivian grabbed the tablet and started selecting dishes enthusiastically. "Cecelia’s husband is obviously loaded," she said. "It’s only one meal. What are you all holding back for?"

As she spoke, she ordered more than a dozen dishes. Then she added a bottle of 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild for good measure.

The moment Cecelia saw the order, her eye twitched. She silently memorized every item.

Fine.

The next time Vivian treated the office, she’d make sure to order twice as much.

Just wait.

The meal was nearly over before Damien finally appeared. Although he only stayed for a short while, he handled the situation perfectly. Whenever someone proposed a toast, he accepted it. Whenever someone praised Cecelia, he politely agreed. He even said a few complimentary things about her work ethic and professionalism.

By the end of it, her coworkers were looking at her with undisguised envy.

When he finally stood to leave, he placed a platinum membership card in front of Cecelia.

"The meal is on me." His gaze swept across the table. "Everyone enjoy yourselves." Then he added calmly, "If you’re still hungry, feel free to order more."

The entire table fell silent. Even the manager looked ready to adopt Damien on the spot.

Young. Handsome. Generous. And apparently devoted to his wife. How could a man like this even exist?

Cecelia was unbelievably lucky.

Cecelia, however, remained perfectly clear-headed. Unlike everyone else, she knew Damien’s situation. In her eyes, his profession wasn’t easy money.

Quite the opposite.

It depended on youth, appearance, and stamina.

People in that line of work also spent heavily to maintain their image. Otherwise, how could they afford designer suits, luxury restaurants, and membership cards like this?

He had already done her an enormous favor by helping her obtain the marriage certificate and agreeing to help with Candy’s paperwork later. She couldn’t possibly accept his money either.

The moment Damien left the private room, she hurried after him. The hallway outside was quiet. For the first time all evening, she was free from curious coworkers and endless questions. Without hesitation, she pressed the membership card back into his hand.

"Sorry for dragging you here." She looked genuinely apologetic. "And thank you. For everything. The room. Covering for me. All of it." She shook her head. "But I can’t take your money."

Damien glanced down at her. She’d had a little wine. A faint flush colored her cheeks. For some reason, he still couldn’t figure her out. If she wanted something, why not just ask? Why make everything so complicated?

He looked at the card. Then back at her. "What is it?" His voice was calm. "Not enough?"

Cecelia nearly choked. "What?" She waved both hands frantically. "No! No, that’s not what I meant!"

She suddenly realized how her actions might have looked.

"We’re not really married." She lowered her voice. "So how could I spend your money?" Then she added awkwardly, "Or complain that it isn’t enough."

Damien stared at her. Cecelia immediately felt even more embarrassed.

"I just meant..." She trailed off. Then she gave up. "Anyway, thank you for tonight." She stepped backward. "You should get back to work. I’ve already taken up too much of your time."

Without waiting for a reply, she practically fled back toward the private room.

Damien remained standing there holding the card. His gaze followed her retreating figure. A slight frown appeared on his face. If she didn’t want money... Then what exactly did she want?

Before he could think further, something suddenly brushed against his back. The sensation made his skin crawl. His expression instantly darkened. Without hesitation, he grabbed the offending arm and twisted.

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