Second Vows Adored by the Billionaire novel Chapter 1

Eloise Belton gripped her phone so tightly her knuckles went white.

After five long years of waiting, the call had finally come. It was from Gregory Miles, her grandfather's most trusted aide.

"Eloise," Gregory said, "your marriage to Mr. Clarkson has successfully passed the five-year trial period your grandfather set."

He continued, Your grandfather would like you and your husband to come visit. He's ready to sign over all his assets to you. When would be a good time?"

"Really?" Eloise couldn't contain her joy, her voice trembling. "Gregory, that's amazing. Today! I can come over right now."

When she hung up, she exhaled deeply, like a weight she'd carried for years had finally lifted.

Finally! Her grandfather had forgiven her for defying him five years ago—for walking away from the family fortune and the marriage he'd arranged, choosing Victor instead.

It proved she'd made the right call. Victor had been worth the sacrifice.

Today wasn't just the end of her grandfather's test period. It was also their fifth anniversary.

She was going to surprise Victor with the news and give them both the future they deserved.

*****

The county clerk's office smelled faintly of paper and old files.

Eloise's heart raced with excitement. Her grandfather's attorney had asked her to obtain a certified copy of her marriage certificate for the estate transfer. She approached the clerk's window and handed over the marriage certificate she'd kept safe for five years.

She pictured Victor's shocked expression when he learned the truth, a gentle smile crossing her face.

The staff member typed into the system, checked again, then checked a third time. His frown deepened, and his expression hardened.

A while later, he looked up at Eloise, his gaze sharp and professional.

"Ms. Belton, I'm very sorry. This marriage certificate is counterfeit. According to our records, you're currently unmarried."

"Unmarried?" Eloise froze, disbelief flashing across her face. "That's impossible."

The clerk's tone remained gentle but firm. "However, Victor Clarkson is legally married. His wife is listed as Anita Sterling."

The words hit like a physical blow.

Eloise shot to her feet, her voice rising. "That's a lie! My husband gave me this himself. How could it be fake?"

"I'm afraid the records are clear," the clerk replied. "Mr. Clarkson and Ms. Sterling also have a daughter together. She's five years old—Beatrice Sterling."

"What?" Eloise staggered.

A daughter. Five years old.

The little girl she'd loved like her own goddaughter, Beatrice, was Victor and Anita's biological child.

"The marriage was registered five years ago," the clerk continued, "on the exact same date as this certificate."

"Eloise, don't be so upset. Maybe it's for the best. We're just getting our careers started. It's really not the right time for a baby," he'd said.

Now she understood—it was never about timing. That day, he already had a newborn with someone else.

What she'd lost was just an inconvenience he'd never wanted.

The clerk handed back the fake certificate. Eloise's fingers went limp, and it slipped from her grasp and fell onto the floor.

Those official-looking letters felt like a slap in the face, turning five years of love and sacrifice into a cruel joke.

Outside the office, cold wind hit her face, clearing her mind but deepening the chill in her chest.

Gregory followed, his face heavy with concern.

"Eloise, what Victor did is unforgivable. Are you sure you don't want your grandfather to handle this?"

Eloise shook her head slowly. The shock and pain in her eyes faded, replaced by something colder and more determined.

"No," she said calmly.

"Gregory, tell my grandfather that in one month, I'll come home with my decision and officially take over the family business. He doesn't need to worry."

With that, Eloise hailed a taxi and gave the driver the address of Victor's company.