The Billionaire's Insignificant Wife novel Chapter 123

Dinner and Deception

At six-thirty, Alina stood in front of the mirror.

She’d washed away the dirt and tears. Fixed her hair. Applied makeup that hid the redness around her eyes.

Wore a simple dress. Understated. Appropriate for dinner with family.

She looked normal.

But inside, she was still shaking from Junior’s fear.

From the way he’d called her “the sad-sick lady” and run from the room.

A knock.

“Come in.”

Daniel entered. Changed into fresh clothes. Looking almost as exhausted as she felt.

“Your father just arrived. He’s in the sitting room with Emma. I thought you’d want to greet them privately before dinner.”

Alina nodded. “Thank you.”

She walked past him. Down the corridor. Down the stairs.

The sitting room door was open.

Richard Hayes stood near the window. Emma beside him. Both turned when Alina entered.

Her father’s face shifted-relief mixed with worry.

“Alina.”

She crossed the room. He caught her in a tight embrace.

“Papa,” she whispered. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

Richard pulled back, studying her face carefully. “Are you alright? Really alright?”

Alina forced a smile. “I’m fine, Papa. Really. Things are better now.”

But Emma’s eyes had already catalogued everything. The weight loss. The shadows under the makeup. The tremor in Alina’s hands.

“Alina,” Emma said quietly. “You’ve lost weight. A lot of weight.”

“I’ve been stressed. That’s all. I’m eating fine now.”

The lie came easily.

Because the truth-that she could barely keep food down most days, that anxiety had stolen her appetite, that she was surviving on coffee and willpower-would only worry them.

And her father looked so old suddenly.

So worn.

The lines around his eyes deeper than she remembered. Gray at his temples that hadn’t been there months ago.

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He’d been worrying about her.

Losing sleep. Aging under the weight of knowing his daughter was suffering.

Alina couldn’t add to that burden.

“I’m okay,” she repeated firmly. “Daniel has made changes. Real changes. His mother is gone. I can see you anytime. Things are improving.”

Richard searched her face. “You’d tell me if they weren’t? If you needed help?”

“Of course, Papa. I promise.”

Another lie.

But a necessary one.

Emma said nothing. Just watched with those too-perceptive eyes.

***

At seven PM, they gathered in the dining room.

Daniel at the head of the table. Alina to his right.

Richard and Emma on the opposite side.

Clarissa and Junior were notably absent.

“I thought it best to keep this dinner small,” Daniel said. “Just family. I hope that’s acceptable.”

“It’s fine,” Richard said. Voice neutral but wary.

Dinner was served.

Daniel was attentive throughout. Asking Richard about his business. Engaging Emma in conversation about her work.

And toward Alina-unfailingly solicitous.

“Are you comfortable? Do you need anything?”

“More water for you?”

“How’s your hand? The infection cleared up?”

Small gestures. Constant attention.

The picture of a concerned husband.

Alina played her part. Smiled when appropriate. Responded pleasantly.

Pretended everything was fine.

Emma watched it all in silence.

The performance was too perfect.

Too practiced.

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Richard seemed to buy it. His shoulders gradually relaxing as the meal progressed.

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“I have to say,” he admitted during dessert, “I’m relieved to see Alina looking better. I was very worried after-” He paused. “After what happened at the gate.”

“That should never have occurred,” Daniel said. “And I’ve made sure it won’t happen again. You’re always welcome here, Mr. Hayes. This is Alina’s home. Her family should feel comfortable visiting.”

“I appreciate that.”

The dinner ended.

Coffee in the sitting room.

More pleasant conversation.

Then, as they prepared to leave, Richard pulled Alina aside.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked quietly. “Really sure? Because if you need to leave, if you want to come stay with me-”

“I’m sure, Papa.” Alina took his hands. “I want to stay. I want to make this work.”

“For Daniel?”

“For Junior. I can’t just give up on him. Not when there’s still a chance he might remember.”

Richard’s expression was pained. “But what if he doesn’t?”

“Then at least I’ll know I tried everything.”

She hugged him tightly. “I love you, Papa. Thank you for caring. But I promise I’m okay.”

Richard held her for a long moment.

Then released her reluctantly.

“Call me. Anytime. Day or night. I mean it.”

“I will.”

Emma was next.

She pulled Alina into a tight embrace.

And whispered directly in her ear. “Don’t be stupid.”

Alina stiffened.

“I know you’re lying,” Emma continued, voice so quiet only Alina could hear. “I know you’re not fine. I know you’re protecting your father from the truth. But don’t protect Daniel. Don’t stay just because leaving is hard.”

“I’m not,” Alina whispered back. “I’m staying because I can’t lose Junior. Not without fighting one more time.”

Emma pulled back. Looked at her directly.

“One more time,” she said. “That’s all. Then you call me. Promise?”

“I promise.”

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Emma’s eyes were wet. “I’ll be ready. Whatever you need. Whenever you need it.”

“Thank you.”

They left.

Alina and Daniel stood at the door, waving as the car pulled away.

The moment it was out of sight, Alina turned.

“I’m tired. I’m going to bed.”

“Alina-”

“I don’t want to talk about it. Not tonight. I just want to rest.”

She walked away before he could respond.

Up the stairs. Down the corridor. Into their room.

Closed the door.

And finally let the mask drop.

She sat on the edge of the bed, hands shaking.

She’d done it. Convinced her father she was fine. Kept him from worrying.

But the cost was high.

Because now she was alone again.

With no one to tell the truth to.

No one who could help.

***

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