Watch a Billionaire Shatter for the Woman He Betrayed novel Chapter 2

Then, like a magic trick, he produced a bracelet.

Under the dim light, the diamonds sparkled brilliantly.

It was the 666th gift Preston had given Leilani in their two years of marriage.

Preston fastened it around her wrist himself, signing: *It's a perfect fit. Beautiful.*

His gaze was tender.

Tears welled in the corners of her eyes.

She had once believed these were six hundred and sixty-six expressions of his enduring love.

She never imagined they were actually six hundred and sixty-six apologies, born from the guilt of his constant infidelity.

Leilani pulled her hand back.

She laughed soundlessly. "Do you remember what day it is in three days?"

Preston patiently signed back: *The company's IPO. Our market value will double, and it's also our second wedding anniversary. Leila, I'll have a special gift for you then.*

Leilani nodded. "I've prepared a grand gift for you, too."

A gift of freedom.

A gift that would mean he no longer had to sneak around to sleep with Sienna.

Preston patted the back of her hand and signed: *Get some sleep. Tomorrow is the anniversary of Mr. Sandoval's passing. We'll go to the cemetery to visit his grave.*

-

The next day, a heavy snowstorm blanketed the city.

On the way to the cemetery, Preston's phone rang.

When Leilani was with him, she never wore her hearing aids, so Preston didn't bother hiding his conversations.

He answered directly, "What's wrong?"

Sienna's voice wavered in a panic. "Preston, that drunk neighbor is knocking on my door again," she cried. "I'm so scared. Can you come over?"

Preston frowned slightly. "I'll have Alex go deal with it."

A subtle note of disappointment crept into Sienna's voice, though she tried to hide it. She obediently replied, "Okay, Preston."

He hung up.

Clutching the hem of her coat, Leilani found a bitter comfort in the thought that, at the very least, he still held some gratitude toward her father.

She exhaled softly.

But the car had barely been driving smoothly for two minutes when Preston's phone rang again.

He answered, his brow furrowing.

It was Sienna again, her voice soft and trembling. "Preston, I'm scared. He's trying to pick the lock..."

Preston slammed on the brakes.

Caught off guard, Leilani was thrown violently forward, nearly slamming her forehead into the dashboard.

As the car jerked to a halt, the seatbelt snapped her back against the seat.

The violent motion left her dizzy and nauseous.

She frowned, turning a calm, deadpan gaze toward Preston.

His expression softened as he signed: *Leila, I'm so sorry. There's an emergency at the company. I won't be able to visit Mr. Sandoval's grave with you. I'll try to finish up quickly and come find you.*

Leilani felt a burning, ashen sensation in her chest.

Mr. Lynch reached for his phone to type a message.

She looked up at him. "You can speak. I can hear you."

Mr. Lynch's eyes widened in disbelief. "You've regained your hearing?"

Leilani nodded.

Mr. Lynch paused for a moment before saying, "Mr. Xavier Gomez did a lot for me, and since you're now raising his son, it's my duty to help you. Whenever you need a lawyer, just let me know."

Leilani looked up at him.

Her delicate and beautiful face was clouded with profound sorrow. "Thank you."

Sensing her deep sense of loss, Mr. Lynch added softly, "When you make someone your entire belief system, and that belief crumbles, it's natural to feel completely lost."

A belief system.

Yes.

For years, Preston had been her religion. He had been her entire life.

Years ago, in the exact spot she was sitting now, a red-eyed Preston had forcefully traced a vow into the dirt, word by word:

*Leila, I will spend the rest of my life repaying the debt of your father's life. My life is yours!*

She had never asked for his life.

Yet Preston had nearly destroyed hers.

Her phone vibrated.

Leilani pulled it out. It was a message from Preston:

[Leila, Sienna had an emergency at her place. I brought her to our house. She'll be staying with us for a few days.]