One Weekend with the Billionaire novel Chapter 46

The streets are crowded as the sedan winds its way slowly toward my apartment building. There are lots of cars everywhere as people hurry to make it to work on time. Once we are downtown, the sidewalks are full as well. People pass by quickly, briefcases or attaché cases in their hands, some of them on their phones, others looking straight ahead as they try to get to their destinations on time without interacting with any other human beings.

I understand the need to keep to myself. For the last two years, I have walked the streets near my apartment, on the way to the market or to run other errands, without truly looking at anyone unless I absolutely have to. I have told myself it is because I’m in a hurry, but that’s not really the case. The truth of the matter is I’ve been scared to get close to anyone. I’ve been afraid that, if I were to make friends with another woman, I’d be tempted to tell her the truth about my empty marriage. And there’s no way in the world I would ever consider making friends with a man. Jeff would be infuriated at the thought of me spending time with another man.

Unless, of course, it benefited him, like it has this weekend. I guess that was the catch, wasn’t it? That he was okay with me being with another man as long as it was helpful to him.

Mr. Springer sits next to me in the back seat, his eyes mostly fixed on the road ahead or out his window. The driver, whom I’ve learned is named Victor, is a sweet, older gentleman as well. Even though we are going nowhere fast, he seems perfectly content to take his time and let other cars over when they signal that they’d like to change lanes.

I am nervous for so many reasons, I couldn’t possibly list them all. What will Jeff say when he gets home? Surely, he’s left for work by now, hasn’t he? Will he hurt me? Will he demand that I tell him everything? What if he won’t even speak to me and demands a divorce?

Would that be so bad?

Beyond my nervousness, however, there is an overwhelming sadness. Not knowing when I might see Braxton again, or how the situation will be between us the next time I do see him, has me wondering if I’ve made the right decision. I know my parents will be disappointed and angry at me if I leave Jeff. I hate to make them feel that way. But… Jeff is not the man I thought he was. He’s not even the man I married. Maybe I should consider what Braxton said.

I let out a sigh and rub my temples. "It will be all right, Ms. Thompson," Mr. Stringer says, reaching over and patting my arm.

I turn to him and smile, hoping that is true, but I don’t know how it can be. He has no idea what Jeff will say or do once we are behind closed doors. The closer we get to home, the more anxious I become.

When we make the final turn, and the sedan slows in front of my apartment building, I take a deep breath and wait for the driver to open the door for me. Then, he begins to unpack all of my bags from the trunk. Braxton has insisted on buying me expensive luggage to carry all of my new clothing and accessories home in. I tried to tell him that wasn’t necessary, that I could just carry it in bags or boxes, but he insisted and had the staff pack it all for me, including my favorite soaps and shampoos that he had in the bathroom, also especially purchased for me. I am guessing there are other items in there as well that I will discover when I unpack.