The Daring Billionaire’s Wife novel (Vanessa and Dominic) novel Chapter 171

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Thank you for reading this far! I just want to let you know that this is Part 2 with the same title and a new set of characters in relation to the main characters of Part 1.

INTRODUCTION:

When 23 year old Aileen moves to the big city in search of her biological parents and also for a fresh start, she encounters the enigmatic Liam Richards, a 27 year old billionaire. While she isn't swept off her feet right away, he's so persistent that she falls for him and becomes his wife, something that not everyone seems to accept and they'll stop at nothing to find a way to ruin it all.

Now faced with the shocking truth about the whereabouts of her biological parents, one which could ruin her marriage, she attempts to hide it, but her enemy is already a few steps ahead and aims to expose it as the Richards value their reputation more than anything else.

With a husband who makes her feel so desired in their passionate moments and a new family that adores her, will her determination to make her marriage a success be enough to stand tall against her influential and powerful enemy, or will the truth shatter her new life until there's nothing left of it?

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Chapter 1: Who?

Aileen

Down to the last phone number on the small paper in my hand, I make the call and it's the same thing all over again, leaving me so frustrated that I shove the paper in my purse and ball my hand into a fist. I'm only seconds away from hitting the counter but soon realize that'll only draw the attention of the other customers in the bar with me. I wouldn't want to ruin anyone's evening since it's a Friday.

I barely have any money in my purse and have the options to pay for a cab and go home, or buy myself some drinks to make myself believe it'll help me forget about my problems. I'm not sure how much longer I can do this. It's been 2 days now and still no luck.

Lowering my head, my hair falls over my face and I flip it back, running my hand down in the process as I look to the left, making eye contact with the two gentlemen and a lady dressed in the finest suits. They all stand out from the rest of the customers by a wide margin and I can tell that everyone just seems to acknowledge their presence.

Suddenly, one of the two guys rises to his feet, fixing the lapels of his jacket while looking right at me with a smirk. There's still quite a distance between us but his brown hair is so silky that the warm lighting from the chandelier bounces off of it. It's also perfectly styled and not a single strand is out of place.

His friend seems amused and even chuckles, but the lady seems to whisper to him while shaking her head, all this while shooting glares at me.

I can't tell what they're up to, but it's none of my business, so I face the counter again, deciding to buy myself a drink. I can always just walk home. I only hope there's no downpour as I came here with no umbrella. How could I think of carrying one when the person I came to meet told me she had exactly what I had been waiting for? Thinking back to it, I clench my fist. Meryl has said the same thing everyday and I've fallen for it, holding onto the hope that this is finally it, but it never is.

As I tell myself to never fall for it again, I signal the bartender to come and take my order. I don't even have second thoughts using that to get on a cab and go home. I'm just so over it.

While I wait for my drink, a cologne with a seductive scent wafts its way to my nose and I inhale, making me close my eyes as I let it completely take over. I tilt my head to the side, wondering how it's possible that someone could smell so good.

"You sure do stand out sitting here alone." A deep and manly voice says right next to me. I open my eyes and look to my left, immediately realizing it's that guy from the table across the room and he's actually the source of the cologne.

I lose my senses just for a moment as I take in the view before me. His grey tailored suit accentuates his broad shoulders and the fabric hugs his toned body in all the right places. The white shirt and tie only adds to his polished demeanor as it radiates an aura of wealth and sophistication. After my eyes move past his chiseled jawline, I find myself looking right into his blue eyes but soon look away and realize this isn't what I'm here for.

"How about I join you?" he says, holding his head high.

I raise an eyebrow, skeptical as I face him. "Do whatever you want."

He flashes me a charming smile, his pearly whites only making him more attractive.

Sliding onto the stool beside me, he says, "You're the lucky lady tonight."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I narrow my eyes.

He chuckles again. "I see you're trying to be funny."

"I really don't get it." I emphasize.

"Come on. It's me." He arrogantly points at himself.

"Who?"

"Liam Richards."

"Who?" I repeat myself.

He sighs. "Let me put it this way, Dominic and Vanessa Richards."

"Who?"

He places his elbow on top of the counter, poking his cheek. "You seriously don't know who I'm talking about?"

"No and I don't care."

He chuckles in disbelief. "What's your name?"

"Aileen."

The bartender hands me my whiskey and I take a sip.

Though I avoid eye contact with Liam, he doesn't take the hint and even leans in, his cologne drawing me in even more.

"I've never met anyone who doesn't know my family. Even little kids know who I am."

"I seriously don't know you and that doesn't matter."

Up to this point, I'm thinking that by admitting I know nothing about the Richards, which is true, it will make him go away as I'm also unwelcoming, but he gets more comfortable and slowly strokes his chin.