The Daring Billionaire’s Wife novel (Vanessa and Dominic) novel Chapter 174

Liam

After a night out of drinking with Josh around, it's always difficult to get a hold of him the following morning. He's probably in the same hotel with Stephanie and I, but with his girlfriend in town, they must be occupied. I just can't wait to tell him all about last night. The thought of how it all played out makes me smirk and I lick my lips at what also didn't happen.

I lean back in my seat, wondering how much longer I have to wait here at the outdoor restaurant. I don't even want to order despite my hotel staff frequently returning to my table.

Just as I'm about to make a call to Stephanie, I spot her coming from the other side, looking so sexy in a flowy red dress that clings to her body on her top half. She rarely dresses this way and so early in the morning. I wonder what's going on.

"I'm surprised you wanted to see me so early in the morning. You're never an early bird," I say to her, still scanning her outfit.

"I decided to make an exception this time just so we could talk." She purses her red lips, tucking a few strands of her wavy hair behind her ear as she sits down on the other side of the table.

"What's the occasion for looking so good early in the morning?" I ask.

She chuckles. "I have an event to attend at 10 a.m."

"I see. So, what did you want to talk about?" I ask.

As much as I want to just focus on her face, the red dress is so striking that I take one last glance at everything else I can see. She does look gorgeous. I'll give her that.

Turning serious, she says, "I'm hoping that this new day has brought with it clarity to your mind and you're no longer thinking about going ahead with Aileen."

I poke my cheek, my expression just as serious. "My mind is as clear as it was last evening when I met her, so I'm definitely going ahead with it."

"Have you already told Aunt Vanessa and Uncle Dominic?" She leans forward.

"Not yet. Not even Charlotte knows about this so keep it to yourself for now."

She gives a half smile. "Of course. Why would I go around spreading such good news?"

"Is something wrong with you?" My forehead creases.

"Do you seriously expect me to be okay after what you did last night? You abandoned me just so you could take Aileen home. And you didn't even take her home. You brought her here, to your luxurious hotel."

"I couldn't get the address out of her, so I had to bring her here and what's so wrong with that?"

"She's not just anyone who can come here. You looked ridiculous carrying her in your arms. The mismatch between you two was so obvious. It's so unlike you to keep someone around after fucking her, except-"

"Don't even bring that up. I'm done with her," I cut her off.

"Does she know that?"

"Not yet, but she will. Are we done here? I need to get back to my suite."

She sighs heavily, leaning back in her seat with crossed arms. "Is this how it's going to be now? You'll barely have time for me?"

"Come on. You're being ridiculous. I'm just trying to make sure Aileen has everything she needs. She might be awake by now."

She scoffs. "Even if she's awake, she can take care of herself. There's no need to go back to her."

"Actually, I didn't even sleep with her. I left her in my suite and checked into another one. It's not because she passed out. My intentions with her are different and-"

"Spare me the details," she cuts me off.

I sigh. "I know what this is about. Look, you and I have known each other since we were little kids. You're a good friend and-"

"I know. There's no need to remind me that I'm a good friend. I was just about to order, but I've lost my appetite."

And with that, she pushes her chair away from the table and it squeaks, catching the attention of the others.

Aware of the exact reason she's acting this way, I feel I need to talk to her about it right now, so quickly, I go after her to the elevator, whispering her name just so I don't make a scene for the other guests. Just because I own the place doesn't mean I get to make a scene.

I finally catch up right before the elevator closes and the best part is it's only the two of us.

Quickly, I press the button, making the elevator stand still, which doesn't go so well with Stephanie as she crosses her arms and shoots me a glare.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" she asks.

It's pretty clear she's upset with me.

"We need to talk."

"Yeah? About what?" She fakes a smile.

"About us."

Her smile fades and she looks away.

"Look, like I said outside, you and I have been friends since we were kids. We even had a fling a few years ago before our parents jokingly talked about us getting married one day. You and I both know it didn't work out when we thought we could take it to the next level. We just weren't compatible."

"And that's why you became a playboy?" She sneers.

"Whose fault is it?" I raise my eyebrows.

She looks away, avoiding eye contact. "Did you really have to go there?"

"My point is... it just didn't work out. I know how much Uncle Frank and Aunt Mia wanted us to end up together."

"It's not just my parents. Yours wanted the same thing," she reminds me.

"It doesn't matter because it just didn't work. Maybe I shouldn't have announced my decision last night the way I did to you and Josh, but I just couldn't contain my excitement. Aileen is just so refreshing."

"Isn't it clear to you that she's playing dumb?"

"I don't think so. Hey, give her time and you'll see it, too."

"I already saw right through her in the ladies' room."

"You two had a chat?"

"Yeah."

"About what?"

"It's nothing. At the end of the day, it's your life. You get to do what you want, so congratulations to you. Now, how about you step aside so I can go?"

It's clear she's still upset with me and I don't blame her.