His Ex Wife Is A Billionaire

“Aaron,” Marilla gazed at the man, her doe eyes sparkling like they were washed with spring water.

The sight of Aaron, with his unexpected presence, instantly dissolved her anxiety. Beside Aaron stood an elegant and proud woman, Suri, Aaron’s mother.

Marilla’s heart leaped into her throat. Mr. Bartley, a seasoned politician, was known for his diplomatic prowess, something Marilla had overheard from her mother Elspeth.

Given that, if Mr. Bartley invited people of the Abernathy family, it was highly unlikely that he would also invite those from the Ashbourne family. That would be like putting two tigers on one mountain!

Sure enough, the Bartleys‘ expressions darkened, and Frederic’s face turned stormy.

Mr. Bartley, red–faced and awkward, stammered, “Mr. Frederic Abernathy, this – this was unforeseen. We did not send an invitation to the Ashbournes.”

Frederic offered a sardonic smile and waved his hand dismissively, “It’s no matter. We’re in your home, Mr. Bartley. Such trifles need not concern me.”

The Bartleys were sweating bullets. Anyone with eyes could see Mr. Abernathy was not pleased.

Whispers arose among the guests.

“My, who is that striking man standing with Mrs. Suri Ashbourne? He’s a vision!”

“Such poise, such spirit! If only I had a daughter, I’d be knocking on their door for a marriage proposal!”

“Dream on! That gentleman is the rarely seen Mr. Aaron Ashbourne. Since the unfortunate demise of the fifth son in a plane crash, Aaron has become Suri’s sole treasure. She’ll be picky about her baby

boy’s bride.”

The crowd buzzed, “Aaron?!”

With that revelation, they all seemed to see Aaron in a new light, as if he was glowing with an aura of gold.

“Life’s unfair! I thought Mr. Alston Bartley was a catch, but next to Aaron, he’s completely outshone!”

“Well, Aaron is the son of Chairman Ashbourne and Suri Bright. The Bartleys might hold local sway, but they’re no match for a top–tier conglomerate.”

Alston overheard the murmurs, his smile fixed in the corners of his eyes as his hands clenched in the shadows. Tonight, to appease his mother, Aaron had donned the very type of suit he abhorred. It felt like a straitjacket, and he kept tugging at his tie, unable to get comfortable.

“Can you quit fidgeting like a monkey?” Suri pinched her son’s waist without changing her expression, “What, someone put fleas on your neck?”

Aaron winced in pain but managed to steal a glance at Marilla. Their eyes met, and she beamed, waving at him in greeting.

In that moment, it was as if the joy of spring had poured into his eyes, creating ripples in his heart.

“Suri, what brings you here?” Zachary approached the mother and son.

#

Technically, Aaron should have called him “Uncle“. But he knew all too well that his mother had long been cast out of the Bright family, and these so–called relatives hadn’t lifted a finger for her in years. He couldn’t bring himself to acknowledge the kinship and simply gave Zachary a cold look.

Suri’s smile was gracious, yet firm, “The heavens may rule the skies, and the earth may hold the land, but they can’t stop my feet. I go where 1 please.”

Zachary’s face stiffened. The guests whispered among themselves, speculating on the Brights‘ strained family dynamics.

“My father and I were Mr. Bartley’s invited guests.” Warner followed, his mouth running as usual, “As far as I know, the Bartleys didn’t extend an invitation to you.”

Aaron’s eyes flashed with cold fury, but before he could shot back, Suri, ever the diplomat, cut in with a smile, “Oh, then I must ask the mayor what happened. Did Mr. Bartley forget that I am part of the Bright family, or did you?”

Mr. Bartley, the accidental target, choked on his drink, coughing uncontrollably.

“Oh, but what does it matter if I’m part of the Bright family or not?” Suri looked at Mr. Bartley with an inscrutable gaze, “Tonight, I represent the Ashbourne family, accompanied by my son to join the gaiety. Surely Mr. and Mrs. Bartley wouldn’t turn us away?”

“Oh, it’s our carelessness!” Mrs. Bartley rushed to smooth things over, her face all smiles, “We assumed, since we invited Mr. Bright, your family would come together. Our oversight, we’ll be sure to remember next time!”

Suri’s lips curved in a frosty smile, “A daughter married off couldn’t tend to her original family affairs. I’m no longer associated with the Bright family. So, if there is a next time, please send your invitation directly to Skyrim, home of the Ashbournes.”

“Enough, Suri.”

Zachary stepped closer, his voice tense, “Must you make a scene in front of everyone?”

“Make a scene? With you? Who do you think you are?” Suri turned away with a scoff, “If it weren’t for you pressing my buttons, I wouldn’t waste words or even a glance on you. Zachary, you should know, of all the Bright family, the person I despise most isn’t the father who cast me out, but you, who slandered and blackened Emeric’s name time and again to him!”

Zachary’s face twitched, his breath constricted, and the feeling of being humiliated once again intensified!

Under his leadership, the Bright family had come a long way, growing from strength to strength. Yet no matter how hard he tried, no matter how he presented himself, Suri remained indifferent to his advances. Her heart seemed to belong to Emeric Ashbourne, who never even took proper notice of her.

After a brief interlude, the Bartley family’s living room was transformed into a dazzling ballroom. Truth be told, this was also a ploy by the Bartleys to create a meeting opportunity for their son and the daughter of the Abernathy family.

As the melodious music filled the air, guests paired up and began to dance gracefully in the spacious living room of the villa.

Mr. Bartley was deep in conversation with Frederic when Suri approached, her gait steady and confident, wearing a faint smile, “Mr. Bartley, pardon the interruption, but I have a matter to discuss with you in private, if you can spare a moment?”

Frederic’s grip on his glass tightened. That woman was completely disregarding him!

Mr. Bartley, fully aware of Suri’s significance, promptly stood up, “Of course, please follow me to the parlour.”

As they turned to leave, Suri glanced back at Frederic with a cold, mocking smile curling her lips, like a sharp claw leaving a scratch on his heart.

In the parlour, Mr. Bartley ordered some fine tea to be brought in and asked with a congenial smile, “Mrs. Ashbourne, what brings you to me today?”

Suri sipped her tea elegantly, “I hear you’re planning an engagement between your son and Ms. Marilla Abernathy?”

Mr. Bartley perked up at the mention, “Yes! We’ve even set a date, the fifteenth of next month!”

“Hmm, the date is fine, but it’s a pity your son and Ms. Abernathy are not meant to be.”

Mr. Bartley was taken aback, “What do you mean by that?”

“My son has taken a fancy to Ms. Abernathy, been at me for ages about it, and he’s declared he will marry no other. No matter the cost, he intends to make her his woman.”

Suri sighed lightly, “Alas, my son has inherited his father’s stubborn streak, and he’s the only child I have left. Whatever he desires, I must help him achieve, by any means necessary. So, Mr. Bartley, do us a kindness and let your son step aside for mine.”

Mr. Bartley was dumbfounded; this wasn’t a marriage proposal, it felt more like a heist!

“Are you jesting with me?! The union of the Bartley family and Abernathy family has been the talk of Elmsworth for some time now. Ms. Abernathy is virtually a Bartley now! Your sudden interest is out of line!”

Suri swirled her tea nonchalantly, “There’s still no formal engagement, no big celebration, isn’t it. Even if there were, without a marriage certificate, it’s not official – my Aaron still has a chance. To be frank, Emeric is also pleased with this match. If he were here in Elmsworth, he would be discussing this with you in person.”

“This is unacceptable!”

Mr. Bartley, trying to contain his rage as his face turned beet red, “Breaking off an engagement now would not only offend Mr. Frederic Abernathy, it would turn the Bartley family into Elmsworth’s laughingstock! Mrs. Ashbourne, my son must marry Ms. Abernathy. It’s regrettable, but your son is simply too late. Fate is not on his side.”

Suri’s tone was light, “Next spring is the election season.”

Mr. Bartley shuddered at the reminder.

“Your approval ratings have dropped another 5% since last year. Continue this trend, and your old rival will surely surpass you.”

Suri gently set down her teacup, “Let’s make a deal. If the Bartley family calls off the engagement, the K Group’s support will be fully behind you in the upcoming election.

If you refuse, we’ll have to back your nemesis instead. Without our support, your certain victory might become uncertain.”

The ball continued. Marilla sat tucked away in a corner, her delicate fingers nervously intertwined.

“Marilla,” it was Alston’s voice.

Her heart clenched, she gripped her dress, unable to meet his gaze. His hand appeared in her line of sight, “May I have this dance?”

Marilla stared at his outstretched hand, a chill creeping up her legs, instinctively pulling back. The clear rejection didn’t sit well with Alston, his eyes darkening with displeasure. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

At that moment, another hand, strong and sure, reached out to her, and a warm, soothing voice floated down to her ear, “Marilla, dance with me.”

She looked up into Aaron’s eyes, bright as stars. In the next instant, she clutched his hand like a lifeline and

stood.

As Aaron held her delicate hand, which felt like precious, warm jade, his heart surged with emotions hard to quell.

Together, they stepped into the dance floor, looking every bit the perfect couple under the watchful gaze of all.

Alston’s face turned sour, uglier than the expression one would have as attending a funeral.