Billionaire’s Tangled Lies

CHAPTER 1

ETHAN’S POV

I stood before the mirror in my bedroom, adjusting my cufflinks with precision. The reflection that I saw was of a man, who knew his worth and I won't settle for less. My hands work wonders by carefully tousling my hair into place as it glimmers in the light. I have societal expectations of me and a reputation to uphold one of wealth, ambition and importantly, status. I had a stoic face when I examined my outfit, my appearance and my crisp white shirt. I was a perfectionist and I needed things to be done a certain way with precision, and I've never lowered my standards until I met her. I was destined for greatness which I've attained, and tonight I was going to see the woman fit to be by my side as my wife.

I've been raised to understand the importance of reputation and appearance. To some people I might be vain and a narcissist, but I knew that in my world that both meant everything. And today I was going on a date with this woman, Abigail Dawn Wilson. We both belonged to the same status and circle, she had a good upbringing, good education and she was poised and carried herself well. She had my respect because she was more refined than all the lesser women I've encountered, she had elegance and grace that drew me to her. She held a few connections that might necessarily help me in my business, not that I needed help from her to run my business.

As I wore my wristwatch, Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime. It was the perfect finishing touch for me. I was grateful for my uncle Frederick, who stepped in and took care of me when my parents died in the plane crash. He took me in, took care of the business while showing me the ropes too. He was a nice man but he understood the importance of wealth, power and surrounding yourself with people of the same status. I wasn't one to be sentimental, but tonight I was feeling grateful for the teachings of my uncle that shaped me into the man that I am today.

Nathan, my cousin's brother and best friend were there too. He was someone that I trusted, as I wasn't one to let people in easily. We both grew up side by side, we both formed a bond by the teachings we got from his father and my uncle. Nathan never took his father's teaching to heart, and he was the one he kept me grounded and helped to never take myself way too seriously. I've always resented and wanted his carefree attitude, he was the balance that I needed. He was the one who reminded me that underneath the tailored suit, expensive Rolex and achievements that I was still human.

My thoughts went back to Abigail, she wasn't just going to be my wife. She was going to solidify my presence in the business world. Our union was not necessarily built on love, but mutual satisfaction and gain for both of us. Together we're going to be formidable and a power couple. It was a partnership with mutual advantage. As I walked out of my bedroom and to my car I was joined by my bodyguards James and Toby. Who walked behind with a stoic look on their face. It was time and the restaurant was chosen by me, and I'm sure she was there waiting for me. I wasn't one to be nervous around women, but I was anticipating our date tonight.

My phone rang and I saw Nathan's face appear. I need to change this craziness Nathan did to my phone I thought.

“I'm going on a date, man,” I said to him.

“Can't I convince you otherwise brother, women are bad news.” he recounted to me like a broken record.

“Dude you can't stop me, I'm meeting Abigail tonight. And I'm hanging up, you're not being helpful.” I said with a bored expression on my face.

“Okay fine, good luck on your date.” Nathan said to me.

I walked towards the door of the fancy restaurant, as the staff bowed their heads in greeting to me. James opened the door and I entered the vip booth of the restaurant. The clink of the silverware of other diners could be heard, as I took my seat across from Abigail Wilson.

“You're late,” she said to me while looking at my face intently. “But I forgive you.” she said in a breathy voice.

“I was taking care of business matters,” I replied to her. “But I'm delighted that we both got a chance to see and connect more intimately with each other.” I added in a low voice.

She swept her hair to the side, and her lips were beaming with smiles. “I think you're the one playing hard to get. You're always so busy with work these days. Don't you feel dull sometimes.” she said in an alluring voice.

I leaned back slightly into my chair, my fingers playing with the wine glass in front of me. “Work doesn't take care of itself,Abigail. There's so much to be done. But I'll always make an exception for you.” I said with a tight smile.

Abigail smiled and took a sip of her wine, her eyes never leaving mine. “I'm glad to hear that, Ethan. You know what, we both have a lot in common.” she said In a relaxed tone.

I arched my brows, she was an intriguing woman. “Pray tell,” I said to her.

She leaned forward towards me, she was low making the conversation private. “I've heard about your business expansion, and your new business project. I must say that I was really impressed.” she said with pride.

My interest piqued at this moment, “I'm impressed you did well in your search.” I replied to her with pride.

“It's what I do, Ethan,” she said looking at me. “I'm not mediocre and I don't settle for mediocre. I know a like mind when I see one, and I'll love to stick around for us to achieve greater heights together.” she said with a knowing smile.

I was impressed with her because she has shown that there was more to her than her beauty and elegance. She was a valuable asset to me, but there was something about her that I can't help but be off about. I didn't know what to feel about that, I was feeling a lot of emotions being impressed, skeptical and uneasy. She wasn't just a pretty face, she was a valuable asset that fits into my world and status.

“So Abigail,” I said in a confident and low tone. “What are you implying?”

“I'm suggesting that you take me seriously, Ethan,” she said with confidence. “We're good for each other, business wise and otherwise too.” she said, running her fingers on my arm.

Abigail leaned back all of a sudden. “You know we can discuss this over a more intimate dinner. I'd love to see your expertise in other things aside from business.” she said while biting her lips.

Her words were measured, there was an edge and I couldn't ignore it. She was looking for an ally who could match her ambition. She was testing me to see my reactions, or trying to measure me up for something personal. Was it going to be real? Will it be the same way with Mira? I shook those creepy thoughts away. I'm with Abigail now.

“Sounds fun to me,” I said in a smooth and firm voice. “Let's do it then.”

“We shall,” Abigail replied in a singsong voice.

Abigail leaned into her chair and her smile never faltered. She was a perfect fit for me but, why do I still feel this doubt and other emotions unnamed. I looked beyond her pretty face, the clinking of silverware and the murmur of other diners at the restaurant.

I wasn't one to dwell on the past because it was always bad for business and building empires like my own. Everything seemed to fade as my thoughts went inward to her. Why am I here with this beautiful lady, and my. my mind can't stop playing with my affair with my help. My very first fall from my preferred standard of women and it doesn't want to let me go. What was pulling me to her, her soft auburn hair, her fair skin or her beautiful midnight blue eyes.

My train of thoughts were interrupted by Abigail, waving her hands at me as I glanced back at her.

“You better be thinking about me.” she said while cutting her steak.

“Let's just eat,” I said and faced my meal for the night.

My night with Abigail was a fruitful and productive night because she was an exhilarating woman. The night was quite weird today in contrast to a normal New York night. My mansion was quiet and lit up with light, with the wind howling rustling the trees around. Still couldn't get Mira out of my head.

“Boss, we'll be here if you need us,” Toby said in his deep voice.

“Let's call it boys,” I said and tapped their shoulders while walking with my jacket in my hand.

It's been weeks since I last spoke to her, after she told me that she was pregnant. I made the reasonable decision to send her away before the press gets to know about it.

I got in to see Nathan, with Mira there with a sad look in her eyes.

“I'm sorry Bro, but she wanted to speak to you.” Nathan said to me.

“It's okay,” I replied to him. I faced Mira who was already looking at me. “Follow me,” I said to her in a firm voice.

Nathan made a pleading face to me and I ignored him. Mira walked in front of me and I noticed she gained a little bit of weight. And her hair was up in a messy bun. We got to my study and she walked in and I closed the door.

“Sit,” I ordered her as I sat down at my chair.

Mira hesitated before she sat down across from me, she touched herself and she couldn't meet my eyes. She was still innocent and shy after what we both had. She was tense but there was this heavy tension between us.

I cleared my throat getting her attention, “I didn't expect to see you here. Giving our discussion last time.” I told her.

She nodded at me, still not looking at me.

“Mira looks at me, when talking to me. I think we've passed that stage already Don't you think.” I said in a firm voice.

Mira was fondling her dress, “Yes I know. But… i

I just wanted to speak with you one last time.” she said in her soft voice.

I didn't know that she'll see me again, with the way we left things off. “About what, the pregnancy. You understand that I have no time for distractions.” I said with a straight face.

Mira’s eyes were misty and pleading, “I didn't want to bother you but, I just want to say that. I didn't mean to be a disappointment to you but you're responsible for this pregnancy.”

“So what, still stand with what I told you. Not interested in this pregnancy. it's distracting to me and won't help me with my accomplishments.” I said to her,

Mira wiped her eyes, “Why because I'm your maid, I'm not rich or pretty like other girls. Just be there for our baby. “ she said sniffling.

“I've worked too hard for me to lose everything, for…” Mira cut me short.

“For what Ethan, you can't lose everything for someone who really cares about you.” She said her voice was cracking but she regained it immediately. “I'm not asking for you money, fame or power. I'm just asking you to be there. I know we never meant anything to each other.” she said with realization.

My chest tightened and I was battling strongly with my feelings but I never showed it.

“No worries, I won't bother you anymore. I'm leaving.” she said and stood up looking at me with pity. “It's too late to think you'll pick me. I've made peace with that, and I don't need your money.” she said and left the room.

I was touching my wedding band, while remembering this exchange with Mira.

“Did I make the right decision?” I asked myself.