The Billionaire’s Creed

ADLEY

I listened to him terrify the poor pregnant woman. I knew he would find out I was with Lyra, but I didn’t realize it would take him that long to figure out. I knew it was only a matter of time before he would burst into this door.

I was still mad and freaking hurt. And I felt like our relationship was built on lies. The whole damn time we were together, I felt like it was all part of his game. I wondered what was the catch that he was willing to go to that extent for this marriage. Not definitely for the money and power. Ego? Probably, because honestly, I also had connections and money. I came from a prominent family. My grandfather was as wealthy as him. They both ran billion-dollar empires. So my marriage to him would boost his power and ego. But that’s not it. I was missing something here.

Lyra became like a sister I never had. She looked at the security monitor in her hand, watched the car enter the gate earlier, and informed me that it was definitely Mykel.

A shadow behind the door caught my eye as we scanned the color charts spread on the floor. I knew it was Mykel.

I met his gaze. He looked worried, but everyone could be a good actor when desperate.

Lyra helped herself to her feet. “I’ll leave you two alone to talk.”

I nodded and felt sorry for the disruption.

She stopped when she was in front of Mykel, gripping his arm. “Just be honest, Mykel.”

He looked down at her and nodded in agreement.

I went to the rocking chair. The first time I saw it, I once imagined being a mother as I rocked my baby to sleep. Right now, I didn’t think it would happen sooner.

He leaned against the changing table, and I felt his eyes on me.

“We don’t have the time in the world. You should start talking, or I walk out.”

“Just like that, huh? You’re not willing to listen to my explanation.”

“I think I understand everything perfectly fine.” I kept looking away. I couldn’t and wouldn’t want to see the pain in his eyes. I took it as my weakness.

“Baby, you don’t know half of the truth. And please, look at me.”

My eyes started to burn as I met his gaze.

“I tried telling you once, but then your phone rang. I wanted to try again, but we were so happy. I didn’t wanna sour our moment. Then it slipped my mind.”

“You never tried again? Like after we met your father.”

“I was scared.”

“Of what?” I raised my voice, frustrated.

He shrugged off.

“What’s that supposed to mean? We agreed on not keeping secrets. We’ve been doing great for the past weeks, and I was happy and normal. I felt like I was in the best place with you.” I huffed out my frustration, throwing my hands in the air. “And then-” I squeezed my eyes shut. When I met his gaze again, he was also in pain, guilty, and struggling to deal with this matter because he honestly had no other excuse.

“I didn’t wanna deal with it. I was okay with the fact that he met you first, and you liked him.”

“It was just a hookup, Mykel. You do that all the time.”

“Yet he called your phone and texted you last night.”

“He did not,” I affirmed and confused. I didn’t see Knox’s message and didn’t definitely see his call. “In fact, I haven’t talked or texted him since we last met.”

“I deleted the message on your phone and the call logs.”

I was on my feet, glaring at him. “What’s the matter with you? Why did you do that? You have a trust issue over me?”

He swallowed and ran his fingers through his hair. He sighed deeply. “I didn’t like him talking to you.”

“Why? Because you thought I would run back into his arms? Nothing happened because I felt we were not good for each other. I felt off. I mean, he was kind and funny, but I didn’t feel the connection. Are you really this dumb? For God’s sake, Mykel, I chose you over him. And he’s your brother.”

“I’m sorry.” He dropped his gaze.

“And do you think your single sorry would fix your lies after what you did and all?” I smiled bitterly.

“Of course not. That’s why I am here.” He sighed heavily. “I want to fix my mistakes.”

I should believe what he said, but I doubted it this time. “I really don’t understand you, Mykel. You let me down.” My heart felt like shrinking.

“I’m jealous and don’t know what to do with it, knowing I am jealous with my own blood. And it fucking sucks knowing you first kissed my brother-”

I laughed sarcastically. “That was ages ago. And do you think it was okay with me kissing him then I married you? But I didn’t take offense to the fact that you banged the other woman next door even though it sometimes hurt. And knowing you slept with most women in the city, I still didn’t keep the grudge against you because I trusted you. I believed we have something-”

“You don’t trust me anymore?” A deep frown formed between his brows while knots coiled in my belly.

“You lied to me, Mykel. You kept the truth from me. You deleted Knox’s message. It only meant one thing-you never trusted me. Abandonment issue much?” I picked up my back and was about to leave when he held my wrist.

“Let me make this right, baby.”

“Let me think about this.” I tore my wrist free. “And I need time.”

“Baby, it’s just-”

I faced him. “A lie?” I shook my head and disappointment. “After all, our relationship started with a lie.”

***

I went home to my apartment. I felt like I had lost my strength and still carried tons of loads over my shoulder.

“Come in.” Blaze opened his arms for me.

I literally threw myself at him, and he hugged me tightly. “I’m sorry for dropping by unannounced.”

“Are you kidding me? It’s still your apartment.”

“You knew?”

“Couldn’t help when your driver rushed into my office, asking about you.”

“I’m sorry-”

“Stop apologizing. Couples, married or not, friends always have misunderstandings. You’re gonna be okay. You two should work this out instead of running away.”

I pulled away. “You don’t know what happened.”

“I think I do. I warned him-”

“You knew? And you didn’t tell me?” When he looked at me with are-you-kidding-me-looked on his face, I slumped myself into the sofa.

“It’s not like it’s a secret and definitely not mine to tell. How come you never found it out ever since you crawled in bed with him, living under the same roof, and for God’s sake, you are married to Mykel. This should not be an issue.”

“Crawled in bed? Seriously? You made me sound like a whore.” I curled my upper lip in disgust.

“Seriously, Adley?” He even made me look like a lousy wife.

“You’re on his side now?” I sneered.

He shook his head as he sat on the chair to my right. “You’re taking this all wrong.”

I crossed my arms. “Did he talk to you into this?”

“No.”

“I’ve known Mykel for months-he is very competitive and loves to challenge himself. He might have competition with his brother, proving himself that he’s better than Knox-”

“Does he, though? Better than Knox? Of course, he’s fucking awesome than Knox! No questions ask!”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “You’re a terrible best friend.”

“You’re a horrible wife, Adley. That man had moved mountains for you, and you did not even realize how much he sacrificed in his life for you. I mean, you’re gonna ruin your marriage because he kept the not-so-secret from you?” He quoted in the air. “You’re an ungrateful bitch, best friend. Sorry, I’m not sorry.”

I should have been offended, but I wasn’t. I just stared at him in utter shock.

“Tell me, who kissed you the best?”

I wrinkled my nose. “Do you have to ask me that?”

“Who made you wet and gave you tingles? Who made you scream?”

“Stop it!” I felt my cheeks burning.

“I won’t. Not until you admit that you have feelings for Mykel.”

“You know the answer to that.”

“I’m sorry, Adley, but I don’t. You never admitted anything to me. And that’s not acceptable. Who are you thinking of right now? Hartford or Creed? Who made you feel sexy? Who cares for you?”

“Stop this nonsense, Blaze. You’re insane-”

“Who do you wanna fuck you?”

“Fine! Mykel!” I found myself standing, my hands on my lips, as I glared down at Blaze. “Happy?”

“Do you feel better now?”

I slumped myself back to the couch, crossing my arms over my chest as I frowned deeply.

“You just have to balance what matters in your life, Adley. I love you and always will. You will encounter more issues, uncertainties, and challenges throughout your marriage. Sometimes, it would cross your mind if he’s fucking someone else and cheating on you when he’s out of town. Would your love and trust win over your doubts?”

I glared at him, keeping my mouth shut.

“You love Mykel. You don’t have to tell me. I can see it deep in your eyes, in your soul. Give him another chance if you think your feelings matter more than your anger. Knox and your past should be the least of your worry. His past didn’t even matter to you. You accepted him because deep in your heart, you know he was true to you the whole time.”

Finally, I wiped a tear that rolled from my eye.

I spent dinner with Blaze. He ordered Chinese. It was supposed to meet my appetite, but I bare touched my meal. My mind went back to what Blaze had told me.

“He called asking if you’re okay.”

“What did you say?”

“You’re still you.”

“Thanks for dinner. Are you not gonna go and stay with Elise?”

“You need me more. To add to your conscience, you’re not making it easier for her job, best friend.” He made an emphasis on the word best friend.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Well, thank you, too, best friend. I’m hitting the bed.”

I went to my room. I still have clothes here. I changed into my comfy pajama and went to the attached bathroom. After I brushed my teeth, I slipped into my blanket and tucked myself in.

“Call me if you need anything like a shoulder to cry on after realizing what a terrible decision you made.”

“I hate you, but thank you.”

“Welcome and good night.”

I fell asleep immediately until I woke up in the middle of the night with a full bladder and a warm breath fanning my neck.

How did he get in here? That was a terrible question.

I slowly slipped myself off his arm to make sure not to wake him up. At some point, the situation did not bother me anymore. All I needed was a night of sleep.

Too late to realize that I was in a queen-size bed, and suddenly, I found myself on the floor wincing in pain. The sound just woke him up.

“Baby?” Mykel was glancing down at me with a shock on his face. “Are you okay?”

“What are you even doing here?” I swatted his hand off. He wanted to help me while I tried to stand up. “Never mind. Go back to sleep.”

“Where are you going?”

“You also wanna know if I what I’m gonna do in the bathroom?” I snapped. I was grouchy, maybe because I slept alone in bed and woke in the middle of the night with a bedmate, fell off the bed, and my butt was sore.”

After emptying the bladder, I returned to the room and found him leaning against the headboard, staring down at his hand-at his wedding ring.

“What’s wrong?” My voice surprised him.

He shook his head. “Nothing.”

“Get back to sleep.” I crawled back to bed and tucked myself in.

“Hey. I know we haven’t gotten in touch for months, but I hope you can come to my gallery at Sandroad street, corner Abbey.”

I didn’t have to ask what that was all about. Lyra mentioned Knox being an artist.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I was afraid to see my whole life wiped out in only a matter of one secret.”