Page 93 of My Ruthless Husband

He studies me as I wait for his reply. “You said you liked the mansion.”

“I did.” I reply, puzzled.

“So why would I flip it?”

“Because that’s what you do?”

“Angel, why do you think I brought you here?”

To feed me? I wanted to say but settled with a shrug.

“I bought the property for you.”

My eyes bulge. He didwhat?

“I thought it might be a nice place for us to meet. Given our lack of privacy because of the paparazzi, it’s not always easy to find a quiet spot in public. This way, we can have our own private place whenever we want to see each other.”

I’m floored, trying to process the fact that he purchased this extravagant mansion just for our private rendezvous.

All the fantasies my heart had conjured up earlier turned to reality. I pinch myself and wince. It’s definitely not a dream. “I… I don’t know what to say.”

He leans back in his chair, pulls something out from his pocket. “You don’t have to say anything. Just take this and give me a kiss.”

As my eyes land on the keys he’s holding, I break into a full-blown smile. I get up and practically run toward him. He pushes back his chair, making room for me as I lower myself on his lap.

Instead of taking the keys, I take his face in my hands and lean down to kiss his lips softly.

“Tell me.” He runs his hand up and down my back.

Somehow, I understand what he’s asking for, and without hesitation, I give it to him. “I love you.”

His eyes darken before he kisses the breath right out of me.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Present

Idid something unusual today. For my first day at the community center, I decided to ditch the billionaire’s wife look. And chose to dig out my old clothes to dress for the occasion.

A different kind of feeling envelops me as I slowly face the floor length mirror.

I swallow thickly as I take in my reflection in the mirror. In that reflection, I see the girl I used to be. Clad in sky-blue cami crop top and high-waisted jeans, it feels like a step back in time, a return to a version of myself that was more genuine and less burdened.

As I shrug into the white tie-front shirt, a strange sense of nostalgia washes over me, like I’m stepping back into the life of the twenty-year-old I once was. I knot the ends of the shirt atthe front, then gather my long curls, pulling them into a high ponytail.

I resemble the girl from the past. I stare at the face that looks familiar, yet a world apart. I may look like her but I’m not the same anymore. I’m much stronger and wiser.

I climbed a mountain I thought I never could. I stood against Damian and demanded freedom. Though I might not be completely free, but I would. Today is a first step toward it.

Glancing at my reflection one last time, I make a vow of setting her free one day.

Vicky came with me to the community center, as I expected since she’s basically my personal bodyguard. The center is a simple building with a warm, inviting look, tucked away in a quiet spot. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, giving it a cozy feel.

Standing at the entrance, I feel a flutter of nerves and my palms grow clammy. Through the glass, I catch glimpses of people inside, immersed in conversation and activity. It only heightens my anxiety.

“Ma’am, are you okay?” Vicky asks. She is wearing one of her dark suits. Her short hair slicked back and a Bluetooth headset in her ear. Her hazel eyes appear alert as she scans my face.

“Yes. Just nervous.” I force a smile.

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