The Daring Billionaire’s Wife by Lypstical

Dominic

Just as the limousine pulls up in the parking structure of the nightclub, Vanessa drops her head to the side with a blank face fixing her hair.

Though I'm fully aware that she doesn't want to talk to me, I still feel the need to remind her of something important because I know what she'll be like. She doesn't want to be close to me, but that's the last thing that we need right now.

Clearing my throat to get her attention, I say, "We're about to go in and-"

"I know," she bluntly cuts me off, carrying her purse. "Let's just go."

One of the bodyguards opens the door to her side and she starts making her way inside without waiting for me, accompanied by two of them.

Just as I step out, I say, "Did you miss the part where we're supposed to go in together?"

She stops in her tracks, looking over her shoulder. "I just can't wait to get inside so I can have a good time. I've had a very bad day."

I press my lips together with guilt, unable to give a proper response as I approach her.

As soon as we make it past security at the entrance and begin to move along the corridor with the bodyguards behind us, I get closer just so I can hold her hand, but she steps to the side and gets closer to the wall, widening the distance between us

"We don't have to always hold hands. It's enough that we're here and we look happy. That's what matters."

I nod, shoving my hand in my pocket. Had she not found out about the divorce thing, she'd be holding my hand right now. Something so small suddenly feels so significant as it once again paints a clear picture of how she feels towards me right now.

As we approach the end of another corridor after taking the elevator, the music gets louder and I send one last message to Frank, telling him that I've just arrived.

Vanessa and I turn at the corner and the music gets a little louder than before, but not so much that I wouldn't be able to hear myself speak.

Since there aren't too many people to celebrate the successful launch of Aurum Elite at this private party, I easily spot Frank at one of the VIP tables, drinking with the girls from the after-party last time. Mike spots me before I can even get to Frank and as he approaches, his eyes are fixed on Vanessa.

"Mrs Richards, is there ever a moment where you don't look so gorgeous?" he says to her.

She chuckles. "It's good to see you again."

"I'm glad you're both finally here." He smiles enthusiastically. "I have the best table reserved just for you so you can have some privacy."

"Come on. There's no need for that since we're here to have a good time," I say to him.

"I know we had the after-party, but I still wanted something more personal. It's too bad Jake won't be able to make it once again."

"You're right about that. My brother is just too busy these days."

"Anyway, I really hope you both have a blast!" He excitedly rubs his hands together, glancing at Vanessa with a nod of approval directed towards her outfit.

"I'll definitely have a blast," Vanessa chimes in. "What drinks do you have available?"

"Just speak to the waiters and they'll serve you whatever you desire," he says to her.

I poke my cheek, wondering what she's up to.

"I'll be joining Frank now." She steps away from me, smiling at Mike.

As she walks away, Mike doesn't look away from her and even strokes his chin for a few seconds, then looks back at me.

"You know what? You really hit the jackpot with Vanessa as your wife."

"I get that a lot." I proudly nod.

"I mean it." His voice is filled with great admiration, something that matches his facial expression. "Not only is your wife gorgeous, but she's also very intelligent. I saw her on the news just a few hours ago wher she was at a woman's conference."

I glance at her as she embraces Frank. She seems so enthusiastic while with him and it's the complete opposite with me. It actually makes me a little jealous.

"I know a good woman when I see one and she's one of those," Mike says, bringing back my attention to him. "Now, let's talk outside for a minute before you join her."

He places his hand on my shoulder and we head outside for a few minutes.

When I return, the sight of Vanessa taking shots with Frank and the other girls shocks me a little, making me rush over to them.

Frank spots me as I get closer and waves with enthusiasm. "Dude! You finally get to join us!"

I push the bodyguards aside, ignoring Frank.

"Can we talk for a moment?" I say to Vanessa.

"Can we talk later? I don't want to get up right now." She takes another shot while scrunching up her face at the taste.

"It'll only take a few seconds, so come with me," I say to her.

She sighs, getting up from her seat.

I hold onto her hand, pulling her away from the crowd and instructing the bodyguards to stay right where they are.

Right when I have her in the corridor, she roughly pulls her hand away from me.

"What do you want to say?" she asks. "Make it quick."

"What do you think you're doing?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" She crosses her arms.

"You're taking shots like crazy. I don't want you to get drunk because-"

"Because what?" She cuts me off, shooting me the same glare that I saw a few hours ago in the living room. "We're here to have a good time. Isnt that the whole point? Besides, comfy bedrooms are readily available in case I want to rest. That's why you don't have to

take care of me and I'm glad you

don't. If that's all, I have to get back. I

don't want to miss out on all the fun."

She turns around, heading right back to the others.

With a heavy sigh, I shake my head in defeat because I won't be able to stop her this time. Is it because I'm thinking about how she might lash out at me once she's drunk? I know how talkative she gets when she's in that state.

Bracing myself for what's to come, I decide to join them at the table and pour myself a drink.

Even though I'm right next to Vanessa, she keeps scooting in the other direction just so our bodies don't come in contact.

"Vanessa, I have to admit something!" Frank says. "I didn't know you could take down shots so rapidly!"

She grins, her eyes beginning to change as she's getting tipsy. "Right now, I'm just in the mood to celebrate!"Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

"That's the spirit!"

Frank makes a toast with a cheesy joke about Vanessa taking shots and though everyone laughs, I force myself to join in. I know that she's only taking shots because she's hurt. "Can we get some food as well?" She looks at everyone except me.

"Is there anything specific you want to order?" I ask her.

She glares at me, then looks over at the other girls to discuss it only with them..

Frank glances at me with slightly raised eyebrows. It seems he's picked up on what's going on between Vanessa and me.

After they make their order, Frank says, "Dominic and I will take care of it. We'll be right back."

He gestures with his head for me to follow him, so I get up from my seat. Even before we get to making the order, he leads me away from the music so we can talk somewhere more quiet.

"Dude, what's going on? Vanessa looks so hot but something's so different about her. I saw the way she looked at you and ignored your ass."

I huff, leaning against the wall. "That happened because she's upset with me."

"What the hell did you do?" His eyes widen as he steps away from the wall on the other side.

"She found out about my previous plans to divorce her because Carmella told her."

"Damn. That's fucked."

"I know."

"But wait, how did Carmella even get past the bodyguards?"

"She was in disguise. I seriously wish this didn't happen."

"Hold on a second. Why do you actually look like you feel bad about this?"

"Because I do and she's not letting me make things right."

"Are you out of your mind? Can't you see that it's too early for that? Give it some time."

I nod. "I know, but seeing how she's acting so different when it comes to everyone else except me just bothers me."

"Because you're the asshole."

I clench my jaw. "You're not helping."

"I know. Do you already have a plan for how you're going to fix this?"

"Not yet." I rest the back of my head against the wall, closing my eyes.

Rubbing his hands together with a smirk, he says, "I have an idea."