Billionaire's Bride

He can't do it

"What were you thinking, agreeing to Stark's proposal?" Mrs. Cameron chided Janette, her tone firm but laced with concern.

"Marriage isn’t child’s play, darling. We fall in love once and marry for love’s sake once. It’s clear as day that you love that man," she lectured. The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on Janette—her mother had never even met Asher, yet here she was, defending him. Internally, Janette smiled. Only Asher had the power to sway her mother like that.

Janette knew her mother was right. They shared the same views on love and marriage. But the reality was, Asher had cheated, and today, she’d been humiliated because of him, in front of her own family. And now, once again, she had no other choice. Nothing had changed in the past eight months—she was still as helpless as before.

"Mrs. Norman," Edward interrupted her thoughts, his voice steady. "As far as I know, Asher Norman would never cheat on you. I think this is a trap set by Robert Stark to drive a wedge between you two."

Edward’s words carried weight. He’d known Asher for much longer than Janette, who had barely known him for five months. And Asher had never betrayed her during their marriage. Stark, on the other hand, was ruthless. He’d do anything to save his failing empire, and now, with bankruptcy looming, Janette could see him pulling any strings to regain his shares.

Her mind spun with questions, none of which had easy answers. She felt trapped, not knowing what to do, but still she packed her bags. Stark had summoned her to attend his masquerade ball that evening, insisting she sign the divorce papers beforehand. She couldn’t understand why she was following his every order like a puppet. But she had no choice.

Ana and her family had stayed with her since that night for safety reasons. Edward had even called in bodyguards to protect them, as Tom remained in England with his fiancée. Janette glanced around at her packed bags and the worried faces of her loved ones.

"I know what I’m doing," she said quietly. "Don’t worry. I’m not going to marry Daniel or get engaged to him." Relief washed over their faces at her words.

"What are you up to, Janette?" Ana asked, her voice thick with concern.

"You’ll find out soon enough," Janette replied with a faint smile. She turned to Edward. "Take care of my family."

"I will," Edward promised, though he added, "I think you should call Mr. Norman."

"No," Janette said firmly. "I’m going to fight this battle on my own. Promise me, Edward, you won’t tell Asher anything until I give you the word."

Edward hesitated, but after seeing the determination in her eyes, he nodded. "I promise."

"And it’s Jane from now on," she said, a small grin tugging at her lips. "I’m not some old woman." The room erupted into light laughter, and for a brief moment, Janette joined in, relishing the joy, not knowing when she might have another chance to smile again.

She embraced her parents, their faces etched with worry. "Everything will be fine again," she whispered, though she wasn’t sure if she was reassuring them or herself. Then, with one last look at her family, she walked out to the waiting car sent by Robert Stark.

...

"I still can’t believe Janette sent these," Asher muttered, staring at the divorce papers that lay on the table before him.

Flashback

Asher had just signed the final document, ensuring the downfall of the Stark empire. A satisfied smile tugged at his lips as he watched Robert Stark’s face twist in defeat. The man deserved every bit of it. Once the meeting room emptied, leaving only Asher and Stark, Asher had prepared to leave, giving the man a moment to mourn his loss.

But then, Stark started laughing.

Asher frowned, throwing a disgusted look his way. Maybe the thought of bankruptcy had pushed him over the edge. Collecting his belongings, Asher turned to leave.

"Wait, Mr. Norman," Stark called out. Asher smirked, assuming Stark was about to beg for mercy.

"My daughter sent you this," Stark said, holding out an envelope.

"What’s this?" Asher asked, taking the envelope and tearing it open. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the contents—divorce papers, signed by Janette. He blinked, certain it was some sort of mistake, but there were their names, clear as day, with Janette’s signature staring back at him.

Anger surged through him. Had Stark blackmailed her into signing this? Asher stormed toward him, grabbing Stark by the collar. "You bastard! You forced her to sign these!"

Stark laughed again, unfazed by Asher’s fury. "Why would I force her to invite my own death? Janette is a Stark by blood. She might tolerate many things, but not betrayal. You’re reaping what you’ve sown."

On any other day, Asher wouldn’t have believed him. But he remembered Janette’s devastated expression the last time he saw her, and for the first time, doubt crept in. Maybe she had signed them willingly.

Silently, Asher took a pen and signed the papers. If Janette wanted out, he wouldn’t stand in her way. He respected her decision, no matter how much it hurt.

"Tell her to meet me," Asher said, determined to have one final conversation with her. Their relationship had been built on lies, but he was willing to start anew if she was.

Stark raised an eyebrow, then smirked. "I’m afraid Janette is busy preparing for her engagement. She even sent you an invitation."

Asher froze. Engagement? The words hit him like a punch to the gut. How could she move on so quickly? Didn’t she even care enough to hear his side of the story?

Inside the same envelope as the divorce papers was a gilded invitation to her engagement party. The image of Janette with another man gnawed at him. How could she be so heartless?

End of flashback

"Tonight, our investors are hosting a masquerade ball, Mr. Norman," his secretary’s voice cut into his thoughts. "Perhaps you’ll have a chance to see Mrs. Norman and find out for yourself if she really signed those papers."

Asher’s jaw clenched. He wasn’t about to let Robert Stark win this easily. Before jumping to conclusions, he needed to confirm whether Janette had signed those papers of her own free will. Something about her signature didn’t sit right with him—there was a slight difference compared to the one on their marriage certificate.

He wasn’t going to let her slip away so easily.