A Second Chance with My Billionaire Love

Chapter 1 - A Second Chance with My Billionaire Love

"Flossie, time for us to consider a divorce," Halston's voice cut through the air as Flossie Ellsworth tended to sizzling steaks in the kitchen. The words struck her like a sudden chill, momentarily distracting her as hot oil splattered on her cheeks from the pan.

"We've merely been husband and wife on paper all this while. It's been four years now, and perhaps it's best to bring this arrangement to an end," Halston continued, his tone distant and matter-of-fact.

Flossie, feeling a mix of emotions, bit her lip nervously. She couldn't help but acknowledge that this moment had been looming on the horizon for some time now.

The roots of their union traced back to a time of hardship when Flossie's family faced financial ruin. Her parents, overwhelmed by the burden, tragically chose to end their lives, leaving Flossie to navigate the aftermath alone.

In a twist of fate, their grandfathers had shared a bond forged in battle, with Flossie's grandfather once saving Halston's grandfather's life. In his final moments, he entrusted Flossie's well-being to Halston, leading to a marriage of convenience between them to honor the old man's wishes.

Over the years, amidst the facade of duty, Flossie found herself falling for her husband, hoping that her devotion would eventually be reciprocated. However, reality proved harsher than her dreams.

"I'm offering you 40 million dollars and a penthouse in Long Beach. Here are the divorce papers. Please sign if you agree," Halston stated bluntly, treating the situation as nothing more than a transaction.

As she scanned the figures on the document, Flossie couldn't help but marvel at the wealth that still surrounded the Guajardos. Despite the pang in her heart, she gathered her resolve and questioned, "Must we really go through with this?" Her gaze locked with Halston's, searching for a hint of hesitation.

Halston's response was swift and unwavering, leaving Flossie with a bittersweet realization.

Despite her efforts, their relationship had never transcended its contractual origins.

With a mix of resignation and newfound strength, Flossie accepted the inevitable. "Fine," she uttered softly, taking up the pen to sign the papers decisively.

Halston, surprised by her composed demeanor, witnessed a side of Flossie that had remained hidden beneath layers of fragility and uncertainty throughout their time together.

For some reason, this left a sour taste in his mouth.

"I'll let you know once this is processed. If it's possible, I'd like you to move out by tonight." The man said, brushing off the unpleasant feeling in his chest before leaving.

It was painfully obvious that he didn't intend on discussing the matter over.

On the very same night, the housekeeper immediately threw Flossie's belongings out of the villa after receiving news of the divorce. It wasn't like she respected Flossie back then, but now that they were officially separating, she became openly hostile.

"Serves you right, you gold-digging leech! It's about time they decided to kick you out!"

Flossie had no choice but to crouch down and pick her scattered clothing up. The cold night breeze only served to rub salt in her wound.

Just then, she heard the sound of a car rolling to a stop behind her. A tall slender woman emerged from the vehicle.

"Ms. Ximenez, you're here! Welcome, welcome!" The housekeeper, who was just yelling profanities at Flossie, immediately jumped to the guest's assistance.

However, Jessanna Ximenez didn't even bother to spare the housekeeper a glance. "Be careful with my belongings. If you break even a single thing, you wouldn't be able to pay it back within a lifetime."

Flossie's entire body stiffened up. In mere seconds, the pieces fell into place in her mind.

'No wonder Guajardo wanted me out by tonight. So he has another woman he'd like to play house with! Hah, to think that I let that man affect my emotions! How I wish I could slap my past self!'

Jessanna approached Flossie with a cocky smirk.

"So you're Flossie Ellsworth, huh? What are you still doing here? Didn't Halston kick you out? Get a move on! Have you no shame?!"

Despite the provocation, Flossie continued packing her belongings at her own pace.

"Hey, are you deaf? I'm talking to you here!"

"Sorry, I didn't quite hear you." Flossie met her gaze calmly.

"All I heard was some crazy b*tch barking!"

"How dare you call me a b*tch?!"

"I didn't. Looks like you went ahead and got offended in the first place." Flossie replied as she got up with her luggage. She tilted her head at Jessanna, who was blocking her path.

"Now if you'll excuse me. Nice little doggies should know how to stay out of the way."

"How dare you!" Jessanna's face went bright red as she stomped her feet.

'Wasn't she known to be a living punchbag? When did she learn to talk back like that?'

The housekeeper quickly tried to win Jessanna over.

"Please calm down, Miss Ximenez. You shouldn't upset yourself over a woman like that!"

"You'll be the lady of the house soon, that insolent witch is insignificant compared to you..."

"We've also arranged a room for you as per Master Guajardo's orders. Let me lead the way!"

Jessanna looked visibly pleased by the flattery. She quickly lost the mood to argue with Flossie and proceeded to follow the housekeeper into the villa.

Flossie was once again left alone outside. Mixed emotions welled up in her chest as she gazed upon the tall building. It felt ironic that she would return to the streets after four years of living here.

"Goodbye, Guajardo." Flossie took a deep breath and left.

Later on, she moved into a small one-bedroom apartment downtown.

She felt liberated as soon as she lost her title as the 'Second Young Mistress of the Guajardo household'. She was free to do anything she wanted, and she was no longer the caged bird she used to be.

Flossie took her phone out and dialed a number she blocked for four years.

"Boss, you've finally remembered that I exist! It's been four years, you know!" A delighted voice exclaimed on the other end of the line.

This person was none other than Liam Osborne, also known as one of the Four Princes of Beach City. Despite his rebellious and unpredictable nature, he made himself sound like an underling when speaking to Flossie.

"I heard about your divorce, by the way. Congratulations! You should've ditched that *sshole a long time ago!"

"I'm not sure if you know this, but while you were being Mrs. Punchbag, rumors about you started spreading everywhere! If those old geezers knew that you're actually the ultimate boss they were looking for all this while, they'd flip their sh*t!"

"So? Are we doing something big this time? I can..."

"Hold that thought!" Flossie was so annoyed by his constant blabbering that she considered blocking him again.

"I promised Grandpa that I won't go back to that life anymore. If you really do see me as your boss, you better keep this a secret."

It appears that her past was rather 'interesting', to say the least. However, she wasn't in the mood to talk about it.

"I called because I want you to help investigate something..."

After talking some more with Liam, Flossie hung up the phone, only to receive a text message from Halston.