The Billionaire's Enchantment

Chapter One

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Flora Roberts gripped the shot glass with shaky fingers, her fourth tequila of the night burning down her throat like liquid rage. She slammed the empty glass on the counter and signaled the bartender for another, determined not to shed a single tear in this dingy establishment. Three years of marriage to Jayden Kensington, and this was how it ended-with his ex-girlfriend's pregnancy announcement still ringing in her ears like a death knell to whatever remained of her dignity.

"Another," she demanded, her voice hoarse from the alcohol and unshed tears.

The bartender, a young man with sharp eyes, hesitated. "Are you sure about that? You have been here for two hours already."

"I am paying you to pour drinks, not for your concern," Flora snapped, pushing her glass forward.

As the bartender reluctantly poured another shot, Flora's mind drifted back to how it all began. She remembered that girl, the one who watched Jayden Kensington from afar in the school hallways. He was a senior, popular and handsome, and she was just the gardener's daughter. She never thought he would even know her name.

He knew her name now. He had slurred it in the dark on that drunken night, a night that had cost her everything. His grandfather, Rudolf Kensington, had been furious. Not at Jayden's actions, but at the risk of a scandal. And so, a deal was made. A secret marriage to save the family name. Flora had foolishly thought it was a dream come true. She believed, with all her heart, that Jayden would eventually see her, that he would come to love her.

"He never loved me," she muttered, downing the fresh shot. "Not once in three years."

Their wedding night flashed before her eyes; Jayden had slept in the guest room. Their first anniversary; he had been on a "business trip." She recalled the cold dinners, the separate lives, the facade of the perfect Kensington couple, while privately, they were strangers sharing an address.

Her phone vibrated on the counter, and Jayden's name illuminated the screen for the twelfth time that evening. Flora turned it face down with a scoff.

"Calling to deny it?" she asked the silent phone. "Or to explain how you managed to get your ex-girlfriend pregnant while still married to me?"

The betrayal stung less than the humiliation. Everyone would know. The entire circle of the Kensingtons' empire. Not many people knew she was even married to Jayden.

"Rot in hell, Jayden. And Melissa right beside you," she cried. "I hope your baby inherits your snake eyes and his cold heart."

She reached for another shot, but someone caught her wrist. Flora looked up, blinking through her haze, only to see her sister's concerned face.

"That is enough, Flora," Sasha said firmly.

"Sasha," Flora slurred, spreading her arms as if she had been waiting. "Come drink with me. Tonight, we dance until my liver dies."

"Get up," Sasha said.

"How did you find me?"

"You texted me the name of this place," Sasha explained, settling onto the stool beside her. "You have not been answering for hours. I was worried."

Flora laughed, a hollow sound that drew glances from nearby patrons. "Worried about what? That I might drink myself to death? That would be convenient for everyone, would it not? Especially the Kensingtons."

Sasha's expression softened. "Do not talk like that. You know I would never-"

"I want to dance," Flora announced suddenly, sliding off her stool and swaying dangerously. "I want to dance and forget that Jayden exists, that Melissa exists, that I wasted three years of my life on a man who was still sleeping with his ex-girlfriend."