Billionaire's Bride

Pity on her

I'll stay awake, but you wouldn't be able to catch sleep if you ever planned to leave me...

The deal between Norman Enterprises and Parker Corporations was critical for both companies, but it was even more vital for Parker. Norman Enterprises was the most powerful and successful company not just in the country, but globally. However, the underlying tension between the two women was making it hard for Asher to focus on the meeting. He couldn't understand why this woman, Anastasia Hamilton, was being so disrespectful to his wife. Watching her insult Janette in front of him made his blood boil.

Only I have the right to break my wife-not anyone else. Asher thought, his jaw tightening. If anyone else dared to hurt her, he wouldn't hesitate to destroy them. But, he had promised his father never to mix personal matters with business, no matter how challenging it became. Still, it pained him to see Janette looking so vulnerable. It was the first time she seemed so helpless, and that bothered him deeply. After all, Janette was the only woman who ever had the audacity to speak to him directly without flinching under his intense gaze.

His attention drifted away from Edward Parker's business talk. Instead, his mind was preoccupied with Janette, who had been gone for too long. Worry gnawed at him as he imagined her fainting again, and just as he was about to excuse himself to check on her, he felt her hand on his shoulder. The confident smirk that usually graced her face was back, and with that, his anxiety faded. She wasn't sad anymore-she looked strong again.

Asher grasped her hand and kissed her knuckles, though this time, it wasn't for show. He genuinely felt sympathy for her, knowing how painful it must be to be insulted by someone who used to be your friend, especially in front of strangers. While Asher might still be a stranger to Janette, he understood enough to realize that she and Ana must have shared a strong bond in the past. Something significant must have happened for Janette not to invite Ana to their wedding. Asher suspected the chaotic rush of their sudden marriage, and perhaps Robert Stark's strict instructions, had prevented Janette from explaining everything to Ana. The thought that he might be responsible for this fallout made his heart sink.

He shrugged off the thought, refocusing on the conversation with Parker. Yet, out of the corner of his eye, he watched Janette wipe her makeup-free face with a tissue. Her natural beauty struck him. Maybe she didn't like makeup because she preferred showing the world her authentic self. But the Janette with a scowl wasn't the real Janette-the real Janette was soft, vulnerable, and kind.

Once breakfast was finished-lasagna and orange juice-the meeting came to an end. Throughout the meal, Ana and Janette ignored each other, acting as though the other didn't exist. As they prepared to leave, Janette was quick to stand up, eager to escape. "Thank you, Mr. Parker, and I apologize for wasting so much of your time," she said politely. Then, turning to Asher, she added, "I'll meet you in the room, darling." She surprised him by planting a small kiss on his cheek. Asher froze, stunned by the unexpected affection. It felt real, genuine-so much so that it took him a moment to respond.

"Wait outside, I'll be accompanying you," he said, his voice firm. Janette was taken aback, not expecting such a declaration. Sensing he was acting for show, she internally rolled her eyes.

"But-" she started to protest, but Asher cut her off with a stern look.

"No buts," he muttered before placing a soft kiss on her lips. Both Edward and Ana watched as Janette left the room, and without a word, Ana quickly followed her outside. The two men exchanged exasperated looks, completely unsure of what their partners were up to.

"These women," they mumbled in unison before chuckling.

Edward spoke first. "I'm sorry, Mr. Norman, for Ana's behavior toward your wife."

Asher half-laughed. "Why are you apologizing? The rivalry between these two women won't affect our business or our friendship." He was trying to stay diplomatic, but deep down, Ana's treatment of Janette did bother him. Still, he couldn't deny that Edward Parker was a good man, and their business partnership would prove fruitful for both companies.

The two men stood up and thanked each other for their time, sharing a mutual understanding of how valuable time was for both of them. They had a lot in common: both were quick to anger, highly intelligent, and undeniably handsome.

---

Meanwhile, Janette waited by the hotel's swimming pool, surrounded by lush plants. Her heart felt heavy with guilt. She had never treated Ana this coldly before, but today, Ana deserved it. Janette wiped the moisture from her eyes, hoping to hold herself together.

"Don't act like you care," Ana's voice cut through the silence, startling Janette out of her thoughts.

"How much did he pay you to marry him?" Ana spat, crossing her arms and glaring at her former best friend. "Do Aunt and Uncle Cameron know about this?"

Janette felt a sharp pain in her chest at Ana's accusation. How could she even think that? After everything they'd been through, after five years of friendship, how could Ana believe that Janette had sold herself to become Asher's wife?

Janette wanted to scream the truth at Ana, but the words wouldn't come. The weight of their shattered friendship pressed down on her, suffocating her. If Ana had been a true friend, she would have understood and supported me, even if she didn't agree with my choices, Janette thought.

She suspected that Ana's outburst had less to do with concern and more to do with jealousy. Perhaps Ana had wanted Asher for herself. Ana had always been the type of person to go to any length to get what she wanted. Now, seeing Janette as Asher's wife, Ana was furious. It was jealousy disguised as judgment, and Janette knew it.

Ignoring Ana's fury, Janette kept her emotions in check. She couldn't let Ana see how much her words hurt.

#1208 words the word limit will increase with the comming chapters.

Please gave me a sign that you all like the chapter so that it'd encourage me to write more.

The story ranked #604 in arrogant on 5-8 November 2020 ,I'd like to thank you all for the same.