Behind closed doors

Behind the Billonaire's Mask

Chapter 6

Julian's POV

"Sophie's mother's health has worsened." Marcus said, on our way to my grandfather's house.

"What do you mean worsened?" I demanded.

"The doctor said she's developed complications from the surgery, and they are not sure when she'll wake up.

"Get the best medical team on it." I ordered.

"Already done, sir."

We arrived at my grandfather's estate, and I stepped out of the car, my mind preoccupied. Her mother must not die if I don't want her to cancel the contract.

Augustine Blackwood, my grandfather, sat behind his desk, his eyes piercing.

"Julian, I've received disturbing news," he said.

This old man is something! No greetings.

"Regarding?" I asked, taking my seat.

"A potential threat to our family's business empire." He said, rubbing his temple.

My interest piqued.

"Explain."

My grandfather leaned forward.

"One of our major investors is considering withdrawal. We need to persuade them otherwise."

I nodded.

"I'll handle it."

My grandfather's gaze intensified.

"Julian, this is crucial. Our family's legacy is at stake."

"I understand, Grandfather," I said, my tone reassuring. "I'll ensure our investor remains committed." I wasn't even sure how, but I mustn't show grandfather that I'm weak.

My grandfather nodded, seeming to relax.

"I knew I could count on you, Julian. You're the only one who truly understands the weight of our family's legacy."

I smiled, hiding my thoughts. Legacy, power, and wealth – the only things that mattered to my grandfather.

"I heard you got a wife." my grandfather said suddenly, his eyebrows raised.

I hesitated, unsure how to reply. "Ehm...yes."

"Why didn't you tell me? I know I have been pestering you to get a wife, but you should have told me." he said, his tone laced with disappointment.

Yeah, the old man had been disturbing me to get a wife, but i will always do what I wish to do.

"I didn't bother because I know he'll tell you." I said, pointing at Marcus, who was standing behind us.

My grandfather's gaze turned to Marcus, then back to me. "You should let me meet her and hold a press conference announcing her as your wife."

I frowned, anticipating this reaction. "You don't need to meet her, and about the press conference, I'll hold it in a week's time."

"I must meet her, I want to see the woman that agreed to marry a nutjob like you."

I rolled my eyes inwardly. I know he won't back down. He's the one Evelyn took after.

Very stubborn!.

"Ok, I'll bring her after the press conference." I conceded.

My grandfather's face lit up with excitement. "I can't believe I'm having grandchildren soon."

"Better don't keep your hopes high. It's against the contract to get pregnant." I wanted to tell him, but I just smiled instead, avoiding controversy.

My grandfather's eyes sparkled, oblivious to any contract. "I will be the best grandfather ever."

********

"You need to do some shopping. I will ask Evelyn to go with you." I said, watching Sophie emerge from the bathroom, her hair still damp from the shower. I had slept in her room after our lovemaking last night, exhausted.

It had been a week since she moved in with me, and I was surprised by how well she cooperated each time I wanted to have sex with her. She has been quiet since she moved in, unlike the girl I met in the hospital.

I had allowed her to visit her mom twice, and each time she comes back, it always with red, swollen eyes, obvious from her crying. 

She turned to me, drying her hair with a towel, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What's the occasion?" she asked, her voice gentle.

"We are having a press conference in two days' time, and you will need to dress your best because you will be on the news." I stood up, heading downstairs for breakfast. "And we have many other occasions to go, as you will be going with me as my wife."

Sophie's eyes widened, her brow furrowing. "And...what's the press conference about?" she asked, her tone cautious.

I felt a flicker of irritation.

"Why do you keep questioning me?" I snapped, my voice firm. "You do as I say and not question me, okay?"  'Can't she just obey me without questions' I thought to myself. 

Sophie's eyes dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ok... but I need to be prepared in case I am asked questions, so I will know the answer to give." She sounded submissive, but I detected a hint of defiance.

My annoyance grew. Did she think she could defy me?

"I will be announcing that you are my wife," I said, my tone firm.

Sophie's eyes snapped up, her face pale. "But...it's just eighteen months, why do you need to announce?" Her voice trembled.

My patience wore thin.

"Woman! Listen carefully and don't question me," I said, my voice rising. "I own you, you do as I say, okay?"

I didn't wait for a response and headed downstairs, leaving Sophie looking stunned and subdued.

As I descended the stairs, I thought, 'Why does she keep boring me with her questions? Does she think she can do as she pleases?' My mind lingered on the contract, the terms clear: she was mine for eighteen months.

MINE!

I sat down at the dining table, and she soon came downstairs to join me.

"I'm sorry." she suddenly said in the middle of the meal.

That seemed to calm me down, but I didn't say anything.

"Good morning, brother. Good morning, sister-in-law," Evelyn breezed into the dining room, her bright smile infectious.

She headed straight to Sophie. Her heels clicking on the marble floor.

Sophie's eyes widened as Evelyn leaned in to peck her cheek. "Good morning," Sophie replied, her voice soft. Her face flushing slightly.

I was taken aback by Evelyn's sudden display of affection. Evelyn had never shown any of my girlfriends such warmth before.

"Going somewhere?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, wondering why she's dressed up so early in the morning.

Evelyn struck a pose, her hand on her hip. "Why do you want to know?" she said, poking her head forward at me, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Sophie chuckled, covering her mouth.

"Sister-in-law, how do I look?" Evelyn asked, twirling around, her dress fluttering.

"So beautiful." Sophie complimented.

Evelyn beamed, blowing a kiss at Sophie.

"Wuah..." I said, looking disgusted, throwing my hands up in exasperation.

"What?!" Evelyn said, turning to me while flipping her long hair, her eyes wide with mock innocence.

"Do I look that pretty?" she asked, batting her eyelashes.

What is this old kid saying? Pretty my foot!

"Don't try to act pretty...I don't want to lose my appetite." I said, pretending to gag.

Evelyn's face scrunched up in a pout. "I know, right... It's annoying if I act pretty, right?" She said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her quick wit.

"Thank God, she knows," I thought, relieved.

But Evelyn's next words left me speechless.

"It's such a dilemma. I'm not acting pretty, I was born pretty," she declared, striking another pose.

Sophie burst out laughing, holding her stomach.

I face-palmed, "Evelyn, stop.

Evelyn grinned, triumphant. "Mission accomplished!"

"What do you mean?" I asked, wondering what mission was accomplished.

"This place was too boring." She said, gesturing around the dining table. "I guess I lighten it up a bit."

I shook my head, smiling despite myself.

This girl is something!

"You'll be taking Sophie shopping tomorrow."

Evelyn face lit up."Shopping spree! Count me in!"

"But...brother, I get to buy anything I want, right?" Evelyn asked, pouting, her lower lip jutting out.

I looked at her, amused by her childlike enthusiasm. "Okay, but..." I began, but her loud scream cut me short.

"Thanks, brother...I should go now!" She exclaimed, heading towards the door.

I stood up and walked to the sitting room, Sophie following me.

"Bye, Si..." Evelyn said, but stopped abruptly, her hand on the door handle.

"What are you doing here?" Evelyn asked, her tone laced with anger and surprise, as she opened the door.

"Who's there, Evelyn?" I asked, my curiosity piqued, looking towards the door.

Evelyn opened the door wider, and my eyes locked onto a face I thought I'd never see again. And my heart skipped a beat.