September 16, 2024. Chapter 1-2.
"Look, Dad, it's the baby!" Riley pointed to the ultrasound monitor. As part of their efforts to involve Anthony in their lives, Riley and Adrian invited him to her next checkup with Zia. Anthony had been in the hospital for four days now. It was determined that he required therapy to regain muscle control following his heart attack and head injury. Thus, he would stay in the hospital until the week's end and return for treatments. Adrian pushed Anthony's wheelchair closer to see the ultrasound monitor as Zia navigated the probe on Riley's belly. Anthony nearly cried seeing the baby. He said, "Reminds me of when I first accompanied Adrian's mother to her checkup." He was emotional as he turned to Adrian and Riley, saying, "Thank you for letting me see this.""Well, are you guys ready?" Zia asked. "Very ready," Riley responded. Zia took her time. She smiled for the next few seconds as she continued to study the screen. Then, she finally announced, "And it's a...GIRL! Congratulatio
"Where are you taking me, Honey? I'm so excited!" Riley expressed while she stared at the road through the car window. "We could use a quick break - I could use a one-week vacation," Adrian said from his side of the seat. Two weeks had gone by after Anthony was discharged from the hospital. After they had ensured that Adrian's father was emotionally stable enough to go on with his treatments without them, the couple decided to go on a vacation. "We are going to the place where we had our first special moment," Adrian revealed, and Riley raised a brow. "And then, I have a surprise for you during this trip.""The island?" Riley asked, her face flushing. Then, she named the caretakers of the island, "Miguel? Lorenzo and Mariana?" Adrian chuckled. He answered, "Yes, them, and you will have a lot of seafood. However, we need to cut down on those crustaceans, Riley. You need more omega 3.""I'm still excited! I can't wait," Riley said cheerfully, embracing her husband and kissing his che
“What are we having?” Riley asked. “Are we going to get married again? Because I don’t remember fitting any gown.”The crowd of photographers and stylists laughed around her. Adrian chuckled and walked towards Riley, kissing her on the forehead. He said, “Honey, we will have a maternity photoshoot.”Riley’s mouth fell open. She said, “Oh!”She looked at her belly and laughed. “Of course!”Riley made a face and turned to everyone, saying, “I just woke up.”“Good morning, Mrs. King. I’m Rhona, and I’ll be styling you for today’s shoot,” A woman with red hair said. Riley quickly bathed. Adrian joined her for breakfast, and after that, it was her turn to have her makeup and styling done. They started with an extravagant long black mermaid-cut gown for Riley, while Adrian was dressed in a custom-tailored black suit. Many photos captured the couple tenderly touching Riley’s belly. Still, their overall poses exuded sophistication, as if they were attending a grand event.Next came moments
Adrian looked surprised by Riley's first choice. It took him a second to speak after they sent their names together. "Riley, I don't know what to say."Riley smiled. She said, "You loved your mother so much, I just thought you'd want to remember her this way." She chuckled and added, "I guess you do too, because you have her on your list. Obviously, I thought about you for the rest of my name suggestions.""I like Charlie Rae, though; it's a badass name for a girl," Riley remarked. Adrian smiled back. He said, "Let's see what the others have to say."Anthony was the first to respond in the chat group. He sent a heart emoji, saying: [Thank you. I did not expect that. Freya would have loved it. But ultimately, it's your choice, Riley and Adrian. Choose the name that's closer to your heart.]Abner: [I'm going to be biased and choose Freya.]Adrian: [Haha!]Renee: [I'm struggling with the names because I know how important Freya is to Adrian and Anthony, but I like how Charlie Rae combin
"Will you pass me the tissue again, Hun," Riley requested while stretching her hand toward the tissue box on the living room table. Adrian, whom Riley had leaned into, looked at her strangely before grabbing the tissue box and giving it to her. "Thank you," Riley said before wiping her tears and blowing her nose. She sniffed as she said the lines from her favorite movie, "It wasn't over for me. I waited for you for seven years. And now it's too late."Riley could feel Adrian studying her again, but he said nothing and returned his gaze to the TV screen.Four days into their vacation, it rained over the island. So, the couple decided to watch a movie. Riley chose one of her favorites, 'The Notebook'The movie progressed, and Riley continued to say the lines that were familiar to her. She softly muttered, "So, it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you -""Honey, how many times exactly have you
“Do you like it?” Adrian asked, using the exact words in the movie. A laugh escaped Riley’s lips. She answered, “It’s spectacular. It’s like a dream.”Riley looked around with sparkling eyes. They were in a small pond, roughly two acres, and a humble brick home was not too far from them. Other structures were nearby, too, and they appeared to be storage areas. She could also identify water pumps on one side of the lake, which meant that a water system was in place. Of course, there were other things she did not understand, like some tall metal bars from the pond’s access path. Adrian explained, “As you can see, this is an artificial freshwater pond. The family that owns the place grows catfish for a living. They let me rent their entire property today, including their wonderful home.”Riley looked back and quickly found Miguel standing by the pond’s wooden access path. Miguel was grinning and waving at them, saying, “This is what you call love, right, Mrs. King?”Miguel’s statement
"I'm upset!" Riley exclaimed. Zia sipped on her coffee and replied, "Okay, calm down. Tell me about it.""Adrian is meeting with his college ex, Daisy Harold, next week," Riley mentioned. "Their families have been business partners for years, but the Harolds moved to Canada, and since then, they've only been investors in King's Enterprises. Now they're back and want to take a more active role in managing their shares.""Okay, and you are worried because?" Zia asked. "It's an ex-girlfriend, Zia!" Riley reacted. "And Daisy, she is like the girl version of Adrian. She is smart, beautiful, and just perfect.""Smart, beautiful, and just perfect? That sounds like you too, Riley," Zia remarked before she laughed. "Besides, so what if she is an ex? You have an ex-husband too.""Yeah, but they will potentially work together," Riley said. "And I just don't feel comfortable with it.""Work together in the same office? How will that work?" Zia inquired. Riley and Zia were catching up in a coffe
"Um." Zia's face was bright red. She responded, "Yes, Cuddle Muffin."Clint quickly brought Zia closer to his chest, and she caught a whiff of his expensive perfume. He said, "I like to cuddle with Zia, and that's why she calls me Cuddle Muffin. I, on the other hand, think Zia has the sweetest lips in the world.""Awww. You guys are so sweet," Riley teased. "Get a room!"Zia couldn't believe what Riley had done, but there was no undoing it now. Admitting she hadn't found another man in the past few years felt humiliating too. All she could do was go along with it."Um. I'm sorry, who are you?" Sonia asked, referring to Clint. "And are you really Zia's fiance?""I am the Chief Executive Assistant to Adrian King. My name is Clint, and yes, I am Zia's fiance. I love her to death and can't wait to marry her," Clint said, making Riley chuckle. "Uh, Cuddle Muffin, you're making me blush," Zia said, playfully smacking Clint's chest. Her gesture was a subtle warning for him to stop, but Clint
Dear Readers, Thank you for your unwavering support and for being part of this incredible journey. I won't say it's the end because we will still hear from Riley and Adrain. However, Chapter 262 concludes Book 1 of Divorced My Cheating Husband, Married A Billionaire. Book 2 will cover Riley and Adrian's lives years later and focus on their children. Yes, this includes their daughter, Freya. In the coming days, I will write a preview and some bonus chapters using the author's notes. Please watch out for it. Now, the question is when will Book 2 start?I have things I need to take care of—for my kids, my baby, and myself. I have been putting off my follow-up check-up and need to get it done. (Somebody will get scolded by the doctor, and that's me. :))We will also be moving back to our old house, which will take a lot of time.I don't want to underdeliver, so I will wait to give an estimated time. I just want to get the abovementioned tasks out of the way first before coming back with
“Happy Birthday, Grandpa. I love you and miss you,” Freya said while putting a flower on Abner’s grave. Charlie followed, putting her teddy bear down. She said, “Grandpa, you can have Mr. Bear. So you won’t miss us too much.”Jasper followed, leaving a card that he had drawn for Abner. He asked, “Hey, Grandpa. Is it always a buffet in heaven?”The adults behind the kids laughed. Jasper turned to his parents, objecting, “Grandpa told me there’s a buffet in heaven!”“Dad did say that a lot,” Anthony remarked, chuckling. More than a year had gone by since Abner’s passing, and they all visited him in his mausoleum, the same one that housed his departed wife, Marilyn King. Charles and Realyn were also present, bringing along their son. Carson had made a Lego mansion for Abner. He placed it above his tomb and said, “Grandpa, I made a house for you. Hope you like it.”Kian moved forward next. He pouted as he said, “Great-grandpa Abner, since you left, the house has been a bit boring. Daddy
“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, Dear Freya. Happy birthday to you!” On Freya’s 6th birthday, everyone gathered again. The celebration was held at the very first Diamond Hotel in Halliport. Freya stood on the stage with her parents and siblings. She wore a crown over her head and a ballroom gown fit for a princess. She had a bright smile before she blew the candles on her cake. The audience erupted into applause, after which the party host asked, “What was your wish, Princess Freya?”“That I will grow strong and healthy so I can be a businesswoman someday!” Freya declared, adding to everyone’s amusement. Praises echoed in the ballroom. Carrying both his sons, Adrian struggled to clap his hands, but Jasper and Kian did it for him. “Yay! My turn to blow!” Charlie said. She was beaming while being held by Riley. “No, me!” Jasper screamed. “No, me!” Kian said. The guests laughed out loud at how Riley and Adrian’s children wanted to blow out the candles
Over a year passed. “Five minutes more, and we are done,” Adrian said as he continued to run on the treadmill. “Honey, I can’t believe I’m back to running for two straight hours again,” Riley said while catching her breath. Her body was sweating profusely, her athletic wear soaked altogether.” It was the same for her husband. Adrian’s skin was glowing in his sweat, and with him running half-naked, he looked mighty fine. “Rrr. Somebody looks hot,” Riley remarked while checking out her husband. “We should have sex after shower.”“We should,” Adrian said while chuckling. “The last time we tried to make love, Freya walked in on us.”“We should learn to lock the door,” Riley said, but locking the doors was easier said than done when Freya always demanded their time and attention whenever they were home. Since delivering the Triplets, Riley had always asked Adrian to be her exercise buddy. Although her postpartum belly has still not fully recovered, she is getting there. The best part i
“What? Why can’t we see Riley before the delivery?” Renee asked, furious. “Why is she delivering early?”“It’s a delicate pregnancy, Aunt, and she is going into operation right now. Don’t worry. I will take care of Riley,” Zia said. Zia knew that Riley had hidden the truth about her pregnancy. During her second trimester, Riley had attempted to wear baggy clothes to conceal her growing belly. Zia also knew Riley purposely evaded seeing her parents and aunt personally in the recent months.Only Zia, Clint, Abner, Adrian, and Riley knew the truth. Zia even colluded with Riley, giving her a fake ultrasound report.Now, Riley was already 34 weeks pregnant. It was too early for her to give birth, but it had to be done. Going further into the pregnancy was too dangerous. “What’s her condition? Is it polyhydramnios?” Renee asked. This was one of Renee’s suspicions, but Zia always found a way to avoid the topic. “It’s one of those rare pregnancies, Aunt - Oh! I hear Riley crying. I better g
Time passed again, and it was finally time for Zia to give birth to her twins. Zia had no complications during her pregnancy. Thus, she decided to give birth vaginally. She was prepared for the worst. Zia had delivered countless babies and witnessed different kinds of mothers, including those who screamed, cried, prayed, counted numbers, and more. So, Zia was quiet despite the labor pains. However, it was not the same for her husband, Clint.Zia wanted to avoid an epidural if possible, saving it as a last resort. During labor, she hummed and took deep breaths. They were in their birthing suite, with Clint holding Zia’s hand. Between the two of them, it looked like Clint was about to give birth. He was sweating and already jittery. He said, “Zia, you are so strong. I love you so much.”Soon, it was time for Zia to push. She gave it her all. Clint and her doctor helped her through it. However, after several attempts, the first baby was still not coming out! Zia’s doctor decided to perf
“Honey? What are you doing here?” Adrian asked, surprised to see Riley stepping onto the private jet. He was scheduled for a trip to check on the project’s progress in Hawaii, so her unexpected arrival caught him off guard.“I’m coming with you!” Riley declared. “It’s been a while since I accompanied you on business trips. Why not mix business with pleasure? And don’t worry, Freya is staying with Aunt, and so is Grandpa. I figured it was about time we had more alone time together.”She beamed and settled on the seat next to Adrian. She pressed her lips into his ear and pointed out, “You do realize that I am about to ovulate. This is the perfect time to have lots of sex!”“Honey,” Adrian said. “I know about that. I was coming back tomorrow morning.”“Yes, but why not have lots of sex in paradise?” Riley pointed out. “Maybe we need a little adventure.”She scanned the private jet, and after finding Adrian’s new male assistant, she whispered, “We can have, you know, sex on the beach, on t
“Riley, Aunt Renee needs us,” Adrian revealed in the middle of the night. Riley was fast asleep when Adrian awoke her. She got up immediately, and a worried expression appeared on her face. She asked, “What happened to Aunt?”“Her blood pressure went up, so the doctor decided to deliver the baby prematurely,” Adrian said while getting off the bed. “Dad just called. He is in a panic.”Riley frowned. Because Zia was very pregnant and her stomach was growing bigger, she had to hold off from delivering babies, but she was still on top of her aunt’s condition. She had also appointed the second-best doctor to attend to Renee. “I’ll call Zia,” Riley said while leaving the bed. Time had passed again. Her aunt’s pregnancy was already thirty-four weeks, not yet full term. Naturally, Riley was worried. She had heard Gaby’s story about their struggle with Kenneth and the triplet’s birth, so she was afraid her aunt would go through the same situation. “Zia? Thank you for picking up,” Riley said
~ “Tonight I just want to take you higher Throw your hands up in the sky Let’s set this party off right” ~ Previously hidden amongst his groomsmen, Clint emerged from his flock of male friends and cousins to sing and dance to the tune of 24k Magic by Bruno Mars. This was Clint and Zia’s wedding celebration. They did not wait long and wed while Zia was still ten weeks pregnant. Clint and Zia wanted to make things formal before Zia’s belly grew too big. Clint glided down the center aisle of the ballroom with casual, effortless confidence. His steps were smooth and rhythmic, exuding a cool, controlled vibe as he moved to the beat. He and his crew of groomsmen dancers execute sharp, synchronized moves that give the choreography a sense of unity and camaraderie.With every slick move, their smiles were evident. They occasionally winked at the crowd, giving off that suave look. The wedding was held at the Marriot Hotel, and over five hundred guests were invited. Most guests were Clint