A Billionaire Ex - Short Story Collection (Volume 6): A Billionaire Ex, #24

By Alexia Austen

A STEAMY BBW BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE SERIES

A Billionaire Ex - Book 16

Rumours abound of the company's struggles, and in the midst of heartache, and uncertainty, the real reason behind Maria and Jack's divorce is revealed. As both come to terms with the new revelation, Maria bears witness an event that makes her hesitate even more. Would Jack be able to love her even knowing the pain he inadvertently caused?

A Billionaire Ex - Book 17

Struggling over her decision to push Jack away, Maria tries her best to keep her distance. But Jack takes everyone by surprise with a sudden announcement that changes everything. Was this the end for Jack Style?

A Billionaire Ex - Book 18

Maria confronts her feelings once and for all. Reflecting on her lost years, and the whirlwind of romance with Jack over the past few months, she comes to a resolute decision. But is it one that Jack will be happy with? Would they finally be able to put the past behind them, and start anew?


FULL COMPLETE SERIES AVAILABLE NOW
 

• Volume 6 of 6
• 15,000 words short story
• Intended for mature audiences only due to explicit content.

The complete series is also available to purchase as a novel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexia Austen
• Release date: Apr 9, 2015
• ISBN: 9781507053072

Book preview

A Billionaire Ex

Part Sixteen

Chapter 1

We'd both come to the roof for a little privacy, and to be away from prying eyes. I felt myself exasperated, and confused.

Did you order her to do it? I said.

That... said Adeline.

I scoffed. Why? Why did you do it?

Since you don't seem to understand a person's words, said Adeline. Why? You don't like it?

You wrecked all that hard work. Everything that we all worked so hard on, you wrecked it all.

The one who wrecked it is you. You're wrecking the CEO, and the company. You're wrecking all of it right now. I asked you to help me. I told you I can protect the CEOs dream. I told you that I love him! Are you thinking to cling tenaciously to your ex-husband's sense of guilt? What changes because you attach yourself to him so nastily?"

Stop it, I said. Whether it's a sense of guilt, or being sorry, that's a matter between us. It's not something you should be involved in.

Us? said Adeline. You speak as if you're already remarried.

I didn't say anything to her in response.

Oh my, did you really think that way? said Adeline.

Yes, I even had thoughts like that. There's no reason I couldn't. Whether it's guilt or feeling sorry, since he said he loved me, I was shaken. What's the reason we can't start over? Since we've experienced it once, wouldn't we do better the second time? If I see how much my heart flutters, it'll be alright. In one day, I worry more than a dozen times. That's right. We've changed so much in that time, that I'm also afraid. But that's all, so I'm just being cautious.

There's no reason you can't start over? You'll do better the second time around? Isn't this such a funny thing to say?

Now that I look at it, I said, the one that's really broken is you. You're saying I'm clinging to his sense of guilt? With the excuse of helping Jack during his hard times, aren't you the one who's clinging tenaciously to the sense of debt in his heart? What are you so afraid of? Aren't things with Jack going as well as you had planned?

Adeline raised her hand to slap me, but I grabbed it. We struggled for a few moments, before she stumbled, and then fell to the ground. I didn't know what had happened, it was so sudden.

Jack came running suddenly, and kneeled down next to Adeline.

Adeline, are you alright? said Jack. What happened Maria?

I... I...

Jack picked up Adeline in his arms. I'll have to get her some help.

I watched him walk away with a depressing feeling in my chest. He was only doing the right thing, but I called out after him as if I felt I was being left behind by him. The desperation I felt now that I didn't want to lose him again, was only more severe. Adeline's words resounded in my head even more. How was I ruining his company? What had happened?

***

A few hours had passed, and I came home with lumbering steps. Jack had texted me several times to ask where I was, but I'd just ignored him. I felt more confused than anything. I called out for Katie, but heard nothing. It was unusually silent at home. I looked around, only to then hear sobbing sounds from the bathroom.

I knocked on the door. Katie, are you in there?

Opening the door, I found Katie sitting on the closed toilet seat crying.

Why are you crying? I said. What happened?

What do I do? said Katie.

Why?

I think I'm pregnant. I'm so scared. I'm scared to death.

I looked at the test she held in her hand, before patting her in frustration.

You should have been careful, I said. How long's it been?

That... only once, said Katie.

I sighed. Give it me.

Grabbing the test off her, I looked at it. Katie continued crying as I only looked up at her in confusion.

You're not, I said.

What? I'm not? But why did I skip my period this month?

I shook my head.

I'm not crying because I don't like it, said Katie. It's because it's so sudden. Because I like Simon so much. If I thought of Simon, and our baby, I was so happy.

Hearing her, I was reminded of my own feelings from long ago. How I'd endured so much hardship because I'd believed our baby would only help strengthen our marriage. But before I'd even been able to tell Jack, tragedy struck, and I'd lost him before he was even born. My eyes became watery, as I tried to compose myself.

I'm sorry, Maria, said Katie. Are you okay?

I'm okay. Don't cry.

I consoled Katie, and my