THE CONTRACT WIFE: A ONE NIGHT STAND BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE

Lucas’ POV

The next day, as I returned home after my birthday, I walked into the kitchen and found Zara standing there, wearing an expressionless face that sent shivers down my spine. It was a terrifying sight, to say the least.

“H-Hi,” I stammered, immediately regretting the lameness of my greeting.

But she remained silent, treating me like an invisible entity, as if I were nothing more than air. It hurt deeply, leaving me with a lingering sense of guilt.

Why did I still feel responsible for everything? Weren’t they happier without me yesterday? Why did Zara make me feel like the villain once again? I desperately wanted to understand her, to decode the meaning behind her blank facade.

“Divorce papers?” I turned to her, my voice devoid of emotion.

There was a time when I was the one excited about the prospect of breaking free from our marriage. I longed to be liberated, but in that moment, I was afraid that she would mention the dreaded words of breaking up with me. The thought alone threatened to shatter my sanity.

“We still have two weeks,” I stated matter-of-factly, needing that time to heal.

“We don’t have to wait for the entire two weeks, Lucas. I agree to sign the papers so we can expedite the process. If you’re busy, I’ll take care of it.”

Why did it feel like she was in such a hurry to end it all? Was it because of Nick? Was he the reason behind this urgency?

“What?! I can’t agree!” I exclaimed, unable to accept it. I refused to let her break me into pieces.

Zara stared back at me with intensity.

“Why, Lucas? Aren’t you eager to escape our marriage? Well, here you go! I’ll give you what you want so you can be happy with her. Is it because you were with Giselle yesterday while our son was left feeling like a fool?”

Her words pierced through me, causing me to flinch.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“Lucas! You gave our son hope. All he wanted was to be with you on his special day. That’s all he asked for, even as a last chance! But you chose to break his heart once again. So go ahead, I’ll just give you what you want,” she cried, her eyes welling up with tears.

I was angry at myself too. “I’m sorry, Zara. I’m so sorry…” I cursed myself for my foolish envy and jealousy that had brought us to this point.

She shook her head. “No, Lucas, I’m sorry. I can’t take it anymore. I hope you find happiness now that we’re no longer a part of your life.”

With that, she turned and walked upstairs, leaving me alone with my regrets, feeling like a fool. I sank into the couch, lost in deep thought. I didn’t want to lose them, but I had given her reasons to leave me.

I couldn’t believe how foolish I had been. Enveloped by jealousy, I had made decisions that further tore apart the family I should have been building.

Instead of wallowing in regret, I knew I had to find a way. Not just any way, but a grand gesture to mend their hearts. I would win them back. I would correct my mistakes. It was what I should have done six years ago.

And that’s exactly what I would do when I remarried Zara. This time, it would be genuine. I would be the pillar of our home, as I should have been from the start.

My mind was clouded throughout the day, and Zara continued to avoid me, frustrating me to no end. I had messed up with my decision, but I was determined to make things right again.

Around noon, the doorbell rang. I knew Zara was already in her room, probably sleeping. Curiosity got the better of me, and I peeked through the window to see who was at the gate. To my surprise and dismay, it was none other than the greatest threat to my family-Nick.

It seemed he had picked up my son from school, and they appeared happy together. But when my son caught sight of me, his smile vanished, and he looked away. It was a painful rejection as if I had been stabbed in the back.

My son was angry, or perhaps even furious with me. And I had to honor my words. I had once again let him down.

I opened the gate, allowing my son to enter. He brushed past me, causing a deep ache inside. I felt rejected as a father, consumed by the pain that I had inflicted on them for so many years. It was my karma, and it was hitting me hard.

I confronted Nick, my anger boiling over. He smirked at me as if he were reveling in my misery. I glared at him before uttering my warning.

“Stay away from my wife and my son, you bastard. If you try to steal them, I won’t hesitate to fight back with everything I’ve got.” Each word I spoke dripped with venom.

I swore that if he dared to provoke me, I would show him the true power of a Blackwood.

“What’s wrong with you, Blackwood? You already have Giselle, and now you want Zara too. You’re too greedy, bro. Don’t you want to leave your marriage and marry your girlfriend? I hope it happens, Blackwood. Seize the opportunity,” he taunted, making my disgust for him grow even stronger.

“You son of a bitch, don’t you dare mock me. Zara and I are married. Don’t interfere in our lives. Just remain the pathetic friend you’ve always been.” I felt a sense of triumph as I witnessed his forehead crease in response. I had struck a blow to his ego.

“Yes, I’ve loved Zara for a long time. I was there before you ever came along. I deserve her more than you do! And mark my words, I will fight tooth and nail to have her by my side, no matter what it takes. Yes, Blackwood, I will make sure I can take her away from you. And trust me, it won’t be difficult, considering what you’ve done.”

With that, he walked away, leaving me with a lingering feeling of unease.

Damn right, I won’t let him. No matter how hard he prays or schemes, he won’t be able to steal my wife. He’s about to start a war he can never win. Zara is my wife, and they are bound to me. All I need to do is regain their trust.

As I entered the house, my focus shifted to finding my son. He would be my first priority. I needed to reconnect with him and win him back.

“Son?” I called out to him, feeling a nervous knot in my stomach. Why was I so anxious?

“Yes?” he responded, avoiding eye contact.

“I have some presents for you, Enrique. They’re in the car. Would you like to see them? They’re new toys and gadgets,” I tried to sound cheerful, hoping to lighten the atmosphere and bring a smile to my son’s face.

“I received plenty of presents yesterday,” he replied, his tone laced with anger.

I approached him, attempting to give him a hug, but he evaded it. “Son, are you still upset? I’m sorry if I couldn’t make it yesterday.”

“Well, I hope you didn’t make any more promises. I hope you didn’t just say you’d come to my birthday. I was disappointed and sad,” he said, and as I witnessed tears streaming down his face, my heart and sense of masculinity crumbled. I realized the depth of my foolishness and the impact of my actions.

“I’m sorry, son. Daddy will make it right, okay? What do you want? I’ll get you anything you desire,” I pleaded, willing to do whatever it took.

He simply shook his head. “I don’t want to ask anymore. It never comes true.”

With that, my son left me stunned and utterly crushed. What should I do now?