LUCKY BILLIONAIRE

11

Alejandro returned home and shared what happened with Miguel.

“What? Ale?” Miguel reacted with surprise and shock. “Striking a deal doesn't mean you should bring her back into your life. You could have given her money to shut her up!”

Alejandro took a deep breath. “Sophia is pregnant and it's my baby. We talked and I think I have forgiven her.” He felt vulnerable, hoping Miguel would understand.

“So you want to get married to her again? She hasn't changed, Ale. What about all the things she said about you? Doesn't it mean anything anymore?” Miguel paused his cooking, gesturing for Alejandro to sit down.

Alejandro recalled everything. “I know Sophia has done wrong, but I still love her. I've always loved her, Miguel. And you know I've always wanted to be a dad too.”

“What if the baby isn't yours?”

“It is!!” Alejandro's voice rose with a mix of fear and sadness. He calmed himself. “The night of the party…I slept with her. I was drunk.”

“So she raped you?” Miguel's tone turned cocky, but Alejandro managed a small laugh. “I'm serious, Alejandro.”

“It wasn't rape, dude! I don't remember exactly what happened, but I know she was there with me because I found her earring in the room. And before you counter that they are custom-made earrings—”

Miguel listened as Alejandro explained and defended his ex-wife. He sighed deeply. “Are you sure you want to do this?” He didn't want Alejandro to get hurt again.

“I just want to be with my child.” Alejandro's statement was clear. 

“Well, then if that's what you want. All the best.” Miguel said.

"Hey, Miguel, can you help me arrange the renewal of vows?" Alejandro asked.

“Sure, I'll help,” Miguel agreed, despite his reservations.

"Thanks, man. I really appreciate your support," Alejandro expressed his gratitude.

Miguel couldn't shake off the feeling that Sophia was planning something.

He just hoped his friend wasn't making a mistake.

***

The news of Alejandro García and Sophia Brown's wedding spread quickly, like a plastic bag carried by the wind. It was everywhere, on TV, phones, billboards – you name it.

Despite the excitement surrounding the event, Alejandro felt a deep sadness each day. Memories of his troubled relationship with Sophia haunted him, making it hard to forget how badly she treated him, even though they had been on several dates where she seemed kinder.

On the day of the engagement, Alejandro returned home early from one of his offices to prepare. His house was empty, as Miguel was busy with preparations. His outfit was laid out for him, but part of him wanted to call off the event. However, he felt it was too late to back out now.

After half an hour, Alejandro headed to the venue, replying to Sophia's numerous texts as he sat in traffic. When he arrived, he was amazed at how well Miguel had organized everything. The venue was adorned with dandelions, Alejandro's favorite flower, and the lighting was soft and natural. The chairs and tables were elegantly decorated with gold and white ribbons, and the banquet table was filled with delicious food.

As Alejandro stood in awe, a small smile spread across his face. He had dreamt of such a moment when he was younger but lacked the means to make it happen. He often shared these dreams with Miguel, who never forgot them.

Just then, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Alejandro! Why are you just getting here? I was worried sick!" 

Alejandro turned to see Sophia stomping towards him, her pregnant belly protruding. He couldn't help but hide a smile behind his palm at her comical anger.

Sophia wore a flowing white and gold dress, simple yet elegant, with gold accessories adding to her divine look. Seeing her, Alejandro remembered why he had fallen in love with her.

"I'm sorry," he winced, feeling her punch on his chest.

"Do you want to give me a heart attack? You know how anxious I get!" Sophia's temperament calmed down, forming a cute pout on her face. Alejandro knew her pregnancy seemed to worsen her mood swings.

Rubbing his chest to soothe the pain, Alejandro replied, "Why wouldn't I come for our vow renewal? It's very unlikely for me to break my promises." He reached for her hand, but she hesitated, aware of the irony in his statement since she had broken their wedding vows.

"Not many people are as good-hearted as you are. But sometimes being a good person brings you nothing but pain," Sophia said, finally placing her hand in his. Alejandro raised an eyebrow, but she quickly looked away, leaving him conflicted. Despite everything, he was determined to stay for the sake of their child.

The party was going well, but Alejandro just wanted it to be over so he could go home and rest. He hadn't been able to talk to Miguel all night because he was too busy with everything.

Finally, it was time for the couple to exchange rings. Sophia was excited and put the ring on Alejandro's finger first. But before he could do the same, gunshots rang out, and the lights went out.

People screamed and security rushed in to calm everyone down. Sophia was terrified, clinging to Alejandro as he led her away from the chaos.

"Are you hurt, Sophie?" Alejandro asked, his breathing fast. She moaned in pain, holding her stomach, but he reassured her, "It's okay, I'm here with you."

After a few minutes, the lights came back on. Alejandro found a chair for Sophia to sit and rest while he went to check on the situation. He ran into Miguel, who looked worried.

"Are you okay? Where's Sophia?" Miguel asked.

"She's safe. What happened?" Alejandro demanded, still breathing heavily.

"It was three shots, a warning message. They left this for you," Miguel said, handing Alejandro a note.

"Return what's mine or face the consequences," Alejandro read aloud. He was disturbed, trying to figure out what it meant. Because of the incident, he sent everyone home.

Alejandro couldn't sleep, Mr Lopez had told him that wealth comes with enemies. Maybe he had found his first rival, and this rival was not afraid to take lives.

***

In another part of the city, a man in his forties sat alone, enjoying a cigar and a glass of red wine while reading the newspaper. He seemed calm and collected.

A few men entered the room, dressed in black. They stood at attention, waiting for him to acknowledge them. He put down his newspaper and removed his cigar.

"Was it successful?" His deep voice held a hint of danger.

"No, Master. I couldn't get the money back, but I will. I just need more time," one of the men replied nervously.

There was a moment of silence before a loud bang filled the air. Then, there was silence again, except for the sound of a body hitting the floor.

"Dispose of him. I'll handle this myself," the man ordered.

The man was Diego Morales, the mastermind behind the 1 billion dollar lottery scam that Alejandro had won with his lucky number, 369.