My Ex-Husband Is A Billionaire

Chapter Eight

Inside his new mansion, Charles sat on a sofa in the living room, his troubled mind conflicted with emotions. The notion of divorcing Emma weighed heavily on his mind, as he pondered with the memories of a time when he had sought love and happiness in her. Thoughts played in his mind, and he delved into the depths of their past, seeking clarity.

With each passing moment, Charles found himself transported back to the fateful day when he first laid eyes on Emma. It was in college that their paths had intertwined, and a connection sparked between them, igniting a flame that would burn brightly for years to come. Their shared friendship and youthful dreams had bound them together, and upon graduation, they started going out.

As Charles reminisced about their early days, a tender smile played upon his lips. They had been inseparable, like two souls perfectly entwined. Their love had blossomed with each passing season, flourishing under the supervision of Emma’s wealthy family. He had treasured every moment, cherishing the happiness they had found in one another’s arms.

Recalling the day Emma’s grandfather betrothed them, Charles felt a surge of gratitude rush through his veins. In that moment, he had felt like the luckiest man alive, for he had been entrusted with the heart of the woman he adored so much. Their marriage, a celebration of their love and commitment, had reassured his belief that he was not just lucky, but truly blessed to have Emma as his wife.

Yet, doubt loomed over Charles, casting a veil of uncertainty upon his resolve. As he sat in the luxurious living room, his thoughts nudging, his heart torn between love and the potential need for separation. The echoes of their laughter, shared dreams, resonated through his mind, creating a bittersweet emotion. He pondered with the question that plagued his very being – whether to pursue a path that led away from Emma, the woman who had captured his heart from the very start. The weight of his growing decision bore down upon him.

Seeking solace, Charles rose from the sofa and made his way to the mini bar, the clinking of glass against glass soothing his troubled soul. He poured a drink, the light brown liquid flowing into the crystal tumbler, offering a brief relief from his inner turmoil. With the drink in hand, he returned to the living room space, sinking back into the inviting sofa.

He continued his contemplation, his mind awash with memories of his early encounters with Emma’s family. He recalled the warmth in their embrace, the acceptance and love they had shown him as their own. Their laughter had filled the air during family gatherings, and their unwavering kindness had been a pillar of strength in Charles’ love for Emma.

As the room enveloped him, Charles sipped his drink, allowing the warmth of the liquid to soothe his troubled thoughts. The room was adorned with beautiful paintings and elegant furniture, yet Charles found himself lost within his thoughts. It all started when he met Emma’s wealthy family after their college graduation. Among them was Emma’s grandfather, a man of great influence and power.

To Charles’ surprise, the old man had taken a liking to him, approving of their relationship and, with lightning speed, arranging their betrothal. The whirlwind of events unfolded so swiftly that Charles could hardly keep up. Happiness mixed with a hint of unease, had filled the air as they raced towards their wedding day. However, Charles couldn’t shake the nagging suspicion that something was not right.

He had soon realized that Emma’s mother, brother, sister, and uncle had all worn masks of false affection throughout his courtship with Emma. Their smiles were brief, their words deceptive. They had despised him from the very beginning, concealing their true colors beneath a thin veil of deceit. Charles discovered that their pretense was merely an act to please Emma’s grandfather, the founder and CEO of Adams Corporation, who held good control over the family’s vast fortune.

Charles was abruptly pulled from his thoughts by the piercing ring of his phone. Snapping back to reality, he reached for the device and glanced at the screen. It was his mother calling. With a mixture of relief and curiosity, he answered the call.

“Hello, Mother,” Charles greeted warmly, his voice laced with genuine affection.

“Charles, my dear! How have you been? I’ve missed you,” his mother exclaimed, her voice brimming with motherly concern.

They exchanged pleasantries, catching up on the details of their lives. As the conversation unfolded, Charles felt a wave of comfort wash over him. He longed for a heart-to-heart talk with his mother, to ask more questions about his late uncle who he had no idea existed until after his death.

“Mother, I’ve been meaning to speak with you,” Charles finally broached the subject on his mind, his tone growing serious.

“Oh, darling, what is it? You know you can tell me anything,” his mother replied, her voice filled with a mixture of love and anticipation.

“I’d like to set up an appointment for you to visit this weekend. There are things troubling me, and I could use your help understanding,” Charles requested, his words tinged with a sense of vulnerability.

His mother paused for a moment, sensing the weight behind her son’s words. “Of course, my dear. I have something planned for the weekend already, but I guess I could clear my schedule for you. We’ll have the whole weekend to ourselves.” She assured him, her voice filled with unwavering support.

“Mom, I don’t know much I can express my deep gratitude to you. Your understanding and sacrifice mean the world to me.”

“Oh, Charles, it’s really nothing. I would do anything for you. You’re my child, and seeing you happy brings me the greatest joy.”

“I know you’d say it’s nothing, but your support has made all the difference in my life really.”

“Being there for you is my duty as a mother.”

“Well, I don’t take it for granted. I’ve seen how hard you’ve worked to give me the opportunities I have. You’ve always put my needs before your own, and I’m truly grateful for that. I can only hope to be as selfless and caring as you are one day.”

“Oh, Charles, you already are. I see your kindness and compassion in the way you treat others.”

“Alright then if you say so. Listen, I have to go now. We’ll talk before weekend.”

They exchanged a few more heartfelt words before deciding to end the call.

As Charles placed the phone back on the table, his mind returned to his thoughts. The appointment with his mother gave him a glimmer of hope, a beacon of light in the darkness that threatened to consume him. Sat alone in the room, the bright light of the morning sun casted long shadows across the room.

It had been years since Emma’s grandfather had passed away, yet the memory of that time still lingered in his mind. The pretenses of his In-laws had come crashing down when the old man drew his final breath. Charles had learned about their true intentions soon enough, and the revelation had left a bitter taste in his mouth. They wasted no time in discarding their veils, like a snake shedding its skin. The sorrow they had displayed at the funeral seemed nothing more than an act, a mere deception to please the outside world.

Within days, they had sprung into action, dividing the company’s prestigious positions and vast wealth amongst themselves. It was a calculated move, one that Charles had come to realize had been orchestrated long before the old man’s demise. Their false mourning had only served as an act to conceal their true intentions.

Charles recalled the speed at which they had taken control of the company, like hungry vultures descending upon a carcass. It was as if they had been eagerly waiting for this moment, plotting and scheming in the shadows. Their indifference was apparent in the way they seized control, their eyes filled with greed and ambition.

As he stared into the distance, Charles couldn’t help but feel a mix of anger and betrayal. The warmth and laughter they had shared during family gatherings now seemed like nothing more than an illusion, shattered by their ruthless actions towards him. The weight of it all had bored down on Charles, causing his heart to ache with a profound sadness. He had always believed in the inherent goodness of people, but this revelation had shattered his faith. The reality of their deception left him questioning everything he thought he knew.

In that quiet moment, Charles made a silent vow to himself. He would not let Emma’s deceit overshadow him. His newfound wealth have given him the opportunity to vividly see through her and even though he still loved her, he would end their relationship and put a stop to all the humiliations he’s suffered in her family’s hands, Charles thought. He drained the remaining trace of drink in his glass and walked back to the mini bar where he placed the glass and walked to his bedroom.