FLASH MARRIAGE; CHARMED BY THE RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE CEO

The sting of rejection and an unplanned divorce coursed through Regina's veins like poison. It struck every chord of anguish in her heart like a physical blow, leaving her reeling in pain.

If it hadn't been for Gwen's lover, who sent two cars to pick them up after the senator's security guards had them thrown out of the mansion vicinity, the humiliation would have been unbearable.

'How did everything go from bad to worse?' Regina's chest tightened with excruciating pain. She stared blankly at the car window, watching the busy street and traffic pass by in a blur, tears leaking at the corner of her eyes.

If only someone had pre-informed her that this was going to happen. If only she was given enough time to launch an offensive attack.

How could she come out of prison under probation only to end up a divorcee and a homeless woman? How could that heartless fool divorce her without a single penny to her name? Hasn't she paid the price of sucking up to him for years while pretending to be the perfect wife? Where did Greg expect her to start from now that he had left her with nothing?

"Sis, please don't tell me you are still thinking about that old fool." Pearl's sharp voice cut into Regina's thoughts like a sharp blade.

Regina peeled her eyes from the window to look at her sister. Her gaze darkened as she recalled every word Gregory had uttered, the death threat and the humiliation before the entire mansion staff.

"That old fool like you rightly put it, was our only ticket to freedom and wealth," Regina spoke between clenched jaws, her vision blurring with tears. "We were supposed to keep him caged under our control until the six-month probation ended. I'm supposed to be his legal wife to inherit everything he owns when he finally dies. Now that he has kicked me out of his life and house, what do you think will become of us?"

"You are overthinking this, Gina. Haven't you heard of the saying that there is more than one way to kill a rat?" A devilish smile crept up Pearl's face.

"I think this divorce is a blessing in disguise. That mansion was becoming too toxic for my liking, especially with the likes of Sam controlling everything. Also don't forget that we still have Matt and his allies on our side. Together, we will make Gregory regret his actions today by the time we are done dealing with him and his tramp of a daughter."

"I just hope you're right." Regina's eyes reverted to the window as the car made a U-turn, entering a familiar neighbourhood meant for only the elite.

"I wonder what our new home would look like?" Pearl beamed excitedly, leaning her chin on her sister's shoulder and watching the different captivating and imposing buildings lined up along the peaceful neighbourhood.

Both women watched in awe as a gigantic black iron gate opened up to a massive estate.

The car drove for another two minutes along the winding path before halting in front of a captivating duplex furnished with luxurious amenities and an outdoor swimming pool.

"A duplex!" Regina raised her brow, obviously not impressed with the structure before her. She was hoping they would be living in the gigantic mansion which was up ahead.

"Would you rather prefer we stay at the home shelter or the streets?" Pearl rolled her eyes at her sister before climbing out of the car to join Gwen.

Regina mumbled some inaudible curse words as she also alighted the vehicle. She observed an average-looking stout woman with greying black hair neatly tied up in a bun who came out of the duplex to receive them.

"Welcome, Miss Gwen." The uniformed woman greeted politely with a curt bow. "I am Agnes and I am at your service."

"Get the luggage from the car," Gwen ordered with an air of authority and supremacy.

"Yes ma'am." Agnes bowed curtly before hurrying off to carry out Gwen's instructions.

"This place is beautiful Gwen!" Pearl came up behind her niece, admiring the luxurious scenery around them.

"Wait until Tyler and I formalize our relationship. We won't be staying in this place for long. We will all be moving to his summer beach mansion in the state." Gwen bragged, her eyes brimming with excitement.

"Wow! That will be something to look out for." Pearl masked the jealousy in her voice with a smile.

"Are we just going to stand here all day long or go inside?" Regina hissed, walking past the women.

Both Gwen and her aunt exchange worried glances before tagging along.

Gwen had barely settled down in her new bedroom when her phone started ringing.

She picked up her phone from where she tossed it on the bed and checked who the caller was.

A deep crease slowly lined her forehead as she stared at the caller's name. It was Harriet calling again just like before.

Gwen contemplated whether or not to take the call while pacing up her down and biting on her left thumbnail.

"Desmond should be back home with his wife by now." Gwen thought out loud. "So why is she still calling me. Or could this have something to do with our salon business?" She hesitated before swiping the receive button and brought the phone up to her ear.

"Hello, Aunt Harriet." Gwen chirped happily in her usual playful voice.

"Hi, Gwen. I've been trying to call you since yesterday. Didn't you see any of my missed calls?" Harriet's voice was calm and calculated as she spoke, giving Gwen no room for suspicion.

"I'm so sorry, Aunt Harriet. I was going to return the missed calls once I was settled. Sadly, I had a lot on my plate to deal with, especially the recent divorce."

"Divorce!" Harriet sounded confused. "How do you mean?"

"So you haven't heard the recent gist about the old douchebag, called Greg. He divorced my mom earlier today, forcing her to sign the divorce paper at gunpoint. Afterwards, he kicked all three of us out of the mansion, threatening to shoot us on sight if we ever came back."

"Oh my goodness! That is awful! What led to his sudden decision?"

"The right question you should be asking is who?" Gwen's gaze darkened, her left hand balled into a fist. "And you and I know who that person is."

"Amelia?"

"Who else if not that little witch?" Gwen hissed. "She coerced Greg into carrying out a paternity test on me and now he knows I'm not his biological daughter."

"Ugh...I'm so sorry. How is your mother taking this."

"She's still shaken from the whole episode but she'll be fine. It's just a pity that the heartless jerk divorced her without giving her a cent of his money." Anger rose in Gwen's voice.

"I'm truly sorry. I'm sure if Nana was there, she wouldn't have allowed him to kick you all out like that."

"Probably." Gwen strolled over to her bed and sat down.

"By the way, I just wanted to know how your visit to the hospital played out yesterday. My husband told me you all got to see Nana."

"Umm...yeah...." Gwen stifled a chuckle at Harriet's cluelessness. She almost felt sorry for her.

"So how is Nana? Is she going to be alright?"

"I hope she dies." Gwen wanted to say, her nose crinkled in disgust. But she ended by saying, "The doctors are doing their best. We can only stay hopeful."

"Hmm... That's good to know." There was a pause from the other end before Harriet's voice came out sharper. "I was planning a little family get-together in my home to celebrate my husband's return. As my business partner and family member, I was hoping you, your mother and your aunt could grace the occasion with your presence. I promise it's going to be fun."

"Hmm... " Gwen smiled to herself, knowing Pearl wouldn't miss out on such an opportunity to be with Desmond. "That sounds like fun. When exactly is this taking place."

"How about tomorrow evening?" Harriet asked.

"I'll check my schedule and get back to you," Gwen replied.

"Okay, I'll be expecting your call or message. Take good care of yourself, and send my regards to your mom and aunt."

"They will hear." Gwen ended the call before bursting out in laughter. "Poor Harriet."

*******

Amelia awoke to the gentle touch of someone stroking her hair with such tenderness and love that made her shattered heart slowly piece together.

This wasn't Maria's maternal touch or Doctor Venessa carrying out her routine checkup to ensure her vital signs were in order.

It was gentle, filled with so much love and care, conveying unspoken feelings and expressing tender warmth.

Her highly sensitive nostrils also picked up a very familiar scent of woody fragrance with an undertone of mint. It reminded her of only one person.

Someone who had been taken away from her due to her family's meddling. Someone who made her heart flutter freely like a butterfly. Someone who evoked the deepest desire from the depth of her heart. Someone she would give anything to be with at the moment.

While Amelia struggled to open her eyes, battling this overwhelming feeling of closeness and tenderness, she felt this person's warm lips pressed on her forehead.

"Blaze!" Amelia whispered her teary blurred vision, making out an image of her husband sitting beside her.

In response, she felt his lips brush against hers tenderly as he whispered.

"Yes, my love."

"Am I dreaming?"