THE BILLIONAIRE'S VENGEFUL WIFE RETURNS

Alanis seated on a chair now, watched his wife stare at the ocean through the glass. She looked genuinely happy staring at the ocean. He had no idea How loved the ocean this much.

There were just so many things about his wife that he was only learning in this life. Things he should have never ignored in the first place. But in his past life, he had let Claudia’s manipulative whispers cloud his judgment.

Claudia.

The thought of her brought a flicker of anger to his features. She had been the true demon, weaving lies that drove a wedge between him and Harlow. He had believed every word she said, that Harlow was cunning, deceitful, and unworthy of his trust.

Even when Alex was gravely ill, Claudia had gone to shocking lengths to manipulate him. She’d arranged for him to speak with the doctor, even presenting forged hospital reports to convince him that Harlow was lying about their son’s condition. And Alanis had fallen for it.

Now, having relived it all, he saw the truth with painful clarity. Harlow wasn’t the villain Claudia painted her to be. She had never been scheming or malicious. All she had ever wanted was his attention, his love, to be cherished the same way she loved him.

And for their child to have a father.

Something he hadn’t been.

"Welcome to L’Éclat du Palais," A waiter walked in. He was in a uniform, a white shirt and black trousers. A white apron was tied around his waist. Harlow took note of everything as she went over to finally sit in the chair reserved for her.

"Can I get your order please?" He added coming to stand before them. The duo went through the menu on the table and each selected their food.

A bottle of wine was served. It tasted like Harlow could remember. She recalled having this collection at her Villa until her father seized it all.

In no time the chef arrived and they were served the best meals Harlow had eaten in weeks. All through their meal, Alanis said nothing to the woman who sat across from him. He let her eat in peace which was quite surprising for Harlow.

"Grandma told me about your missed appointment with a scriptwriter." Alanis suddenly said without meeting her gaze.

"You don’t have to worry about that..."

"She said you missed the opportunity because of your sister." He continued interrupting her words.

Before Harlow could respond he said, "I’ve asked him to meet you at home tomorrow to get the script. You’re lucky I happen to know a few people there."

"You don’t have to worry, I can apply somewhere else." Harlow rejected his offer to help.

"You can apply elsewhere, but take that as my thank-you gift. A meal is not enough to repay you for your kindness." He added finally meeting her gaze. Alanis brought his napkin next to his lips and dabbed it. He was done with his meal, and so was she even if she hadn’t emptied the entire plate.

For a married woman," Alanis began, breaking the silence, "don’t you think you’ve stayed away long enough?"

Harlow set her fork down, her emerald eyes narrowing. She leaned back in her chair, a bitter smile playing on her lips. "Rich coming from you Mr. Hamilton. Just last week, my ’Husband’ was preparing to marry my sister." Her tone dripped with sarcasm. "What do we say of that?" Harlow smiled.

"What are your games? Are you not tired of them yet?"

Alanis didn’t flinch, but his jaw tightened ever so slightly.

"Did your marriage with Claudia fail so spectacularly," she continued, in a mocking tone, "that you had to settle for the next option?" She crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. In her past life, Alanis had always referred to her as the next option. That is why she used that word.

"If you’re here for my inheritance, I’ll save you the trouble. I don’t have any."

She was done with the games, done with pretending. There was no love between them. Not from his side or her side. It was time to end this facade and move on. Alanis needed to sign the divorce papers and stop clinging to the illusion of a marriage that had been doomed from the start.

But Alanis didn’t react the way she expected.

"I don’t want you back for your inheritance," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I don’t need it. I’ve never needed it."

"Then what do you want from me?" she couldn’t understand why he kept disturbing her when Claudia was the one he wanted.

"You," he repeated, his voice dropping lower, more assertive, laced with an authority that brooked no argument. "You’re my wife, Harlow."

Alanis leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, the intensity in his expression making the room feel smaller. "I’ve made mistakes, I know that, but don’t mistake my patience for weakness. You belong with me, and I won’t allow anyone or anything to come between us again. Not even you."

Harlow’s breath hitched for a moment as she stared at him. Alanis didn’t look like he was joking, but neither was she when she said she didn’t want to be with him anymore.

"And what makes you think I want to stay married to you?"

"Because I am Alanis Hamilton, and once you become mine, there’s no going back." His words struck her like lightning, making her speechless for a few seconds.

"Why would you want to be with someone you don’t love?" Harlow asked. This wasn’t the life she remembered. Alanis was in love with Claudia, he has always been in love with her sister. He hated her because she had separated him from her.

"Says who?" He said and Harlow’s heart skipped. Not because she still loves him right, but because she was afraid of what he would say.

I’ve fallen in love with you, Harlow."

The words hung in the air, heavy and unshakable.

Harlow froze, her breath catching as her eyes widened, glistening with the sting of unwanted tears that threatened to fall out any moment.

Ten years...

For ten long, agonizing years, she had waited to hear those very words spill from his lips. She had dreamt of them, and prayed for them, even in her darkest moments. But they never came. Not in her past life, not when she needed them most. So why now?

Why this life?