~~~Zeus~~~
I stood before the mirror, adjusting my tie with precision, my eyes locked on my reflection. Abby's hands brushed against mine as she helped me with the final adjustments, her touch sending a shiver down my spine - not of desire, but of revulsion.
I forced a fake smile, my lips curling upward in a practiced gesture. "Thanks, babe," I muttered, my voice devoid of warmth. I placed a light kiss on her head, the action feeling hollow, mechanical.
My gaze lingered on her, my eyes searching for the woman I once thought I knew. But all I saw was a stranger, a woman who had betrayed me in the most fundamental way. The memory of catching her with one of my guards still seared my mind, the anger and hurt simmering just below the surface.
My eyes narrowed, my mind flashing back to the guard who had dared to cross me. I had made sure to send him six feet under, a ruthless punishment for his transgression. The memory of his defiant gaze still lingered in my mind, fueling my anger.
How dare he think he could touch what belonged to me? I was a ruthless Billionaire, feared by many, and respected by few. I had built my empire through sheer force of will, crushing anyone who dared to stand in my way.
The guard's audacity had made him the perfect scapegoat, an example to the others of what would happen if they crossed me. My message was clear: no one touches what belongs to me.
A cold, calculated smile spread across my face as I recalled the fear that had flashed in the guard's eyes in his final moments. It was a fear I had grown accustomed to inspiring in others, a fear that had become my shield and my sword.
"Drive safely, honey," she said, her voice dripping with saccharine sweetness. I turned to her, my expression stern, my eyes cold. "How about you tell that to my driver?" I replied, my tone devoid of emotion.
Abby's eyes faltered, her smile wavering for a moment before she regained her composure. I knew she was aware of the chasm between us, the gulf that had grown since her infidelity. But I also knew she was trapped, bound by the ties of our marriage and the business partnerships that had brought us together.
A mix of emotions swirled inside me as I thought about Abby's parents. They had been more than just business partners; they had become like family to me. After losing my own parents in a tragic accident, I was left alone to navigate the harsh realities of the world.
Their absence had left a gaping hole in my life, but it had also taught me to be resilient, to rely on myself, and to never show weakness. I had grown up too quickly, forced to confront the cruel nature of the world head-on.
But Abby's parents had been a constant source of support, offering guidance and wisdom when I needed it most. They had become surrogate parents to me, and I had grown to care for them deeply.
That's why I had chosen to maintain the facade of my marriage, even after Abby's infidelity. I couldn't bring myself to hurt her parents, not after everything they had done for me. So I wore a mask, hiding my true feelings behind a veneer of civility.
As I reflected on my past, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I thought about the struggles I had faced, the sacrifices I had made, and the triumphs I had achieved. It had been a long, arduous journey, but it had made me the person I was today - strong, ruthless, and determined to succeed, no matter the cost.
I turned to leave, my shoes clicking on the marble floor as I made my way to the car. My secretary, James, greeted me with a nod, taking my briefcase as I slid into the backseat.
The drive to the office was a blur, my mind consumed by thoughts of the meeting ahead. I was to sign a business deal with Mr. Asher, a deal that would further expand my empire.
As I arrived at the conference room, I could feel the weight of expectation settling upon me. The room fell silent as I entered, all eyes upon me. I nodded, my expression stern, as I took my seat at the head of the table.
Mr. Asher presented the contract, his hands shaking slightly as he handed it to me. I scanned the pages, my eyes narrowing as I came to the clause that had caught my attention.
"Mr. Asher, what's this?" I asked, my voice firm but controlled.
He launched into an explanation, his words tumbling out in a rush. I listened, my expression unreadable, as he spoke of his desire to remain CEO of his firm, even after selling it to me.
I sighed, my eyes never leaving his face. I could see the desperation in his eyes, the desire to cling to power. I understood it, even sympathized with it. But I was a businessman, not a charity.
"Okay, then," I said finally, my voice firm. "I'm fine with that." I signed the contract, my hand moving with precision as I sealed the deal.
As the meeting drew to a close, I could feel the tension in my shoulders begin to ease. It was just another day, another deal. But as I left the conference room, I couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness, of disconnection. It was a feeling I'd grown accustomed to, one that had become a constant companion since Abby's betrayal.
I sat behind my desk, sipping champagne as I gazed out at the breathtaking view from my office. With my business empire humming along smoothly, courtesy of my diligent workers, I had the luxury of doing absolutely nothing.
But I was a man of action, and the thrill of competition beckoned. I decided to head to the Arcade, eager to spend some of my hard-earned cash and indulge in some friendly gaming. As it turned out, my opponents were woefully unskilled, and I found myself raking in even more winnings.
Just as I was about to leave, frustrated by the lack of challenge, a stunning beauty appeared before me. Her curves were tantalizing, but I was too caught up in my own ego to fully appreciate her charms.
She challenged me to a game, and I accepted, expecting an easy victory. But as we played, something unexpected happened. She suddenly threw her arms around me, her bosom pressing against my bare chest. The warmth of her body was distracting, and for a moment, I forgot about the game.
But my reverie was short-lived. I felt her hands slipping into my suit pocket, and my instincts kicked in. I caught her wrists, my grip firm, as I realized she was a pickpocket.
Rage flared in my eyes, and my admiration for her turned to anger. How dare she think she could steal from me and get away with it? I instructed my guards to take her away, and they escorted her to the limo waiting outside.
The silence was palpable as we drove to my penthouse. No one dared speak, aware of my reputation and the consequences of crossing me.
Once we arrived, I ordered my guards to throw her into the basement, pending my decision on her fate. Would she join the ranks of those who had suffered my wrath, or would she be spared? Only time would tell.