The Mafia & The Billionaire

Serene’s POV

I know my marriage was rushed, but I couldn’t care less. Not knowing my husband was a trivial matter to me. I was confident in my ability to defend myself if he tried anything foolish, so I agreed to come and live with him. After all, we are married. Most of our arrangements seemed fair to me, except for one thing: he didn’t want a divorce.

After leaving the civil registrar, we headed to his penthouse. I instructed Enzo to bring me my clothes, knowing that he would ask Patt to handle them and follow us in a separate car. Patt had done some digging on my husband after Enzo showed him Alex’s photo. As we drove to my wedding, he reported some basic information about himself. I was impressed and confident that I would be able to get what was rightfully mine.

“How do you like the house so far?” Alex asked.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Good enough to get a good night’s sleep,” I replied. I didn’t feel the need to comment further, as I was sure he already knew how beautiful the house was, given what many had told him.

“You’ll be staying here, so let me know if you want to change anything.”

“No need for that; as long as there’s a roof over my head, I’m fine,” I casually replied.

I sat on the couch, eager to take off my dress because it was itchy. “Who were those men with you?” he asked, furrowing my brow.

“You didn’t investigate me?” I questioned.

“I just met you, and I haven’t had the time for that yet,” he replied.

“I already know a few things about you. While your character may not be what I desired, at least you meet the basic requirement of being wealthy,” I remarked.

“What do you mean by that?” he inquired, taking a seat on the couch opposite mine.

“I needed a rich husband, and I found a billionaire. I suppose I was lucky to stumble upon you,” I replied.

“And what about character?” he asked, lightly touching his chin with my left arm.

“I wanted someone easy to deal with. Someone who would always say yes to me,” I stated.

“Well, I am the complete opposite of that,” he responded, looking directly at me.

“Yeah, I can see that,” I said, crossing my arms.

“And yet, you still married me,” he continued.

“You’re rich, and that’s all that matters,” I replied, and he nodded.

“What do you need me for?” he asked, and I explained my inheritance to him. “I see,” he simply said, his attention drawn to his buzzing phone. “Okay, you can send them up,” he instructed. It must be Enzo and Patt.

“Your guys are coming up,” he informed me, and I nodded. He got up and headed to our room while I waited for my belongings.

When he returned, he had changed into shorts and a long-sleeved sweatshirt. He opened the door and let Enzo and Patt in with my luggage.

“Don’t forget about the anniversary party tomorrow,” Patt reminded me before they left. I began to grab my luggage, but he took it from my hand and carried it himself.

“I don’t have a live-in maid, but the cleaners come every other day,” he mentioned as I followed Alex. He was about to open my luggage, but I stopped him.

“I want to do it myself,” I said, and he left my belongings untouched but stayed by my side.

“Are you planning to watch me sort my things?” I queried, adding with a chuckle, “I won’t be taking anything here.” I continued.

“Do I appear stingy? I couldn’t care less whether you took anything. You’re my wife, and you have every right to my belongings,” he responded. “I’m just choosing to stay here and observe you sort your things, ready to assist if you need my help. You’re not contemplating calling either of those two, are you?” He persisted, and I began to unpack my belongings.

True to his word, he remained there, unobtrusive. I didn’t require his aid, and that’s what I wanted to convey, but I chose to hold my tongue.

“I plan to purchase a dress later for tomorrow’s party,” I informed him.

“I’ll come with you,” he insisted, gently tugging at my right arm.

“No need…” I smiled, freeing my arm from his firm yet gentle grasp. “Patt and Enzo will join me. You can attend to your matters or head to work,” I suggested.

“What about the party?” he inquired.

“I’ll attend on my own as well. I don’t want to inform Lorenzo about us just yet,” I replied, to which he nodded. “Thanks,” I said, and he shrugged nonchalantly.

Once I finished, I changed my attire and contacted Enzo. They were still in the parking lot, awaiting me. I grabbed my bag, informed Alex that I was leaving, and left through the door.

Enzo drove us to a renowned designer. After our prolonged stay here, he had located all the necessary establishments and areas I needed to familiarize myself with. I was surveying my surroundings when voices piqued my interest.

“How on earth did you get here?” Lorenzo questioned me upon seeing me. I smirked at him, casting a glance at his mistress and the bastard behind him.

“I can afford to be here, so why shouldn’t I?” I retorted, arching an eyebrow at him. I knew I shouldn’t be addressing them in such a manner, but I was not some kind of dog who only knew how to bark. I wanted to wring their necks and was angry at myself for being unable to act on my impulse.

“Where will you procure the funds to purchase the high-end gowns here?” Daisy taunted.

“I believe that’s none of your concern. I was concerned that if I revealed my source and you discovered him, you’d have your promiscuous daughter throw herself at him instead of Ryan,” I retorted.

“Serene! How dare you speak to your mother in that manner?” Lorenzo protested.

“Never refer to her as my mother! My mother is dead, and she is nothing like her. She’s merely your mistress,” I warned him, indicating that I wouldn’t hold back if he persisted in asserting my connection with Daisy.

“I don’t have a country bumpkin for a daughter,” she retorted. I smirked at her and replied,

“I’d rather be labeled a country bumpkin than have your daughter branded as a harlot.”

“She’s not a harlot!” Daisy and Lorenzo protested in unison.

“Are you sure? Why not ask her yourself?” I suggested turning to Mavie. Her eyes widened; perhaps she was wondering if I was privy to some secret about her.

“I don’t need to question her. I know her well enough to be certain she’s nothing like what you’re implying,” Lorenzo defended. “And you,” he pointed at the saleslady who was observing us, “why did you allow her to stay here? I wasn’t aware this shop catered to individuals of her ilk,” he added. Several customers were watching us, and I wasn’t particularly fond of the attention.

The woman approached and responded, “She was selecting a gown, so she’s a customer as well.”

“Don’t you know who I am? Take the gown from her and give it to my daughter, or I’ll have you dismissed from your job,” he threatened the saleslady, who now looked at me with worry. I smiled at her, handed her the gown I was holding, and departed, leaving them behind.

I glanced at the array of exquisite gowns, each one exuding elegance and opulence. It was clear that these were no ordinary dresses, with their luxurious fabrics and intricate details. With a mischievous smile, I selected five of the most stunning gowns, knowing exactly what would happen next.

As I made my way towards the fitting room, Mavie couldn’t contain her awe. “Wow! Those gowns are absolutely beautiful,” she exclaimed, her eyes filled with admiration. The saleswoman approached me, eager to retrieve the gown I was holding. With a playful wink, I handed it over, causing her eyes to widen in surprise. She quickly caught on to my plan and returned the smile.

My gaze shifted towards Lorenzo, Daisy, and Mavie, who wore smug expressions on their faces. They believed they had successfully guessed the gowns I had chosen for myself, and their satisfaction was evident. Little did they know, I had a surprise in store for them.

As the saleswoman led them towards the cashier, Lorenzo’s face contorted with disbelief when he heard the price. I had to stifle my laughter, not wanting to give away my amusement before he had paid. It was a humbling moment for him after boasting about his wealth earlier.

Just when they thought the ordeal was over, Enzo approached the cashier with a mysterious glint in his eyes. He handed her a black card and uttered the words that left everyone in the room astonished. “Give her anything she wants,” he declared, pointing directly at me. The cashier, Lorenzo, Mavie, and Daisy all turned their gazes toward me, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity.

However, realizing that the saleswoman had already earned substantial commissions from the gowns Lorenzo had purchased, I decided against taking advantage of Enzo’s generous offer. “No need,” I replied with a knowing smile. “I’ll find my gown elsewhere.” Enzo nodded in understanding, already aware of my plans. He reclaimed the black card and made his way out of the store, with me following closely behind.

As I left, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. While I may not have walked away with a gown from that particular store, I had managed to turn the tables and leave Lorenzo and his entourage in a state of bewilderment. It was a small victory, but a satisfying one nonetheless.

“They will not be returning these gowns later; they are not country bumpkins in the same way that I am. However, if they do, give me a call. I’d be more than willing to cover the cost,” I told the cashier, my eyes locked with Lorenzo’s in a silent challenge. I left the store and pissed them off by the day’s unexpected turn of events.