The Billionaire's Bundle of Joy

Chapter 18

JUSTIN

AFTER we finished showering earlier, I told Riz not to leave our room. I know Veronica can be vicious, and I’ve heard more than once that she slapped a woman. The thing is, her jealousy wasn’t valid back then because those women were strangers to me, and I hadn’t even spoken to them. However, this time it’s different. Riz and I are married now, and we have an agreement between us.

As soon as I walked into the living room, she immediately stepped toward me. Veronica was about to give me a hug when I stepped back.

“What’s wrong?” Her brows furrowed instantly.

“We need to talk. Have a seat.”

“Aren’t you going to give me a kiss?” Her frown deepened when I didn’t respond. “What the f**k is going on?”

“Why are you here?” I tried to keep my tone calm, but I knew she was already upset.

“Are you really asking that? Of course, I’m here because I want to see you. You only come here when you disappear. What are you doing in this—” She couldn’t find a better word to describe the house without offending me.

“Godforsaken place?” I added. That’s always what she called it.

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. What time are we going back to Manila? I am not sleeping here.”

Veronica has never slept in this house. She always insisted on going home, so every time I came here, I never brought her along. But now, she came here on her own.

I was about to respond when the door suddenly opened, and Riz stepped out. All eyes were on her. This was going to be a disaster.

“Don’t mind me. I’m just going to get breakfast.”

“Who the f**k are you?” Veronica quickly stepped toward my wife, so I had to double my strides to get there in time.

“Who the f**k are you?” Where the hell did the meek Riz go? Now would have been the perfect time for that, not this version.

Veronica raised her hand to push my wife, and I stepped in to block her. Riz, on the other hand, was trying to push me aside. Veronica was much taller than her, and all sorts of scenarios flashed through my mind.

“I’m his fiancée. Who are you?” Veronica asked mockingly. “Justin, why are you defending her? Who the hell is this woman?”

I gave Riz a meaningful look. I didn’t want her to answer that question right now. I would tell Veronica myself. But her brows furrowed, and I wasn’t sure if she would follow my lead or not.

I faced Veronica. “Let’s talk in Manila. I will be there tonight.”

“No! Who the hell is this f*****g woman that you don’t want me to talk to? Is she your maid? Wait, I know that shirt. That’s yours, isn’t it? Why is she— Is she your sister?!”

Whether she’s in denial or not, I can’t imagine having Riz as my sister after what happened in the bathroom. It’s gross.

“I’m his wife.” Riz said it very casually and started to walk toward the kitchen, without a hint of arrogance or pride in her tone, even though I could feel her irritation.

Veronica was so shocked that she slightly lost her balance. Who wouldn’t be surprised if she was the fiancée expecting to get married, only to suddenly find out I married another woman?

“What?! Justin, where did you pick up that crazy woman? Why would she say something like that? I’m going to call the police to take that woman to a mental institution.”

I saw my wife stop walking and turn to face us. “Crazy?” Riz laughed. “I’m too pretty to be crazy.” I knew what she was doing. My wife was trying to outsmart her.

Veronica sized her up. “Pretty? You’re so… plain. You’re not Justin’s type. Have some shame.”

“Stop it, Veronica,” I scolded her.

“That’s why he married me, because I’m not his type.” The sarcasm in her voice was like a knife coated with poison.

“Wow—” Veronica was fuming with anger. She was ready to charge at Riz, and with her current rage, there was no doubt she could hurt her.

“Get your breakfast, and I’ll join you in a bit,” I said to Riz.

“Since when did you start eating breakfast?! Who are you?” Veronica’s voice was loud and deafening. She took a step back from me and scrutinized me.

“Could you tone your voice down? You’re shouting too early in the morning. Can we talk about this like normal people?” I didn’t match her anger.

“You don’t want me to shout, but you came here with a woman and said she’s your wife. I’m your fiancée! You’re supposed to marry me! We’ve been planning our wedding for a long time. What is going on?!” She was crying in anger, but she knew better than to hit me.

It’s now or never.

“I can’t marry you.” I didn’t understand why I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders when I said that to her.

“You’re joking.” Veronica looked lost as she shook her head.

“I’m not. You can keep the ring. Do whatever you want with it. Sell it. Give it away. Throw it. But the wedding is not happening.”

“Is it because of William? I told you, I made a mistake. Can’t you forgive me?! It’s over!” Veronica was getting hysterical and crying constantly.

Who the f**k is William? I can’t remember that part of our relationship, but I’ll play along. This will help our situation.

“I will never forgive you for what you did to me. I thought I could, but I can’t forget. It’s best if we part ways now instead of planning a wedding that’s going nowhere.”

“No. You’re just confused. You’ll change your mind.” Her tears were falling, but I felt no pity when I heard about that William.

“I am not going to change my mind. Close the door when you leave.” She cheated on me, and she expects me to forget about it?

She glared at me sharply. “You will never be happy with her or with anyone because you are mine.”

“I was never yours.”