Billionaire’s Pampered Wife

“Let me correct that statement. Our relationship was the only scheme that succeeded in which I wished for success,” Sean retorted, a smile plastered on his face.

Stella was startled. Staring at his handsome features, she asked, “Are you really willing to give up your fame and position?” She was still doubtful regarding Sean’s true intentions.

“I never wanted to be the President. I did it for the sake of my family. I didn’t have a choice. When I was the President, I was forced to marry someone I didn’t love and I hurt the person I hold dear. Do you think that Eli will play the role of the President’s wife? Her freedom will be restricted. She will be miserable and under a lot of stress every day. The immense pressure will drive her crazy,” Sean explained.

“I think that Bellamy is currently walking the same path you did.”

“He’s going to wed the daughter of McCarthy family?” Sean guessed.

“Nothing seems to escape your attention. What do you suggest?” Stella asked.

“The McCarthy family has three daughters. The eldest daughter is married. The second daughter is a social butterfly. In other words, she is a sl*t. It will be a disaster if Bellamy marries her. The third daughter is arrogant and heartless. What’s more, she’s cruel and merciless. Once, one of the maids made a mistake and she put the maid’s hand into boiling oil to destroy her hands,” Sean responded flatly.

“That’s why none of these girls will be suitable,” Stella furrowed her brows. She was becoming increasingly worried about Bellamy and she felt even more guilty.

“Yes, I also considered the McCarthy family back then. However, there was no way I could tolerate these girls. Therefore, I chose the Harington family who was in a state of decline in the social institution. However, if Bellamy has to get married, I have a suggestion. I have taken her into consideration before,” Sean replied after ruminating on the options available.

“Who will that be?”

“When the eldest daughter of the McCarthy family was 18 years old, she gave birth to a daughter. However, the couple did not become engaged secondary to various reasons, one being the social status difference. Instead, she was married to a man with authority. Hence, the daughter stayed with her father.”

“Why didn’t you wed the girl?” Stella wondered. “Did the McCarthy family accept the child into the family?”

“They do, but the child refused. Her father was gravely ill and she didn’t want to leave her father, so she stayed with him and earned money to support the family. It was tiring indeed. When I found her, I offered her money. However, she rejected as she remarked that her father’s condition will deteriorate if she leaves him for money. Three years have passed since then, her father should be long gone by now.”

“It sounds like this girl is quite resilient and she has a kind nature,” Stella pondered.

“The eldest daughter of the McCarthy family has always borne the guilt of abandoning her daughter. However, there is an issue. The girl did not return to the McCarthy family even when her father was gravely ill and they required money. Now that her father has passed away, it is unlikely that she will ever return to her family. It’s up to you guys to convince her,” Sean hinted.

“Sean, thank you very much. If it weren’t for Bellamy, you would still be the President, and Eli would still be by your side.”

Sean smiled. “There are no ‘if’s in this world. The pressure was too immense when I was the President. Fears of losing my authority clouded my thoughts every single day.

When I was in position, I never had more than a month’s rest. Working overtime was invariably a norm. It would be a blessing if I could sleep for more than six hours.

Since Bellamy had accepted the position, he will be taking the responsibilities from now onwards.”

“He promised me that he will let you go after a year. Do treat Eli well,” Stella assured him.

“If you died, I believed that I will be imprisoned to death. However, since you have returned, I reckon that I’ll be released. I placed my bet on you being alive,” Sean broke into a smile.

“After you’ve regained your freedom, will you go against Bellamy?” Stella asked, concern in her voice.

“Once I leave, I will meet up with Eli and we will go to X Country. I will change my identity and live a new normal life. I never wanted power nor authority. Let those with greed fight for it. There will always be a new deputy to supersede the previous deputy and there will always be a new king to take the throne. It’s easy to attack from the dark, but it’s difficult to prevent an attack. Those who have experienced the situation will understand,” Sean responded matter-of-factly.

Initially, she wanted to hypnotize Sean to discover his true intentions. However, whether he was acting or not, his expressions, gaze and words touched her heart and succeeded in convincing her.

She did not make a move. Instead, she said, “Just wait a little longer. After all, Bellamy needs to make some preparations prior to your release.”

Sean nodded. “Please help me to check on Eli. I miss her very much.”

Stella assured him that she would do so. “Alright, I’ll take my leave. Take care.”

“Take care.” Sean replied.

Stella turned around and left the room. She eased up a little after the visit.

As long as Sean and Bellamy did not become adversaries, there would still be hope for the future, provided that she finds a cure for Jasper.

Upon reaching the ground level, Bellamy passed her a box. “Everything’s inside. Do you need my help in hiding the box?”

“Yes, please. I’ll write down the address for you. Destroy it after you finish reading the message,” Stella answered as she took out her notebook to write down the address on a piece of paper. She then passed it to Bellamy.

He destroyed it as soon as he finished memorizing the address. “I’ll spread the message once I’ve hidden them.”

“The faster, the better. I am worried about Jasper’s condition. There’s a possibility that I will be caught. Don’t worry about me and take good care of Jasper. I know how to act. We should conceal this matter from Jasper. I am afraid that he will be tormented by guilt if anything were to happen to me. He has a strong sense of responsibility,” Stella instructed.

Bellamy assented.

“Also, Sean said…”

“I am well aware of the content of your conversation,” Bellamy interrupted Stella. “Even if Sean is putting on an act, I will keep our promise and let him go.”

“Are you going to marry the girl he mentioned?” Stella asked.

Bellamy nodded. “He’s right. The daughters of McCarthy family do have terrible reputations, but I’ve already agreed to marry the youngest daughter.”

“Bellamy!” Stella was indignant about his decision. “Think twice before you make the final decision.”

Bellamy agreed to do so. “Let’s go back first. It’s getting late. Please take good care of Jasper in the meantime.”

“I will.”

…

The clock struck 12 when Stella arrived home.

She looked at Jasper, who was lying on the bed. He had already removed the ice bag and seemed to be sound asleep.

She knew that he was still wide awake but she did not expose him. She took a bath before lying down beside him, putting her hand on his warm body.

“Jasper, I love you,” Stella said in a hoarse voice.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Jasper held her hand and turned over to face her. However, he did not open his eyes.

Stella snuggled into his arms and took a deep breath. She sniffed as the familiar scent filled her senses. “Let’s not give up on our future. Aside from appreciating every moment, we should take care of ourselves so that we can live longer. The longer we live, the longer we can be together.”

Jasper’s Adam’s apple bobbed convulsively. He opened his eyes and asked determinedly, “What if I start to look different just so that I could stay alive? Will you dislike me then?”

“I’ll love you no matter what,” Stella replied firmly.