My Secret Lover Is A Billionaire

"Are you sure about this? I hope you won't regret it later," Layla Hammond heard the man say as she was about to unbuckle his belt.

He softly took her hand, his eyes radiating a captivating spark in the faint night, reminiscent of a deep ocean glowing under the moonlight. She could sense the allure in his gaze, almost as if it were calling out to her like sirens, but she found herself irresistibly drawn to him.

She teasingly traced her fingers along his chest and abs hidden beneath his slightly unbuttoned shirt. The man's flawless body emitted a charm that was tempting for her, who was new to such intimate things.

Her hand reached towards his waistband while their breath started mingling. Brushing her lips against his neck, she teasingly whispered, "Why do you ask? Are you scared?"

His gaze held a mix of hidden emotions in the endless darkness that left her guessing. Finally, it seemed like he was running out of patience. He grabbed the back of her head with a firm grip and kissed her fervently, dominating her mouth as his tongue explored eagerly.

The overwhelming aggression sent a wave of panic through her, causing her to reflexively turn away. In a strange twist, the face of her ex-husband, Ashton Hayes, flashed in her mind.

At that moment, Layla realized that there was no going back from that night.

The thought of all the years of her feelings being disregarded made her feel like nothing was worth holding onto.

After tonight, everything between her and Ashton would finally be resolved.

Layla's thoughts drifted back to that afternoon three days before.

The sunlight filtering through the trees created a dotted pattern on the coffee table, almost like splitting Ashton's face into pieces like her faded memories.

"Layla, I think it's time we get a divorce. I can't deal with you giving me the side-eye like I'm some criminal. We both know our marriage was more about money than love. I was just out having a good time at the bar. Do you really think you can control me?"

Ashton casually tossed the divorce papers onto the table before taking a sip of his coffee, seemingly indifferent to how she would respond. Ironically, they had first met years ago in this very cafe. "But hey, if you feel like apologizing now and humbling yourself, maybe I'll think about changing my mind."

At that moment, Layla resolved to let go.

She saw through Ashton's manipulation and wasn't about to back down.

"Sounds like a plan to me," Layla responded with a grin, quickly signing the papers and grabbing her bag to leave. "I'm good with the terms. That's it. I wish us both well for the future."

With that, Layla walked away without looking back.

It was a defining moment of decisiveness for her.

Ashton's mistress, who was there to stroke his ego, couldn't help but ask, "Wait, does this mean she actually agreed to divorce you?"

"She's always playing hard to get, but I've had enough of her games. Plus, there's this whole thing with her mom's will saying she needs to have a kid to get her family's fortune. I don't think anyone else would marry her besides me."

Ashton shrugged off the situation, taking a sip of his coffee. To him, Layla's "attempts" to get his attention were nothing new. It's just another failed strategy to make him cave in.

Unbeknownst to him, Layla, who was not far away, overheard the conversation.

Facing Ashton's harsh words, she simply grinned.

Little did he know that Layla wasn't into playing games anymore. Three years of back and forth was more than enough for her.

As Layla left the cafe, the warm sunshine shone on her, making her feel an unprecedented sense of relaxation.

She glanced back at Ashton through the window. Their eyes met, and he flashed a smug smile before signing the divorce paper.

Layla realized Ashton was still as immature as ever.

While Ashton was technically correct about the inheritance stipulation, Layla pondered that maybe having a child didn't have to involve marriage.

With that thought in mind, she dialed her assistant, Bruno.

"Bruno, can you spread the word for me through your network?"

"Sure thing, Miss Hammond. What's the message?"

Ashton emerged from the cafe with his lover in tow, as if he hadn't just gone through a negotiation with his ex-wife and ended a three-year marriage.

Witnessing this scene, a sly smile played on Layla's lips as she instructed, slowly and deliberately, "Spread the news far and wide that I'm willing to pay top dollar for someone to have a child with me."

"You're not allowed to think about any other man while you're having sex with me." Sensing her distracted gaze, he intensified his caresses on her body. Layla only snapped back to reality when she was startled by the sudden intensity. She subconsciously wrapped her arms around his neck and locked eyes with him.

"You're mine, at least for tonight," he said earnestly. Their lips met once more, his touch delivering a mix of pleasure and slight pain across her body. Layla let out a gasp of surprise as the sensations brought a touch of fear. Yet, he gently but firmly guided her hands around his neck, whispering, "Don't be scared."

Gradually, Layla started to relax.

A sudden sharp pain jolted her as he entered her body, shattering any control she had as tears streamed down her face. He wiped them away gently, planting a tender kiss on her cheek before asking, "Is this your first time having sex? Have you never been intimate with your ex-husband before?"

Ashton had once made it clear he had no interest in sleeping with her, as their marriage existed solely as an arrangement devoid of any emotional connection. He even mentioned that he would rather sleep with his lover than lie in the same bed with her.

After three long years of feeling like a neglected widow, Layla had built up walls around her heart that now threatened to shut out any new emotions.

Pushing his hand away firmly, she rebuked, "That's enough! That's not something you should be prying into."

Ignoring her warning, he cupped her chin and brushed his fingers against her lips, murmuring, "I can't help but feel sorry for him. He doesn't realize what he's missing."

Layla felt a surge of emotion as soon as she locked eyes with him. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer as they shared another deep, passionate kiss. The symphony of their breaths and mingling bodies filled the air as the night wore on.

The next morning, when Layla was awakened by Bruno's call, she realized that the side of the bed where the man had been sleeping was now cold. She had slept so deeply that she hadn't noticed him leaving.

"He was quite eager to leave," Layla muttered to herself.

Bruno was efficient enough to deserve his position.

Just after Layla finalized her divorce from Ashton, Bruno wasted no time in finding a potential new match for her - a man going by the alias Simon.

Simon seemed to check all the boxes: tall, a graduate from a prestigious university, in great shape with an eight-pack and V-line. And most importantly, he was young, good-looking, and not clingy - a perfect fit for her.

The only thing that gave Layla pause was Simon's odd request to keep the lights off during sex.

Fortunately, in the dim moonlight last night, Layla confirmed that Simon was as handsome as described in his profile. He was a man who could provide quality sperm without getting too attached, and that was precisely what she was looking for.

As Layla reminisced, Simon's voice triggered a faint sense of recognition, but she brushed it off as insignificant.

Her focus was only on her desire to conceive a child. With their intentions clear – she wanted a child, he wanted her money – she saw no reason to dwell on it.

With a chuckle, Layla glanced at the clock and realized it was already eleven in the morning.

Hastily, she rose to change into her clothes. A charity gala was scheduled for tonight at a luxurious hotel downtown, and she needed time to get ready.

Layla stood before the mirror, only to find crimson marks on her chest and lingering traces on her neck.

The telltale signs were unmistakable. Even a fool could tell what had happened the night before.

Contemplating the potential attendees at tonight's gala, Layla grabbed a suitable silk scarf from her wardrobe to conceal the evidence before freshening up.

Upon returning to the living room, she noticed breakfast laid out on the table.

She assumed the maid had arranged it before she was surprised to find a note. "Last night must have worn you out, so don't forget to have breakfast - Simon."

Layla grinned and couldn't resist it.

Meanwhile, over at the Hayes mansion...

"Hey, Mr. Hayes, do you need a plus one for the charity gala tonight?" Poppy Brown, a budding actress, made her move on Ashton, attempting to gain his attention with a glint in her eye. He just shrugged her away.

"You're just someone who works for me. I pay you to be in the spotlight, so know your role. You're not qualified to come with me to the gala."

Unfazed, Poppy moved closer to Ashton and rested her chest against his arm as she commented, "I heard your ex-wife might show up tonight. If she sees us together, she might get jealous."

Ashton paused for a moment, reminiscing about Layla's calm demeanor during their divorce proceedings.

She appeared eager to move on and even seemed delighted to leave him.

She had also asked to temporarily keep their separation a secret to prevent any unease among the shareholders.

He let out a cynical chuckle.

He believed that despite their divorce, Layla's heart still belonged to him and that her cold attitude was just a facade.

With that thought in mind, a faint smirk tugged at his lips as he motioned towards Poppy and instructed his assistant, "Go pick her up later today."

He was curious to see how Layla had fared since leaving him.

The charity event took place in a luxurious banquet hall on the hotel's top floor, with a bustling crowd of high-end limos lining the entrance. A mix of celebrities and socialites, usually only seen on screens or in magazines, mingled in the area. Many media reporters were all waiting anxiously, pointing their cameras towards the entrance to capture the grand arrival.

As everyone entered the venue, a massive cluster of fresh flowers greeted them, their petals still adorned with morning dew. Leading the way was the movie star, Molly, her hand clasped firmly in Ashton's. Yet, Ashton's gaze darted around as if searching for someone specific.

Though he didn't spot the person he was looking for, Ashton unexpectedly saw someone else.

Amidst the crowd stood Tristan Frucht, heir to the esteemed Frucht Group, donning the dual roles of chairman and CEO.

Tristan happened to be Ashton's childhood friend.

Ashton's surprise was evident at seeing Tristan, who seldom graced such occasions with his presence.

Mustering his enthusiasm, Ashton strode over to his friend and delivered a hearty pat on the back. "Tristan? What brings you here? I thought you hated social gatherings the best."

Since returning from his overseas studies, Tristan had assumed the reins of the Frucht Group. He was always immersed himself in its affairs day in and day out. With both of them being busy for some time, Ashton had been wanting to catch up with Tristan but hadn't found the opportunity.

Tristan, known for his aversion to socializing, made an unlikely appearance.

Impatiently brushing off Ashton's hand, Tristan shot a disdainful glance at Poppy, his tone cooling considerably. "I never thought you'd bring someone like her to an event like this."

Unconcerned, Ashton casually poured himself a drink, casually responding, "I just brought her along to have some fun. Relax."

With a slight pursing of his lips, Tristan advised, "Maybe dial it down a notch."

Playfully nudging Tristan, Ashton chuckled, "You know me too well, don't you? But what about you? You took over your family business at just 20. Now, your businesses span globally, but why are you still flying solo? Could it be because the person you're fond of is me?"

Tristan's expression remained neutral as he retorted, "In your dreams."

Sensing the tension, Ashton teased, "With that attitude, I bet no woman would be interested in dating you."

Tristan's calm gaze swept the room as if searching for someone amidst the gala's glittering entrance.

Impatiently, Ashton turned to his assistant and asked, "Why hasn't she arrived yet?"