The Billionaires' Choices

It has been over five months since she left and now, she’s back. Jill took a deep breath while standing at the exit of the airport.

Josh had been a headache one month after she left. She was supposed to return during that time. He helped greatly in expediting the process of her return. When she failed to return on the agreed date, he refused to talk to her. His ultimatum? “Come here if you want to talk to me.” He wouldn’t even let Ryan take a message from her.

Instead of comforting her and being understanding, he was back to being selfish and a complete jerk. She wonders if he’s bipolar or something. He could be. Gentle and caring one moment, asshole the next.

A few days before her supposed return, she was sent to the hospital for a threatened miscarriage. Well, the baby’s safe but she missed her flight. Also, she was advised to be careful during the first trimester. She waited until the fifth month. She thought it would be the safest time to travel. Her doctor agreed but left her with a lot of things to watch out for and be careful of. She had to prepare her body and the baby for a long flight.

Now, though… She hadn’t heard from Josh in the last four months.

She dialed his number and waited for the call to go through. He must see that she’s now back.

“Hey…” She greeted the moment the call connected.

“Well, what do you know? You’re back, huh?” He sounded sarcastic. Jill tried not to feel hurt. Whose fault is it? It’s clearly not hers. She wouldn’t blame herself for his actions. She did try every means possible to contact him.

“Yeah…” She was about to ask him to send someone to collect her, but he cut her off.

“Just in time, too. I need your signature on the divorce papers.” His tone was measured, bordering careless. But his words gutted her… divorce? He’s talking about divorce?

“You want us to divorce?” Her face paled and her heart ached. She couldn’t believe him. This the man she married? Where’s the Josh who treasured her? The one who wanted her back? He deceived her, didn’t he?

“What were you expecting after being gone for too long?” His tone was much harsher and she can tell he’s blaming her.

Her heart cleanly broke at that point and tears clouded her eyes.

“Is that what you really want?” Her voice broke and Josh paused on the other end. He hadn’t seen her in so long. He was highly disappointed when she hadn’t returned quickly. He agonized over missing her so much that after a couple of months or so… he’d returned to his old ways and made arrangements with other women.

“Yes.” He plainly answered. He doesn’t need her. She’d made her decision. He’d made his. He was able to forget her, didn’t he? Although, he hoped she would still have him. Say you don’t agree.

Jill’s mind was a mess. How about the child? Even if he doesn’t want her anymore, she’d have to keep the child.

“I have one condition, then.”

“I don’t think you’re in a position to demand any condition, sweetheart. You signed a prenup, don’t you remember?”

Her knees almost buckled from trembling. This wasn’t what she’s expecting in coming here.

“It’s not in the prenup.”

“Oh yeah? What is it then? Hurry up, there’s a woman waiting for me.” Josh glanced at the hotel room. The woman has made herself bare for him. Hearing it almost made Jill laugh. He’s back to that, isn’t he? Her tears freely flowed down her cheeks.

“Do I have your word that you’ll agree to it? It’s only one.”

“Alright. As long as it’s not in the prenup.”

“I’ll have sole custody of my child. You won’t get involved with her. She’s mine.”

What? Josh couldn’t speak for some time. Did she say…? What did she say?

When Jill hadn’t heard anything from the other line, she sniffed before ending the call. Then, she let herself cry as she sat on the ground. She must look pitiful.

The last four months hadn’t been good for her. She tried to. The threat of miscarriage alone made her afraid. She badly wanted him to comfort her. With his wealth, she’s sure he could’ve come to her. But no, he had to be the biggest jerk and demand she return quickly if she wants to talk to him. He blocked every form of communication. She did send him messages about the baby but she doubts he’d seen any of them. He probably blocked her or something. Put her on mute or something.

In the last four months, she didn’t know what’s going on with him. She’s worried. A lot of things went through her mind. What must he think of her? How must he be coping with her absence? His actions alone made her doubt him. Does he really love her? She knew it could’ve been a wrong decision to marry him. They hadn’t known each other in so long. Their trust in each other hasn’t solidified yet. Clearly, it broke down the moment she failed to return that month.

Josh went out immediately to properly breathe. She’s back. She’s pregnant? What did he do? He suddenly felt cold all over. Why didn’t she tell him? He almost wanted to berate himself. Well, you didn’t make it easy for her, bud. She is pregnant? So, why didn’t she return sooner? Damn, he messed up again. He clearly heard her sniff. Was she crying? What the hell did he tell her? Divorce? Yeah, he did contemplate on that one a lot. He thought he’d spite her by bringing it up the moment she returns. He thought she’d beg him not to. Apologize to him for hurting him. She hurt him when she didn’t make good on her promise to return immediately. He even exerted so much effort to make it happen. They were both excited. And then, he wasn’t able to contact her for a few days. He was so hurt he gave her that ultimatum. Even so, she still didn’t show up in the next four months after that. Now she’s back. Finally.

He meant to make her feel hurt, as much hurt as he felt. He simply wanted her to understand his pain. But yeah, the moment he slept around with other women, their relationship was already doomed. He basically cheated on her. The divorce could get real. But at the time, he couldn’t care less.

Who knew she would simply ask for one condition and accept his request so easily? Messed up again, Harrison.

When he got his head straight, he tried calling her. To no avail.

“Answer the phone, Jill.” When she didn’t, he paced the length of the sidewalk. How should he clean up his mess? Damn those arrangements. He called Ryan. He barked an order to end his current arrangement with that woman. He couldn’t even be bothered to remember her name.

“Settle it quickly. And don’t let me make another one in the future, understand?”

Ryan was startled, he’s only following orders, alright?

“Sir, you asked me to. What if you ask me again?”

“Even if I ask you to.”

Ryan was quick, “Then, can I make a written agreement for this? Boss, I don’t want to lose my job. If I refuse you in the future, can I show you your signed agreement?”

Josh rolled his eyes at his assistant’s thinking, “Just do it.”

“Yes, sir. Understood.” Ryan could switch from formal to informal with him and get away with it.

When the call ended, Ryan was puzzled. What prompted this order? His heart jolted at remembering his boss is married. Is the missus back? Recalling the conversation, his boss did sound apprehensive. Settle the arrangement quickly. Yes, sir. He remembered and quickly went to contact the last woman.

Josh tapped his phone. Suddenly, he realized he just made a decision. Despite his hurt feelings, he knew she’s still the one he wants. Would she think it’s simply because of the baby? Well, the baby news did jolt him out of his messed-up ways.

Why did he have to be so impulsive when it comes to her? Wait, did he mention another woman in their call? Damn, he has a lot of explaining to do.

When the call connected, he was relieved, “Jill…”

“Oh hey, man. You know this woman named Jillian Gonzales?”

“Yeah, who’s this?” He frowned. Why is a guy answering her phone?

“Well, good thing she has her documents with her and you called as I was about to find someone in her contacts. You related?”

“Yes. Who’s this?” He repeated.

“I’m an assistant medic. Ambulance crew. On our way to a hospital. Ms. Gonzales fainted at the airport. Meet us there?”

His face turned pale. What?

“Which hospital?” He quickly asked.

When the man gave him the name and the address, he quickly went to find his car. What happened? Is she safe? Is the baby safe? She just came back and… he cursed himself as he drives. He was almost tempted to go beyond the limits. The only thing that held him back is the possibility of him ending up on a hospital bed on his own. Then, he won’t be able to care for her.

As he drives, his mind wandered. He suddenly realized that between the two of them, he’s the one who loves her more, and yet he’s also the one who hurts her more. What was he thinking these past few months? Why did he have to go and sleep around when he’s already married. His heart sunk. Knowing Jill, she’s unlikely to forgive him. It’s funny how his mind instantly cleared. When he got her call, his only goal was to hurt her, and then forgive her if she begged him. It was funny how the situation is now reversed. He’d beg her on his knees if he have to.

He might have haphazardly parked his car before running inside the hospital. He asked for her. When he arrived at her room, with two other patients, he frowned. He needs to move her to a private room. When he looked, she seemed to be sleeping. The nurse in charge of the ward eyed him suspiciously.

“You this woman’s guardian? Relative?”

“Husband.” He replied without looking. His eyes surveyed Jill’s whole body.

“Is she okay?” His voice trembled a little.

The nurse’s expression cleared, “Yes, she is. Just resting. All those hours thousands of feet above the ground stressed the baby. They’re fine now.”

“How’s the baby?”

“She’s settled. Resting. They both need it.”

“I see. Thank you. Where can I arrange a private room?” He suddenly remembered and asked.

The nurse gave him instructions before moving to the other patients she had to check this hour.

Her luggage and bag were next to her bed. A transparent envelope was set between them. He decided to get her into a private room first.