The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 103

Aveline

Today was the day. After six years of being legally bound to a stranger, I was finally going to meet my mysterious husband and end this ridiculous arrangement once and for all.

Despite my low expectations for the man himself, I'd put considerable effort into my appearance. If this was going to be our first and last meeting, I wanted to leave him with an image he'd never forget.

I'd chosen a sleek black midi dress in silk crepe that hugged my curves perfectly while remaining sophisticated. The neckline was just low enough to be intriguing without being inappropriate, and the fitted waist emphasized my figure beautifully. I'd paired it with classic black heels and subtle silver jewelry—elegant, timeless, and absolutely devastating when I wanted to make an impression.

My hair was styled in loose waves that fell just past my shoulders, and my makeup was flawless—smoky eyes, perfect red lips, and just enough contouring to make my cheekbones look like they could cut glass.

*Let him see exactly what he's losing,* I thought with satisfaction.

Learning from my previous disaster, I'd asked Luna to drive me to the meeting. We stopped at a florist on the way, where I selected a bouquet of pristine white roses—the universal symbol of endings and new beginnings.

"You know," Luna said as she navigated Manhattan traffic, "it's hilarious that you didn't have a wedding ceremony, but you're putting together this whole production for your divorce meeting."

"I want to make a statement," I replied, adjusting the roses in my lap. "Professional, final, and memorable."

"Just promise me you won't let him talk you into anything crazy. Rich men can be very persuasive when they want something."

I laughed. "Trust me, I've rehearsed this conversation a hundred times in my head. No matter how charming or difficult he tries to be, I can handle any man. I'll have him wrapped around my little finger and signing papers within the hour."

Luna dropped me off outside Café Luna at exactly 1:30, giving me time to settle in before the appointed meeting time.

"Are you sure you don't want me to wait?" she asked through the car window. "I could stay nearby in case you need backup."

"I'll be fine," I assured her. "This is just business. In and out, clean and simple."

The café was exactly as I'd expected—quiet, intimate, with small tables scattered throughout and the kind of sophisticated atmosphere that suggested discretion. I chose a table near the back where we'd have privacy for what might be a delicate conversation.

The barista who brought my coffee complimented my appearance, which boosted my confidence even further. The rich aroma of the perfectly brewed espresso seemed to enhance my already positive mood.

*This is going to go perfectly,* I thought, checking my watch. *By two o'clock, I'll be a free woman.*

But as I sat waiting and more customers filtered in, I began to notice something alarming. At least three other women in the café were wearing black dresses. My carefully chosen identifier suddenly seemed woefully inadequate.

*Shit.* I should have been more specific in my email. Black dress and white roses seemed distinctive when I was writing it, but in practice...

I gripped my bouquet more tightly, making sure it was clearly visible. The roses were my only unique identifier now, and I couldn't afford to let them out of my sight.

It was nearly two o'clock when a familiar figure appeared in the café's entrance, and my carefully maintained composure nearly crumbled.

Orion Blackwell stood in the doorway, looking like he'd stepped off the cover of GQ magazine. He was wearing a perfectly tailored charcoal suit that emphasized his broad shoulders and lean frame, a crisp white shirt that contrasted beautifully with his dark hair, and a silk tie in deep navy that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent. His hair was styled with the kind of casual perfection that took serious effort to achieve, and everything about him screamed expensive sophistication.

He looked like a man preparing to seduce someone.

*What is he doing here?* I thought frantically, instinctively moving the roses from the table to my lap, crushing several petals in my grip.

Orion's eyes swept the café and immediately found mine. His face broke into that devastating smile that always made my pulse race, and he walked directly to my table.

"Aveline," he said warmly. "What a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to see you here."

My mind raced as I tried to figure out how to explain my presence without revealing the truth about my marriage situation. The roses in my lap felt like evidence of some crime I was trying to hide.

"I'm... I'm meeting a friend," I managed, hoping my voice sounded more casual than I felt. "Just a casual lunch thing."