The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 48

Aveline

Ever since this morning's disastrous encounter with Orion, I'd been walking around like a storm cloud, which is how I found myself standing on the small balcony off my bedroom with a cigarette between my fingers—a habit I'd kicked years ago but always returned to when stress threatened to overwhelm me.

The nicotine did nothing to quiet the anxiety clawing at my chest, but the familiar ritual of lighting up, inhaling, watching the smoke drift away on the Manhattan breeze, at least gave my hands something to do besides shake.

I needed a distraction. Something to get me out of my own head before I drove myself completely insane with paranoid scenarios.

That's when I thought of Luna.

Three hours later, I was standing beside my new mint green convertible outside Café Laurent, one of those intimate French bistros tucked away in the Upper East Side that somehow managed to feel both elegant and welcoming. I'd changed into a casual but chic outfit—dark jeans, a cream cashmere sweater, and ankle boots that struck the right balance between approachable and put-together.

"Aveline!" Luna's voice carried across the sidewalk, and I turned to see her hurrying toward me with that same radiant smile I remembered from our school days.

She looked exactly like I'd expected—still beautiful in that fresh, natural way that needed no enhancement. Her auburn hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail that swung as she walked, and she was wearing a soft blue cardigan over a white sundress that somehow managed to look both sophisticated and sweetly innocent. Everything about her screamed genuine kindness, from her bright green eyes to the way she practically bounced on her toes when she was excited.

"This car is absolutely gorgeous!" she exclaimed, running her hand along the convertible's sleek curves. "That mint green color is so cheerful and perfect for you!"

I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Thank you. Though I have a feeling if your friends saw it, they'd probably make some snide comment about how 'affordable' it looks compared to a real luxury car."

Luna laughed, the sound as warm and genuine as I remembered.

As we walked toward the restaurant entrance, Luna reached out to pull open the heavy glass door, and that's when I caught sight of the delicate silver bracelet on her wrist—the friendship bracelet I'd given her for her sixteenth birthday, with tiny star charms that had cost me weeks of saved allowance. The silver was slightly tarnished now, but she was still wearing it after all these years.

A warm feeling spread through my chest as we stepped inside. I'd have to send her one of my newer designs—something that would make those sweet little stars look like practice sketches.

"My treat," I said firmly as the hostess led us to a cozy corner table overlooking a small garden. "I insist."

"Are you sure?" Luna asked, though her protest lacked any real conviction. "This place looks rather expensive..."

"Completely sure," I said, settling into my chair with a smile. "It's been too long since we've caught up properly."

Over appetizers and wine, Luna's eyes grew wider and wider as I filled her in on the broad strokes of my life—my doctorate from the University of Geneva, my current position at Arlington Academy, the general trajectory of rebuilding myself from nothing.

"A psychology doctorate?" she repeated, clearly impressed. "Aveline, that's incredible! And Arlington Academy—that's one of the most prestigious schools in the city. You've accomplished so much!"

She paused, swirling her wine thoughtfully. "You know, it's funny. You lost your status as a Hartwell heiress, but you've ended up doing better than Vivian ever has. It just goes to show that birth circumstances aren't everything, doesn't it?"

I raised my glass with a wry smile. "Here's to discovering that breeding isn't everything after all."

"Speaking of Vivian," I continued, genuine curiosity getting the better of me, "what exactly does she do for work these days? I see her all dressed up constantly, but she's always been vague about the details."

Luna's expression grew slightly uncomfortable, as if she wasn't sure whether gossip was appropriate territory. "I don't know all the specifics, but from what I've heard... she's trying to break into modeling and entertainment. More of an aspiring model than an established one, if you know what I mean."

"Meaning?"

"Well..." Luna lowered her voice, glancing around as if Vivian might materialize at any moment. "I think she mostly does those kinds of photo shoots that are... how do I put this delicately... designed more for attention than artistic merit. Magazine covers that are all about showing skin rather than showcasing talent. She's hoping it will lead to bigger opportunities in entertainment, but so far..."

I nearly choked on my wine. "So she's basically doing soft-core photo shoots and hoping someone will notice her acting ability?"

"That's a rather blunt way to put it, but yes." Luna's cheeks were slightly pink with embarrassment. "Her ultimate goal seems to be finding a wealthy man who can give her the lifestyle she thinks she deserves."

"Well, that's been her life ambition since we were teenagers," I said with a laugh. "Climb into the right bed and let someone else pay for everything."

I was about to dive deeper into the delicious gossip about Vivian's desperate social climbing when my phone buzzed with an incoming text.

*"Darling, wonderful news! They’ve arranged everything for Friday afternoon. 2 PM at the Meridian Club's private dining room. You can finally put this whole marriage nonsense behind you and start fresh. I'm so excited for you!"*

The surge of joy that hit me was so intense I actually laughed out loud, startling Luna.

"What is it?" she asked, looking concerned. "You look like you just won the lottery."

"Better than the lottery, better than finding a unicorn, better than discovering the fountain of youth!" I said, waving my wine glass around with such enthusiasm that Luna had to steady it before I spilled it everywhere.

"Luna, I could literally fly right now! Order the lobster, order the truffle pasta, order whatever costs the most—tonight we're living like billionaires!"

Luna blinked in confusion. "Aveline, what's gotten into you? What kind of good news—"

"I'm about to divorce a complete stranger," I said, practically glowing with excitement. "How's that for modern romance?"