Divorce by Mistake: A Billionaire's Desperate Second Chance

I stood in front of Max's penthouse's shiny black doors, clutching the briefcase handle so tightly that my knuckles turned white. I paused before I knocked on the door.

My stomach felt nauseous, and my legs felt like they were going to collapse.

I had visited this place previously, yet it seemed like my initial experience. Everything felt new.

"I stated that I would help for a few weeks," I commented while placing the suitcase next to the couch. "It's finished."

Silently, he shut the door behind me. He repeated it, seeming like he couldn't completely believe it, "A few weeks."

I glanced around, recognizing the same surroundings. I no longer belong here, and every part of this place only brings back painful memories.

"Where's the guest room?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.

Max raised an eyebrow. "Where is the guest room?" Holding a smiley face at me.

Let's go, Lila. You are familiar with how this operates. "There will be communication among individuals."

I became rigid. "You must be joking."

He casually crossed his arms while leaning against the wall. "I am not."

If you are present, you remain in the room designated for us. If not, it will appear questionable.

I felt a constriction in my chest. Even though I wanted to dispute, I recognized deep down that he was correct.

I was here solely to assist him in maintaining a facade. I was unable to accomplish that from the opposite end of the penthouse.

"I reluctantly said, 'alright' as I picked up my suitcase and headed towards the bedroom."

When I pushed the bedroom door open, it emitted a creak, making me pause at the entrance.

It looked just like I remembered—sleek, spotless, chilly.

The king-sized bed, with its perfectly arranged white sheets, seemed to taunt me as I looked at it.

The previous time I had been here, I left angrily, my heart broken.

Now, I was intentionally entering a dangerous situation again.

I placed the suitcase next to the wardrobe, and I turned around to see Max in the doorway, observing me.

"What did you say?" I unexpectedly let out a sharp word in a moment of anger.

He raised his shoulders in a gesture of indifference. There is nothing. Simply be happy that you have arrived.

Surprised by the warmth in his voice, I blinked. The man I had prepared to confront was not the one I encountered.

"Don't become accustomed to it," I mentioned, pushing past him on my way back to the living room.

The initial days went by with a sense of discomfort.

We established a pattern that seemed as if we were taking on roles that were unfamiliar to us. In public, we grinned and intertwined our fingers,

chuckling at non-existent jokes.

However, in private, the lack of communication between us was intolerable.

I despised it.

In the evening of the third day, I sat alone on the couch, staring at the TV. Since my eyes weren't focused on the screen, I can't remember what was being displayed.

I was overwhelmed with frustration and doubts in my mind. I was ready to go to sleep when I had a knock, the door opened, and I saw Max coming in.

"I'm surprised you're home so soon," I commented.

"I am struggling to concentrate at work," he responded, adjusting his tie as he made his way to the bar.

He poured a drink for himself and then poured for me too. Then he faced me, his expression impossible to interpret. "Interested in having one?"

I nodded in disapproval. "I'm doing well."

He positioned himself at the opposite end of the sofa, ensuring there was a cautious space separating us.

For a brief moment, we remained silent, the tension just as palpable.

"Why did you consent to this, Lila?" he inquired out of the blue, speaking softly.

I hesitated before responding. The reality was complex and disorderly.

I required the money, yes, but that wasn't the only reason. I agreed because of him, although I would rather not acknowledge that part of me. Because I wasn't fully prepared to release it entirely.

"I have no idea," I eventually replied, my gaze fixed on the TV. "Why did you inquire from me?"

He chuckled without humor. "Since I couldn't imagine anyone else who could successfully, accomplish this."

His words made my stomach turn, but I chose not to reply.

A sudden noise broke the quiet, prompting Max to retrieve his phone from his pocket.

The screen illuminated, causing his jaw to clench at what he saw. Silently, he got up and walked towards his office.

"Is everything all right?" I yelled for him as he walked away.

"Yep," he said, with a sharp tone in his voice. "Simply put in the effort."

While I was walking to the restroom, someone suddenly seized my arm.

"Lila," he said.

I glanced at a stranger, tall with distinct features and a disturbing grin, whom I didn't know.

"Can you tell me your identity?" I insisted on pulling away, but his grip only got stronger.

"Just a person who is aware of the truth."

I suddenly stopped breathing. "What truth are you talking about?"

He smiled more broadly. Everything will happen at the right moment. However, inform Max that time is running out.

He released his grip and vanished into the crowd before I was able to detain him.

Upon finding Max, I informed him of the situation. His face clouded over, his teeth grinding together.

"Who was he?" he inquired quickly, his voice quiet and threatening.

"I am uncertain," I replied. "He told me to inform you that time is running out."

Max reacted instantly. He seized my arm and dragged me towards the exit.

"What is it that you are engaged in?" I objected.

"We must depart." "At this moment."

The new software update will bring about a range of improvements and enhancements to the current system.

Max returned to the penthouse, secured the doors, and poured himself one more drink.

"Max, what in the world is happening?" I insisted.

He did not reply immediately.

Our eyes met briefly, I saw a feeling in his eyes that I hadn't seen before fear.

He murmured gently, "I have something to tell you Lila."

I prepared myself for what was to come.

"The night our relationship broke down," he started, "I didn't reveal the complete truth to you."

I took a deep gulp. "What are you trying to say?"

The lights flickered, and a loud crash was heard from the balcony before he could respond.

We both froze.

Remain here," Max instructed as he took a knife from the kitchen countertop.

"I definitely won't," I retorted, trailing behind him.

Upon arriving at the balcony, we found the sliding glass door to be broken.

Another photo on the ground showed Max, along with the message: "Your time is finished."

The car drove quickly down the road. Its headlights shone brightly in the night.

I looked at Max, feeling my heart beating rapidly.

"What trouble have you brought upon us?" I shouted.

He had a pale complexion and his hands were shaking.

There was something off about his tone that didn't feel right to me.

I looked at the place where he had been seated, my thoughts running quickly.

I had some doubts about him.

We shouldn't give up on everything we experienced together.

Now, despite my reluctance, I had to find out what was happening.

I impulsively took his phone from the couch before I could restrain myself.

The screen remained illuminated, displaying the most recent message he had gotten.

We have found her. Awaiting your guidance.

My heart pounded as I gazed at the words. Who was the person referred to as "her"?