LUCKY BILLIONAIRE

9

“Mr García, is she telling the truth?”

“No. She's not.” Alejandro said.

“When were you last together?” Another reporter thrust the microphone towards Alejandro, but he knocked it out of her hands.

Sophia grabbed the microphone and answered, “We were together a few nights back.”

“Are you denying being the father because you two are no longer together?” another reporter pressed.

“Why would Sophia lie about the pregnancy?”

“Do you have any proof that the child isn't yours?”

The reporters bombarded him with questions.

Alejandro exchanged a weary glance with Miguel, sensing his friend's exhaustion.

Even though today was supposed to be a very happy day for them both, Sophia's relentless accusations were wearing them both down.

Alejandro took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he had to say. “Sophia and I are divorced, she is no longer my wife and that pregnancy is not mine. She is a liar,” Alejandro asserted firmly.

You're pushing away your child!” She screamed at him but the tension in her body had caused her to feel a sudden rush of weakness, one of her men had to hold her and that little act was able to draw sympathy from the crowd but Alejandro was cold because he knew the last time he had sex with Sophie and it was a very long time ago.

“I don't know where you got the kid from but it is definitely not mine. It's best if you go home and take care of yourself,” he dismissed her claims with a wave of his hand.

“You lie!. This is your baby and you must take care of it.” Sophia continued to cause more commotion.

Miguel had to whisper to the security guards to push Sophia away and her team away.

With that, Alejandro turned towards the double doors of the Casino. He sliced through the ribbon, officially opening The Great Pyramid.

“The Great Pyramid is officially open. If it is your desire to experience pleasure, then come in,” he announced proudly, a sense of accomplishment washing over him as he fulfilled his dreams.

***

The sunlight poured in, touching Alejandro's face as he woke up. He rubbed his eyes and sat up, trying to shake off the sleepiness. Had last night really happened, or was it just a dream?

He reached for his phone and checked Twitter, finding pictures of the grand opening of The Great Pyramid. A smile spread across his face as he looked up to see Miguel standing at the door with a cup of tea.

“It's good to see you awake,” Miguel said with a smile, offering him the tea. “You slept in the car last night. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, it all feels so surreal,” Alejandro replied, taking a sip of the tea. “Do you ever feel like it's all a dream?”

“Sometimes, but then I realize it's real,” Miguel said, smiling warmly.

“I think I'll go out for a walk today, get some fresh air,” Alejandro said, starting to get dressed casually.

“Are you planning to acquire another business?” Miguel asked, looking at him suspiciously. “Is it Sophia's?”

Alejandro just smiled. “No, I'm just going out for a walk.”

“That's what you said last time,” Miguel remarked, still looking doubtful at him.

In truth, It was exactly what he needed. To get into a state of good vibes. He quickly got ready and went outside for a run. He thought about his past and felt thankful for how far he'd come. He never imagined he'd be so successful, especially after buying that lottery ticket.

However, as he ran, he noticed people giving him strange looks, and he couldn't figure out why.

He stopped for a while to catch his breath.

Some people approached him and started accusing him.

"You're such an evil man," one person said.

Alejandro was confused. "What are you talking about?" he asked.

"Why did you abandon your wife?" another person questioned.

"You'll meet your end soon," someone else added ominously.

"How do you sleep at night?"

"Because you've made money, you think you can act as you like?" another person accused.

Alejandro felt embarrassed, he didn't not know how to react to them. He just got up and went home.

He opened the door and slid it back, everywhere was cozy courtesy of Miguel but his friend stood stiff, staring at the television. The energy that came from his figure was not as calm as the living room.

"Everything alright?" Alejandro asked, placing a hand on Miguel's back.

"No. Your ex-wife has done it again," Miguel replied, pointing towards the TV

"Alejandro García is a liar and abuser. He left his poor wife, Sophia Brown, heavily pregnant and claims the pregnancy was not for him." The reporter was saying.

Alejandro's anger boiled. He had had enough of all of this.

"Justice for Sophia as she undergoes this rough phase without her husband's support," the TV continued.

"She has crossed the line!" Alejandro exclaimed in frustration. "Miguel! What the hell are we going to do?"

"It seems she is fighting back. If we don't do something, she is going to ruin your image. And that is bad because the Casino just opened yesterday," Miguel replied, trying to calm Alejandro down.

"Call the press, she's not the only one with power!" Alejandro suggested.

But Miguel sighed heavily and approached Alejandro, guiding him to sit down. "Please sit. I need to explain something to you," he said gently, pulling a chair closer. "You cannot win this fight with her," Miguel continued softly.

"What do you mean?!" Alejandro's irritation flared up once more.

"You cannot win this fight this way. Everyone would take her side even if you present the divorce papers, because she is a woman," Miguel explained.

"But I don't care, Miguel! She can't do this! She can't keep doing this to me!" Alejandro protested.

"I know, but the best way to win this battle is to beat her at her own game. I suggest you strike a deal with her.”

“A deal? Never! That's not gonna happen!” Alejandro said and stormed out.