THE BILLIONAIRE AMONG US.

Chapter 1: It started with a divorce.

“Here is $2 million dollars. Take it and sign the divorce paper! I don't ever want to see you close to my daughter! Ever!"

Lady Walton, the matriarch of the Walton family pushed a black briefcase across a polished table. Beside the Briefcase is a divorce paper.

Bill, the live-in son-in-law of the Walton family stood beside the table in the sophisticated and opulent living room, slightly stunned by her statement.

Bill married Eleanor, the only daughter of the Walton family 2 years ago. Today marks the end of their second year of marriage.

Is Lady Walton seeking a divorce for her daughter on this day?! On her behalf?!

Bill wore an ordinary cloth with a blue apron tied behind his neck, suspending down to his knee. He looks sweaty after doing numerous tasks in the house- washing the dirty dishes, cleaning the house and preparing breakfast for the family.

“What are you talking about ma..I don't u..” Bill was saying with a voice laced with confusion but the woman cut him off angrily.

“Are you deaf or dumb!! This is exactly why you need to sign the paper! You're not smart and I want the marriage between you and Eleanor dismissed! Period!!" She blurted out, her voice firm and conclusive.

Bill's eyes widened slightly as the realization hit him. Lady Walton truly wants him to divorce her daughter!!

“You want me to divorce Eleanor and take $2 million dollars?" He said sarcastically and shook his head. “I will never sign it! I love your daughter and our marriage isn't transactional!! We love each other!!!" Bill stated confidently only to hear the woman chuckle mockingly.

“Love? What do you know about love? Huh?” She stood up, her heels clicking against the floor as she stepped closer to Bill with a grin tugging on her lips. “What is love without money? Eleanor has it all now– Money, wealth, fame and she doesn't need a thing like you!" She spat, waving at him disdainfully.

Bill shook his head. “No..no..You can't do this. I love Eleanor. I and Eleanor have a bright future together!” He emphasized desperately.

Lady Walton laughed out loudly, jamming her palms together to bring forth a resounding taunting clap.

“Future you say?" She said between her laughter as it died down. “A future in the kitchen? Watching dirty dishes and clothes?

Cut it Bill! Just sign the divorce paper and get lost!" She waved at him dismissively and took her seat on the Sofa.

“I'm sure Eleanor doesn't know about all this. You're separating u..”

“This is what I want, Bill. I'm quitting the marriage!" A voice interrupted Bill from behind.

He turned and there she was, approaching with a graceful step, swinging her hips meticulously like a model on the catway. She was draped in a red gown which stopped on her knee. Her beauty is flawless and effortless. That is Eleanor.

“Eleanor!!" Bill called her surprisingly.

Eleanor simply passed his front as if he never existed where he stood.

“Has he signed the paper?" She asked her mother, her voice impatient.

“What do you expect? He's just an obstinate pest that doesn't want to stop feasting off you!" Lady Walton said plainly.

Eleanor turned to Bill, her brow arched in confusion.

“You're refusing to sign the paper? Is the money too small??" She stared at him.

The frown on Bill's face deepened, seemingly confused as if the woman before him was never the woman he married.

“I'll make it $3 million dollars!" Eleanor said smoothly, staring at Bill and reading his reaction.

“Was it your plan all along? Why are you doing this honey..”

“Cut it Bill! I'm no longer your honey!” She interrupted him harshly. “You're a bitter experience I never want to happen in my life anymore! Do you think you're worth it? Huh?" She chuckled mockingly.

“I'm only giving you the money as compensation for staying during a tough time. Just take it and get out of my life!"

Bill couldn't believe it was his wife who just sputtered the words. Each of it cut through his heart, shattering it to shreds.

“Why are you doing this Eleanor... Why?" Bill's voice trembled, the weight of the situation choking him out.

“Why?" She laughed. “Do you know what it takes to be the CEO of the Walton group?! You don't Bill and you can't!!" She fired out, her voice raised more than before. “..the only thing you're good at is Washing dirty dishes! You should be ashamed of yourself Bill!! How do you think it will sound when I introduce you as my husband in public?! A stinking dishwasher!?! You're no more in my league Bill!” Her voice cut through the silence, laced with disgust and regret.

Silence fell over the living room for some seconds, allowing her brutal and harsh outburst to sink deep into Bill's heart, shattering it totally.

“You're.. you're doing this because you're the CEO of Walton group?" He broke the silence, his voice laced with disbelief.

Eleanor tucked her hair behind her hair, her heart swelling with pride over her triumph.

“Not just a CEO.. The Giant CEO who sealed a deal worth $900 billion dollars with the Adams group." She flaunted, pride effusing all over her.

Bill shook his head. If it wasn't for him, Eleanor wouldn't have secured the contract.

Two years ago, the Walton family was just an ordinary family struggling to earn a prominent status in Hilton city but now their fame and success has gone far and wide.

All accolades to Bill.

Bill is not an ordinary person. He kept his identity from Eleanor and her family and he helped her from the shadow, making sure the Walton family rise to the top of all careers in Hilton city.

Bill only wanted an ordinary life- to focus on the marriage and help his wife, Eleanor rise to the top.

“I think it's time I reveal to her my real identity and let her know I have been the one behind her success.” Bill concluded in his thought and opened his mouth to speak.

“I want to tell you ...."

“You want to tell me you were careless and broke some of the dishes or you burned one of my gowns again?" She cut him off with a mockery laughter.

Bill gritted his teeth. It has reached the height of it. He couldn't take the embarrassment anymore.

“I should sign the divorce paper. Is that what you want!?" The expression on his face suddenly became hard.

“Sign it!" Eleanor didn't bulge. He didn't even spare him a glance.

She was actually expecting him to fall on his knee and start pleading with her but his next action stunned them.

“Fine!" Bill simply said and took the pen then he scribbled his signature on the paper.

Eleanor was taken aback but she quickly masked the expression and said.

“It's all over Bill. No more feeding off me." She teased.

Bill smiled curtly and said. “You'll regret this. I swear!" He loosened the apron and sent it sprawling to the floor.

With that, he walked away.

As he was leaving, Eleanor suddenly felt strange. It felt like something Eminent is leaving her Life, leaving a vacuum within but it couldn't be because of Bill. No!