A Billionaire Ex - Short Story Collection (Volume 4): A Billionaire Ex, #22

By Alexia Austen

A STEAMY BBW BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE SERIES

A Billionaire Ex - Book 10

After seeing how her divorce with Jack affected his family, Maria makes a firm decision to finally exit his life. But does Jack feel the same way? Or is his new attitude a sign of something different?

A Billionaire Ex - Book 11

Maria's birthday proceeds in the worst way imaginable, by working overtime forced on her by Jack. But what could between a man and a woman when they were alone at night, and driven by desire?

A Billionaire Ex - Book 12

Both Maria and Jack's emotions are in disarray, and to make matters worse, Jack's family makes their disapproval clear. Already intent on leaving her past behind, Maria refocuses her efforts on finishing up her work to finally move on. But does Jack have other plans? And was Maria really capable of leaving behind the greatest love of her life?

FULL COMPLETE SERIES AVAILABLE NOW
 

• Volume 4 of 6
• 15,500 words short story
• Intended for mature audiences only due to explicit content

The complete series is also available to purchase as a novel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexia Austen
• Release date: Apr 9, 2015
• ISBN: 9781507029565

Book preview

A Billionaire Ex

Part Ten

Chapter 1

I walked up the stairs, following my colleagues back to our desks. I paused as I saw Jack walking down the hallway, his secretary, and Adeline by his side. We exchanged a brief glance as he walked past me. My colleagues began to speak as soon as they were out of earshot.

Have you heard? The CEOs father passed away."

Really?

I heard the director went to his father's funeral, and acted like the daughter-in-law.

But they fit each other well. They're very suited for each other.

Let's go.

I ignored them, and headed back to our office. Stan was busy changing the bottle for the water cooler. I offered to help, and he only let go of the bottle in my hands, and left. He'd been irritable ever since we'd returned.

Why are you dressed so dark and drably when it's spring weather? said Edith. An intern should be dressed more bright and cheerful. You must think that this is still the funeral.

She was only just returning to the office, and Colton was walking alongside her. They'd went out on a sales meeting.

You doing that isn't going to make you look any better in front of the CEO, said Edith.

Edith stormed off, and I couldn't say I was surprised. It was expected that she'd whine at me most of the time, but it was still bizarre.

What's wrong with her? I asked.

Everyone's talking about the relationship between the CEO, and Director Adeline, said Colton. Some people are even saying that they may be getting married soon.

It was hurtful to hear, but surely it was just a rumour. There were always wild rumours, and it didn't make them any more credible. My phone beeped, and I saw that I'd received a text from Stan asking me to meet him on the rooftop. Why did everyone want to always meet on the rooftop? I finished replacing the bottle for the water cooler, and went to meet him.

Stan was waiting for me, and handed me a cold drink as I walked up to him.

Maria, said Stan, can't you be helpful to me just this once?

With what? I asked.

I don't think you've given me your answer yet, said Stan. But I think things may get easier for me once I hear what your answer is. Maria, do you like the CEO?

His question caused me to pause. I wasn't quite sure how I was supposed to answer.

Why would you even be curious about that? I said.

That's what I'd like to know. I'm pondering about that myself. I asked if you like him.

There wasn't much I could say. Stan was earnest with his question, but it wasn't like I could tell him how I really felt. Even I was still unsure of that.

No, I said. My turn to ask you a question now that I've given you my answer. Tell me, why are you so curious about it? Back at the funeral, and even now, you're acting all pouty and angry. Why are you acting like a kid?

Kid? said Stan. What? Who's acting like a kid? Me? Have you ever seen a kid as big and normal as me?

Yes, I have, I said, pointing directly at him.

What are you two doing up here?

We turned around to find Helga looking at us. It seemed as if everyone loved to use this rooftop.

We were just taking a short break, said Stan.

Anyway, one of your previous clients was happy with the work we did Maria, said Helga. The Samson Hotel, do you remember? They're preparing a special menu to celebrate wedding anniversaries, so I need you to draft a good plan for my by tomorrow morning.

I have to be out of office this afternoon for that designer launching deal, I said.

Then I guess you can do it when you get back, said Helga. That aggressive, and active, side of yours that you showed us at the funeral, I'll look forward to seeing it again.

W-what? I said.

Helga sighed. I meant, do a good job.

Oh, okay.

It looked as if I'd be trapped by working overtime again. By the time I returned to the office after my business meeting, it's likely be the evening.

Chapter 2

I'm going to be really late getting home, I said. I have to submit it by the morning, so I might be working all night.

I was on the phone to Katie. It was already 8pm, and I'd grabbed myself some dinner to eat upon my return to the office. I walked down the silent hallways, swinging my bag of food slightly.

You're going to quit anyway, so don't work yourself so hard, said Katie.

Even if I do end up quitting, I should still do my job right, I said. You know me and my sense of responsibility.

Do you really want to work on a wedding anniversary event?

I bid her farewell, and hung up the phone. I stopped as