Meeting My Husband

By Tamara Gallo

Valentina Roth is a successful model and businesswoman, she lives in a sphere of glittering indulgence. Engaged to the controversial Fabián for three years and against the advice of her friends, she's still eager to walk down the aisle. However, an unexpected twist threatens to topple her dreams.

"Valentina, your wedding with Fabian can't occur. Not when you're already a wife." With those bewildering words, Valentina's lawyer thrust a marriage certificate into her hands. Reading the unfamiliar name - Danilo Miller, one of the most influential figures in the business world - she is left dumbfounded.

Danilo Miller, an oil tycoon, is caught in a family-initiated engangement with Susan Wilson, a woman chasing power and wealth. He is disinterested in this bride-to-be. Instead, he harbors a clandestine truth - he is unknowingly already a husband.

Intricately woven with strands of love, deceit, and secrets, follow Valentina, Danilo, Fabian, and Susan as they carve their paths through a sea of treachery and passion. They face hidden truths and must fight for their desires.

Will Valentina uncover the truth and pilot her life towards the right course? Can Danilo untangle himself from the chains he didn't choose? Or will they all descend into a chasm filled with lies and deceit?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Noveltoon
• Release date: Feb 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224737062

Book preview

Meeting My Husband

Chapter 1

My name is Valentina Roth. I am 27 years old and a model. Beyond that, I own a fashion house and have my own clothing and cosmetics lines branded with my name...

My best friend is Olivia Ponce. She's a year older than me and an accomplished lawyer.

She has also represented me in contract matters with other brands or designers.

By the way, I should mention she detests my boyfriend, Fabian. We've been together for three years, and we're about to get married...

Well, as long as everything goes smoothly.

My mother left me as a teenager, leaving me in the care of my father, a man who passed away from cancer a few years later.

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I am Fabian Harris, the boyfriend, or rather the fiance of Valentina. Truth is, I don’t really love her; I'm just with her because she's famous and I'm not as much. It's not her money I’m after, as I couldn't even get 5 dollars out of her. But being by her side, or in her circle, makes you get noticed.

Just so that you understand better, I work as a model.

I'm 30 years old. My parents died when I was 20 and I've been on my own ever since.

I’ve been with many women, even those called Sugar Mommies. But the one who's constant in my bed is my lover, Susan.

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I’m Danilo Miller, 32 years old and a Petroleum Businessman. It’s a family thing, from generation to generation it has always passed to the firstborn male, just as it happened with my father, my grandfather, and my great-grandfather. The same will occur with my son, if he accepts. None of us were forced.

I’m engaged but I don’t know how to shake off this woman; I’m not interested in her, I don’t even find her attractive. It was a foolish agreement between my father and hers, supposedly for the good of the business. Which business? That's my question, because ours is doing exceptionally well.

So far, I’ve managed to avoid that arrangement. I've been engaged for two years without setting a wedding date, and honestly, I’ll do whatever I can to avoid marrying.

I am Susan Wilson, 30 years old and engaged to Danilo. I know he doesn’t love me, and the feeling is mutual. I only want power, money, to save my father from bankruptcy.

The old man is a compulsive gambler, owing millions of dollars to scores of people, and they've come to me to collect his debts, but I don’t have a dime.

I still don't understand how he managed to fool my fiance's father, as they believe the merger of our businesses after our wedding will be beneficial. But it won’t happen if Danilo finds out the truth.

On a different note, I must confess that I am the lover of Fabian Harris, the handsome model. I can’t claim I’m in love with him, but he's very skilled in bed, it's a pity he has no real power, relying on his poor girlfriend for work contracts because he can’t manage to get them on his own.

I studied classical dance and never got the chance to dance, as my father broke my foot after an audition I had. That day, I missed a date with another man, one who would pay off my father’s debts; but he got tired of waiting for me and left, refusing to see us ever again.

Chapter 2

Valentina

Friend, can you set a date at the registry office? I asked while brushing my hair in my room.

Olivia- Sure thing, she replied, not too happily. Are you sure about this?

Valentina- Why wouldn't I be?

Olivia- Oh, friend, I don't know how to say this, plus I have no proof, but I've heard rumors that Fabian has been with other women, and it's not the first time those rumors have circulated, which is why I don't like him. I just feel there’s some truth among all the things being said, and that's why I think you shouldn't go through with it.

Valentina- Those rumors again? Let's do this: you look for an available date about four months from now, and I'll investigate if those rumors hold any water.

Olivia- Would you still marry him if it turns out to be true?

Valentina- Do I look like a fool to you? Of course not, on the contrary, I'll make him pay. I've given that man three years of my life, and I am well aware that it's thanks to me that he has become 'famous.'

Olivia- I've noticed, but I didn't want to tell you in case you got mad at me.

Valentina- I would never get mad at you. You've always told me the harsh truths straight to my face.

Olivia- And I'll keep doing that. Well, I'm off so I can bring you that date... Any particular day?

Valentina- No, just call me on my cell or come to the office.

Olivia- Consider it done, - she bid me farewell and left.

A few minutes later, I checked that everything was in order and headed out to the fashion house.

----------------

Good morning, everyone, - I announced as I entered.

Good morning, Miss, - my employees replied.

Darling, bring my planner to my office, - I requested my secretary as I walked on.

Knock knock.

Come in, - I said, anticipating who it might be.

Secretary- Miss, I have brought you a coffee.

Thank you, - I gave her a smile.

Secretary- Today's schedule is quite light compared to other days. A clothing brand called Sporrting wants to hire you and you also have to check on the models to make sure everything's fine.

Valentina- Looks like we're light today. Olivia will manage the contract, and I’ll go see the models as usual at 10 am.

Secretary- Okay, I'll let Miss know. Excuse me.

----------------

Minutes before 10 am

We have a little problem, - Olivia said as she entered my office without knocking.

Valentina- What is it?

Olivia- You can’t marry Fabian.

Valentina- I told you I will sort that out, I’m calling a detective today.

Olivia- It’s not about the rumors; they can't give you a date for your wedding. You... You’re already married.

Valentina -Already married? That's not possible, - I said, shocked.

Olivia - Oh, friend, it's the best thing that could happen to you.

Valentina -Let's find this supposed husband before Fabian sets our wedding date.

Olivia- That would be easier, though I don't know if he'll be willing to talk to you.

Valentina- Don't tell me we know him?

Olivia- Not personally, but he is someone famous.

Valentina- Did I inadvertently make another man famous?

Olivia- No, friend, don't compare. Your useless fiance got famous because of you, but this man is known on his own merits; maybe you won't even want to divorce him.

Valentina- Well then, I'm in no rush to get married, but now I don't understand what nonsense you're talking.

Olivia- Here’s your marriage certificate, and you can see who your husband is on this phone, - she placed both items on my desk.

I took the papers, and was astonished to see the date of my marriage, five years ago in Las Vegas. The name of the groom, Danilo Miller. Who is that? The name sounded familiar.

I instinctively picked up the phone, unlocked it, and was dumbstruck to see the most important man in business, an oil tycoon.

It can't be him, - I said looking at Olivia, who had a huge smile on her face.

Olivia- It is him. I showed you because I’ve already verified it with his ID. It’s marked right there.

Valentina- This man has been engaged for two years to a woman named Susan. Does he already know about our marriage, and is that why he hasn't married her?

Olivia- If he knows, then he doesn't want to marry her, or else he would have come to you for a divorce by now.

Valentina- So perhaps he doesn’t know yet.

Olivia- And you'll foolishly alert him.

Valentina- Obviously.

Olivia- Do you remember what happened in Las Vegas?

Valentina- Of course, we went together for your cousin's bachelorette party. Remember that the groom was there too; they wanted a joint send-off, but separately. It didn’t make sense at the time until he started dancing.

Olivia- I remember that part, but not much afterwards. We all had a lot to drink.

Valentina- Apparently too much. I ended up married to a stranger.

Olivia- How did that happen? Don’t you remember a chapel, an Elvis, saying 'I do,' kissing someone?

Valentina- If I remembered, don't you think I would have done something about it by now?

Olivia- If I were you, I wouldn’t divorce him, not until we have the information about Fabian's rumors. In any case, they seem true to me.

Valentina- I promise I’ll call you so we can read the information together... Now let's go see the models.

Chapter 3

Danilo

I can no longer find an excuse to cancel or postpone my wedding, but I’ll make it simple: she can't be as saintly as she appears, there must be something bad she’s done.

Friend, are we going out today? said Oscar, coming into my office.

Danilo: Of course.

Oscar: You look awful, what happened?

Danilo: The usual. - I rolled my eyes.

Oscar: Has your father asked you for a date again?

Danilo: Yes, he called me last night...

Oscar: Are you thinking of an excuse?

Danilo: Once again you hit the nail on the head. I need something really good to end this, I'm considering investigating Susan. She must be hiding something. For example, I’ve never touched her since I've known her, and I've seen marks on her neck. It doesn't bother me if she's with someone, but it might help me to get out of this nonsense.

Oscar: I know a great investigator; he's trustworthy and won't spread things to the press.

Danilo: Call him today.

Oscar: Alright, changing the subject, what time are we going out?

Danilo: As always, at 10 p.m.

Oscar: There will be a lot of beautiful women at our favorite bar.

Danilo: You know I go to drink, not to pick up women.

Oscar: You should think about getting a girlfriend; you're getting older by the day.

Danilo: Ha ha ha, look how I'm laughing at your joke - I said sarcastically.

He laughed and went back to his work station.

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Pleased to meet you, I am Oscar Thompson, 33 years old.

I am Danilo's Vice President and also his friend, the only one he has.

A damn womanizer, so they say... I don't play with women's feelings, I make things clear from the start, after that, it's their choice to get involved with me or not.

As my friend requested, I'm calling the investigator.

📞Hello, you have reached T Investigations, how may I assist you? - A woman says.

Oscar📞 Good morning, I have an urgent job, when can we meet?

📞 Please tell me your name.

-📞 I’m Oscar Thompson - I replied.

📞 Sir, my boss can meet you today, please provide an address.

Oscar📞 Please come to the Miller Oil Company at 2 p.m.

📞He will be there.

I ended the conversation with her and texted Danilo.

📨He's coming at 2 p.m.

He didn't reply, but I was sure he had seen it because that's how he is; messages that don't require a response, he ignores.

----------------

2 p.m.

...Danilo...

Here I am, seated in my chair, with Oscar in front of me, waiting for the investigator to arrive.

Secretary: Sir, a man named Tito has arrived; he said you were expecting him.

Let him in, I said.

Danilo: I assume he’s the one you called, right? - I said to Oscar.

Oscar: I'm not sure, they call the man T.

Danilo: Whatever.

A man around 60 years old, in a business suit with a notebook in hand, walked in.

Tito: Good afternoon, I'm Tito from T Investigations. What's the job? - He said, cutting to the chase.

Danilo: Please, have a seat, sir. - He complied - I want to avoid my marriage, and that's why I called you, I need you to follow and gather information on my fiancee. Anything that would help to end this entire charade.

Tito: It will be done. From what I've read in magazines and social media, your fiancee is Susan Wilson, correct?

Danilo: Yes. The sooner you get everything, the better, the reward will be triple what you usually charge.

Tito: Fine. With your permission, I'll get going.

Danilo: Please do.

Oscar: Mmm, he's a very serious man. - He commented when we were alone again.

Danilo: Better that way, he focuses on his work without being judgmental.

----------------

Tito from T Investigations is a retired FBI detective, honored upon his retirement.

Aged 60. He maintains a well-conditioned physique.

He dedicates himself to personal jobs, mainly for celebrities, but also offers affordable services for low-income individuals who need his expertise.

Chapter 4

Valentina

At 4 p.m., I approached Olivia's desk.

Friend, do you have any private investigators' contacts? I asked, entering with my phone in hand.

Olivia - I only know of one, here take this - She said, handing me a business card.

Valentina - Thanks, I'm leaving in 10 minutes - I said, heading out.

I dialed the number and made the call.

📞 Good afternoon, you've reached T Investigations, how may I assist you? - A woman asked.

📞 Good afternoon, this is Valentina Roth, I'd like to hire your services. When can we meet? - I asked pleasantly.

📞 Give me a moment to check with my boss.

Valentina 📞 Of course.

She had me wait about 5 minutes on the line, but it was all to ensure my safety.

📞 Miss, my boss is at Dream Coffee; he can meet you there if you'd like, or you could visit his office tomorrow.

Valentina 📞 Please tell him I'm on my way. Thank you very much.

📞 You're welcome.

Clearly, I hung up, grabbed my belongings, and headed out. It wasn't far, just about three blocks, which I decided to walk to save time since driving would have taken longer.

Before entering the cafe, I checked on Google what the investigator looked like since I didn't know him personally.

After spotting the man at a table on my phone, I approached him.

Valentina - Good afternoon, sorry for the delay, I'm Valentina Roth.

Tito - Good afternoon, Ms. Roth, no worries, I'm already aware of who you are. How may I be of service?

Valentina - I'm going to be straightforward. I'm engaged to Fabian Harris, but there are many rumors about his infidelity. I want to know if they're true, with whom and for how long. I'll pay you double your rate; I've read somewhere you charge around $250,000, so half a million must be quite appealing, isn't it?

Tito - That's the usual rate for celebrities. It will take me a week to gather the information as I have pending work. Is that acceptable?

Valentina - Absolutely, thank you.

We shook hands, and I left there with a huge smile on my face.

I headed back to the fashion house where I had left my car and found my friend waiting for me.

Olivia - Where did you go? You said it’d take 10 minutes; I went to your office and you weren't there, looked for you among the models and didn’t find you, called you and got no answer, so I decided to wait here.

Valentina - I'm sorry, I forgot to mention I was meeting with the investigator; he was at our favorite cafe, so I went to talk to him.

Olivia - Well, what did he say?

Valentina - He'll have what I need in a week.

Olivia - Did you only ask about Fabian, or about your ‘husband’ too? - She asked, raising her eyebrows teasingly.

Valentina - Just about Fabian, I'm even paying him double. I'll look into my Husband later. For now, keep our marriage under wraps, we wouldn't want him finding out about our little mistake if he goes to the courthouse with his girlfriend.

Olivia - I'll send a message to keep the information safe. I’m saying, if he wanted to get married, he'd have found out he's already married to you. Maybe he even knows who you are and just lets things be.

Valentina - Let's assume that's true, but you're forgetting something; our engagements, both mine and his, are public. Why would he stay married to someone who's engaged to another man? Or why hasn’t he gone public about it?

Olivia - Maybe he fell in love with you or doesn’t want scandals.

Valentina - Oh my God, stop watching so many romantic movies. If that were the case, he would’ve approached me by now. - I said, laughing.

Olivia - Mmmmh, I think it would be ideal, maybe we could even see him from a distance and you can decide if you want a divorce.

Valentina - You're the worst. - I said, rolling my eyes.

Olivia - Say whatever you want, but you can't deny your husband is more handsome than Fabian.

Valentina - Hey! Remember he's MY husband, and you're MY friend. Even though I don't know him, don't get involved.

Olivia - Calm down, tiger, no need to show your jealousy. - She teased.

God, give me patience because if you give me strength, I might kill her, I muttered, looking upwards.

I got into the car and she followed; then I drove to my apartment where we prepared food together.

Once a week, we did this - a sleepover, food, and movie marathon. We chatted into the late hours, often without sleeping; tonight, for instance, the main topic was my Husband.

Girl, you can't deny it, your hubby is way hotter than Fabian, Olivia remarked.

Valentina - Oh, come on, stop it already, at the rate you’re going, you’ll fall for Danilo.

Olivia - DAMN! - She suddenly exclaimed.

Valentina - What happened?

Olivia - He has a super-sexy friend. Can we go meet them? - She said, looking at her phone.

Valentina - Once I have the information on Fabian, we'll visit his company.

Olivia - So can I call to schedule an appointment? - She asked, clapping her hands.

Valentina - No haha, we'll just drop in unexpectedly.

Olivia - What if they don't let us in?

Valentina - By showing someone there the marriage certificate, it’ll cause such a stir they'll want to see us.

Olivia - You’d really do that? - She asked with a huge smile.

Valentina - Of course not, I just wanted to see your reaction. They'll meet with us because we’re going with the investigator.

Olivia - Why’s that?

Valentina - Before visiting Danilo, I'll have him find out what happened five years ago that resulted in our marriage.

Olivia - Right, it was the alcohol, wasn't it? - She said, puzzled.

Valentina - I assume so, but I want him to collect videos or proof to show that none of this is fake.

Olivia - I see...

And we continued like that, talking until we could talk no more.

Chapter 5

Fabian

Today was spent in a photo studio; this time, I modeled underwear. Next week, I'm due to visit a clothing brand called Sporrting; I think Valentina might join as well, but it's hard to say—her style is different and if she's not convinced, she won't accept the gig.

Feeling a tad stressed, I decided to call someone who can relieve my tension, Susan. She could've been my gorgeous fiancee, but honestly, she's too plain for my taste, dislikes experimentation, and overthinks everything.

📞Hey, baby...

Susan📞 Hey there, missed me? - She teased flirtatiously.

📞Absolutely. Free today?

Susan📞 Yes, see you tonight.

📞Great, I'll be waiting.

Our calls are always succinct and to the point.

Right now, I need to unwind but I realize I can't rely on that woman; if she could've, she would've said she was on her way instead of setting a night-time rendezvous.

So, I shot a text to another woman and awaited her arrival at my apartment.

About 10 minutes later, the doorbell rang, and upon opening it, I was greeted by a striking brunette with voluptuous curves and a seductive dress.

I pulled her in by the waist and, kissing her, ushered her inside where I took her through various positions, just the way I like it.

Around 9 PM, the doorbell sounded again. I knew it was the beautiful Susan.

-Hey there.

Fabian- Babe, I've missed you in my bed. - It was a blatant lie, but there was no reason for her to know.

Susan- I miss being in your arms - she approached and kissed me softly.

That's her best quality; she's not shy and can be affectionate when she chooses. I clasped her neck, kissed her passionately, then lifted her in my arms and took her to the bedroom, which had hosted the brunette just hours before.

After our fourth round, she got out of bed, dressed, used the bathroom, and bid me farewell, as was her custom. This didn't bother me. What I wanted was a lover who knew her place and didn't ask for more than she was offered.

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...Susan...

I'm aware of what Fabian desires from me and it