The Billionaire's Contracted Wife [English]

The fashion show began, and one by one, the models walked the runway, wearing prospective clothes to model. Everyone enjoyed the show and loved every bit of Mrs. Garcia’s - as well as Sato’s - creations. Since Ann also had to model three outfits, she also got her chance to walk before the show’s finale.

After all the models that weren’t doing the finale were finished, it was time for the conclusion.

Ashley was so nervous that she paced the room she was in. If it wasn’t Sato’s creation she was modeling and wearing in front of the elite, she would’ve backed down, ensuring everyone knew she wasn’t a model but a businesswoman instead.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t do that to her former assistant. She owed him this much after all he’s done for her.

"Mrs. Jones, you look stunning in the gown!" Praised Sato as he waited for her turn to walk the runway.

Ashley’s hands were shaking, and she could breathe. She kept replaying good memories in her mind, also constantly reminding herself she was doing this for Sato and that she’d be fine. Sadly, it wasn’t helping, as she felt like she was about to pass out from nervousness.

With perfect timing, Tanaga walked in the room, coming to check on his wife and make sure she was okay before the finale started.

"Sweetheart, are you alright? You’re hyperventilating. I’m afraid you might pass out in the middle of the runway. Honey, if you don’t want to do it, or if you can’t, then don’t," he whispered in Ashley’s ears.

Ashley looked up to her husband, her nervousness visible, as her icy hands trembled.

"Tan...I’m scared. What if I make a mistake while walking down the runway? I don’t want to embarrass everyone, including you. What should I do?" She asked, looking at her husband, guiltily.

Tanaga was in deep thought; they only had a few minutes left before it was Ashley’s turn. Ann was finishing her walk and would soon be changing to her finale dress soon. Ashley would walk while she was changing, and for the finale, they’d walk together, side by side.

Once his gaze returned to Ashley, he noticed how much paler she looked. He was much more worried she might not have finished the first walk and passed out. It was then an idea crossed his mind, and when it was Ashley’s turn to walk the runway, he grabbed her hand, hooking it onto his arms as he began to walk with her to the main stage.

Everyone clapped as they saw the couple walk down the stage together, thinking it was another part of the show, even though Tanaga joining Ashley was entirely improvised. The only reason he had done this was just to accompany his beloved wife.

Everyone cheered for the couple.

"Bravo!"

"What a beautiful couple, they’re meant to be together. Look how the man was gazing at his partner. How sweet," said one of the guests watching the show.

Mrs. Garcia and Sato weren’t informed about the sudden decision, the both of them were left dumbfounded as Tanaga walked down the runway with Ashley.

"Oh, my God! Well, this is a surprise! Did you know about this?" Sato asked Mrs. Garcia, who was just as shocked as he was.

In response, she shook her head, continuing to watch the couple walk down the runway.

===

The fashion show was a success thanks to Tanaga stepping in at the last minute to help his wife overcome her anxiety and nervousness. After the fashion show ended, they went to meet with the invited guests. Everyone praised them on their previous actions, two of which were Prince Alexander and Lady Antella.

The couple only smiled, thanking the guests as they excused themselves, wanting to go home earlier since Ashley felt quite nauseated after the fashion show and wanted to end the night asap. Tanaga was happy to oblige, wishing to go himself and thinking of what a fantastic night it would become.

Crown Prince Romano and his younger sister, Princess Angelica, also congratulated the couple before congratulating Ann and Mrs. Garcia. Ann was overwhelmed by the many elite people she met, even getting invited by royals to tour their palaces.

"Miss Ann, it would be my pleasure to introduce you to my mother and father," offered Princess Angelica, wanting to get to know Ann better while introducing her to her parents as well.

"Accept it, it’s not often that we get invited for a tour of the palace and to meet a King and Queen in person. You should go for it!" Lea whispered into Ann’s ear.

Ann hesitated for a moment. She would’ve loved to visit the palace and meet the King and Queen of the Spaniard Kingdom, but she disliked the way Prince Romano kept on looking at her. He was staring at her, fantasizing about other stuff as she and his sister spoke, and he didn’t bother to hide it.

However, when she looked at the sad eyes of Princess Angelica, she gave in, much to both her and her brother’s delight.

"Of course, it’d be my pleasure, your royal highness. If you give me the time the tour will take place, I’ll be there. Unfortunately, I don’t have that much time since I’ll be flying out to somewhere else in the evening. I still have another modeling gig, and I must be there about two days from now," She explained to Princess Angelica.

Princess Angelica was elated to hear that Ann accepted her invitation. She pulled Ann into a tight embrace as she thanked her.

"Thank you! I can’t wait to see you at the palace," she said as she continued to hug Ann.

Ann returned the hug as a polite gesture, and the two girls separated from the hug. It was then that Princess Angelica also remembered Mrs. Garcia and invited her as well.

"Madam Garcia, we’d be delighted if you’d also do the honor of accompanying Miss Ann and her manager for the tour," she said, looking at Mrs. Garcia with a warm smile.

Mrs. Garcia had to think about the invitation first. There was no guarantee she could go since she needed approval from her husband before answering anything yet.

"Your Highness, it would be my pleasure, even though I have to speak to my husband and ask him if this is alright. I promise I’ll give you my answer tomorrow, and I am deeply grateful that you invited me as well," she added, before politely curtsying and excusing herself, having to attend to other guests.

Once Mrs. Garcia left the two ladies with Crown Prince Romano and Princess Angelica, it was then Prince Romano showed his true self.

He was a playboy who assumed he was a gift to women. He moved closer to Ann, huskily whispering into her ear, causing a shiver to go down her spine.

"I’ll be looking forward to our meeting tomorrow," he whispered as he turned around to leave, hiding the smirk that was embedded on his face.

As Ann bid Princess Angelica goodbye, she curtsied, looking at her one last time before leaving.

By the time they were a reasonable distance away, far enough so neither Prince Romano nor Princess Angelica could hear whatever they said, Ann exclaimed, "What was that?!" saying it loud enough for only Lea to hear.

"Yeah. His royal highness, Prince Romano, kept staring at you. I felt like throwing up when I saw how he looked at you. He even drooled," whispered back Lea as they made their way back to the dressing room.

Unbeknownst to Ann, there was a shadow watching her every move. Watching her every move, a tall, handsome man was lurking in the shadows. The identity of the man was none other than the man she had accidentally married in Las Vegas. He had been her benefactor all this time, and she had no idea about any of this.

"Now is not the time yet, but soon, I’ll bring you home where you belong. You’ll be by my side, and I’ll never let you go. Ever!" Exclaimed the man from a dark corner of the room.

===

Meanwhile, Tanaga and Ann just entered their bedroom, getting ready to go to bed when Tanaga’s phone buzzed.

Tanaga scowled. He didn’t want to be disturbed now. He tried his best to ignore the call, but curiosity got the best of him, and he took out his phone from the inner pocket of his suit.

When he glanced at the caller, his eyes widened. The caller was none other than his best friend, CEO Jeff Go. He answered his call, a smile broadening as he spoke.

"What’s up? Who do I owe this pleasure of receiving a call from such a busy man," Tanaga said teasingly.

"I’m surprised you haven’t gone to bed yet. What are you up to this late? If you’re free, come out and hang out with me for a couple of hours. What do you say? Bring your wife with you if you must. I’m all alone here anyways," Jeff complained.

"And who’s fault is that? You’re the one who got married and left your wife to fend for herself. If you suffer, it’s your fault," Tanaga replied truthfully.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. This is why I’m asking you to hang out with me, so I don’t go insane and go to her right now," Jeff stated, now starting to sound angry.

"What do you mean by going to her right now? Is she here as well? Why didn’t you visit her? Shouldn’t you let her know that you’re still married? You haven’t annulled it, right?" Tanaga asked, bombarding his best friend with questions.

"Yeah, I haven’t. She hasn’t achieved her goal yet, and she’s still in college. It’ll take another year for her to finish. Once she is, I’ll bring her home to meet my grandfather, who you forgot, has prepared an arranged marriage already set up for me. No matter how hard I try, I can’t get rid of it," Jeff complained, frustrated over his current situation and how he was helpless with dealing with this.