Hidden Behind the Billionaire's Signature

Chapter 1: The Opening

Elena’s POV

“How can one man have all the right qualities and still be this handsome?” I murmured to myself, watching Julian wash the grease off his hands.

He looked over, a smirk playing on his lips. “Hey sweetie, what are you staring at?”

“Don’t act like you don’t know,” I teased as he walked toward me. He leaned in, giving me a quick kiss.

“I’m going to jump in the shower. I stink of oil and exhaust,” he said, heading toward the bathroom.

A moment after the water started running, a heavy knock echoed through the apartment. I went to the door and swung it open, but the words died in my throat.

My heart skipped a beat, and for a second, it felt like my body had forgotten how to function.

“Hello, Elena,” my ex, Victor Stone, said.

He didn't wait for an invitation. He brushed past me into the apartment, followed by two massive bodyguards. They walked into the living room as if they owned the place.

“Long time, Elena. I can’t believe this is where you’re living now,” he said, glancing around with disdain.

“Well, that’s not why I’m here. How have you been?”

“How am I doing?” I snapped, finally finding my voice. “Get out of my apartment, Victor. Now. Who do you think you are, showing up after all these years with this much disrespect? Leave, or I’m calling the police.”

“Relax, Elena,” he said coolly. “I just came to get you back. I’ve been gone a long time, and I’ve dated plenty of women since our breakup, but I realised none of them is the 'one.' It’s always been you.”

“Can’t you see that you are the problem?” I hissed. “I don’t even know why I’m talking to you. Leave. My husband is in the shower, and if he finds you here, there's going to be trouble.”

Victor’s expression shifted into something between a serious stare and a mocking grin. “Don't be a princess, Elena. I know you’re still angry about the past, but I'd like to explain. And your husband? I’d love to meet him.”

“Why are you really here?” I demanded. “You didn't come all this way for 'love.' You want something from me.”

“I want you to be my wife,” he said, his voice dropping into a deadly serious tone.

I stared at him, incredulous. “Your wife? Did you hit your head on the way here? Or are you just drunk? I’m giving you the count of three to get out of my house before things get ugly.”

Victor shoved his hands into his pockets, unfazed. “You’re threatening me? There’s nothing you can do, Elena. I own you now.”

“Julian!” I screamed, desperate to end this.

“Is everything okay?” Julian’s voice boomed from upstairs. He came rushing down the steps, a towel tied around his waist, soap suds still clinging to his hair and face.

He stopped dead on the bottom step. He didn't move; he