Dana Raven thought she had finally escaped her miserable contract marriage to the arrogant and controlling billionaire, Austin Thompson. But little did she know, their tumultuous union had left her with a lasting reminder - a child. Determined to raise her son, Max, on her own, Dana works tirelessly to build a new life. Five years later, she's transformed from a vulnerable housewife to a self-made billionaire, with a business empire that rivals Austin's own. However, fate has a way of entwining their lives once more. As Dana and Austin continue to cross path. But will Dana be able to keep up with fate because of her secret child. What will Austin do if he finds out about his secret son? Read more.
Chapter 1 A LITTLE DOSE OF THE PAST
Dana Raven gazed out at the Manhattan skyline from her penthouse office, her mind razor-focused on the next big deal.
Five years ago, she was a timid housewife; today, she was a self-made billionaire. The sound of her son's laughter in her mind, a reminder of the secret she kept hidden from the world.
As she sipped her coffee, memories flooded her mind.
The contract marriage to Austin Thompson, the arrogant billionaire, had been a sham. Their union was a business deal, not a love match. Dana's heart ached, recalling the emotional abuse and isolation she suffered. But she refused to be a victim. With a steely determination, she built a new life, brick by brick.
She remembered the day she signed the contract, naïve and desperate to escape her troubled past. Austin's words echoed in her mind: "You'll be my trophy wife, Dana. A symbol of my success. And in return, I'll give you a life of luxury and security."
Dana's eyes narrowed, her grip on her coffee cup tightening. She had played the role, but at a cost. Her self-worth, her freedom, and her happiness. But she had outsmarted him, escaping the prison he built around her.
The sound of her assistant's voice broke the reverie. "Miss Dana, your meeting with the investors is scheduled for 10 AM. Shall I brief you on the financials?"
Dana nodded, her mind snapping back to the present. She was no longer the vulnerable woman she once was. She was a force to be reckoned with, and she would stop at nothing to protect her empire and her son.
As she prepared for the meeting, Dana's thoughts drifted back to her son, Max .
She had kept his existence a secret from Austin, knowing he would stop at nothing to control her and their child.
But now, with her new life and achievement, she wondered if she had made a mistake. Should she have fought for custody? Should she have told Austin about his son?
Dana pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. She had built a new life, and she wouldn't let the past define her.
As she entered the boardroom, a sense of confidence and authority filled her.
" Good morning !!! " The room echoed.
" Good morning, everyone, " she smiled, then sat down.
******
It was 11 am and the meeting with the investors took roughly 3 hours. Luckily, they agreed upon a deal and will promote her company.
She sat in the room, her elbows on the table and her palms on her face.
" Hump.... Max is coming back to me tomorrow. I can't wait for my son's embrace!!" She sighed and throbbed her head backwards.
She then took her phone and dialed her best friend's number, Lexi.
" Hey....Lexi. How are you? Are you ok? How was the interview? " She asked.
Lexi replied, distressed, over the phone, " It's been a long day. I really don't know what to do anymore. This man literally blocked me in all of his supporting companies. He's a monster "
" Of course he is. Lexi, why...."
Lexi cut her off, " I know what you are going to say. Come to work at my office...blah blah. I need to compose myself and get up. It's difficult having brought down from a CEO to nothing. I just can't believe this!! "
" So... you're not fine. Lexi... everything gonna be alright. Focus on your path. I'm always there. The spot in my office as a manager is still available. " Dana smiled.
" Ohhh...please. Well, I know you would never forget to ask about the trouble boy you left here, " she screamed.
Dana laughed, " But you volunteered, now you're complaining. He doesn't love food. Toys and Games are enough to steal his heart "
" Yeah right. Well, he's asleep. Still haven't woken up. When he's awake, hell call you. You don't have to worry about anything... he's in safe hands..." she said, but her voice broke.
Lexi was silent for a while.
" Lexi...Lexi..."
" Yes..."
" Lexi, he's in safe hands. I would even go for a 20 year's course and trust you with him. You are not at fault ...."
" Yeah...I know. I'll call you when he wakes up!!' she sniffled.
" Bye!!"
" Bye!!"
The call ended, and Dana tried to compose herself. Seeing her friend hurt is just the worst thing that is happening right now.
Nothing hurts more than seeing her dwell in the past. It has been five years, and she still doesn't want to forget about it. It might be hard, but it doesn't hurt to try.
" Lexi...put yourself together. I need you on this journey. I want our mental health to be very strong. No holes and no cuts!! " She said, feeling weak.
Jolting her out of her thoughts, her assistant spoke. " Ma'am...The meeting with the partner of the royal company is starting now! "
"Ok...tell him to come in ten minutes from now"
" Ok ma'am!! "
Just as she managed to compose herself her eyes darted to a brown envelope that was quite odd, it was an anonymous envelope on her desk. Opening it, she discovers a photograph of her son, Max, taken recently. The note inside reads: "He looks just like his father. Do you think you can keep him hidden forever?"
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