Game of Love and Deception: The Billionaire's Ex Wife
Chapter 52: Buying a dress

Chapter 52: Buying a dress

Lorenzo was in his office, reviewing a business proposal, when the sudden ring of his phone diverted his attention. It was Carl.

Sliding his thumb over the green answer icon, he picked up, expecting an update on Christian. He had been waiting for more news—and also needed to bring up involving him in the search for Ashley’s child.

"Hey man, wassup?"

"Dude, you won’t believe what I found," Carl replied, immediately prompting Lorenzo to drop everything he was doing and listen.

"What did you find?"

"I just saw that moron’s girlfriend walking out of a pawn shop," Carl announced.

Lorenzo chuckled. Of course, he knew "moron" referred to Christian Harrington.

"Kayla Beckett?" he asked, confirming.

"Yeah."

"Did you find out what the_ princess was doing in a pawn shop?" he asked, a brow arching slightly.

"I’m currently inside the shop, and guess what she sold... her engagement ring." Carl whispered the last part, and Lorenzo’s eyes widened in surprise.

He found it amusing and couldn’t help but wonder if they were broke. "Do you think Christian is aware?"

"I doubt it. From what I gathered, the ring’s a Harrington family heirloom—passed down through generations to their sons. And considering she bought a cheap imitation to replace it, he’s definitely not aware."

Lorenzo laughed out loud. Clearly, Christian wasn’t the only one playing games in that relationship. Pathetic fools.

"Find out how much it costs to buy the ring. I want it," he said, a sly smile dancing on his lips as he twirled a pen between his fingers.

"Alright," Carl replied with a chuckle.

They talked a little longer, eventually agreeing to meet later that evening to discuss their next steps in the search for Ashley’s daughter.

After the call, Lorenzo leaned back in his chair, already picturing Christian’s face when he found out what Kayla had done. A wicked smile twisted his lips.

Kayla had always been a bitch—and Christian? They were a match made in hell. Nothing pleased him more than knowing they weren’t enjoying what they had stolen from him.

His attention shifted at the sound of a soft knock on the door. "Come in," he called out.

Amelia entered with a slip in her hand. "An invitation was dropped for you, sir. For the Fowler’s Auction coming up in four nights."

His eyes flicked to the paper in her hand. "Okay, drop it on my desk—and remind me a day before the event," he instructed.

Amelia nodded and did as she was told.

*****

A Day to the Auction Event

Lorenzo rushed out of his penthouse office in the middle of the day, heading straight to his car after asking Amelia to cancel the rest of his schedule. She had looked at him like he’d grown a third head, but wisely didn’t ask any question.

It was unlike him to abandon work, especially without a solid reason. He was a man who prioritized discipline and punctuality above all else. Even with capable hands managing his legal businesses, clearing his schedule was something he reserved for true emergencies—like his mother or Genevieve being in the hospital, or Bryan needing his attention. Or, above all else, when duty called from Rafael Vincenzo.

But today, he’d willingly done just that...for Ashley. And for something as simple as buying her a dress for the coming auction event.

He drove to Novaspire Mall, every corner of his thoughts occupied with her. To the public, they were in love—at least, that was true for one of them. To Ashley, it was nothing more than a necessary sacrifice for her daughter. Lorenzo wished things could be different between them, that she could truly be his again without pretense. But deep down, he feared that might never happen. The best he could hope for was to make the most of the next eight months.

Tomorrow’s event would be their second public appearance as a couple, following their last date that got featured by Imelda Rose, the owner of one of city’s leading celebrity gossip channels. Since then, their "relationship" had become a trending topic.

The more public they were, the more believable their relationship would appear... especially to his mother, who had been calling suspiciously ever since. Lorenzo knew she suspected the relationship was a tactic to deceive her, especially since he still hadn’t agreed to take Ashley to visit. He intended to, eventually—but only when it was convenient for the little tigress.

Sure, the contract stated Ashley would attend family and public functions with him when requested, but he wasn’t going to inconvenience her with all the nonsense in that agreement. It was just formalities. And as for his mom, she’d eventually buy the lie, especially with the long timing.

Christian, on the other hand, had stormed his clubhouse the night after the interview—furious, accusing him of flaunting his woman to the world.

He couldn’t hold himself from laughing at the absurdity and didn’t waste time having security throw him out like the nuisance he was. Christian probably would’ve gone to his office—if he even knew such a place existed. Instead, he went ahead and embarrassed himself in a room full of people. Then again, Vortex was the only business the public knew Lorenzo owned.

A sly smile curled on Lorenzo’s lips as he took the last turn toward the mall, nodding to "Tupac’s Me Against the World" playing in his car.

He’d thought about Christian before the interview, knowing he’d be watching, and that he’d react just as he did. It was petty, yes, but he was down for anything that irritated Christian Harrington.

After parking, he entered the mall and used the directory to find the women’s section. On reaching there, he stood still—confused. Colors, sizes... everything blurred into one overwhelming mess. He didn’t know much about women’s fashion.

If it hadn’t been for Ashley, he would’ve sent Amelia or just placed an order. But for her, he wanted to put in more effort. He’d heard women appreciated the effort more than the gift itself. Still, in that moment, he was starting to regret the decision.

Left with no other choice, he pulled out his phone and texted Genevieve.

Bestest bro: Hey modella! Big bro really needs some help here.

He sent her a photo of himself standing in a sea of dresses.

She started typing almost immediately, responding with shocked and laughing emojis.

Genie: Do you have a Halloween party to attend? Why are you in the female section of a boutique?

Bestest brother: Because obviously, I want to buy a dress for a woman. (eye roll emoji)

Genie: I never knew you were interested in women... until recently. Was that interview even real? You know I’m your only sister, the best in the world. You can confide in me. (Hug emojis)

Bestest bro: You’re wasting my time,

Genie. Just tell me how to know the perfect fit. Since you saw the interview, I don’t need to explain that you both have the same body size... though my girlfriend is taller and prettier.

Genie: (many eye rolls)

Typing...

Lorenzo smiled, waiting for her instructions.

Genie: Genevieve’s battery just died... along with her social life. Please leave a message.

He stared at the screen.

Did she just activate her messaging bot? He was going to kill her.

Bestest bro: Genie!!!

Genie: Aladdin!!!

He chuckled.

Bestest bro: C’mon, I was kidding. I still need your help here, sweet plum.

Genie: Genevieve’s battery just died... along with her social life. Please leave a message.

Lorenzo let out a low, frustrated growl.

Bestest bro: Fine. I had plans to give you my Gold credit card to go shopping this weekend, but I guess you don’t need it after all. Bye.

Genie: Of course I do, buddy. What kind of dress do you have in mind? (Wink wink)

Lorenzo shook his head. Such a fraud of a sister—but who was he to complain?

Bestest bro: Something hot and gorgeous. Get to it before I change my mind. You’re nothing but a pathetic fraudster.

Genie: How come you’re typing that with a smile on your handsome face? (Prove me wrong)

Lorenzo cussed—because he did have a smile on his face. Infuriating.

Bestest bro: Stop wasting my precious time. What should I do?

Genie: Calm down, I’m going to video call you now.

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