Lost In Paradise: A Billionaire Romance

by Erika Rose

  “Mia,” Alana’s voice was laced with concern, “You need to get out and find a job.”

  “Tomorrow maybe,” Mia said as she attacked her keyboard with a fresh wave words streaming out of her.

  “Honey, I don’t mind you living on the couch, but I do know that you want your privacy as much as I do. It’s been a few weeks already.” Alana came and sat down beside her.

  “I will tomorrow. Right now I just need to finish this.”

  “Mia, you need to work through this, losing yourself in your writing isn’t doing anyone any favors. Least of all yourself.”

  “Damn Alana, I said I would tomorrow, could you back off a bit?” As soon as the words left her mouth Mia felt horrible. Alana and Miku had been nothing but kind to her, and now she was lashing out at her best friend. “I’m sorry, Alana I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

  Alana laughed and hugged her, “Please do snap, it’s the first sign of emotion you’ve shown ever since you moved out of that house.

  “I went to an interview yesterday down in Waikiki.”

  “Wow and how did it go?”

  “The house was horrible. I could never take care of it, I don’t even like it.”

  “Mia,” Alana’s voice was soft, “Honey you’ve never liked all the houses you took care of. Remember that ugly orange one with rose wallpaper in every room?”

  Mia laughed, “I know, but this is different.”

  Understanding dawned in Alana’s eyes. “It’s not Jason’s house.”

  “No, it’s not that.” Mia argued fervently.

  “Mia, be honest.”

  “Fine, I don’t want to take care of houses, I wanted to take care of that house.”

  “Did you want to take care of the house or the man?” Alana asked gently.

  “I don’t know, I just wonder if I didn’t make a mistake. I should’ve told him how I felt.” Mia said softly uttering the words for the first time.

  “You know why you didn’t Mia.”

  “Yes, and now he’s going to marry the blonde bimbo without even knowing I love him.”

  “Do you want to tell him?”

  “I’m regretting that I didn’t. Somehow I think if I did, at least I won’t have something to regret the rest of my life. I won’t expect him to cancel the wedding. I just need him to know.”

  “Phone him then.”

  “I can’t.” Mia said as she put her lap down on the coffee table.

  “Then how do you want to tell him?”

  “I haven’t thought that far yet.” Mia said as she picked up her laptop again and losing herself in her writing once again.

  “Jason, did you remember to pick up the pink diamond pendant?” Angelique asked from the bathroom.

  Jason closed his eyes, knowing she had asked him twice and he had still forgotten. “I’m sorry Angelique, it must’ve slipped my mind.” He walked to her smiling apologetically, but feeling strangely relieved she wouldn’t be wearing it tonight. She had all but begged him to buy her a specific large pink diamond pendant to wear just to the reception. He had actually gone by the shop a few days ago, but when he saw the size of it he knew it was just because she wanted to flaunt his money. Feeling used and ridiculous he had given it back to the sales woman. He walked out telling himself he’d go back for it when the anger subsided, and then it had slipped his mind.

  “Jason Pike, I’ve organized this entire wedding by myself. I ask you to do one thing, one thing! And it slipped your mind?” She was standing at the basin, wearing only her foundation pale as a ghost, and screeching like a demon.

  “I said I’m sorry, and besides I gave you my mother’s pearls to wear.” Jason said feeling his temper start to rise. He thought to point out that the wedding planner had done all the work, but new it would be useless.

  “Your mother’s pearls?” She walked towards him, eyes wide with shock. “You expect me to wear your mother’s pearls to our rehearsal dinner? Do you have any idea who is coming? What on earth would they think of us if I walked in wearing your mother’s pearls? That I couldn’t afford anything better?”

  “Angelique, the store’s closed. So you just need to go without it or wear the pearls. Besides, I could give a fuck what the guests think, I don’t even know half of them anyhow.”

  “Well you listen to me, Jason Pike, there are makers and breakers coming to our wedding. You should care what they think.” She sidled closer to him lowering her voice, “Now don’t be mad, you’ll be meeting them tonight and tomorrow at the wedding.”

  Jason forced a smile and turned toward his closet reaching for the midnight blue suit. He wore a suit every day of his life, and yet Mia had never seen him in one. He shook his head and tried to push the thoughts of her aside, this had to stop. He was on his way to his rehearsal dinner and he was still thinking about her. His assistant had notified him that he had a new caretaker. She cocked a brow and asked what happened to the old one. Jason muttered something about complications and hoped she’d leave it at that. She didn’t. Especially after Jason had asked her to send the manuscript. Ever since then she gave him curious looks and narrowed eyes. It was like she knew exactly what happened in Hawaii.

  He walked to the wet bar and poured himself a drink, overlooking the San Francisco skyline. It was already seven pm and he knew Angelique would take at least another thirty minutes before she would be finished. Something that had never bothered him now irritated him mercilessly. Why set a time if you’re never on time? All their guests and especially his family were waiting at the hotel where the rehearsal dinner was being held. He looked down at the people scurrying in the streets on their way home or on their way out for the night, and for some reason either of those options appealed to him a hell of a lot more than going to his rehearsal dinner.

  “I’m ready.” Angelique walked in with a floor length ivory designer gown, her neck completely bare. She wore chandelier earrings and her blonde hair was taken up in a fancy knot. He knew better than to offer her the pearls.

  He swallowed down the last of his scotch, and savored the burning feeling in his throat. “Let’s go.”

  The reception room in the hotel was decorated with purple and gold giving it a royal feel. As soon as they walked in Jason berated himself for not being more involved in the planning. There were two thrones at the head of the long table. Forty of their closest friends and family, of which only ten belonged to him, would be dining tonight. Angelique waved and smiled as she walked in arm-in-arm with him. Everyone stood, clapping and greeting them. Jason walked past the guests, nodding now and then, and headed straight to his parents. It was time they met their soon to be daughter in law.

  “Mom, Dad, this is Angelique,” he said proud that he had managed to work up a little enthusiasm into his voice.

  Sandra smiled and stepped closer for a hug, “Oh, I’m sorry I don’t hug strangers. It’s nice to meet you. Glad you could come.” Angelique’s tone was high handed and she kept glancing toward her friends, as if anywhere would be better than meeting his parents.

  Ted smiled and held out his hand, “Welcome to the family.” His voice was warm and Jason hoped Angelique wouldn’t insult his father as well.

  She checked her manicure before looking at Ted. “Thank you, but Jason and I will be having our own family.”

  Jason couldn’t help the fury or the frown that overcame him. “Angelique, could you possibly be ruder?”

  “Oh Jason, please. It’s not like the eighteen-hundreds. Children don’t have to be involved with their parents anymore.” She flicked her hand carelessly.

  “I don’t have to be involved with them Angelique,” Jason said looking at Ted and Sandra, “I want to be involved with them.” Jason’s voice had grown louder with his anger. He didn’t even seem to notice most of the guests were now watching them.

  Sandra leaned close to Jason and Angelique, “It’s obviously not my place to say anything, but I think you two should squabble in private. Your guests are watching you.”

&n
bsp; Angelique instantly put on a camera ready smile, and kissed Jason fervently before smiling at her guests. “These wedding jitters.” She laughed too loud and walked off towards some of her friends.

  Ted took Jason by the arm, “Look’s like you need a drink, son.”

  Jason smiled at his mother, “Only if the most beautiful woman in the room is joining us.”

  Sandra searched the room where Angelique was draped around another man. “I don’t think she’d join you now, love.”

  He put his arm around his mother, “I meant you.”

  Sandra laughed, “Oh honey, of course I’ll join you.”

  He followed his parents into the adjacent bar and after they all had a drink they sat down at a small corner table. They spoke about how beautiful the hotel was, the weather and the upcoming presidential election, all avoiding the subject they knew they had to talk about.

  It was Ted who finally broached the subject. “Are we going to discuss the elephant or keep walking around it?”

  Jason sighed, “I know she’s a bit overwhelming and slightly self-obsessed, but she’s really nice once you get to know her.”

  Ted and Sandra shared a look before turning back to their son, “Is that true? Because it sure sounds like you’re trying to convince yourself.”

  “Mom, please.”

  “I won’t if you don’t want me to honey, but it seems to me you’ve got yourself in a pickle and you’re too afraid to climb out of it.” Before Jason could answer she continued, “Where are my pearls? I thought you said she’d be wearing them tonight.”

  Not wanting to hurt his mother’s feeling even more Jason lied through his teeth. “She probably forgot, we were running late already and I was hurrying her.”

  Lips pursed, Sandra nodded, appreciating that her son didn’t want to tell her the truth but seeing straight through the lie.

  Ted softly squeezed Sandra’s hand, seeing the hurt in her eyes. “Why do you want to marry her Jason?”

  The question was simple, the answer should’ve been simple, but Jason couldn’t put a coherent sentence together that wasn’t a lie. He also knew from recent experience that he wasn’t a good liar. “I think we’d be happy together.” He knew it was lame and his parents would call him on it, but he didn’t have anything better.

  “You don’t love her.” It was more a statement than a question and Sandra’s heart clenched knowing her son was going to marry without love.

  “I thought I did.” Jason tried to explain.

  “And then you met Mia?” Ted asked gently.

  “Nothing’s been the same since. I don’t even like San Francisco anymore. I’ve tried over and over to see why I asked Angelique to marry me, but it’s like I can’t find reason. It’s like I was a different person before I went to Hawaii.”

  Sandra nodded solemnly, “Love changes us all.”

  Jason nodded. “I sent her manuscript to one of the editors in the publishing house, mom.”

  Sandra’s eyes lit up. “You did? And what did they say?”

  “They’re offering her a three book deal.” Jason’s eyes shone with happiness for the first time that night. Sandra and Ted exchanged a brief knowing look.

  “You can’t go through with this wedding.” Ted said sighing over his glass of scotch.

  “I have to dad, everything has been arranged, paid for, and I don’t want to humiliate Angelique.”

  “Jason Pike I know I raised you right, but I didn’t raise you to be stupid.”

  At his father’s harsh words Jason looked up, “I’m not stupid. I’ll go through with it and file for divorce in a few months.”

  Ted ran his thumb and forefinger along his jaw line in thought, “That could work if you really don’t want to hurt her, but do you at least have a prenup?”

  Jason shook his head, “No, Angelique said a prenup was the first sign of divorce.”

  Sandra stood up and placed her bag over her shoulder. “I’m leaving.”

  “Mom?” Jason asked confused.

  “I’m sorry Jason, but it seems you have lost your mind. I won’t sit here and watch you throw your life and all your hard earned money away for the sake of a little hurt feelings. She’s a big girl, and like she said she doesn’t need anyone.” She turned to Ted. “Come on Ted, take me home.”

  Ted stood slowly and looked at Jason apologetically.

  “Dad please?” Jason pleaded, “Not you too?”

  “Jason, I don’t admit it often, but your mother is right.”

  “Will you at least be coming to the wedding?” Jason asked grabbing the last string of hope.

  Ted and Sandra exchanged a glance and answered together. “Afraid not.”

  Sandra took Jason’s hand in hers as she looked in his eyes. “If you do come to your senses, I’ll be cooking the usual roast chicken tomorrow night.”

  Jason sat nursing his scotch as he watched his parents walk out of his rehearsal dinner. For some reason it felt as if they were walking out on him. His whole world felt like it was growing darker by the hour while his reception dinner was in full swing.

  Mia woke up on Alana’s couch. Her head was fuzzy. She had written until the early morning hours. After grabbing a shower and some coffee she switched on her laptop. Her calendar came up and she noted the date. Her eyes caught the dried pink roses standing in the corner in a glass tube vase. She had tried many times to throw away the last reminder she had of her time with Jason, but the flowers he bought her that last night meant more to her than she had ever imagined. She couldn’t just throw them away. The light pink roses were now dried and yellow with color and yet they still warmed her heart. Pain as deep as the Grand Canyon ripped at her heart. She actually thought it would be easier to just die. The pain from a broken heart wasn’t healed easily and somehow the canyon of pain tore a little deeper every day, which in turn left her feeling raw and battered each morning. She felt the first tear fall and tried to swallow the tsunami pushing up in her throat, but her attempt was futile. Alana must’ve heard the gut wrenching sobs coming from the living room. She ran in with curlers in her hair and a towel wrapped around her body. “Mia, what’s wrong?”

  Mia looked at her friend through tear drenched eyes. “I can’t.”

  “You can’t what, Mia? Did someone die?” Alana asked as she moved closer.

  “I can’t do this. I need to tell him how I feel.” Mia said through the sobs that had seemed to take over her body.

  Alana sighed, “Honey, you decided that days ago, you just haven’t decided how. So let’s think of a way.”

  Another torrent of sobs wracked her body, “It’s too late. He’s getting married tomorrow.”

  “Hush hush,” Alana said as she picked up Mia’s phone from the coffee table. “He’s not married yet, it’s not too late.” She started punching numbers into Mia’s phone.

  “What are you doing?” Mia asked grabbing at the phone.

  “Booking you a flight, if you can’t come to your senses, someone has to.”

  “I don’t even know if the wedding is in San Francisco or in Europe. That’s where Angelique was before she came out.”

  “Well then phone his assistant. You’ve spoken to her quite a few times, I’m sure she’ll tell you.”

  The tears dried up as Alana’s words started to make sense. “Give me that phone.”

  Within five minutes and almost no coercing from Mia, Jason’s assistant had gave her the address and the time of the wedding and told her not to worry about a flight. She assured Mia that Jason had thousands of air miles he’d never use, she could just make sure to be at the airport the following morning, her flight and ticket would be waiting.

  Mia didn’t know if luck was finally turning in her favor and if she was setting herself up for even more heartbreak, but what could be worse than not knowing. After setting down the phone she turned to Alana, “I fly out tomorrow morning, and I’ve got the address of the church.”

  Alana clapped her hands together, “Oh dear, that me
ans we have to go shopping today, we have to pack.” Alana jumped up and started towards the bedroom when she saw Mia wasn’t following her. “Come Mia, get up! We need to get you ready to win back your man!”

  After running up a frightening amount on her credit card from purchasing clothes, having her hair done, make-up and even new shoes and luggage, Mia started to pack. Miku had plied her with wine ever since he walked in that evening and got updated on the situation. After Miku and Alana settled down for the night, Mia felt nervous twinges in her belly. Everything was set, except she had no idea what she was going to tell Jason once she actually got there. Or worse, what was she going to say if she was too late?

  Chapter 18

  The wedding planner had called Jason just after sunrise and requested him to sign off the reception area before she headed to the church to get everything ready there. Jason knew Angelique was still sleeping. She had spent the night with some friends adhering to the tradition of not seeing the groom before the wedding. He had agreed to meet with the wedding planner, although he had no idea why. It’s not like he had any idea what Angelique had wanted, but maybe it was good if he saw it before the reception. That way the shock would’ve worn off by then, and he was sure he was going to be shocked. The way Angelique had spoken of the reception had scared him already. He felt awful about his parents leaving last night, and yet he couldn’t blame them. They saw right through his upcoming wedding. He had spent the night trying to figure out a way that wouldn’t hurt anyone, a way that he could be with Mia, and yet he still doubted she had any feelings for him. He all but begged her to admit, and she didn’t. Didn’t that leave him with Angelique as his only option? Sure she only loved him for his money, but she must feel something for him if she was willing to marry him? At least she believed in their marriage, that’s why she refused the prenup. Something about that statement bothered him, and yet he couldn’t for the life of him figure out what it was.