POOR HUSBAND, BILLIONAIRE

"Shut up!".

I was taken aback by Victoria's words.

She was my wife but she had never taken me as such. If she had yelled at me at home, i wouldnt be this shocked but in the presence of investors? Embarrassing!.

My name is Marcus. I never got to know my family and was taken into an orphanage when i was two. I stayed in the orphanage till i was fifteen when i was adopted by Grandpa Sam. Grandpa Sam liked me because i was hardworking and helped build his Corporation. In returned he made me marry his grand daughter, Victoria.

This happened two years ago. It was obvious that she never loved me, but she was given no choice. Grandpa Sam threatened to cut off her flow of cash.her parents also showed their distastes. Everyone hated me because it was believed i was sucking up to Grandpa Sam because of the family wealth.

Things turned around after Grandpa Sam death last year.

Victoria tried to divorce me but it couldnt push through because Grandpa Sam had signed on his will that the family will only get to have the property if I remain in their Family. It would only be void if i was dead.

They had to keep me by their side.

I turned slowly, my eyes avoiding contacts with the twelve other investors sitted in the conference room. My eyes rested on Victoria.

The thought that she chided me made me look even more stupid.

"Victoria, the corporation is going through it downhill moments. When Grandpa Sam died, i warned about letting go of half the workers. Now not only are we understaffed but our incomong revenue has reduced by over fifteen percent. More workers means more product which translates to more money. Pride won't help at all".

The investors were nodding in agreement but i did not care at all. I wanted my wife to see reasons with me. She might hate me, but i love her. That is all that matters to me.

"how then do we get more money to pay the staff?", One of the Investors Mr Ben Wilson asked. He was an elderly man in his sixties whom ive learnt to trust. He was Grandpa Sam most trusted ally in business.

I cleared my throat. I was hurting from the insult but I had to swallow the bitter pill. Maybe the time is right to accept that Victoria did mot love me and her family will hate me forever.

"that why Ive always emphasized on getting the workers trust. They need to know that they can depend on us when their hard time comes. Am suggesting we slash the workers salaries in half.....",

I was still talking but Mr Lewis interrupted me,

"Outrageous! They would revolt if we do such. The idea itself is foolhardy".

I grinned. "not if we tell them and promise them a raise. Remember, building trust".

Driving home, Victoria didn't talk to me.

She was sitted at the back passenger seat of the Range Rover and i was behind the steering wheels. Occasionally, i stole glances at her, admiring her beautiful, but gloomy face.

I was still angry with her but i felt a spot heart towards her. I gritted my teeth, pushing back the urge to apologise. Finally, i put aside my ego,

"am sorry".

She didnt reply for a whole minute. My heart was pounding hard against my chest. What would she say if she replies eventually?

"do you know the wealthiest Family in Bradulton?".

I blinked. Of course, it was the williams. Why was she asking? Was she trying to insult me again? The thought of it made me angry and i decided not to reply her, just focus on the road. But she would not let me be,

"this car and half the city belongs to my Grandpa. Even the filthy clothes you are wearing belongs to him. You made a fool out of my family in front of all the investors. You act as if you know it all".

Finally!! My mood had turned sour. It is true that the williams own half the city but it was all thanks to me. When Grandpa Sam picked me up from the Orphanage twelve years ago, Williams Corporation was struggling. Grandpa Sam was not even among the first fifteen richest men. He listened to my ideas and used them to build Williams corporation. In three years, he became the richest man in the whole of Bradulton and established himself as the richest and most powerful!no one remembers my effort at all!!.

"we are home", I annouced as we neared the gate.

The gate man quickly opened the gates ajar and i drove in.

The Williams mansion was one of the few traditional houses that remained in the country. It was big, covering over a hectare of land. There were hundreds of rooms in the house, more than half of them empty. I had a room to myself, but so also did Victoria and her parents. There was also Maxwell, her cousin. He was my age, but was largely untrustworthy. He had this strange mist in her eyes that was strange. I hated it!.

The rest of the rooms were taken by the maids who numbered over twenty. The Security men and bodyguards also had their own quarters.

I wanted to speak with Victoria but she locked herself up in her room. I sighed to myself. Where did i go wrong with her. Definitely, i was handsome, every womans crush. I also was softspoken and good hearted. I still cannot figure out where i lost it with her.