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15 - Office Saga
Last Updated:
2024-05-03 15:33:29
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A Billionaire's Bargain 16 - Take Off
Araceli's Pov I stood by the window and watched as a sleek black car pulled up in front of my apartment building, its gleaming surface reflecting the rising sun. I was no longer the nervous wreck I had been last night, my nervousness has been replaced by a flicker of curiosity. My phone buzzed and as expected, It was Zayn. "My driver is parked at the front of your apartment Araceli." "Okay Sir, I will be down in a minute. I grabbed my pink coloured single suitcase and double-checked my purse, a tremor of excitement coursing through my veins. Stepping out of the building, I walked towards the car, heads snapped in my direction, eyes widening in surprise, as I neared the car, even the children couldn't help but gape at the high-end luxury brand. The driver, a young man in a crisp black suit who looked to be in his mid thirties, stood by the door and held it open as I approached. "Miss Araceli?" He asked to confirm, his smile bright and warming. "Yes Sir." I confirmed, a h
Last Updated : 2024-05-14A Billionaire's Bargain 17 - A Night In Miami
Araceli's Pov I sat on an outdoor chair at the balcony of my room, sipping a cup of coffee and watching the beautiful sunrise. I placed the cup down and picked up my phone, the screen lit up as I placed Rilly's number on dial. It rang for a few minutes but she didn't pick her call. 'Hey girl, what is going on?, I need to hear from you b*tch, you better be okay else I will slap you hard across your face and shove a butter knife down Louis' throat.' P.S I left the keys under the fake flower pots for you. Call me. I hit send and watched as the message ticked twice. Rilly hasn't been answering my calls and it's driving me nuts. It was currently almost 7am and I need to be ready by 8am. I walked back to my room, my gaze lingering on the three piece suit I had laid out on the bed, now all I needed to do was shower and get ready. Walking into the bathroom, I first made sure to wash the after taste of coffee from my mouth, before discarding the satin robe I had wore on the bed.
Last Updated : 2024-08-14A Billionaire's Bargain 18 - Facade
Zayn's Pov My jaw tightened in anger, how dare Freya set up a party without informing me. Her text had cut short my trip in Miami. She has not been active in the life of my kids and I, yet she wants to throw an elaborate party to celebrate our annivasary and the kids. Freya has always been one to put up an act, but this time, I won't allow it. I thought back to the picture of her and another man that was anonymously sent to my phone. The pain of betrayal has lessened, all I feel towards her now is anger and distaste. The silence in the mansion was disturbed by the hard steps of my feet against the ground. My destination was our bedroom, it used to be a place I look forward to every evening coming back from work. Freya's laughter, filtering down from upstairs, grated on my nerves. She was probably talking to one of her girls on phone. I shouldn't feel this way. I should put on a good show for our anniversary party, force a smile as colleagues and friends mingled, endure
Last Updated : 2024-08-21A Billionaire's Bargain 19 - Anniversary
Freya's Pov I sat on my bed, my nails tapping against the silk sheets as my mind reeled. Something felt off. Zayn had never had a problem celebrating our anniversary before. If anything, he had always been the romantic one, planning extravagant surprises and making sure I had everything I wanted. Yet, tomorrow marked our fifth anniversary, and he had barely acknowledged it. Did he forget? No, that was impossible. He would never forget something that important. I ran my fingers through my hair but immediately smoothed it down, "Don't ruin your hair Freya, you need it looking flawless for tonight's hangout with the girls." Zayn had never raised his voice at me before, never once questioned me. He worshipped the ground I walked on. And yes, I shouldn't have left him in the dark while I made the preparations, but that was hardly a reason for him to act so distant. Canceling the event was not an option. That would be humiliating, and I refused to let anyone think my marriage was anyt
Last Updated : 2024-08-26A Billionaire's Bargain 20 - Squard.
Araceli's Pov I was startled from my peaceful slumber by the insistent ringing of my phone. I fumbled around with my eyes still closed, finally locating the device on my bedside table. "Hello?" I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep. "Araceli, come on, get up!" Rilly's voice boomed through the receiver. "I am here to pick you up." I groaned. "Rilly, it's like, what, five in the morning?" "It's past 11am, you sleepyhead," Rilly replied. "And I have a truckload of items in my hand. Hurry up." My eyes widened, sleep finally leaving me, "Rilly, is that you? where the hell have you been?" I shouted. I got off my bed, tripping in the process as the duvet formed a knot around my ankle. "Did you just fall?" "No sh*t, Sherlock." I stood to my feet, unwrapping the duvet from my ankle before heading to the door. I twisted the lock, pulled the door open, and there stood by bestfriend with a smile on her face. "Step aside." She shoved me aside, carrying several bags and leavin
Last Updated : 2024-09-02A Billionaire's Bargain 21 - Confrontation
Freya's Pov I sat on the plush, leather seat of my SUV, my fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel as I waited for Raji. My dark shades and the tinted glass of my car kept me hidden from the few passers-by. I was beginning to get impatient waiting for him, he is about twenty minutes late. The last two weeks has been hell for me, Zayn hasn't spared me any attention. I had taken the pain of cancelling my appointments, outings and trips, yet, that didn't seem to ease his nonchalant attitude towards me. Raji had sent an email, saying he has something for me and we agreed to meet at a secluded part of town. I was so lost in thought that the light tap on my window startled me. With an irritated sign, I unlocked the door. "Hey Angel." "What do you have for me?" "Straight to business I see." He let out a chuckle. "Well, I did some findings and it is safe to say your marriage is on the verge of a wreck." His smile didn't falter as he handed me a brown envelope.
Last Updated : 2024-09-08A Billionaire's Bargain 22 - HURT
Araceli's Pov My hands trembled as I fumbled with the keys to my apartment. The incident at the salon had left me feeling exposed and less than human. A sense of betrayal and humiliation washed over me. I couldn’t believe Zayn had kept such secret from me? how could he be so cruel?. Running out of the salon, I had tried to hide my tears, but they kept escaping. I couldn’t help but wonder what the other clients would think of me. They had thrown dirty looks my way, and a few even made sneaky remarks on how young girls be ruining homes other women has laboured for. I can't believe I had fallen for a man who was already married. It felt like a slap to my face. As I stepped into my apartment, I sank onto the couch, the weight of the world pressing down on my shoulders. How could I have been so foolish? I had always prided myself on my independence, my ability to handle life’s challenges on my own. But now, I felt utterly lost and alone. In a twisted kind of way, I had learnt
Last Updated : 2024-09-13A Billionaire's Bargain 23 - HELP
Zayn's Pov It has been three days since Araceli had walked me our of her apartment, and these three days have felt like hell for me knowing that I had caused her pain. Freya had spent a few days with the kids only to leave with a suitcase in the middle of the night. "I have an urgent shoot due for the morning and need to leave now so I can catch my flight." She had informed me while hurriedly packing. I wasn't bothered, the Zayn she got married to would have been so worried and tried everything to convince her not to leave till the morning. The kids too had looked indifferent about her absence at dawn. Kamrin had merely shrug his tiny shoulders while digging into his plate of mashed potato, cheese sauce, carrot and broccoli. He was more focused on expressing his disapproval towards the choice of breakfast he was served. His twin wasn't any different, it hurts my heart to know that they have gotten used to not having her around. I had taken the week off to spend time with
Last Updated : 2024-09-15
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A Billionaire's Bargain 59 - Finding Her II
Zayn's Pov (Lengthy chapter) After the call, I could not sit still. Araceli's voice stayed in my head. She was scared. The sound of her yelling replayed in my head on loop. She had scream something along the line of her father before the call ended and that's all the clue I needed. That was it, no more guessing. It was not Freya or Caleb. It was Victor, her father. The one she feared and never wanted to speak about. I can still remember the night she woke up after having a nightmare about him. I left my office and walked fast to the security room. My heart was beating hard, and fast. A lingering feeling of fear tried to crawl up my spine but I pushed it back down. When I got there, three men were watching the cameras. "Pull up all security footage from the last three weeks," I said, walking straight in. They all looked up from their monitors. "Right away, sir," said Jerry, the one with the medicated glasses. He always wore them because he had a bad eye from an ol
A Billionaire's Bargain 58 - Finding Her
Zayn's POV "Sir," my P.A called, stretching my phone out to me. "Your phone has been ringing for over an hour now. I think it's really urgent." I took the phone from her. It was my home line. "How many times do I have to tell you? If there's a call from home, no matter what, give it to me right away." "Sorry, Sir. I didn’t want to interrupt." I clicked on the screen and picked the call. "Yes?" The voice on the other end was shaking. "Mr. Vanderbilt, it's Araceli, Sir. She’s gone." I stood still. My heart dropped. "Gone? What do you mean gone?" "She was kidnapped, Sir. We were knocked out. I just woke up. The kids are here, but she’s not in the house." I didn’t wait for more. I rushed out of the room, ignoring the looks and questions. My driver saw me and didn’t ask questions. "To the airport, now." I said. The ride back felt to the airport was antagonizing. I kept calling Araceli’s phone, but there was no answer. It was switched off. When we got to the airpor
A Billionaire's Bargain Miss Me?
Araceli's Pov I opened my eyes slowly. The sun was just rising, painting the room in a soft orange glow. Zayn’s arm was wrapped around my waist, and I could feel his breath on the back of my neck. I didn’t move. I didn’t want to. This moment felt peaceful, like nothing else in the world mattered. He shifted behind me and kissed my shoulder. “You awake?” “Yeah,” I whispered, smiling. “Mmm. Good. I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye.” I turned to face him. “You are still going?” He nodded. “Yeah, the flight is in a few hours. I have to be at the airport soon.” I wrapped my arms around his neck. “Can’t you cancel it?” He chuckled. “Business doesn’t wait, baby.” I sighed. “Fine. But let me help you pack.” We both got up slowly. I pulled on a robe and tied it around my waist. He walked to the closet, pulling out a few shirts and slacks. I joined him, folding things into his suitcase on the bed. “How many days will you be gone?” “Just four days, mi amor.” “Four days is
A Billionaire's Bargain 56 - Evidence
Araceli's Pov I leaned over Zayn, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. He did not stir. His face looked so peaceful when he slept. I smiled to myself and pulled the covers up around him a little more before tiptoeing out of the room. I checked on the kids first. Kamila was wrapped up in her unicorn blanket, her mouth slightly open as she snored quietly. Kamrin, on the other hand, had kicked his covers off and lay sideways on the bed like he had tossed and turned all night. I shook my head and gently pulled the covers over him. He grumbled a little but settled down. Downstairs, I got started on breakfast. The smell of pancakes and eggs filled the air. "Good morning mummy." I turned to find the twins coming downstairs, sleepy-eyed and smiling. "Good morning my love." I rinsed my hand before drying it with a napkin as I walked toward them. "How did my babies sleep?" "I dreamt of princess Elsa, mummy." Kamila exclaimed, smiling like she was given the biggest candy ever.
A Billionaire's Bargain 55 - Already Mine
Zayn's Pov I stood by my home office window, starring out in the dark. I could see the whole of the estate, the soft glow of the garden lights flickered against the marble pathways, gently lighting up the area. The trees gently swayed as it was not so windy tonight. I ran a hand over my face, exhaling slowly. My jaw clenched as I replayed the conversation from earlier. As much as I would love to turn my back on it, I couldn’t. If that man is serious, Caleb's life might just be hanging on a thin rope. This isn’t the first time I am being dragged into my brother’s mess. It sure as hell wouldn’t be the last. But this time, I was done letting him get it easy. He is a grown up and will be treated as such. A soft knock pulled me from my thoughts. I turned as Araceli stepped inside, already looking at me with that knowing expression. “You are overthinking again,” she murmured, closing the door behind her. You are overthinking again,” she murmured, closing the door behind her. I
A Billionaire's Bargain 54 - Out
Zayn's Pov The day had dragged on longer than I wanted. I was buried in reports, meetings, and a pile of issues I did not give a damn about right now. My mind was elsewhere. It was on the woman and kids I had left at home, on the brother I had spent two weeks trying to ignore, and on the problems that refused to stay buried. Then my phone buzzed. A private number. I frowned, debating whether to answer. I was not in the mood for unknown calls, especially not at this hour. I begrudgingly picked it, muttering something along the line of "this better be important." I exhaled sharply and answered. "Who is this?" A voice came through, steady, cold. "If you care about your brother, meet me at the docks. Warehouse 14. Thirty minutes." I gripped the phone tighter. "Who the hell is this?" I repeated my question. "Someone who knows Caleb better than you do. Someone who knows he is drowning in shit, and if you do not step in, I might be tempted to do something drastic and you will
A Billionaire's Bargain 53 - The Quiet Aftermath
Zayn's Pov I nudged the bedroom door open with my shoulder, carefully balancing the tray in my hand. The scent of basil and tomatoes filled the air as I stepped inside, where Araceli sat propped against the headboard, her laptop on her thighs, her eyes puffy and tired. “Special delivery,” I said, setting the tray down on the nightstand. She glanced at the bowl, her lips quirking into a faint smile. “What’s this?” “Minestrone,” I said, straightening up. “Made it myself. Every chop and stir done with love.” Her eyebrows shot up, and for the first time all day, a teasing glint appeared in her eyes. “With love, huh? Are you sure it wasn’t the chef who made it? Because this looks too perfect to be yours.” I smirked, grabbing the spoon and holding it out to her. “You wound me, mi amor. After all the effort I put in preparing this master delicacy, this is the thanks I get?” She chuckled softly, the sound a little raspy from her earlier vomiting. “I will believe you when
A Billionaire's Bargain 52 - Coffee and Chaos
Araceli's Pov I tugged at the hem of Zayn's sweatshirt, peeking out the window as Rilly’s car rolled into the driveway. She wasn’t even out yet, but I could already hear her loud chatter through the windshield. Can't deny that it's very much needed after everything that had gone down these past few months. The car door slammed shut, and in seconds, my best friend was at the door. I barely managed to open it before she tackled me into a hug. “Look at you!” Rilly said, pulling back just enough to scan my face. “You are glowing. And don’t you dare tell me it’s the tears from last week’s funeral, this is man glow, Ara. Admit it.” I rolled my eyes but couldn’t fight the grin forming on my lips. Rilly always had a sense of dark humor. “It’s moisturizer. Stop making stuff up.” “Yeah, sure,” she teased, tossing her purse onto the couch as she walked in. “That moisturizer sure made you this much of a star. My best friend is hot gossip, trending on every damn media platform. ‘Who
A Billionaire's Bargain 51- A Gift
Zayn's POV Ultra texted earlier. Cryptic as ever, he claimed he had leads on the media circus surrounding Araceli, insisting it had to be discussed in person. Typical. Instead of sending an email or making a simple phone call, he wanted me to drive halfway across the city. But Ultra wasn’t normal. Brilliant? Yes. Strange? Absolutely. And exactly the kind of person I needed in my corner right now. The café was quiet when I arrived. Dim lighting, soft jazz playing in the background, a perfect cover for a discreet meeting. Black shades shielded my face. The media was still buzzing with my name, and I wasn’t in the mood to give them more fodder. Ultra sat at a corner table, his laptop open, blue light illuminating his sharp, almost hawkish features. Surrounding him was an array of gadgets and wires that made his table look like a tech shrine. He didn’t even glance up when I approached. “Mr. Vanderbilt,” he greeted, fingers flying across the keyboard. His voice carried that usual d
