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18 - Facade
Last Updated:
2024-08-21 23:28:04
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A Billionaire's Bargain 19 - Anniversary
Freya's Pov I sat on my bed in thought, everything felt off. Never has Zayn had issues with celebrating our anniversary, as a matter of fact, he has always the romantic one. Did he by any chance forget that tomorrow is our fifth anniversary?. I shook my head dismissing the thought. My fingers raked my hair in thought but I was quick to withdraw them, gently rubbing my palm on my hair to smoothen out any mess I have made. I don't think I will be able to hang out with the girls tonight, my mind felt burdened. What could be the problem?. My husband has never raised his voice at me, he adores the ground I walk on. I admit my fault of not informing him all the while I was making plans for a big celebration, but that still doesn't explain why he is making a mountain out of a molehill. Cancelling the anniversary is not an option, that will be a slap to my face. What excuse will I have as my reason for cancelling on such short notice?. I don't know what's going on with Zayn, I
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 : 2024-09-15A Billionaire's Bargain 24 - His Kids
Araceli's Pov. "Araceli, I need your help." His voice sounded anxious, pained almost. I know I shouldn't care but a part of me couldn't help it. "Zayn," I called, my voice mirroring his. "What's wrong?" "I know I am in no position to ask anything of you, but my baby girl is in the hospital, and I need someone to watch over her while I go home to pack an overnight bag," he replied, taking a deep breath. "Can you please come? I really need someone I can trust with her, and you are the only one, mi amor." I let out a shaky breathe, "What hospital is she?" Half an hour later, I found myself walking towards Zayn, who was busy on his phone and hadn't noticed me yet. A little boy sat beside him, his eyes a striking shade of blue, a clear resemblance to Zayn's. I tried to focus on the smell of the antiseptic to distract myself from the man who I was eventually going to talk to. "Hey," he said, standing up and reaching for me. I took a few steps back, my lips pressed togeth
Last Updated : 2024-09-20A Billionaire's Bargain 25 - Flour Attack
Araceli's pov I watched as the kids bounced out of the hospital doors, their laughter echoing through the dimly lit car park. Kamila, now healthier and more energetic, was leading the way, her tiny hand gripping her father's. She was cleared to go home and despite it being a bit late in the evening, she had insisted on leaving the hospital as she didn't want to spend another night there. Zayn had agreed to her request, we packed our bags and checked out. As we drove to the house, I couldn't help but feel uneasy. I sat at the front seat of the car while the kids sat at the back. Their subtle chatter peaking at my ears. "Are you okay?" Zayn's voice startled me out of my thoughts. "Yes, I'm good." "Araceli, if you don't want to come to the house, that's fine. I can tell the kids you had serious business to take care of and will see them next time." He whispered so only I can hear him. I slightly turned my head to look at the kids. Kamila gave a little wave, her
Last Updated : 2024-09-23A Billionaire's Bargain 26 - Goodbye
Zayn's Pov I awoke to a chilling silence. We had all retired for bed at 3 AM, the kids having kept Araceli and I up all night. I padded barefoot to her room and knocked, but there was no answer. "Araceli," I called, knocking again. "Can I come in?" Still no response. I turned the doorknob and stepped inside. The bed was cold and empty, the sheets unwrinkled. A note, tucked at the edge of the pillow, caught my eye. "Zayn," it read, "By the time you read this, I will be gone. Gone for good. It was wonderful meeting your kids. They are so full of life and joy. Their laughter and smiles are something I will never forget. You have raised them well. Leaving wasn't easy, but it had to be done. Thank you for the time we spent together." I stood rooted to the spot, my hands crumpling the paper as the meaning of the note sank in. A whirlwind of emotions swirled within me. Why had she left? How long had she been gone? Could she have left because of my marriage? A pang of fear sho
Last Updated : 2024-09-29
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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 chatter through the windshield, loud, unapologetic, and 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. ‘Wh
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
A Billionaire's Bargain 50 - Family Feud
Zayn's Pov My phone buzzed, shattering the quiet tension of my office. Louis’s name flashed across the screen. "Man, have you seen the news?" His voice was tense, almost breathless. I frowned, reaching for my tablet. "No. What’s going on?" "Just… check it," he said, the urgency clear. Then he hung up. I opened the tablet, and there it was, headlines plastered across every news outlet, my face at the center of it all, larger than life. A viral circus of headlines scrolled across the screen, each one worse than the last. Billionaire Zayn Vanderbilt's Baby Mama Drama Secrets Unveiled: Divorce, Cheating, and a Mysterious Stripper Lover Tragedy Strikes: Did Zayn Vanderbilt Murder His Brother's Child? Blood Feud: The Vendetta Between Brothers Vanderbilt. I clenched my jaw, a bitter taste settled on my tongue as I took it all in. They had managed to pull Araceli into this, dragging her through the mud alongside my name. I hadn’t wanted this for her, any of it. I reac
A Billionaire's Bargain 49 - Investigation
Zayn's Pov I sat back on the couch as Araceli rested her head on my thigh, talking about the twins, she was dressed in one of my shirts, her flawless legs stretched out on the cushions, my fingers running through her hair. "They want a dog," Araceli said, smirking. "Kamila has this whole plan mapped out, food schedules, playtimes, she thinks it’ll teach them responsibility." I chuckled, shaking my head. "Last I checked, Kamrin’s terrified of the neighbor’s poodle. Are they ready for that?" "She says he’s only scared because he hasn't had a dog of his own." She laughed, leaning closer. "Kamila's convinced you will say yes if they push hard enough." "They know my weaknesses too well," I murmured, pulling her close. "But they will have to try harder than puppy eyes and promises." The quiet between us feels warm and intimate. I’m about to tell her just how much these moments mean to me when a sudden, sharp crash sounds from outside the penthouse door, followed by muffled voice
A Billionaire's Bargain 48 - In The Woods
My phone buzzed on the passenger seat as I turned down the winding road leading toward the house. It was my wife. I picked up, her soft voice slipping through the speaker, wrapping around me with that warmth only she could bring. “Did you get the milk, babe?” My lips curled in a smile, this time, I didn't foret. “Yeah, I got it, I also have you bag of chips with me." In the rearview, I could see my son, earbuds in, staring at the game on his phone without a care in the world. “I will be home soon love.” I hung up, but another message pinged almost instantly. The name that flashed on the screen wasn’t one I’d wanted to see. Freya. I think I’m miscarrying Caleb, it's...the baby. I need help please, I'm in pain. I stared at the text, my pulse kicking up, frustration and dread colliding. We hadn’t talked much since Zayn finding out about our affair, I had told her to lay low, but that was just my way of gradually cutting her off. I didn't want her having a child for me,
A Billionaire's Bargain 47 - Her Anchor
Araceli's Pov (A lengthy chapter) The soft morning sun drapes over the penthouse, dressed in a loose silk set, I moved from the sink to the stove. Today, I decided on a light breakfast, a spread of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and crispy fried mushrooms, topped with just a sprinkle of herbs. Suddenly, familiar arms snake around my waist, pulling me back into a firm embrace. I gasp as Zayn’s fingers find my sides, tickling me, and I squirm, letting out a laugh that he silences with a gentle kiss, his lips brushing against mine in a way that leaves me warm all over. I catch sight of the maids moving around the kitchen, a wave of embarrassment hitting me as I try to pull back, searching for a bit of space. But Zayn holds me closer, sensing my urge to retreat. “Don’t,” he murmurs, voice low near my ear. “Let them look if they want.” One maid quietly sets a plate on the counter, glancing between us before quickly looking away, hiding a small smile as she turns back to h
A Billionaire's Bargain 46 - My Girl
Zayn's Pov A quiet knock sounded at my office door. Aaron stepped in, holding a flash drive between his fingers. “Sir, here’s the drive you requested, I'm sorry I couldn't get it across to you last night." He said, placing it on my desk like it might shatter if he held on too long. Aaron is one of my most hard working staffs, so I knew he had put his best foot forward in delivering this drive to me. I nodded towards a seat and he sat down, his eyes darting between the drive and my face. I leaned back, eyeing him. “Any leads?” “No, sir,” he admitted. “Whoever is involved is careful, almost too careful. There is no obvious access point or trail… but maybe it’s in there somewhere. If we look hard enough.” “Thanks, Aaron,” I said, grabbing the flash drive. I turned it in my fingers, letting it catch the light. “I will go through this today. Keep an eye on things in the meantime. And Aaron… I don’t want anyone knowing about this yet. If they are as careful as you say, they wi
A Billionaire's Bargain 45 - Unbroken Threads
Zayn's Pov I walked into the house, leaving the day’s tension at the door. Kamrin and Kamila were sprawled on the floor, tangled up in a world of crayons and construction paper, their laughter filling the room like a balm I hadn’t realized I needed. “Daddy!” Kamila dropped her crayon and ran toward me, arms open. Kamrin wasn’t far behind, grinning as wide as his sister. I scooped them up, letting their weight anchor me, grounding me in the simplicity of this moment. No billion-dollar deals, no mole hiding in the walls of my company, no betrayal siphoning ten million away, they all melted away. Araceli was lounging on the couch, casual and at ease in one of my shirts and a blue shorts. This was quickly becoming her favorite thing to lounge in and I definitely enjoyed seeing her in the oversized outfit. I have seen her in those countless times, yet every time, it looked like something fresh. Her head turned slightly, the book she had been reading temporarily forgotten, as she
