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30 - Not Mine?
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
A Billionaire's Bargain 31 - Night Terrors
Araceli's Pov The sound of laughter echoed through the penthouse, mingling with the scent of freshly grilled turkey and mashed potatoes. The kids were sprawled out on the floor, their fingers coated in sauce from the turkey. Zayn leaned against the kitchen counter, a smile breaking through the tension that had settled in his shoulders. He caught my eye, and I couldn’t help but return the grin, my heart swelling at the sight of him so relaxed. “Araceli, here!” Kamrin yelled, holding up a turkey piece. “I saved you this piece!" I leaned down, and he presented it to me with pride, his little hands gripping the meat piece. “That’s… that’s definitely something,” I replied, stifling a laugh. I took the meat from him, placing it in my mouth. “I love it. Thank you!” He beamed, and I felt warmth spread through me. Moments like these, chaotic and messy, filled me with a sense of normalcy that I hadn’t expected to find in Zayn’s penthouse. The kids were energetic and sweet, thei
A Billionaire's Bargain 32 - Familar Pair Of Blue Eyes
Zayn's Pov I sat in my car, eyes fixed on the hospital entrance. The soft hum of the engine was the only thing keeping me grounded in the suffocating silence of the parking lot. I glanced at my phone again—another ten minutes gone. Ambrose had been cryptic, saying it was important, but offering no details. Maybe he just wanted to check-up on my mental state? It made sense, given everything that had happened. I scrolled through the documents Valerie sent, barely focusing. My mind was back home—with my kids and Araceli. I had hesitated to leave her alone with them after getting a call from Doctor Ambrose, but she insisted she was fine. Lately, though, she has been off. Ever since that nightmare jolted her awake, she has been jumpy, nauseous, and on edge. Something's bothering her. I can feel it. A sudden knock on the window jolted me out of my thoughts. I turned and saw Doctor Ambrose standing there, looking worn out, his hair was tousled, and dark eyebags lined his eyes.
A Billionaire's Bargain 33 - An Apology Demanded
Araceli's Pov The sun was barely up when Zayn left for the hospital. Doctor Ambrose had called, and the tension in Zayn’s shoulders told me everything I needed to know. Whatever it was, it wasn’t good. He hadn’t said much, just kissed me quickly, eyes distant, like he was already halfway out the door. “I will be fine here with the kids,” I had reassured him, even though he was hesitant to leave us. He didn’t need any more worries weighing him down. I kissed him again, softer this time, whispering, “We will be okay.” He gave me a strained smile before heading out, and I stood in the doorway for a moment, watching him disappear. Now, standing on the balcony of the penthouse, I took a slow sip of my coffee, hoping it would warm the coldness gnawing at my chest. The view was breathtaking, beyond the infinity pool that shimmered in the early light, the gardens stretched out, perfectly manicured. Tall trees framed the property, and in the distance, a small lake reflected the soft p
A Billionaire's Bargain 34 - Traped In Shadows
Araceli's Pov My luggage rolled beside me, its weight dragging with every step I took. I could feel Zayn’s gaze burning into my back, his presence a solid reminder of everything I was leaving behind—at least for now. “I still think a vacation would be better,” Zayn’s voice broke the quiet, calm yet carrying an undercurrent of tension. “You don’t need to leave us to clear your head.” I stopped, gripping the handle of my suitcase tighter. We had already gone over this, but the weight of the conversation hadn’t lightened. “It’s not about leaving you. I just need space,” I said, my voice quiet, eyes drifting around the room. “I need to breathe, Zayn. Away from this house… from Shasha, from everything.” He let out a long breath, his hands moving to his hair. “I know Sasha’s been tough lately, but it’s not worth running from.” “This isn’t about her.” My voice cracked, the emotion rising despite my efforts to tamp it down. The truth sat heavy in my chest, too tangled to unravel now
A Billionaire's Bargain 35 - Torn Apart
Zayn's Pov The kitchen was silent, save for the soft hum of the fridge and the faint ticking of the clock overhead. I stood by the kitchen island, flipping through pages of the company's financial records, something was off, the figures weren’t adding up. Beside me sat a plate with half-eaten toast slathered in avocado. The toast had gone stale, untouched for the better part of an hour. The coffee next to it was cold, forgotten as I allowed my eyes scan through the numbers again. Then came the quick, unmistakable sound of feet pattering down the hallway. I glanced up as Kamila dashed into the kitchen, her face bright with excitement. "Dad! Zara’s here!" she called out, breathless. She and Kamrin had spotted Zara’s car pulling up from the front window, and it was all the signal they needed to come flying in with the news. I turned just in time to see my little sister, Zara, standing in the doorway, a bright smile on her face. Her long, raven hair was haphazardly tied into
A Billionaire's Bargain 36 - Unmasking Secrets
Araceli's Pov I sank into the plush couch, feeling the cushion press against my back. My fingers tangled in each other, thumbs circling, picking, digging at the same spot like they could somehow unearth everything I had buried deep. The therapist sat across from me, waiting, silent, and patient. Her eyes held a kind of knowing, unhurried but unwavering, a gentle prodding without saying a word. “Do you want to tell me about the nightmares?” she asked eventually, her voice soft, like she was coaxing something fragile from a hiding place. I swallowed, feeling the words crawl up my throat, so quiet I barely heard them. “Every night…it’s him. My father.” I felt her watching me, her gaze gentle but steady. She didn’t interrupt, didn’t fill the silence. Just gave me space. “It’s like…he’s there, laughing. Watching me, like he used to,” I murmured, my hands clenching. “Sometimes, I’m back in my room—like it’s my childhood again. The doors are locked, but he’s pounding on them. I
A Billionaire's Bargain 37 - Shattered Trust
Zayn's Pov The leather of the steering wheel felt rough against my palm, my knuckles were quickly turning white from the grip I had on it. Last night, I had lay awake for hours, tormented by images of Freya and Caleb together. They twisted like a knife in my gut. My wife and my brother. It was unthinkable, yet here I was, miles from the estate, knowing that everything I thought I could trust had shattered. I dialed Zara, my voice barely contained as she picked up. “Is he still there?” “Yes… Caleb’s here,” she replied, quiet and careful. I didn’t need her caution. I only needed answers. "Is everything okay Zayn?" I hung up without giving her a response, all I needed was for her to shut her mouth and not tell anyone I was on my way there. When I finally pulled up outside the mansion, I took long strides to the door. Inside, I didn’t need to search. Caleb was sprawled out in the living room like he had all the time in the world, his face relaxed, unbothered, as if he had
A Billionaire's Bargain 38 - Gone
Araceli's Pov The office hummed with activity as I moved from one department to the next, clutching the stack of folders tighter than I needed to. Zayn had practically tossed at me this morning. Not even a second glance. Just a quick "Distribute these" and he was gone, disappearing back into his office with barely a word. I shook my head, pushing the thoughts aside. I have been through worse and learned to keep moving, no matter what. Bills didn’t pay themselves, and I couldn’t let one bad day or his words tear me down. But as much as I tried, my stomach twisted, frustration bubbling up. His voice still echoed, sharp and cold, “You are just a stripper and an employee... You don’t get to tell me how to act.” The words stung, replaying like a broken record in my mind, no matter how hard I tried to silence them. I have never seen him so harsh, so unreachable. And after all we have been through together, the laughter, the late nights, the gentle way he touched my cheek, it fel
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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
