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Chapter 16: Unspoken Words
Huling Na-update:
2025-03-22 21:06:31
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A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 17: Casual Offers
Selena's POVAs I tucked the check into my purse, my fingers trembled. A hundred grand. Just like that. It felt surreal. Justin's words echoed in my ears: "You can pay me back whenever it's convenient." He was trying to be nice, I knew, but it just made the whole situation feel even more tangled.I didn't want his charity, his pity, or whatever this was. I needed this money, and I needed to keep my distance from him. The weight of my student loans and the unexpected bills piling up was suffocating me. I was exhausted; I just wanted to go home, lock the door, and disappear for a while.Hailey was waiting for me in the parking lot, her eyes filled with questions I wasn't ready to answer."Everything okay?" she asked, her voice laced with concern."Yeah, just tired," I mumbled, forcing a weak smile.The drive home was quiet, the tension between us palpable. Hailey didn't push, sensing my mood. When we finally reached our apartment, I collapsed onto the couch, my head spinning.Hailey sat
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-23A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 18: Family Reunion
Selena’s POVMy phone buzzed a high-pitched ring that sliced through the quiet of the apartment. I glanced at the screen, and my stomach twisted into a knot. Mom. A name that usually brought a mix of guilt and a dull, familiar ache. Why was she calling?"Hello?" I answered, my voice strained."Selena, it's your mother. How are you doing?" the voice chirped a forced cheeriness that grated on my nerves."It's my birthday tomorrow, and... well, we're having a little celebration. I was hoping you could come." She never used to invite me to these things."You're inviting me? Seriously?" I asked, my skepticism evident."Don't act too surprised, Selena. It's a family thing," she said, the cheeriness faltering slightly. "With everything that's been going on with you, I thought you needed a breather."A breather? Really? Like she cared. I glanced at the cluttered papers on my desk. The gala was in a few days, and I had a lot to do. Going to a party where I wouldn't feel welcomed wasn't exactly
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-23A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 19: Unraveling Intentions
Justin's POVSelena's emotions were raw and unpredictable, like a live wire sparking with anger and confusion, and I was caught in the electrical storm, my heart racing with every snap and crackle."Come with me," she'd said, her voice sharp, a command disguised as a request. She'd left her driver and bodyguard standing there, a bewildered look etched on their faces. Her car was parked haphazardly in the driveway.I didn't argue. I couldn't have. It felt like some unspoken agreement had been made like she was finally letting me in, even if it was to tear me apart.We slipped into my car, the silence between us feeling like a living thing, pulsing with all the things we weren't saying. As we sat there, the city lights outside the windows, casting a colorful glow on Selena's face, her gaze drifted, unfocused and her eyelids dropped. She sighed, a long drawn-out sound, her eyes flashing with anger and hurt.I wasn't sure what I'd expected after my confession, but it wasn't this icy fury
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-24A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 20: A Shift in Perception
Selena’s POV The Uber ride home was a blur. My mind was a tangled mess, replaying the scene at Justin's penthouse like a broken record. His words, the way his eyes had held mine, the sudden, jarring intrusion of Bella's call – it all felt like some twisted, high-stakes drama I didn't want to be a part of.Back at my apartment, the silence was deafening. Hailey was out, leaving me alone with my thoughts, which were, frankly, a chaotic mess. I paced the living room, the city lights outside casting long, distorted shadows on the walls.Why did Bella call? What was so important that it couldn't wait? The questions echoed in my head, a relentless, nagging ache. And Justin... Why did he have to say those things, just to have them cut short? It was like he was dangling something in front of me, then snatching it away.I sank onto the couch, the soft cushions doing little to ease the tension in my body. I felt a strange mix of anger, sadness, and a reluctant, unsettling curiosity. Was he bei
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-24A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 21: Surprise Run-in
Selena’s POV“Selena,” he repeated, his voice a low, husky murmur, the water still pounding down. “What… what are you doing here?”My breath hitched. I was staring at Justin, water falling on him, steam swirling all around. The bathroom was quiet, but it was a tense quiet. Like we both knew something was up. I couldn't speak. I hadn't meant to be here. My head was still messed up from his room being connected to mine, and this whole thing felt way too personal. “I… I had no idea our rooms were connected,” I finally managed, my voice sounding small in the huge space.He sort of smiled, like a half-smirk, and there was this other thing in his eyes I couldn't figure out. Amusement? Something deeper? Who knew? The shower was still going, that constant noise adding to the weirdness, but also making it feel... charged.The water stopped, and the only sound was our breathing, loud in the quiet. He reached for a towel, his movements easy and cool as he wrapped it around his waist. The bathr
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-25A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 22: Disturbing Flashbacks
Justin’s POVThe image of Zayn’s face, twisted with drunken anger, flashed in my mind as I watched him stumble out of Selena’s apartment, my bodyguard practically carrying him.The whole scene had been a mess, a chaotic interruption to a moment that had felt… different. Raw. Real.As Zayn disappeared down the hallway, I turned back to Selena and Hailey, a weariness settling over me. “He’s… a handful,” I muttered, trying to keep it light.“You have no idea,” Hailey sighed, rubbing her temples. She looked completely drained, like she’d just run a marathon. “Thanks, Justin,” Selena said, her voice genuine, her eyes meeting mine. “I… I don’t know what I would have done without you.” A small warmth spread through me at her words, a feeling that felt new and… good. I shrugged, trying to play it cool. “No problem. Just… let me know if he shows up again, yeah?”I started to head towards the door, the need to get away, to process everything, suddenly strong. But as I glanced back at Zayn’s r
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-25A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 23: Surprise Retreat
Selena’s POVIt was a regular morning in the office, the usual tapping of keyboards and quiet chats. I was battling some designs for Hailey’s Dad’s event – which, yeah, I wasn’t supposed to be working on here anyway – and they were just refusing to make sense when Justin walked in, looking all hyped up – way more than usual.He clapped his hands, and the sharp sound cut through all the office noise like a knife. Everyone looked up.“Alright, team! Gather ‘round, gather ‘round!” His voice, usually a calm baritone, was a little high-pitched today. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he drummed a restless rhythm on the table. Everyone stopped what they were doing, heads swiveling upwards. A collective"What's going on?" hung in the air. A few seconds later, the elevator doors pinged open, and staff from all corners of the building poured out, gathering around the commotion. Hailey ran towards my desk. "We got THE text," she whispered, leaning in. "What text?" I asked, my brows slightl
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-26A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 24: Off the Clock, On the Trail
Selena’s POVThe designated meeting point was the office parking lot, the usual morning rush of cars a familiar soundtrack. I was juggling my bag and a lukewarm coffee, trying to appear nonchalant about the weekend-end getaway. It still felt a little surreal, this sudden escape to the Catskills.As the team started to gather, a few curious glances were cast our way as Justin approached Hailey and me. He had his own sleek duffel bag slung over his shoulder, looking effortlessly put together, as always. Jaden was already there, leaning against a pillar, looking as if he’d rather be anywhere else, yet a faint hint of anticipation flickered in his eyes.“Alright, everyone,” Justin announced, his voice carrying over the morning chatter. “We’ll be heading up to the roof. Our transportation is waiting for us there.”A wave of confused murmurs rippled through the group. Roof? What kind of transportation was waiting on the roof?We followed Justin towards the elevator, the anticipation buildi
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-26
Pinakabagong kabanata
A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 64: The Descent
Selena's POVThe image of Justin, shirtless, Bella’s lipstick stains on his chest, burned behind my eyelids. He’d stormed into my apartment, a raging fire of accusations, only to be entangled with Bella moments later. Was his anger just a performance? A way to justify crawling back to her so easily? A bitter taste rose in my throat. Every time I let myself get close to him, my heart ended up shattered on the cold, hard floor. I had to stop this cycle.I ran each footfall in a desperate attempt to outpace the suffocating weight in my chest. As soon as I stumbled into the car, I choked out, "Drive. Now." But the need to escape wasn't just physical.Minutes into the ride, the city lights blurring into streaks of meaningless color, a wave of nausea washed over me. "Please stop the car," I mumbled, my voice barely a whisper. I was trying so hard to stop the tears from falling.Michael’s gaze flickered in the rearview mirror, his brow furrowed with concern. "Stop the car," I practically
A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 63: Burning Bridges
Justin's POVI scrubbed at my eyes with the heel of my hand. Was I hallucinating? But the image was seared into my mind: Zayn had handed over a damn gift basket to be delivered to Selena and she had accepted. She wouldn’t even accept a penny from me. How long had this been going on? Had their connection never truly severed after that mess a while back? He’d practically vanished after locking eyes with me, like a guilty rat scurrying into the shadows. Every shade of red imaginable seemed to explode behind my eyelids. My instinct screamed to chase him, to ask why the heck he was delivering gifts to her. Instead, I fumbled for my phone, Jaden’s number a desperate lifeline. He was the only one who could possibly talk me down from doing something I’d regret.“Hey man,” Jaden’s voice, calm and steady, answered on the first ring.“You would not believe what I just saw,” I growled, my nostrils flaring with each ragged breath.“What happened, Justin?” Jaden asked, a note of wary curiosity
A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 62: Accusations and Backlash
Selena’s POV"You're invited to my housewarming." I read the note aloud, the words dripping with a forced cheerfulness that sent a shiver down my spine."Who the heck sends a mystery basket with a housewarming invitation?" I asked, closing the door with a sharp click and turning to Hailey, the basket feeling heavy and ominous in my hands.She practically teleported from the dining table, her footsteps quick and sharp against the tile floor as she yanked the basket from my hands. "How did they even know your favorite cookies and chocolates?" she mumbled, her fingers digging through the basket's contents, the rustling of cellophane and the faint, overly sweet scent of vanilla filling the air."The other day it was flowers, today it's goodies. I had no idea someone had even moved into this neighborhood," I hissed, eyeing the basket with suspicion. The brightly colored candies and perfectly arranged cookies felt like a taunt, a silent, unsettling message."I guess our secret admirers ar
A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 61: Shades and Doubts
Justin’s POVThe darkness of my bedroom felt heavy, like a suffocating blanket. I lay there, eyes wide, the day's events replaying in my mind like a broken record, the same scene looping over and over. Helping Selena with the eviction… should have been a relief, a weight lifted. Instead, it stirred a restless energy within me, a burning need to make her life better, to smooth out the rough edges,… without getting too close. Too close meant danger, a constant, gnawing fear, but not forever. I'd deal with the looming issue, and then I'd ask her out. My feelings for her were a force, a driving need, and I was determined to make her life better, to give her the peace she deserved.Then, the idea struck me, a sharp, clear solution. An interior design competition. Prestigious, high-profile. A platform to showcase her undeniable talent, and a substantial financial reward – a prize she would win, I knew it. Selena was a rockstar in the event planning world, a force of nature when she set
A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 60: Conflicting Signals
Selena's POV"Why is Zayn texting me?" Hailey asked, her brows furrowed, her voice laced with a mix of confusion and annoyance.I was a bit shocked. I hadn't realized Zayn had Hailey's number, and after our last encounter a while back, I hadn't expected to hear from him again."What does the text say?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.Hailey held up her phone, the screen glowing with the message. "Something about us being 'neighbors soon.' What the heck does that even mean?" she muttered, her voice laced with a hint of disgust.“Let me see.” I snatched the phone from her, my eyes scanning the cryptic message. "Eww, that’s creepy?" I squinted at the screen, the words blurring slightly. "I don't have time for any Zayn drama, Hails. Justin already warned him to stay away from me. I'm going to bed.""What about me then?" Hailey mock-yelled behind me, her voice laced with a playful panic. "Is he going to come after me?" She squealed, trying to stifle a laugh. "I'm blocking his ass right no
A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 59: A Reprieve and Lingering Questions
Selena's POV"You don't have to move anymore," Justin said, his voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through the air, his gaze locked onto mine with an intensity that made my skin prickle. "This apartment... it's no longer up for eviction."My brain got stuck, like an engine trying to start on a cold morning. First, what was this man doing in my apartment, looking impossibly handsome and smelling faintly of that expensive cologne that always did weird things to my pulse? And with Hailey, no less! I shot her a look that screamed, ‘You better have a damn good explanation for this,’ my eyes narrowed with suspicion."What do you mean, 'not up for eviction' anymore?" I finally managed to ask, my voice a shaky mix of confusion and disbelief. After we'd received the notice; there hadn't been any follow-up, no counter-notice, nothing to suggest a sudden reversal.Justin shifted slightly, the leather of his expensive jacket creaking softly. An unsettling smile touched his lips, a smile
A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 58: Acquisitions and Assurances
Justin's POV"Alright, gentlemen, let's cut to the chase," I snapped, my voice sharp and decisive, cutting through the static of the conference call. "We're not here to dance around figures. We're here to close this deal." The air in my study was thick with the tension of high stakes and negotiations. "I'm prepared to offer a premium, a significant one, but I need assurances. I need to know we can streamline the integration process, no delays." The stakeholders on the other end of the line shuffled papers, their voices a low hum of agreement. "Good. Then let's finalize the terms. My lawyers will send over the paperwork by EOD."The call ended with a collective sigh of relief, the tension dissipating like smoke. I was determined to acquire this tech company. It was a matter of principle, really. After I lost out on buying out Patel’s father's company because I had to be sure Selena was safe, I wasn't about to let another opportunity slip through my fingers. Especially not one Pat
A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 57: Evictions and Hums
Selena’s POV"Selena," Hailey practically shouted, her voice strained with a mix of disbelief and anger. "Want to take a wild guess what lovely 'gift' they plastered on our door?"I blinked slowly, my eyes still adjusting to the morning light. "Maybe... a flyer for a cat pageant?" I teased, trying for a light tone, but Hailey's face was a shade of crimson I'd only seen when she was about to explode."We've been served," she mumbled, her voice low and dangerous. "An eviction notice. We have a few days to get out.""Huh?" I choked out, my brain struggling to process the words. "But... how? We're not even late on rent."Hailey ran a hand through her hair. The movement is a bit frantic. "I really have to get to work," she mumbled, her eyes darting towards the clock."We'll talk about this later." And for the second time that morning, she was gone, slamming the door behind her with a force that rattled the walls.I walked to the door, my bare feet padding softly against the cold tile, and
A Night With Billionaire Playboy, Forever Trapped Chapter 56: Unraveling Threads
Selena's POVHailey’s eyes widened, and she let out a sharp, almost panicked breath before yanking the phone away, her movements swift. “Nosy much,” she mumbled whilst trying to force an unconvincing smile.“Hails,” I whispered, trying to process what was going on, my eyes twitching slightly. “Is there something I should know that you’re not telling me?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.Hailey shifted her weight from one foot to another but still remained silent. “Hailey Claire Thompson,” I called out her full government name, my voice a bit louder this time. “Who texted you and what are you supposed to tell me that you haven’t?”“How are you sure you’re the one being referred to in the message?” she asked, her eyes scanning the entire room but my face."Don't play dumb," I said, my voice hardening. "You snatched the phone away like it was a live grenade. And you're acting weird. Really weird."She sighed a long, drawn-out sound that did nothing to ease the tension. "It's… it's a bit
