Behind the Billionaire's mask! Chapter 13 Julian's POV As I stood up, I couldn't shake off the mix of emotions swirling inside me. I didn't know what had come over me, but I knew I had to put Victoria in her place. Despite my best efforts to deny it, the truth lingered: I still had feelings for her. But she had hurt me enough, I wasn't going to let her hurt me again. "Let's go," I said, my voice firm. Sophie looked up at me, concern etched on her face, but she nodded silently. We were headed to my grandfather's house. We entered my grandfather's mansion, and his face lit up with warmth as soon as he saw us - especially Sophie. "Ah, Julian, you've finally brought your better half," he said with a smile, his eyes twinkling with delight. I just rolled my eyes and took my seat. "Welcome, my dear Sophie. Please sit down and make yourself at home." He gallantly offered his hand, helping Sophie into the plush armchair, his mannerisms exuding old-school charm. "Thank you, sir. It'
Behind the Billionaire's mask!Chapter 14Sophie's POV "What are you doing?" Evelyn asked as she joined me in the kitchen."I'm trying to make dinner." I stated while stirring the simmering sauce on the stove top."For my brother?" Evelyn asked. "No!" I said, more like shouting."Oh! So what are you making?" Evelyn asked."Spaghetti Bolognese," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.Evelyn's eyes widened. "But that's my brother's favourite food.""Really? I didn't know," I lied, attempting to play dumb.I had asked Rose, the cook about Julian's favourite food."Oh!" she said, not believing me."But why is Rose not cooking?" Evelyn asked, looking up at Rose, who was standing beside me.Rose smiled warmly. "Mrs. Sophie volunteered to cook today.""Yes, Evy. I have just been doing nothing in the house, so I decided to cook," I explained.Evelyn leaned toward me and whispered, "You're trying to win my brother over, right?"I didn't say anything and just blushed.I finished cooking, and
Behind the Billionaire's Mask!Chapter 15Julian's POVI woke and saw Sophie sleeping peacefully next to me. The memory of last night came back to me - her lips had drawn me in, and I found myself staring at them, mesmerized. I blinked in shock when I felt my hand reach out and graze her lips. I stared at my hand, wondering when I had done that. I wanted to wake her and tell her to get the fuck off my bed, but something held me back. Instead, I quietly slipped out from under the sheets, put on my clothes, and made my way downstairs, my mind racing. What had I done? How could I have let myself get so close to her? I prided myself on maintaining strict boundaries, just having sex, no deep or passionate moments. So why was I so...unsettled by this woman's presence in my bed? I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. I needed to get a grip to regain control of the situation. Quickly, I walked to the kitchen and poured myself a strong cup of black coffee, hoping the caffeine would hel
Behind the Billionaire's Mask!Chapter 16Victoria's POV"So, he's the bastard that cheated on his girlfriend with an older woman," I said, staring at the pictures Jaxon handed me. The image of Alex, Sophie's boyfriend, smirking beside a woman who looked at least a decade older, burned into my mind."Yes," Jaxon replied."The ex-boyfriend is a fool. He didn’t realize he was pushing his girlfriend right into the arms of a billionaire," I mused, my thoughts swirling with malicious delight. "What if he found out that his ex-girlfriend got married to someone like Julian?"I turned to face him, the corners of my lips curling into a sly smile. "Oh, it would bother him. Especially when he sees those pictures."I moved to the pictures on the table, a picture of Sophie and Julian, I had asked someone to stalk them to report all their moves to me, and he had taken pictures. I’m not ready to lose Julian, not to that poor rat of a woman. If I have to play dirty to keep him, then so be it.I had
Behind the Billionaire's Mask! Chapter 17 Sophie's POV As we walked into the restaurant, a wave of warmth enveloped me. The soft glow of golden chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a romantic shimmer over the elegantly set tables. Each table was draped in crisp white linen. The air was filled with the rich aroma of gourmet dishes being prepared in the open kitchen. I could hear the gentle clinking of fine china and the soft murmur of conversations mingling with the soothing notes of a live pianist in the corner. The atmosphere was intimate yet vibrant, a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. As we made our way to our table, I noticed the plush velvet chairs that invited guests to linger a little longer, enjoying the culinary masterpieces that awaited them. The walls were lined with tasteful artwork, each piece telling a story of its own. I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness—this was a world I had glimpsed but never fully entered. As I settled in
Behind the Billionaire's Mask! Chapter 18 Sophie's POV "So, you are telling me your so-called husband knows you're coming here?" Isabella asked, her eyebrows raised in disbelief. She leaned back in her chair, her coffee cup hovering just above the table, as if she were afraid to set it down. "Yeah, he gave me his card and even assigned a car and a driver to me," I replied, a laugh escaping my lips. The absurdity of the situation still tickled me. Julian had been surprisingly accommodating since Evelyn had left a week ago, almost as if he didn’t want me to feel lonely in the mansion filled with memories and echoes of a life I hadn’t yet fully embraced. He told me I could go anywhere I wanted, but I must be back before nightfall. He has been going to work more frequently these days and only stay at home on weekends. "Wow, my friend is really a billionaire's wife now," Isabella teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. There was something about the way she said it that made me feel
Behind the Billionaire's Mask! Chapter 19 Julian's POV "Yeah, I will be there soon," I said on the phone to Caleb before he hung up. Today is Caleb's wedding day. "But why the fuck is Sophie delaying me?" I muttered, glancing up at the stairs. As if summoned by my frustration, she began descending the staircase. But why the fuck is she so beautiful? Her hair was elegantly pinned up, with a few rebellious strands curling delicately at the side of her face. She wore a deep emerald dress that hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her curves while still maintaining an air of sophistication. The fabric shimmered in the light, drawing my eyes to her every movement. "Julian," she said softly, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Are you ready to go? You know Caleb won’t wait forever." I swallowed hard, trying to shake off the effect she had on me. "Yeah, just—give me a minute." I needed to gather my thoughts. She stepped closer, her gaze searching mine. "You okay? You
Behind the Billionaire's Mask! Chapter 20 Victoria's POV "What are you doing here?" Caleb appeared suddenly in front of me, causing me to halt just in time to avoid a collision. The tension in the air was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife. "And why do you care?" I shot back, my eyes narrowing into a death glare. Every part of me wanted to push past him, but he stood there, a wall I couldn't breach. "It's my wedding, so I should know why you are here," he replied, annoyance coating his words like a bitter aftertaste. I gritted my teeth, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. All I wanted was to catch a glimpse of Julian. Ever since I had arrived, my focus had been solely on him. When I saw him slip into the restroom, I seized the moment to nudge a guy toward Sophie, noting how his eyes lingered on her. I had expertly hidden myself away, determined not to draw attention. But then I saw Julian, the way he pulled Sophie out of the venue. Just when I thought I co
Dear Amazing Readers,Wow. What a journey this has been! From the very first chapter to this final moment, you have been with me, turning every page, feeling every emotion, and living through every twist and turn alongside Sophie and Julian.Writing this story has been an incredible experience, but what made it truly special was you—the readers who believed in it, supported it, and followed it through to the very end. Your love, your comments, your gems, your excitement, and even your theories kept me going.I am beyond grateful for each and every one of you. Your time, your emotions, and your dedication mean the world to me. Whether this story made you smile, cry, gasp, or swoon, I hope it left an imprint on your heart, just as you have left one on mine.This isn’t just my story—it’s our story. And though we’ve reached the end of this chapter, remember, every ending is just the beginning of something new(like my next book; please check it out🙃)Thank you for being a part of this jou
SIX YEARS LATER Sophie’s POV "Good morning, beauty." A deep, familiar voice broke through my peaceful sleep, and I felt a warm presence near me. Slowly, I fluttered my eyes open, adjusting to the morning light streaming through the curtains. Julian stood beside the bed, a soft smile on his lips, holding a tray of breakfast in his hands. "Good morning, honey," I murmured, stretching lazily before sitting up. A wave of warmth filled me at the sight before me—a plate of golden-brown toast, a perfectly fried egg, and a steaming cup of tea. My stomach grumbled in approval, making me smile. Julian placed the tray gently on the bed and sat on the edge, watching me. "I made breakfast for you," I glanced at him, my heart swelling with love. "Thank you, honey." His smile widened, and without warning, he leaned in, tilting his head to kiss me. I quickly turned my face away, causing him to freeze mid-motion. "Huh?" He blinked. I chuckled, pressing my lips together. "I haven’t brushed my
Chapter 118 Sophie’s POV It had been three hell long days since Julian fell into a coma. His face, once so vibrant and full of life, was now pale and drawn, the oxygen tubes were gone but there was still IV drips connected to his hand. His lips were slightly parted, and his chest rose and fell weakly beneath the hospital gown, but there was no other sign of movement. I sat beside him, my fingers laced through his, unable to look away from his still form. I tightened my grip on his hand, my voice barely above a whisper. "Julian, can you hear me?" No response. My throat tightened as I swallowed hard, forcing back another wave of despair. I wished for even the faintest sign of acknowledgement. I missed him—his laughter, his warmth, his voice, everything that made him who he was. "Do you remember when you first told me you loved me?" I continued, my voice trembling. "You said it so casually, as if you had always known. And I was so scared… scared that if I believed it, I’d los
Chapter 117 Sophie’s POV The ambulance doors slammed shut, and we sped through the city, sirens wailing. My hands trembled as I clutched Julian’s, his skin cold and clammy. His face was too pale, his lips slightly parted as he struggled for breath. "Stay with me, Julian," I pleaded, my voice shaking. "Please, don’t close your eyes." He tried to smile, but it was weak. His eyelids fluttered, his body barely holding on. "No, no, no," I sobbed, pressing my forehead against his. "You promised me. You said you wouldn’t leave me. You can’t break your promise now." The paramedics worked frantically, pressing gauze against his wound, checking his vitals. "He's losing too much blood," one of them muttered. "Do something!" I screamed. "We're doing everything we can," another paramedic said, trying to keep me calm. I swallowed back my panic and looked at Julian again. His chest rose and fell weakly, each breath looking more labored than the last. "I love you, Sophie," he whi
Chapter 116 Sophie’s POV The sound of the gunshot echoed in my ears, deafening. My body tensed, my breath hitched, and for a moment, I swore my heart had stopped. But there was no pain. I wasn’t hit! Slowly, I opened my eyes, my body trembling, my breath ragged. My heart pounded so loudly it nearly drowned out everything else. Celine—or rather, Victoria—was standing there, her face twisted in rage. But her grip on the gun had faltered, her hands shaking slightly. Then I noticed—someone had tackled her from the side. The gun had fired, but not at me. My breath came in short, uneven bursts as my eyes fell on the person who had tackled her. Julian. He was there, gripping Victoria’s wrist, twisting it painfully as she shrieked in frustration. The gun clattered to the floor, skidding across the rooftop. Victoria struggled wildly, her breath ragged with anger. "Let me go, you bastard!" she spat. "Not this time." Julian’s grip tightened as he shoved her backward, pinning her agains
Chapter 115 Sophie’s POV "How do I look?" I asked, turning to Julian while smoothing down the fabric of my red off-shoulder gown. The silky material hugged my curves perfectly, flowing elegantly to my feet. Julian’s gaze softened as he stepped closer, his lips curving into a fond smile. "You look as stunning as always," he murmured, tucking a loose strand of my hair behind my ear. His touch was gentle, affectionate, and when he leaned down to press a kiss on my forehead, warmth spread through me. Then, he kissed me lightly on the lips, making my heart skip a beat. "Thank you, hubby," I whispered, "You made this happen. You made everything happen. If someone had told me a year ago when I got here that everything would turn out like this, I would have asked them to shut up." Julian chuckled, his fingers tilting my chin up so I could meet his gaze. "Why?" he asked. I sighed, shaking my head at how absurd it all seemed now. "Because I never thought I would fall in love with yo
Chapter 114 Victoria's POV "Here." Zayn said as he zipped up my gown. His eyes gleamed, but I knew that smile wasn’t for me—it was for the mission ahead. Today was finally Sophie’s birthday party. The moment I had been waiting for. "Wow, you look so stunning. I really don’t regret ever choosing you as my pet." Pet. That word still made my skin crawl, but I swallowed my disgust. Was that even something to be proud of? Owning another human being like a possession? "Thank you," I muttered, careful to keep my voice low. I had learned the hard way that any hesitation, any sign of defiance, would earn me his wrath. The past days had been hell—Zayn had beaten me senseless over the smallest mistakes, as if he took pleasure in watching me suffer. He demanded obedience, but it was fucking hard for me to suppress my pride. I had never learnt to bow to people not even my parents. "Good girl." His voice dripped with condescension. "Go check yourself in the mirror while I get dressed.
Chapter 113 Victoria's POV "Come here." Zayn said immediately Caleb left. His voice was firm, commanding. His dark eyes bore into mine, sending shivers down my spine. I stood frozen, my fists clenched at my sides, resisting the urge to comply. "Why should I?" I snapped, rolling my eyes, my lips curling in defiance. Before I could even process what happened next, a sharp, stinging pain exploded across my cheek. The force of his slap sent my head snapping to the side, my vision blurring for a moment, my skin burned like fire. When had he gotten to where I was standing? I gasped, my hand instinctively flying up to touch my swollen cheek. My eyes widened in shock—how dare he? Zayn smirked, his expression oozing with arrogance and cruelty. "Just because you're going to help us now doesn't mean you get to ignore me." He tilted his head, stepping closer, his presence suffocating. "You're still my pet—now, after the mission, and forever." His words made my stomach churn. My heart pound
Chapter 112 Victoria’s POV When I woke again, my head was pounding like a jackhammer. Damn. My eyelids felt heavy, and my body ached like I had been run over by a truck. What the hell happened? I blinked a few times, trying to adjust to the dimly lit room. My stomach twisted as I realized—I was back. Back in this hellhole. I shot up quickly, my breathing ragged, my hands instinctively reaching for my wrists. Thank goodness, I wasn’t tied this time. But that relief was short-lived because the reality of my situation came crashing down again. Caleb. That traitor. I still couldn't wrap my head around it. Caleb was working for Zayn. My stomach churned at the thought. How the hell had they even met? I ran a shaky hand through my hair, trying to gather my thoughts. I had escaped. I had almost tasted freedom. And now? Now, I was trapped again. Shit. Then, I heard it—the faint murmur of voices outside the door. My pulse quickened. I pushed myself off the bed, ignoring the weakness in