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Gilded Chains
Last Updated:
2025-04-18 00:39:11
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Beneath The Billionaire's Veil Steps Toward Forever
I sat at my vanity the following morning, gazing at the reflection that no longer felt like me. As my mother adjusted my dress, a pastel blue piece that Shone elegance, her gentle sweet hums could be heard in the background."The Presley heir's fiancée couldn't afford to look less than flawless. With gentle hands on my shoulders, my mother whispered, "Smile, Isabella.""Today is a big day."A big day? How did my life become so out of control? In just a few hours, the world would see me as Alexander Presley’s fiancée. It wasn’t just the weight of the title—it was the lies, the pretense, the façade I had to wear like a second skin. Even though I knew it was quite impossible, I looked at my phone, hoping and wishing for a message from Marco. Of course it wasn't his fault he had vanished from my life.My mother's voice pierced my mind, "Isabella." "Are you paying attention?" I forced a smile and responded,"Yes, Mama." She seemed content and let me gather my thoughts.My smile vanishe
Last Updated : 2025-04-21Beneath The Billionaire's Veil A Quiet Struggle
"Kelvin, for the last time, leave that fan alone!" As I saw my younger brother toil With the exposed wires of the ancient standing fan, I lost my temper and let it all out. A sneer twisted his lips as he jerked. "Calm down, Bella. I'm trying to fix it. Unless you're able to afford a replacement." The words formed but would not come out of my mouth, so I bit my lip. I obviously didn't have any money, neither for a fan nor for anything else. I whispered, "Just don't kill yourself trying," as I returned my attention to the soup pot that was boiling on the stove. The veggies floated in the thin soup, which had more water than flavor. Absently, my thoughts wandering, I stirred it. I had not pictured this as my life. Nights spent worrying over debts that would not go away, days spent stretching every naira. And the burden of being the oldest—the one who is supposed to improve things was always there in the back of my mind. "Do you think we’ll ever get out of this?" The silen
Last Updated : 2025-03-17Beneath The Billionaire's Veil The Proposal
"Isabella!!" My mother's loud voice startled me out of my calmness at the window. She was already running to the door when I turned around, her thin nightgown fluttering as she did so.Still, the dark automobile outside appeared strange and disturbing in the low light. I barely had time to get up before a loud knock echoed through the quiet house.My mother looked back at me with a mixture of fear and excitement. She added, her voice wavering, "Go wake your siblings." "Why? With my heart thumping fiercely, I murmured, "It's the middle of the night." "Bella, just go.She was already struggling with the door lock when she begged, "Please." Despite my reluctance, I followed instructions and went to the tiny room where Kelvin and the smaller children were sleeping.As Kelvin murmured, I pressed a finger to my lips and startled him up. "Wake up". There's someone at the door.He sat up and muttered, "At this hour?" I nodded, but I didn't stay to elaborate. Curiosity pulled me back to the ma
Last Updated : 2025-03-17Beneath The Billionaire's Veil A Price For Freedom
I ran through the quiet streets in the chilly morning air, my heart pounding more forcefully with each step.Soft pink and orange streaks painted the sky as the sun barely rose, but it made little difference. Marco was all I could think of.Why hadn't he informed me of his departure? Marco worked in the little shade by the park, which I spotted when I turned the corner. I saw the door slightly open, and my chest narrowed.In order to gather my breath, I slowed down and took a quick look inside. There he was, stuffing his paintbrushes into a shabby bag.Even though he hadn't seen me, I could sense the tension in the room. I said, "Marco," with a breaking voice.His shoulders hardened as he froze. He turned slowly toward me. Normally warm and alive, his eyes were now wary."Why didn’t you tell me?" As I entered, I inquired. With a sigh, Marco combed through his untidy hair. "Bella, what's the point? Now your path is clear.I don't need to ruin it for you." My eyes were watering, but I b
Last Updated : 2025-03-17Beneath The Billionaire's Veil A Divided Heart
Marco's words stabbed me like a dagger as I looked at him. "Goodbye. For good. My chest tightened as though the weight of his suffering had come upon me, and the air felt heavy.I trembled when his hazel eyes, which were a mix of grief and optimism, stared into mine. "Marco, it's not that easy," I said in a barely audible whisper."Then tell me," he said, taking a step forward. "You and I—what we have—is genuine, Isabella. Tell me how you can even entertain the idea of marrying a man you've never met.Isn't it? I couldn't keep his eyes on me, so I turned away. It has nothing to do with reality or my desires.This is necessary for my family. With a stronger tone now, he questioned, "Your family wants you to be miserable for the rest of your life?" Bella, that isn't love.My cheeks began to well up with tears as his words stung. "You believe I'd like this? Do you really think that I want to abandon everything we've created together? My voice broke as I turned back to him.However, Marco
Last Updated : 2025-03-19Beneath The Billionaire's Veil A Promise In The Dark
The night outside my window seemed darker than usual, and heavy clouds gathered the moon.I couldn't stop thinking about Alexander's message, which echoed with a sense of closure: * "I'm sorry I reached out to you in this way, but I think we should meet up. There are some things you should know before making a decision.I read it multiple times in an attempt to uncover any hidden messages. How could Alexander possibly persuade me? What else could there be that I didn't know about? My heart ached from uncertainty, yet I was damn curious.I felt a deep-seated emotion in response to his mysterious message, perhaps fear or the faint hope that this encounter would somehow bring order to an impossible disordered life.Is Alexander a reliable person? Or did I simply misinterpret this game move? I turned my phone over in my fingers, unsure whether or not to respond.I could still clearly picture Marco's face and hear his passionate voice when he asked if I was really going to marry Alexander.
Last Updated : 2025-03-29Beneath The Billionaire's Veil Chains Of Obligation
The night air felt colder now, as if the tension between the three of us had seeped into it. With his posture firm and his hand still resting protectively on my arm, Marco turned to face Alexander.Alexander was in stark contrast, being very calm. The sour expression in his eyes made me uncomfortable. It was clear that he wanted to be in control of this situation since he was a man used to being in charge.Marco said, "Alexander, I'm not going anywhere," with firmness. "You can say anything you need to say to Isabella right here."Alexander raised an eyebrow, a small smile curling his lips. This isn't your conversation, though I like your protectiveness.Isabella and I need to have a private conversation .I knew I had to intervene before things went out of control because I could feel the weight of their dispute bearing down on me.I muttered, "Marco, don't worry," in a shaky voice. "I'll speak with him." Marco looked at me with a worried, hurt look on his face. "Are you sure, Bella?
Last Updated : 2025-03-29Beneath The Billionaire's Veil Collateral Lies
The unease continued as Alexander arrived Prescott Café. The often vibrant boulevard felt muted, and the morning sun did little to calm the growing knot of cold in his stomach.As he walked into the café, he hardly noticed the smells of freshly brewed coffee and pastries. He scanned the room, searching for the message's sender.A woman sat in the corner, hiding her face with a wide-brimmed hat and large sunglasses. She raised a tiny hand to signal him over as their eyes met.Alexander hesitated for a second, then came over to her. When he sat down opposite her, she said, "Alexander Presley." Her voice carried intensity."And you are?" he asked in a soothing yet sharp voice.Across the table from him, she slid a manila folder and added, "That's not important." "What's inside will explain everything." Alexander glanced at the letter, then narrowed his gaze at her."Why the secrecy? What am I supposed to search for here?Simply, "Answers," she stated.This answers, nevertheless, may make
Last Updated : 2025-04-11
Latest chapter
Beneath The Billionaire's Veil Steps Toward Forever
I sat at my vanity the following morning, gazing at the reflection that no longer felt like me. As my mother adjusted my dress, a pastel blue piece that Shone elegance, her gentle sweet hums could be heard in the background."The Presley heir's fiancée couldn't afford to look less than flawless. With gentle hands on my shoulders, my mother whispered, "Smile, Isabella.""Today is a big day."A big day? How did my life become so out of control? In just a few hours, the world would see me as Alexander Presley’s fiancée. It wasn’t just the weight of the title—it was the lies, the pretense, the façade I had to wear like a second skin. Even though I knew it was quite impossible, I looked at my phone, hoping and wishing for a message from Marco. Of course it wasn't his fault he had vanished from my life.My mother's voice pierced my mind, "Isabella." "Are you paying attention?" I forced a smile and responded,"Yes, Mama." She seemed content and let me gather my thoughts.My smile vanishe
Beneath The Billionaire's Veil Gilded Chains
It was like waking up in a dream I didn't want to be a part of the day after the engagement ceremony.The diamond necklace Alexander's mother had given me made me laugh at my uneasiness as I gazed at it. "The wife of a Prescott must always live up to her name"Even when I made an effort to ignore them, those words continued to whisper in my ears like a ghost.With my mother and Alexander's little maids organizing everything from dress fittings to floral arrangements, the house was a flurry of activity.It was just too much. The lavishness, the never-ending choices, and the constant reminders that this was a spectacle rather than merely a wedding.a union designed to strengthen influence and power.But there was a pain in my heart beneath the mayhem. Marco. I was unable to finish the puzzle because of his absence.I missed the way he made me feel like I was enough, his steady voice, and his effortless smile. However, I had already decided. for my family. For their survival.----------
Beneath The Billionaire's Veil The Engagement
The morning came too quickly!. My heart felt heavy as I prepared for the day.Every time my mother insisted that I chose something that would show off my "true grace," I wore a lovely lavender dress that was both simple yet elegant.I looked in the mirror in an attempt to gain confidence, but all I saw was a stranger.Alexander's team arrived promptly at 9 a.m. They were frighteningly efficient.They took me to a stylist, set up the engagement venue, and went over a checklist that sounded more like a corporate merger than the beginning of a marriage.By noon, I was worn out. And the engagement hadn't even started.----------------------------------Prescott's mansion gleamed like a palace.In the center of the vast grounds, which were peppered with white roses, was a beautiful gazebo, draped in soft linens.Their elegant appearance only added to my uneasiness as the visitors mixed and drank champagne.Near the door, I noticed Alexander discussing with a few men wearing form-fitting su
Beneath The Billionaire's Veil A Hollow Promise
Alexander had confirmed the arrangements and signed the engagement papers.Now I was formally engaged to a man I hardly knew, not the man I loved.My entire life came crashing down as the reality set in. Alexander's text said, "Get ready." By, the engagement will take place. You will have to portray yourself as the future Mrs. Prescott, my team will take care of the details.A surge of disgust rose in my chest as I tossed my phone onto the bed. My goodness!What's this? Still sitting in the corner of my room, Marco's artwork served as a silent reminder of the way I backstabbed him.The guilt was too great to let go of, even though I wanted to turn away and avoid the memories it brought back.My home was unusually silent, as if it was also lamenting the past few days.In the kitchen, I could hear my mom singing a soothing song that only made my already jangled nerves ache. I was unable to face her. Not after her relief and pride at my decision.I went back to my room and locked the do
Beneath The Billionaire's Veil Love's Final Goodbye
The document in front of me was an official confirmation of the decision I had just taken. My signature felt heavy on my chest, even though the ink was dry.I stared at the papers in a fog until my mother's voice broke through."Isabella."She placed a warm hand on my shoulder. "You made the right decision."I looked up at her, watching her face for a hint of doubt. But all I saw was relaxation and a faint sense of pride."Your father and I are proud of you," she said. This will save our lives. You've secured our future, Bella!".Instead of stengthing me, her remarks just served to deepen my sense of hurt and emptiness."Oh my god," I said in a low voice. "What have I done?"I'm not sure she heard me. She was already stacking up the signed papers, precisely and swiftly, as if afraid I might change my mind.I wanted to scream and take it all back but I couldn't as I saw her shoulders relax for the first time in weeks."This was for them, I told myself, for my family".But as she left
Beneath The Billionaire's Veil "The Deal Was Done"
The phone kept buzzing in my hands. I felt like an anchor dragging me back to a reality I wasn't prepared to face when I saw Marco's name on the screen. My mind racing, I tightened my jaw.After everything, how could I possibly look him in the eye? Even when my fingers were trying to process something on screen, I was unable to open the message.What could I tell him?I sorry, Marco, I’m considering marrying someone else to save my family?I smashed the phone on the table, the sound echoing louder than it should have in the quiet room. I muttered to myself, "No." "Not right now."My chest ached at the mere thought that it was no longer just about me.###I didn't have time to think about how to reply Marco's message.With a soft tap and a look on her face that made me uneasy right away, my mother entered my room.Sitting on the side of my bed, she said softly, "Isabella." We need to talk.I could tell by the seriousness of her tone that this would not be a lighthearted discussion.I
Beneath The Billionaire's Veil Threads Of Dilemma
The next day, I found myself standing outside a massive office building as the clock approached noon.Although the tall, mirrored exterior reflected my surroundings, I didn't feel visible on the inside.So what am I doing here?, I asked myself.I took long breaths to calm myself and gripped my purse tightly. "Meet me at the lawyers' office at noon, don't be late," Alexander had stated clearly.I knew that this step felt as decisive as the one before it, but I had no idea what to expect.Alexander was seated at the head of a long table in the small room that the receptionist led me to.Unreadable yet forceful, his eyes met mine as he asked me to take a seat next to him. "This is where things become official," he murmured softly, his tone firm but with a hint of something I couldn't quite identify.Even though the environment was icy clean, the gravity of what was happening felt intensely personal.The lawyer started talking in a low murmur that I could hardly hear.The air was filled
Beneath The Billionaire's Veil Between Duty And Desire
The knock on my door startled me out of my thoughts and the turbulent swirl of emotions in my chest. For a moment, I thought of pretending I wasn't there.I couldn't handle another confrontation; the weight of everything was already too much for my head to handle. Marco's familiar voice suddenly disturbed the silence.Bella, it's me. Please open the door.I froze with my fingers poised over the threshold. I wanted to let him in because I sensed his comfort and the unspoken promise of understanding.But the other side, motivated by confusion and regret, wished to keep him out and shield him from the reality I wasn't yet ready to share.When I opened the door and saw him standing there with his eyes wet with worry and his lips pursed in a worried line, I nearly broke. "Marco," I said, barely raising my voice above a whisper."Bella."He walked inside and closed the door gently. "You can't keep ignoring me. I know something’s wrong, and I know it’s tearing you apart.”I pushed back, wrap
Beneath The Billionaire's Veil Conflicted Hearts
My mind re-read Alexander's words as I sat on the tattered couch in our tiny living room. *Meet his family? Tomorrow? Noon?The very thought of it made me shudder.I looked at the wall clock, which was ticking incredibly loudly in the silent living room.My gosh! What have I gotten my self into? I clung to the edge of the couch and murmured to myself.I made an effort to concentrate on the soft sound of kids playing outside, but my thoughts were constantly racing with worries, doubts, and endless questions.It was like entering a battlefield which I was completely unprepared for.when I meet Alexander's family. What would they think of me? Could I even pretend to be in their world?I shook my head frustratingly,"Jesus Christ." I knew I had no other option, but the decision's weight seemed exhausting.The sound of Marco’s footsteps interrupted my spiraling thoughts. With a gentle yet inquisitive gaze, he came into my living room.Bella, you've been silent ever since you returned. What
