Share

Who Is He?

Author: Aichatou
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-23 14:52:19

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the veil for the hundredth time. The dress fit perfectly, of course, nothing less was expected when the Deveraux family was footing the bill. There wasn’t a single flaw in the arrangements. It was all flawless. Too flawless for a marriage that didn’t feel real.

I barely knew Gabriel. Sure, I knew his reputation; cold, ruthless, and every bit the businessman his family had raised him to be. But as a husband? That was laughable. This wasn’t about love, after all.

The knock on the door came right on schedule. “It’s time,” a female maid said.

Time to become Mrs. Deveraux. Not because I wanted to, but because I had to. Grandma Helen’s plea still echoed in my mind: “You’re the only one who can save this family, Aria.”

As I sat in the backseat of the sleek black maybach with Gabriel beside me, the memory hit me like a wave. It wasn’t something I thought about often, but today, on the day I was marrying into this whirlwind of a family, I couldn’t help
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter

Related chapters

  • Billionaire's Choice   A Wedding to Remember

    Gabriel’s POVStanding at the altar, I kept my gaze fixed ahead, refusing to look at her. Aria. The woman who, in a matter of hours, would legally become my wife.How did I get here? A marriage to a stranger, orchestrated by my grandmother, Helen. The same woman who’d built this empire with her bare hands and who, now in her twilight years, thought she had the right to rearrange my life like one of her elaborate dinner table settings.This wasn’t a marriage. It was a transaction, plain and simple—a desperate bid to protect the family’s estate, legacy, and God knows what else. And Aria? She was just as much a pawn in this as I was. A woman drowning in debt, dragged into this mess because she was the "solution" to Grandma’s prophecy that only I, married to her, could secure the future.I resented her for it. For agreeing to this circus. For being here now, dressed in white and looking like someone I should care about.The officiant’s voice broke through my thoughts, dragging me back into

    Last Updated : 2025-01-23
  • Billionaire's Choice   How They Met

    Mexico City, Three Years Ago9:45 PM, The Gran Palacio BallroomGabriel tugged at the cuffs of his black wool double-breasted peak lapel tuxedo, more out of habit than necessity. Around him, the glittering ballroom buzzed with conversation, the kind of polished, calculated talk he had grown used to over the years.This was his world: annual galas, endless schmoozing, and deals that shaped skylines. As the CEO of the largest real estate firm in San Francisco, being here was less about choice and more about duty. Tonight, the focus was on expanding their footprint into Latin America, but Gabriel’s mind was far from the logistics of skyscrapers and property lines.“…we’re better off delaying the deal until the second quarter,” Jonathan was saying, his tone calm and practical.Gabriel nodded absently, barely processing the words. His attention had shifted the moment he heard an arresting, velvety voice. It wasn’t loud, not enough to disrupt the steady hum of conversations around them. But

    Last Updated : 2025-01-24
  • Billionaire's Choice   The One, Maybe?

    Up close, she was breathtaking in a way that caught him completely off guard. Her caramel-toned skin seemed to glow, its warm undertones hinting at her roots, and her sharp jawline added a refined edge to her beauty. Her full lips, unadorned but naturally inviting, were set in a faint pout, as though she was lost in thought.Her dark eyes were deep and almond-shaped, framed by thick lashes that gave them an almost hypnotic quality. They had a richness to them, a kind of smoldering intensity that made Gabriel feel like they could see straight through him.The way her hair framed her heart-shaped face made every feature more striking, from the proud curve of her nose to the delicate arch of her brows.She wasn’t just beautiful; she was arresting. Every angle, every detail seemed carefully crafted to demand his attention. She had a quiet elegance about her that felt natural, not rehearsed, and it only made him more curious.He suddenly realized he’d been staring too long.Gabriel barely

    Last Updated : 2025-01-24
  • Billionaire's Choice   The Wait

    Gabriel sat by the large windows in his penthouse, staring out at the city lights without really seeing them. He’d bought the place as a home base for his trips to Mexico, a convenient spot for work as his company expanded into Latin America. His phone sat on the table beside a half-empty glass of wine, untouched for the last hour.He paced the length of the room, one hand in his pocket while the other ran absently through his hair. Restless energy coursed through him, unusual for someone so composed. He glanced at his phone for the third time in the last five minutes, the screen lighting up to show nothing but the time. No messages. No calls.Antonia had only taken his number, promising to call when she felt ready. It had seemed like a good idea at the time, but now, the waiting was driving him crazy.The hours since the gala felt like a blur. He hadn’t been able to shake the memory of her. The way her voice carried a subtle warmth, the elegance in how she carried herself. She wasn’t

    Last Updated : 2025-01-25
  • Billionaire's Choice   A Spark That Felt Like Fate

    Gabriel woke up earlier than usual and his thoughts were entirely consumed by Antonia. She was on his mind more than he cared to admit. It was foolish, he told himself, to be this excited about someone he’d only just met. And yet, he couldn’t help it.The way they’d connected, effortlessly, as though they had known each other much longer than a few hours. He wanted to see her again. Needed to.He had already made plans, of course. It was in his nature to go all out for something he cared about, and he cared about impressing her. He didn’t want to take her to some stuffy restaurant or an overhyped bar. No, he wanted her to remember this day. Something that felt special.He could have asked Jonathan to handle everything for him, but it would be exciting to do it himself. There was something personal about taking control of the plans. That way, he’d feel more connected to it. He wanted to be part of the process, to have the satisfaction of knowing that every little piece had his touch on

    Last Updated : 2025-01-25
  • Billionaire's Choice   Double Life

    Antonia’s eyes fluttered open, her body still warm and heavy from the night before. Her bare back rested against his chest. His arm rested possessively around her waist, holding her close, as though even in sleep, he didn’t want to let her go. The faint scent of cologne and the lingering warmth of their naked bodies told the story of passion that had unfolded just hours earlier. His breath was soft and steady against her neck, and for a moment, she simply lay there, relishing the quiet intimacy of the moment.Antonia turned her head slightly, careful not to wake him, and let her gaze linger on his face. His features were relaxed, almost boyish in his sleep, and it made her smile. For all his intensity the night before, he looked peaceful now, as though the weight of the world had been lifted.She shifted a little, careful not to disturb him too much, but his arm tightened around her waist instinctively. His lips brushed her shoulder, and a low murmur escaped him."Morning already?" h

    Last Updated : 2025-01-27
  • Billionaire's Choice   The Warning

    Gabriel sat behind his large, polished desk, flicking through business proposals with the occasional furrow of his brow. Jonathan, seated across from him, shuffled through papers, checking the details of an upcoming meeting. The steady hum of the office felt normal, but there was an odd energy in the air today.Every now and then, Gabriel would glance up from the documents, a small smile tugging at his lips. It wasn’t much, a brief curve of his mouth, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. But it was enough for Jonathan to notice. Gabriel wasn’t usually so distracted. Not when he was buried in work.Jonathan raised an eyebrow. He’d worked with Gabriel long enough to know that something was different. The man wasn’t easily moved by much, and yet, here he was, smiling to himself like a teenager in love. Jonathan shifted in his seat, trying to make sense of it. He knew Gabriel had been seeing Antonia for a couple of months now, but was this really the cause of his strange mood?He didn’t as

    Last Updated : 2025-01-27
  • Billionaire's Choice   Jonathan's Dilemma

    One Year LaterIn the span of a year, Gabriel’s world had become a love story written for Antonia. The once self-assured, business-savvy billionaire was now a man who revolved around her, every decision tinged with her presence. Antonia had seamlessly become a part of his life—his family adored her, his friends admired her charm, and his staff spoke of her kindness.Over the months, Gabriel had put her name on properties, an apartment in Miami, another in Mexico, and shares in one of his smaller businesses. She had gained access to his accounts under the guise of helping him organize his life, funding personal projects, and even donating to causes close to her heart. To Gabriel, she was a partner in every sense. He was utterly convinced that she was the woman he would marry.Despite their growing closeness, there was one person who still doubted Antonia, which was Jonathan. Gabriel’s closest confidant and right-hand man had spent the past year quietly observing her. Every time he voic

    Last Updated : 2025-01-27

Latest chapter

  • Billionaire's Choice   A Date?

    Gabriel’s POV“Make sure they have the revised proposal by tomorrow morning,” I said, my voice firm as I scanned the papers in front of me, focusing on the numbers that would determine the next phase.Jonathan didn’t need reminding. He was already typing on his laptop, his eyes fixed on the screen, furiously going through the details. “Already on it. They’ll have it. Anything else before we call it a day?”I leaned back, dragging a hand through my hair, and checked my pocket watch. Her pretty face stared back at me through the glass, and it took me a moment to remember why I’d pulled it out in the first place, but my gaze quickly shifted to the time: past 8 p.m. I’d been at this for hours, but the job wasn’t done yet. There was no ‘normal’ workday when you were closing deals that would change the face of a city.I hadn’t wanted to be in DC. To be honest, I hadn’t wanted to be anywhere but in the comfort of familiar things, and by familiar things, I mean being in Colorado right now. Bu

  • Billionaire's Choice   I hated It

    Aria’s POV"Ugh, I swear," Jenna groaned, tugging her hair into a messy bun on screen. "If one more designer tries to sell me a ‘reinvention of classic minimalism’ that’s just a white shirt with a pocket, I’m quitting.""You’ve said that three times this year," Liv teased, propped up against a stack of pillows in what looked like a dreamy Airbnb. “Also, that white shirt is probably $700.”"Don’t remind me," Jenna rolled her eyes. “God forbid minimalism be affordable.”Nicole gave a small laugh as she scrolled through something on her iPad. “Meanwhile, I had to convince a luxury skincare brand today that launching a ‘gritty street-style’ campaign with models in couture was not... the vibe.”Liv made a face. "What does that even mean?"“Exactly,” Nicole said. “I think they just throw buzzwords into a blender and hope for the best.”I smiled quietly, watching them talk. I didn’t say much at first; I just listened. It had been a while since we were all on a call like this together, and so

  • Billionaire's Choice   Truce

    Gabriel’s POV “You’ve got some nerve, Gabriel, coming all the way to Mexico to call for a truce. Do you really think you can reason with a man like me?” Diego’s voice dripped with venom, each word hanging in the air like a challenge. His eyes were cold, unblinking as they locked onto mine. I met his gaze with the same intensity, my voice calm and controlled. “I’m not here to fight, Diego. I’m here to talk. Nothing more, nothing less.” Diego’s sneer deepened, but I held my ground, my mind already retracing the events of the past two weeks. The eye-opening conversation I’d had with my father. The family dynamics. Diego’s past. My father had spoken of the years of bitterness Diego carried, the resentment born from how my grandfather had abandoned him and the death of his mother, a death he believed we were responsible for. But that conversation had been only the beginning. A week later, Andrew had dropped the real bombshell: documents that could bring Diego down. These weren’t

  • Billionaire's Choice   A Fragile Fire

    Gabriel's POVI didn’t say a word as the jet took off. The conversation with my father sat heavily in my mind, but I forced it aside. For now.I leaned back in my seat, exhaling slowly. The cabin lights were dim, casting a muted glow over the polished wood and leather. The hum of the engines was steady, almost soothing.Then, almost instinctively, I reached into my pocket.The familiar weight of the pocket watch pressed against my palm, cool and solid. I flicked it open with my thumb. The soft click echoed louder than it should have in the silence.And there she was, her pretty face staring back at me. My Ari, my angel. The picture was taken in our bedroom, a moment I’d stolen when she had no idea. She was in her natural state, completely unaware of the camera in my hand. Her hair was a little wild from sleep, and her eyes had that soft, distant look that made her so damn beautiful. It was a simple shot, but I loved it, because it was her, in the most authentic and unguarded way. I ha

  • Billionaire's Choice   And Another Truth

    Gabriel's POVThe silence stretched between us, thick and suffocating. The air in my father's living room felt heavier than before, like the walls had closed in around us.I forced myself to breathe. To stay still. To absorb what I had just heard.Diego was family.I sat down, my body moving before my mind could fully catch up. “Explain,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm inside me.Andrew didn’t speak immediately. He reached for the bottle of whiskey on the table, poured himself another glass, and stared into the amber liquid like it held the past itself. “You think you know the Deveraux family,” he said. “But you don’t. Not really.”I said nothing.He let out a slow breath. “This goes back to Richard,” he began. “My father. Your grandfather.”I knew that name well. The man who built the Deveraux empire. The man everyone claimed was ruthless, brilliant, untouchable.Andrew continued, “Richard had an affair while on a business trip to Mexico. A woman, who wasn’t just some mist

  • Billionaire's Choice   The Truth

    Gabriel's POVTCA wasn’t new to me. I had trained here for years, stepping into the ring whenever I needed an outlet. Back then, it was about control, about reminding myself that power wasn’t just about wealth or influence, it was about knowing I could end a fight before it even started.But now, it wasn’t about control.It was about survival.I adjusted my stance, muscles coiled with tension as Cole, my personal trainer, circled me. His gaze was sharp, unreadable, assessing, calculating. There was no sympathy in his eyes, no wasted words. Just the demand for perfection."You’re too slow," he said flatly. "Again."TCA wasn’t a regular gym. It was where professionals trained; fighters, bodyguards, men who understood that losing wasn’t an option.There were no influencers shadowboxing in front of mirrors, no weekend warriors pretending to be something they weren’t. This was a place for men who needed to be ready for war.I wasn’t new to combat, but this wasn’t about street fights or bru

  • Billionaire's Choice   Bait.

    Gabriel’s POVDominic’s update came in like clockwork.Aria had taken the promotion. No hesitation. No second-guessing. She thought it was luck. The right place, the right time, the perfect opportunity falling into her hands. And why wouldn’t she? That was the world I wanted her to live in. A world where doors opened for her effortlessly, where she could step into the future she deserved without ever knowing whose hands had cleared the path.Her brother’s scholarship had come through. Full ride. Mentorship, books, everything covered. Another twist of fate in her mind. Another reason to believe life had finally started working in her favor.I leaned back, exhaling slowly. She was happy. She was thriving. And for now, she was safe.I should have been satisfied. I should have let it be enough. But it wasn’t. It never would be. I still wasn’t breathing right.Because I wasn’t there. Because I wasn’t the one she was coming home to at the end of the day, the one she was smiling at when she

  • Billionaire's Choice   Blessing In Disguise

    Aria's POVThe walk to work was peaceful, the kind of morning that made me grateful for this change. The air was crisp, the streets quieter than what I was used to, and for once, I didn’t feel like I was constantly racing against something I couldn’t see.Lennox & Co. Publishing was not the biggest publishing house in the country, but it was reputable, respected. It had an impressive catalog of bestsellers, a growing influence in the industry, and most importantly, a work culture that wasn’t suffocating. Here, creativity thrived. Ideas were encouraged, not dismissed. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was in a space where I could breathe.As I pushed through the glass doors, the familiar hum of morning activity greeted me. The scent of coffee lingered in the air, blending with the faint aroma of paper and ink. Editors and assistants moved around with purpose, some already deep in conversations about manuscripts and market trends.I had barely settled at my desk when I h

  • Billionaire's Choice   The Betrayal

    GABRIEL’S POVLetting her go was supposed to protect her. That was the only reason I did it. I told myself that if I walked away, if I created enough distance, she would be safe. But it had been two months, and I was lying to myself if I thought I had ever truly let her go.I wasn’t there with her. I wasn’t beside her when she woke up or when she fell asleep, but I still knew everything. Where she lived. Where she worked. Who she spoke to. What time she left her apartment in the morning. What time she returned. The smallest details of her life reached me because I made sure they did.It wasn’t about control. It was about protection.Aria thought she had a fresh start. A new city. A new job. A life away from me.But there was no such thing as away when it came to her.I knew everything.I knew she had gone back to Colorado, back to the only family she had left. I knew she lived in a small apartment a few blocks from her workplace, in a neighborhood that was safe but not safe enough for

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status