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Chapter 14
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-11-08 20:28:48
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Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 15
Descending the stairs with Sophia and Greta by my side, I still couldn’t shake the heaviness in my chest. The pressure, the secrets, the sheer weight of it all—it felt like I was being dragged down, step by step. I stole glances at Sophia, wishing she could stay a little longer. But I knew that was asking too much, especially after that showdown with my mother. Still, her presence was a comfort I wasn’t ready to let go of.When we reached the bottom of the stairs, I turned to her, struggling to keep my composure. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay a little longer? For dinner, perhaps?” I asked, even though I already knew her answer.Sophia gave a light laugh, brushing off the tension from before. “As tempting as that is, I think I’ve caused enough trouble for one day,” she replied with a playful glint in her eye, but I could tell she was still uneasy. The incident with my mother had rattled her, and it only reminded me how dangerous it was to involve anyone in my mess.We hugged tig
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-08Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 16
The moment dinner ended, I excused myself, murmuring something about needing to gather my belongings. Iris’ triumphant smirk felt like a dagger twisting in my chest. Viktor’s knowing smile was worse, a silent reminder of the agreement I’d made to keep Greta’s job safe. I could feel Aaron’s eyes on me, filled with worry, but he didn’t speak. He couldn’t—not with Iris and Viktor sitting there, basking in their victory.In my room, I grabbed a small overnight bag and began stuffing it with essentials. My hands trembled as I folded clothes, the enormity of what I was about to do sinking in with each passing second. Aaron knocked softly on the door and stepped inside, closing it quietly behind him.“Are you really going through with this?” His voice was low, strained.“I don’t have a choice, Aaron,” I replied, keeping my eyes on the bag. “You know that.”He walked closer, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You always have a choice, Irina. Don’t let them make you believe otherwise.”I looked u
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-16Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 17
Waking up in Viktor’s mansion was disorienting. The ceiling above me was high, adorned with intricate designs that seemed to mock me with their elegance. The sheets were soft, but they smelled of unfamiliar detergent, not the faint lavender scent I’d grown used to back home. It was cold, not just because of the temperature, but because nothing in this room felt alive. It wasn’t mine. Nothing here was.I sat up slowly, pulling the sheets closer to my chest, trying to shake off the unease that had followed me from the night before. My eyes landed on the heavy necklace Viktor had given me. It sat on the dresser, its jewels catching the morning light in a way that made it seem like it was watching me, judging me.There was a knock at the door.“Miss Irina, breakfast is ready,” a servant announced politely. I swallowed hard, knowing I couldn’t delay this. Viktor was waiting.The dining room was just as intimidating as the rest of the mansion. The table was long, with a spread of food that
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-28Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 18
Two days left. Two days until I am no longer Irina Marchenko but someone else entirely—a wife, a prisoner, a pawn. The thought used to terrify me. Now, I feel nothing. No fight, no rebellion, no hope. If this is my life, then what’s the point of resisting?I woke to the sound of my door creaking open. Mrs. Evelina Loresca, the wedding planner my mother had hired, again strode in like she owned the place. Behind her, two maids carried a flowing white gown, its delicate lace catching the morning light. Evelina clapped her hands sharply.“Up, Irina. We have work to do,” she said.I obeyed without a word, rising from the edge of my bed where I’d been sitting. The maids moved quickly, helping me into the dress. Their hands were cold and impersonal, pulling and pinching until the fabric fit perfectly over my body. My arms hung limp as they adjusted the lace sleeves, and I barely flinched when Evelina tilted my chin to inspect the high collar I had requested.“You chose well,” Evelina said,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-01Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 19
The church was enormous. The ceiling seemed so far away it was lost in the shadows, and the walls stretched higher and higher until I felt like a tiny speck beneath them. Chandeliers dripped with golden light, casting long, flickering shadows over everything. Rows of seats were filled with people, but none of their faces were clear.They whispered to one another, their voices blending into a strange, unsettling hum. Some of them laughed softly, and though I couldn’t see their expressions, I could feel their judgment.I walked slowly down the aisle, the soft rustle of my gown the only sound I could make out over the murmuring. My dress was beautiful—exactly what I had dreamed of as a little girl. The fabric shimmered under the light, and delicate lace trailed behind me.But the aisle wasn’t decorated the way I imagined. Instead of white roses and soft greenery, the flowers lining the path were black and wilted, their petals drooping sadly onto the polished floor.Something felt wrong.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-02Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 20
Morning arrived with a quiet stillness, broken only by the distant chatter of staff preparing for the wedding. The faint glow of sunlight filtered through the curtains, teasing my eyes open. I stared at the ceiling, wishing I could stay in bed forever.The weight of everything felt unbearable. The nightmare from last night lingered in my mind, vivid and haunting. My heart pounded as the memory of Viktor’s skeletal face and the collapsing church resurfaced. My throat tightened as I struggled to shake off the dream’s hold.Sighing deeply, I sat up and instinctively placed a hand on my stomach. The faint curve under my palm was unmistakable now. The twins. My twins. And Lukas’ children.My breath hitched, and my heart ached with the same question that haunted me every day: What kind of life will they have?I felt a pang of guilt as tears pricked my eyes. These innocent lives growing inside me hadn’t asked for this. And yet, I was helpless to change their fate—or mine.Another knock at th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-03Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 21
The sharp ring of the clock jolted me awake at exactly 5:30 a.m., though I hardly needed it. Sleep had been elusive the night before, and the heavy feeling in my chest hadn’t left me since I’d finally drifted off. Today was the day.The nightmare from the night before lingered at the edges of my mind, its weight pressing on me like an unwelcome guest. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the pale face staring back at me. My eyes dropped to my stomach, and for the first time, I noticed the slight curve beneath my nightgown. My babies. I gently placed my hand over my belly.They didn’t deserve this life—trapped in a marriage built on lies and obligation.I couldn’t stay in the room a second longer. The air felt stifling, the silence unbearable. I slipped out of bed, careful not to make a sound, and left my room. Passing the busy halls unnoticed, I made my way outside, my heart heavy with thoughts I couldn’t voice.The garden was as vast and grand as ever, but its
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-05Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 22
The air inside the church was heavy, thick with incense and the weight of a thousand unspoken expectations. My steps echoed across the polished marble floor, each one a reminder of the path I could no longer veer from. The grandeur of the place was suffocating—the towering stained glass windows filtering streams of light that painted the space in colors too vibrant for the emptiness I felt. Every detail was perfect, pristine, and hollow, like me.I felt the stares of everyone as I walked down the aisle—not the wedding aisle, not yet, but the path leading to the waiting room at the side of the church. Servants hurried past, murmuring among themselves, their voices a dull hum against the pounding in my ears. Somewhere in the distance, I could hear the choir rehearsing, their voices rising in a hymn that sounded more like a dirge.I reached the small room where I was to wait until the ceremony began. It was lavishly decorated, with velvet chairs, gilded mirrors, and a table laden with re
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-19
Bab terbaru
Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 39
The door slammed shut behind Lukas and Klaus, leaving the air in the study heavy with unresolved tension. I stood frozen, my hands clenched at my sides, as the weight of their absence settled over me. A part of me wanted to chase after them, to demand that I be part of the plan. But Lukas’ words echoed in my mind: If they’re targeting you, I’m not putting you in their crosshairs.The journal lay open on the desk, Vadim Andreev’s name scrawled across the yellowed page like a taunt. The crescent moon beside it glared back at me, a reminder of the questions that had no answers. I traced the edges of the symbol with my fingertip, willing my memory to yield something—anything—that might make sense of the connection.Who are you, Vadim?I paced the room, trying to shake the unease that had settled in my chest. The study felt too quiet, the silence amplifying the fear that gnawed at my resolve. I turned back to the journal and flipped through the pages again, searching for something I might
Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 38
The morning light filtered through the heavy curtains of Lukas’ study, casting long shadows across the room. I sat in the corner, clutching a cup of tea that had long since gone cold. The events of the previous night replayed in my mind, each detail sharpening my resolve.Across the room, Lukas stood by the window, his posture rigid. Klaus had left at dawn to follow up on the drone’s signal, leaving us in a tense silence that seemed to thicken with every passing minute.“Irina,” Lukas said, breaking the quiet. “About the pendant—you said it felt familiar. Can you think of any connection, no matter how small?”I sighed, rubbing my temples. “It’s hard to explain. It’s like a memory on the edge of my mind, but it’s just... out of reach.”Lukas crossed the room, his intensity making the space feel smaller. “We don’t have the luxury of waiting for it to come to you. If Viktor—or whoever is behind this—knows something about your past, they’ll use it against you.”I flinched at the truth in
Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 37
The morning sun bathed the room in a warm, golden light, but its brightness did little to dispel the shadow of the letter’s threat. Lukas paced back and forth, the crisp sound of his footsteps on the hardwood floor a stark contrast to the unease settling over us.Klaus stood nearby, his usual stoic demeanor strained as he waited for Lukas’ next instruction.“I want the entire property swept,” Lukas ordered, his tone clipped. “Every inch of it. Cameras, motion sensors, anything that can give us a heads-up if someone comes within a mile of this place.”“I’ll see to it immediately,” Klaus replied before leaving the room with a curt nod.Lukas turned to me, his piercing gaze softening slightly. “Are you okay?”I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. The letter had rattled me to my core, but I didn’t want him to see how scared I truly was. “I’m fine,” I said, my voice steadier than I expected. “What about you?”His lips pressed into a thin line. “This isn’t the first time I’ve dealt with thr
Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 36
The next morning, I woke to the scent of fresh coffee wafting through the room. Sunlight poured in through the windows, spilling over the soft cream-colored walls. For a moment, I stayed still, taking in the peaceful quiet of the estate. It felt like a dream, but I knew better. This was our reality now.Lukas wasn’t in bed when I turned to his side, the sheets cool where he had slept. I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, and saw a note resting on the nightstand.Gone to finalize some arrangements. Klaus will assist you today. Enjoy the morning. -LI stared at the note for a moment, the elegant scrawl so distinctly his. Despite his attempts to shoulder everything alone, I could see the strain he was under. It made me even more determined to find my footing here, for him and for the twins.Klaus greeted me in the dining room, where breakfast was already laid out—a spread of fresh bread, jams, cheeses, and fruit. He bowed slightly, his polished demeanor reassuring. “Good morning, Mr
Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 35
The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains of the master bedroom, bathing the space in a soft, golden glow. I woke to the sound of birds chirping, an unfamiliar yet soothing melody compared to the bustling noise I was used to. For a moment, I forgot where I was, but the elegant furnishings and the faint scent of pine reminded me—this was Salzburg, our new beginning.I turned to find Lukas already awake, sitting on the edge of the bed. He was dressed in casual slacks and a dark sweater, a far cry from his usual sharp suits. His gaze was fixed on the view beyond the window, his expression contemplative.“Morning,” I said, my voice still heavy with sleep.He glanced over his shoulder and offered a small smile. “Morning. Did you sleep well?”“Well enough,” I replied, sitting up and pulling the blanket around me. “You?”“Barely,” he admitted. “Too much on my mind.”I hesitated before asking, “About Viktor?”He nodded, his jaw tightening. “And about you, the twins... everything.
Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 34
Morning came with the pale hues of dawn spilling across the sky, a quiet herald to the changes about to unfold. I woke to the sound of Lukas moving around the bedroom, his steps deliberate but soft, careful not to disturb me.“You’re up early,” I murmured, sitting up and rubbing my eyes.Lukas turned, his tie half-knotted, and offered a faint smile. “It’s a big day. Thought I’d get a head start.”I glanced at the packed bags near the door, their presence a sharp reminder that today was the day we’d leave everything behind. The thought made my stomach churn, though whether it was nerves or the twins, I couldn’t tell.Lukas crossed the room and perched on the edge of the bed. “I had breakfast sent up. Thought it might help calm your nerves.”“You’re assuming I can eat,” I said, managing a weak smile.His hand found mine, his grip firm but gentle. “You need your strength, Irina. For you, for them.” He nodded toward my growing belly.I took a deep breath, letting his steady presence ancho
Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 33
The hours that followed Aaron’s departure seemed to drag and blur at the same time. Every small task I took on—folding clothes, organizing papers, even packing a few items—felt monumental, like I was dismantling pieces of a life I hadn’t fully lived yet.Lukas stayed close but gave me space, sensing that I needed the quiet to sort through the storm inside. He busied himself with finalizing arrangements for our trip, taking calls in hushed tones as I moved through the apartment.By mid-afternoon, I found myself in the nursery. The soft hues of the walls, the neatly arranged crib, and the stuffed animals waiting patiently on the shelves felt like a promise we hadn’t yet fulfilled. I ran my fingers over the edge of the crib, imagining our babies sleeping peacefully there.A knock at the door startled me from my thoughts. Lukas appeared moments later, his brow furrowed. “Sophia’s here,” he said.Sophia. My heart leapt and sank all at once. I hadn’t told her about our decision yet.When I
Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 32
The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the room as I sat by the window, watching Lukas and Aaron converse in hushed tones near the doorway. Their faces were tight, their postures tense, and I didn’t need to hear their words to know they were discussing Viktor.Aaron’s visit, though brief, had been a welcome distraction from the ever-looming threat of my past catching up to us. But now, as the weight of reality bore down on me, I felt a pang of guilt. He had come to help, yet I hadn’t asked how he was holding up.When Lukas excused himself to take a call, I stood and crossed the room toward Aaron. He was leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed, his face set in a mask of quiet resolve.“Aaron,” I began softly, and his eyes flicked toward me.“What’s on your mind, Irina?” he asked, his voice rough but kind.I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. “I’ve been so caught up in everything… I never asked how you are. How’s Greta? Is she okay?”Aaron’s
Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella Chapter 31
The cottage was meant to be a safe house, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was too quiet—too perfect. I sat in the small living room, the faint scent of lavender mingling with the crackle of the fire Lukas had started in the hearth. Outside, the darkness pressed against the windows, broken only by the distant hum of his men patrolling the grounds.Lukas had insisted I rest, but I couldn’t. My thoughts spiraled endlessly, replaying the events that led me here. My conversation with him earlier felt like a dam breaking—one I’d held together for far too long. For the first time, I had laid my fears bare, and Lukas had taken each one with a steady determination that both comforted and terrified me.He was in the adjoining room now, speaking in low tones on the phone. His voice carried a sharp edge, a quiet intensity that made me wonder if he was already planning his next move. Against Viktor? Against whoever had tried to tear us apart? I didn’t know.The door creaked open, and Luka
