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63 - Richard
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Billionaire's Perfect Bride 64 - Elena
Richard tightened his grip on my hand as our limousine approached the event centre that Sarah's latest health seminar was going to hold. I kept trying to remind myself that he had to make an appearance since he was part of the medical board behind everything, and nothing could work without his influence but truth be told, I was uneasy.This was the first time all three of us would be present at such a public event, and it was the first event we were attending as a married couple. There was so much pressure, and so much could go wrong. So far, we had been safe from the media's unwarranted attention for the most part, but we couldn't escape them tonight.We couldn't escape Sarah."Ponyo," Richard began as he raised my hand to his lips. “How do you feel?"I turned to look at him and shook my head. “Nervous."He nodded in understanding and kissed the back of my hand. “You look stunning tonight," he murmured as his eyes roamed over the red evening gown I was wearing. It was figure-hugging,
Billionaire's Perfect Bride 65 - Richard
Elena had barely spoken a word since we arrived, and I was worried. She had been smiling for photographs and she answered every question that had been thrown at her with humor andgrace, but she had been acting distant, even though she hadn't taken her hand out of mine unless she had to.My heart raced as we headed up to the private balcony that we were watching the seminar from. I didn't recall ever being so anxious about someone's well-being. I never worried much about Sarah, not even when she acted jealous about any of the female staff under my management, because I always knew she had nothing to worry about, and I had nothing to feel guilty for.It was different with Elena. I needed her to be okay, regardless of whether or not her worries were warranted.We took our seats, and I lifted our joined hands to my lips, kissing the back of her hand tenderly. She looked at me, and that look in her eyes hit mestraight in my chest. She looked hurt and so fucking sad, and I had no idea why
Billionaire's Perfect Bride 66 - Richard
“She's right, you know," Elena said, her tone lackluster. “You will regret that. You've never had the heart to hurt her. You don't need to start now on my behalf.”I turned to my wife and gently cupped her cheek, my heart racing."You're fucking insane if you think I'm going to sit there and watch you choke back tears. You're my wife, Elena. She's nothing but your sister to me. I don't give a fuck about my past with her, and I don't want to hear about it either. I certainly won't fucking sit here and watch her hurt you unprovoked, because we both know that's exactly what she was doing. Don't even dream of making excuses for her, Elena."I pinched her chin and raised her face to mine. “You're mine, Elena. You will always be mine. How long is it going to take for you to realize that? You're my wife. You're not someone anyone can offend or hurt. Certainly not on my fucking watch.""I buried my hand in her hair and tightened my grip as I roughly pulled her closer. "When are you going to r
Billionaire's Perfect Bride 67 - Elena
I bit down on my lip as I stared at the text messages Sarah had been sending me all morning, I should be finalizing the edits for my new book, but I kept daydreaming about my husband.Being with him had been better than I ever could've dreamed of. Everything I thought I'd never have was within reach now. It made me wonder if mysuspicions about Sarah and Richard were true. He never seemed happy around her - not the way he was with his family. I thought it had just been my own wishful, but maybe it wasn't.When he rejected me, I thought that was it for us. I was certain I'd never have another chance, and I'd have to watch him have his happily ever afterwith my sister. I never thought that'd only be the start of our story.Richard: do you know what the best thing is about your wife being a superwoman?Elena:... working out together?Richard: Last night's workout definitely was intense...Richard: But no, that's not the best part. It's all the pictures of you in lingerie that I don't ev
Billionaire's Perfect Bride 68 - Elena
I stared up at the house as I tried to gather the courage to go in. I shouldn't have let Sarah's words rattle me, but I did. She got to me, because she was right.Always.I knew exactly what I was doing when I choosed to shut out the voice of reason and take her place. Had I stayed away, Grandmother Willow would no doubt have given Sarah yet another chance. I was selfish and took a risk. Did I make the wrong choice?I inhaled deeply and steeled myself as I walked into the house. I was scared to face Richard, knowing there would be a chance I would find some truth in her words if I confronted him. I felt like I had built a house of cards, and at any moment, everything would come crashing down on me."Sarah?" Richard looked at me with clear concern in his eyes.“You're home late today. I've been calling you. Where have you been?"I forced a smile and shook my head. “I've just been working late, that's all." I hesitated. "I've got a headache, Richard. I'm heading to bed."He walked up to
Billionaire's Perfect Bride 69 - Richard
I smiled to myself as I stared at The Herald's headline. Normally, the mere name of this damn gossip paper pissed me off. Their titles were always overly sensational and irritating, but today they did a great job.*Elena and Richard Delmonte's wedding rings reportedly cost MILLIONS**Looks like nothing is impossible for the top 1%. Richard and Elena's rings were reportedly handcrafted by elusive master goldsmith Richard Laurier. Our sources tell us that the couple's rings were designed by the famous model and designer herself. Laurier's designs are highly coveted and rare, reserved mostly for royalty. We have it on good authority that many celebrities have been shunned by the goldsmith, but it appears an exception was made for the Delmontes.Recent photos of Elena's ring reveal that it's at least fifteen carats. Based on our estimates, her ring is worth a cool 25 million. Meanwhile, her media mogul husband appears to be wearing a ring with a diamond pattern on it — no doubt a tribute
Billionaire's Perfect Bride 70 - Elena
“It's been a while since Grandmother called us all together like that so urgently," Talia said as we walked toward the main house together. “The last time she did that it was to announce your upcoming wedding.""Do you have any idea what it might be about?"Talia shook her head. “No clue, whatsoever. I asked my brothers as well, and they have no idea."My phone started to ring and groan as I stared at my caller ID. I had no doubt my mother was calling about something related to Sarah, and I didn't want to hear any of it."Who is that?" Talia asked, glancing at my phone. She rolled her eyes when she saw my mother's name and declined the call for me, but my mother called me straight back. She was so relentless. If I didn't pick up, she would just keep calling, until she wore me down."Mom?""Elena, sweetheart. I've been trying to reach you for hours."Normally l'd have made excuses, but I didn't have it in me today. "What is it, Mom?" It didn't sit well with me that she was calling me s
Billionaire's Perfect Bride 71 - Elena
“You seem nervous," Richard said as we pulled up in front of my parents' house. I nodded and turned towards him. “Moment of honesty," I whispered. "I'm scared to face Sarah, and the thought of being surrounded by my family for an entire weekend fills me with anxiety. Every time I'm here, I feel like I'm lacking, Besides.this house... it's filled with memories of you and her."Richard leaned in and cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing over my lips tenderly. "I'll overwrite them," he promised. "However, Ponyo, if you don't want to go, we don't have to, you know? I'll turn the car back around right now and we'll go enjoy our weekend home. Alone. Just the two of us.”I frowned at him in surprise. "But I thought family means everything to you."He looked into my eyes, his expression carrying a hint of sorrow that he tried to bury behind a smile. “That's because I mean everything to my family.”Hurt rendered me speechless for a moment, and he looked away."I love you," he whispered. "I lov
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Billionaire's Perfect Bride Epilogue - Richard
I slipped into my wife's dressing room and leaned back against the wall, taking a moment to just watch her. Her makeup artist was putting the final touches on her, and she looked fucking magnificent. Tonight, her long hair was loose and wild, spread all over her body, accentuating the blazing-white gown she was wearing.It was the same gown I watched her draw on Sarah's birthday. Seeing it on her tonight was surreal. Her creativity knew no bounds, and I couldn't be more proud of her.Her eyes lit up when she saw me, and I pushed off the wall. I grinned when she dismissed everyone in her room, no doubt reading the look in my eyes.“Richy," she said, smiling. I would never tire of the way she said my name. On her lips, it was simultaneously a prayer and a sin."Baby," I whispered. "You look far too fucking beautiful in this. I can't take this. I can already imagine what all your pervs will have to say about the photos of this book launch." She chuckled. “It's the last one, my love," she
Billionaire's Perfect Bride 90 - Richard
My heart was pounding wildly as I led Elena to the helicopter that was waiting for us. I had negotiated more multi-million dollar deals than I could count, and never before have I felt fear like I felt today.“Are you okay?" she asked as I buckled her in. “You're so quiet."I nodded, unable to suppress my nerves as I sat down next to her."Where are we going?" Elena asked through the headphones.I beamed at her. “You'll see.”I held her hand tightly as we flied toward the cabin where our story started. I knew that there was no point in pondering on what-ifs, but lately I couldn't help but wish things had played out differently.What if I'd drank a little less and actually remembered my night with Elena? Would we have been happily married years ago? We'd have made so many more memories together, and we'd both have saved each other from so much pain."Wow!" Elena pointed out the window, a huge smile on her face when she saw the hundreds of flowers spread across the lawn...She was so rid
Billionaire's Perfect Bride 89 - Elena
I walked through the home Richard and I built, my heart heavy. There was no trace of Sarah left, our cleaners ensured it. Yet I could still feel her here. I wondered if the scars she left would ever fade.I was trembling as I sat down on the sofa, still reeling from the news that was released about her. Countless affairs, and irrefutable proof that the child she was carrying was not Richard's.Climbing her way to the top like that...I never would have expected that. I couldn't wrap my mind around it. It was like I never really knew her at all, and it made me feel even worse for sacrificing so much for her.I felt like an idiot, and I was ashamed of my subservience. I catered to her all our lives, feeling guilty for having had the childhood she'd always wanted, when it was obvious that she lacked for nothing.She'd always had this way of making me feel inferior, and if not for Richard, I never would've been able to untangle myself from her web. I didn't even dare think about what would
Billionaire's Perfect Bride 88 - Richard
My heart felt heavy as I walked into the house I arranged for Sarah. I wished it hadn't come to this, because despite the rift between them, I knew Elena still loved Sarah. I wished I didn't stand at the center of their fallout. All I wanted to bring my wife was happiness, not torment. I knew Elena. I knew she was still hoping that Sarah would change, but the bitter truth was that she wouldn't."Richard," she called, smiling. That intimate and smug smile of hers irritated me a great deal. I may have been able to dispel many of the rumors she circulated, but I wasn't able to get rid of them entirely."Congratulations, " I said. "The doctor told me you're in the clear, and the baby is doing well. Looks like a change of scenery is exactly what you needed."She nodded. “Yeah. I love this place. It's much better than your place. We'll have to renovate that. It isn't child-friendly, and I hate the interior."I nodded as I sat down on the sofa, opposite her. “Yeah, we're not doing that. Elen
Billionaire's Perfect Bride 87 - Elena
I watched as Alanna joked around with Talia and Felicia, my heart full. Emerson, Ford, Brock, Talia and Felicia have been staying here with me, much to Alanna's delight and Silas's annoyance.Felicia and Talia have been taking turns sleeping next to me, ensuring I didn't get caught in a downward spiral caused by social media. Though truth be told, there wasn't much being shared anymore. Richard's plea worked, and people massively took down their posts. It sparked discussions about cyber bullying and the mental health of celebrities, but while that topic was on people's minds, so were we."Elena," Alanna called.I walked up to her, and she frowned as she pulled their security feed up on the TV. It showed Richard walking into the building, and my eyes widened.Silas groaned and gritted his teeth. "Well, well, well. If it isn't my least favorite Delmonte."Alanna and I stared at him wide-eyed as he called up the police and requested that Ares be taken off their property. He turned to me
Billionaire's Perfect Bride 86 - Elena
I was absentminded as I took a bite of the breakfast Alanna made for me. I tried not to, but I ended up scrolling through my social media feeds all night, and I found nothing but hatred directed at me. Despite Richard's best attempts, screenshots of deleted content were making their rounds across all channels. We've made it into every single gossip magazine, and they were all scrambling to create timelines of Richard and Sarah's relationship.It came to no surprise to me when The Herald reported on Sarah's pregnancy, which only villainized me further. Now I was not just the woman standing in between two childhood sweethearts, I was also the evil stepmother-to-be.Watching my love for Richard being turned into a spectacle for everyone to witness was one of the hardest things I'd ever had to do. Photos I couldn't recall taking were being posted online, showcasing how we used to look at each other when Sarah and Richard were still dating. The media had everyone convinced that I'd been se
Billionaire's Perfect Bride 85 - Elena
My heart felt heavy as the driver that picked me up parked in a large elevator. It started to rise, until the car was parked in the corner of my friends' living room.The passenger door opened, and my friend Alanna offered me her hand. Her arms instantly wrapped around me, enveloping me in a tight hug, and that one small human gesture was more than enough to make me fall apart. I burst into tears, loud, heart wrenching sobs escaping my throat as she led me to the sofa. “I didn't know where else to g-go,” I said to her.Alanna and I have been best friends ever since she walked into my boutique in search of a wedding gown. No one has ever understood our friendship, but it was one of the most genuine and closest I've got. Alanna was one of a kind, and right now, she was the one person that could give me the solace I needed, without judgement.“I'm going to kill him," she whispered.“Easy, Little Psycho," her husband, Silas, said.Silas handed me a handkerchief with a small ¥ embroidered
Billionaire's Perfect Bride 84 - Elena
I was barely thinking straight as I walked to our bedroom, tears streaming down my face andRichard on my heels.“Baby," Richard pleaded. “Please. Please trust that I'll fix this."I whirled around to face him. "How?" I screamed. “How will you fix this, Richard? Articles about us are all over the internet. It isn't as simple as suing just one single magazine, and even if we do, it's too late!"I walked into our wardrobe and yanked my clothes off the hangers, my movements erratic."Elena," Richard called in panic, his voice breaking. "What are you doing, Ponyo? You can't... don't do this. I beg of you, don't do this, Elena."I shook my head and grabbed my suitcase. "I'm not spending another moment in the same house as her. I've tried, Richard. For years, I've tried, sacrificing my damn soul to keep her happy in the process. I can't take much more.”He grabbed my shoulders and held onto me tightly, panic flashing through his eyes. "You're insane if you think I'll let you go."I shook my
Billionaire's Perfect Bride 83 - Elena
I walked into the kitchen to find Sarah sitting by the breakfast bar, dark circles marring her beautiful face. She looked up at me, her eyes filled with defeat. She knew. There was no doubt in my mind that Richard confronted her about what she did five years ago.She huffed and looked away as she picked up her teacup, her hands trembling. I wished I had the energy to keep up the facade, but I didn't. After what Richard told me last night, I could barely stand to look at her. How was I supposed to allow her into my life, knowing how much she tookfrom me? "Why did you do it?" I asked, unable to keep the question buried.She looked up at me and gritted her teeth. “Do what?""That night... why did you sneak into Richard's room? Why did you pretend it was you he slept with?"She looked away and shook her head, avoiding my gaze. I'd never seen her at a loss for words, but she was today. It was clear that she thought she got away with her deception. Just how long had she gotten away with m
