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CHAPTER 39

Penulis: JeniGN
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-01-04 18:36:37

Her belongings were still exactly where she had left them. Her scarf was draped over the chair by the window, her reading glasses perched on the bedside table, and a neatly folded sweater lay on the bed. My chest tightened as I walked further inside, the weight of her absence pressing down on me.

I noticed a small photo frame on the table and picked it up. It was a picture of her during one of her happiest moments—her head tilted back in laughter, her eyes sparkling with joy. Tears blurred my vision as I ran my fingers over the glass, tracing the lines of her face.

“Mom…” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Why does it hurt so much?”

I sat down on the edge of her bed, clutching the photo to my chest. My mind drifted to all the moments we had shared—her reassuring words when life felt overwhelming, her warm embrace when I needed comfort, and her laughter that could brighten even my darkest days. Each memory was like a thread, pulling me closer to her and yet reminding me of how far away s
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  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 40

    Each item I touched carried a memory, a piece of her, but instead of bringing tears, it brought a sense of peace.By the end of the day, I was exhausted but content. Standing in the middle of the living room, I looked around at the tidy, warm space that still felt like home.It was a small step, but it was a step forward.As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of amber and pink, I found myself sitting at the small wooden desk in my bedroom. My fingers absentmindedly traced the edge of a photo frame, my thoughts drifting between memories of my mother and the uncertain path ahead.Then, as if a lightbulb went off in my mind, I remembered something—Vincent's calling card. The sleek, elegant piece of paper that had seemed so unimportant in the whirlwind of grief now felt like a lifeline, a possible first step toward rebuilding my life.I stood, my heart beating a little faster, and began searching. Where had I put it? My room was still in disarray from the c

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-04
  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 41

    “Thank you for the opportunity,” I replied, meeting his gaze. “I’m ready to contribute in any way I can.”Vincent nodded, sliding a folder across the table toward me. “This contains the job details. It’s a position in our events and catering division—an area where your skills and experience can truly shine. We’ll be hosting high-profile clients, so attention to detail and professionalism will be crucial.”I opened the folder, scanning the contents. The role sounded challenging yet exciting, a chance to push myself and grow.“You’re also welcome to ask questions or share concerns,” Vincent added, his tone encouraging.I hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I appreciate the support Rockwell has offered me. But may I ask—why me? There are so many more experienced professionals out there.”Vincent’s expression softened. “Because I see potential in you, Kirsten. Sometimes, it’s not about experience but about heart and determination. You’ve faced challenges, yet you’re here, ready to re

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  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 42

    I hesitated for a moment before answering. "I... I withdrew from school, Vincent." I didn't want to go into the details just yet. The pain of losing my mother and everything that followed was still too fresh.Vincent seemed to take in my words with a quiet understanding. His smile softened, and he gave me a nod. "I see. Well, you don't have to worry about that now."I blinked, confused by his response. "What do you mean?"He leaned against the counter, folding his arms thoughtfully. "I’ll sponsor your degree, Kirsten. If you’re still interested in finishing your studies, I can help make it happen. I can’t let you miss out on opportunities just because of what happened."I stared at him, stunned by his offer. It was something I hadn't even dared to dream about."Vincent, I don’t know what to say..."His expression was kind, but firm. "You don’t have to say anything yet. Just think about it." He paused, then added with a grin, "But I do think you’ve got the smarts. It’d be a waste not t

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  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 43

    I couldn’t help but smile. There was something about Vincent that made me feel safe, like I wasn’t alone in this journey anymore.Over time, our conversations deepened. We began to talk more about our lives, our dreams, and our struggles. I learned that Vincent wasn’t just a successful businessman—he was someone who had worked his way up from humble beginnings, much like me.“Sometimes, I feel like I’m just pretending to be this successful person,” he admitted one night, after the restaurant had closed. “I never really had it easy, you know? It’s all just a facade, a role I play to keep the world from knowing how scared I am.”His vulnerability caught me off guard. “I didn’t know that,” I said softly. “I always thought you had everything figured out.”He laughed quietly. “No one ever does. But we make it work. That’s what matters.”That night, I realized how much I had grown, not just in my skills at the restaurant but in my understanding of myself and those around me. Vincent wasn’t

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  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 44

    He smiled at me one last time before turning to check on the other staff, leaving me standing there, red-faced and utterly speechless.Janice leaned over, her grin so wide it threatened to split her face. “You’re welcome,” she whispered.I groaned, covering my face with my hands. “I’m going to kill you.”“Oh, come on,” she said, laughing. “Admit it—you enjoyed that.”And as much as I wanted to deny it, I couldn’t ignore the tiny flutter in my chest. Maybe I had. Just a little.Later in the evening, as the restaurant buzzed with its usual dinner rush, I tried to keep my head down and focus on my tasks. Janice, however, had other plans.“So,” she began, sidling up to me with a tray in hand, “when’s the big date?”I groaned, scrubbing the counter with more force than necessary. “There is no date, Janice. He was just being polite.”“Polite?” She snorted. “Girl, that man practically announced his interest on a loudspeaker. He even said, ‘Just say the word.’ What more do you need? A neon si

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  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 45

    I opened my mouth to argue, but nothing came out. She had a point, and that terrified me.Before I could think too much about it, the man in question appeared in the doorway, looking as polished as ever. “Kirsten, can I have a word?”Janice gave me a knowing look as I followed Vincent to his office.Vincent gestured for me to sit, his demeanor calm but serious. “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot earlier,” he began, leaning on the edge of his desk. “I just want to make sure you know how much potential I see in you. You don’t have to answer about the class now, but I hope you’ll consider it.”I nodded, my heart racing. “I appreciate it, Vincent. It means a lot that you believe in me.”He smiled, but there was something else in his expression—something hesitant, like he wanted to say more.“Is there something else?” I asked, tilting my head.He chuckled, running a hand through his hair. “Actually, yes. There’s a gala happening next week for local business owners, and I was wondering..

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-04
  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 46

    I rolled my eyes, grabbing my clutch. “Fine, let’s go before I change my mind.”At the Gala, The grand ballroom was exactly what you’d expect from a fancy event—sparkling chandeliers, soft classical music, and people who looked like they’d stepped out of a magazine. I tried not to trip as Vincent led me through the crowd.“Just smile and nod,” he whispered. “Most of these people are more interested in themselves than in us.”“Us?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.He smirked. “Tonight, you’re my plus-one. Try to enjoy it.”Easier said than done. I could feel the stares of the other guests, especially from a group of women clustered near the champagne table.“Vincent, darling,” one of them cooed, sauntering over with a practiced smile. She looked like she was born in heels. “It’s been ages. And who is this?”“Kirsten,” Vincent said, his tone polite but firm. “She’s with me.”The woman’s eyes scanned me from head to toe, and I could practically hear her judgment. “How charming,” she said wit

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  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 47

    That is, until I bumped into a waiter and sent an entire tray of champagne glasses crashing to the floor. The room fell silent, and I wanted to disappear. Vincent, however, just laughed, his voice cutting through the tension. “At least she’s memorable,” he said, wrapping an arm around me. The crowd chuckled, and the moment passed, but my cheeks burned. “Thanks for that,” I whispered as we left the dance floor. “Anytime,” he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “But you owe me a new pair of shoes.” I laughed despite myself, realizing that with Vincent, even my clumsiness could turn into something worth smiling about. I hadn’t even noticed how quickly time had flown. Being with Vincent was like stepping into another world—one filled with laughter, banter, and a lightness I hadn’t felt in ages. It wasn’t just his jokes or his effortless charm; it was the way he made me feel seen, like I wasn’t just another person passing through his life. Now, as he drove me home, the city l

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-08

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  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 77

    If he noticed I hadn’t been home last night, there would be hell to pay. But maybe, just maybe, he wouldn’t realize it. After all, he hadn’t cared much about where I was before. But fate wasn’t on my side today. The moment I opened the door to the house, I froze. Vincent was standing in the living room, his eyes instantly locking onto me. The sharp intensity of his glare sent a chill down my spine. He didn’t need to say a word—I could already tell he knew. “Where were you?” he asked, his voice low and laced with suspicion. I swallowed hard, struggling to come up with an excuse, but the words wouldn’t come. My heart raced as he stepped closer, his gaze narrowing, demanding an answer. “Well?” he pressed, his tone now sharper. “You think I wouldn’t notice you sneaking out and not coming home last night?” I opened my mouth to respond, but no excuse could cover the guilt I felt. My silence only fueled his anger. I stood there frozen, my mind scrambling for an answer that wouldn’t wo

  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 76

    "Relax, my love," he whispered, his lips brushing your ear, sending shivers down my spine. "Let me pleasure you." His fingers reached the apex of my thighs, and I instinctively parted my legs, offering myself to him. His breath caught as he gazed at my glistening core, his eyes dark with desire. "So beautiful," he murmured, his voice hoarse. "So ready for me." His fingers traced my folds, gathering my essence, and I gasped at the sensation, my hips bucking involuntarily. He teased my clit, circling it slowly, making me squirm and beg for more. "Please," I pleaded, my voice breathless. "I need you." He chuckled, the sound low and sensual. "Patience, my sweet. I want to make this unforgettable." His mouth replaced his fingers, his tongue sliding through my wetness, sending shocks of pleasure through my body. He lapped at my sensitive bundle of nerves, sucking gently, then flicking it with the tip of his tongue, driving me to the brink of ecstasy. My hands clutched the sheet

  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 75

    Did I walk on my own? Or had he carried me? The details were lost in the fog of my mind, clouded by alcohol and emotion.All I knew was the present. The here and now.We were in a room—an unfamiliar, opulent space. The luxurious decor was nothing like anything I’d ever seen before. It wasn’t his home, at least not one I recognized. Perhaps it was a hotel, though even that felt like a distant thought in the back of my mind. The soft glow of golden light bathed the room, casting shadows on the walls that seemed to flicker and dance.He was with me, his lips trailing over mine with a mixture of tenderness and intensity. His kisses were careful yet demanding, like he was holding himself back but couldn’t quite stop himself from indulging in me. It was a contradiction that left me breathless and confused, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it would burst from my chest.His hands moved over me, tracing the curves of my body with an almost reverent touch. Yet there was a hunger in his mo

  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 74

    But as I glanced around, trying to spot Sansa, I realized she was nowhere to be found. Determined not to let her absence dampen my mood, I wandered through the crowd, my steps unsteady and my vision slightly blurred. That’s when I saw him. At the bar, sitting alone, was Vincent. My breath hitched, and my heart raced uncontrollably. I stopped in my tracks, staring at him. He looked different—tired, almost defeated. His shoulders slumped as he cradled a glass in his hand, his gaze distant. For a moment, he didn’t notice me, but then his eyes flicked in my direction. Our gazes locked. His entire body stiffened as if caught off guard, and he quickly turned away, fixing his eyes on his drink. That one gesture—it was so unlike him. Gone was the intimidating, commanding Vincent who always seemed to have control over every situation. This man looked… human. Vulnerable. A swirl of emotions coursed through me—fear, confusion, anger—but what surprised me most was the flicker of somet

  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 73

    I looked up to see her waving as she approached, her smile as bright as ever. She looked effortlessly chic in her casual outfit, exuding the confidence and warmth I always admired about her.“Sansa,” I said, standing up to hug her tightly. The moment her arms wrapped around me, a wave of comfort washed over me, and for a brief moment, I felt like everything might be okay.“It’s been ages! I missed you,” she said as she pulled away, her eyes scanning my face with concern. “But you… you look tired, Kirsten. What’s been going on?”I tried to smile, but it faltered. “Let’s order first. I don’t want to ruin the mood right away,” I said with a weak chuckle, avoiding her gaze.She nodded knowingly, not pressing further. We ordered our meals, and once the food arrived, she leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand as she waited patiently for me to start.After a long pause, I finally spoke. “Sansa, my life’s been... suffocating. I don’t even recognize it anymore. Vincent—” My voice cracked

  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 72

    The road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but it was time to start healing. It was time to take back control of my life. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I knew I had to try. Because if I didn’t, I would lose myself completely. And so, with one last glance back, I walked away. Not just from Vincent, but from the version of myself that had let him control my life for so long. It was time to find who I truly was again. I threw myself into work, hoping to drown out the pain of what I had seen. If I kept myself busy enough, maybe I could forget the image of Vincent with that woman—the way he smiled at her, the way he looked so carefree, as if I had never existed in his life. But no matter how hard I tried, the memory haunted me, replaying over and over like a cruel reminder of what I had lost. There was no escape for me, no freedom in sight. I was bound to him, not by love anymore but by the weight of my obligations. I couldn’t leave until I had repaid every ounce of the help he had

  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 71

    I couldn't rely on rumors or second-hand stories—I had to see it with my own eyes. Only then would I be able to fully accept the reality of our relationship and force myself to move on. The thought of him with another woman, the possibility that he had already moved on, was eating away at me. But the fear of facing it was almost paralyzing. I knew that if I didn’t see it for myself, I would never truly be able to convince myself to leave. The love I had for him still lingered, haunting me, keeping me tethered to him even though I knew deep down that I deserved more. The past few days had been a blur, spent in a constant state of inner turmoil. I would find myself staring into space, lost in thoughts of him, wondering if he was out there with someone new, wondering if he had already replaced me. The days passed in a haze as I fought with my own emotions. I couldn’t focus on work, couldn’t shake the image of him with another woman from my mind. Every moment felt like I was slowly su

  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 70

    Part of me wanted to cling to the memories of the man he used to be, to hold onto the hope that he might change, that he might find his way back to the person I fell in love with. But the other part of me—the part that had endured his cruelty, his indifference, his toxic hold over me—knew better. I couldn’t deny it any longer: this was not love. This was control. This was manipulation. This was not the life I had dreamed of, and this was not the man I had thought I would spend my life with. Tears burned in my eyes as I struggled to keep my composure. In that moment, amidst the pain and the heartbreak, a small, defiant spark flickered within me. It whispered that I deserved better, that I deserved to be free, to be happy, to live a life that was truly mine. It was faint, but it was there—a glimmer of hope, a reminder that no matter how lost I felt, there was still a way out. I just had to find the strength to take it. I don’t know how I managed to survive the fierce argument. All I

  • Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance   CHAPTER 69

    I stood, my heart pounding in my chest. “Where have you been, Vincent?” My voice was steady, but I could feel the anger bubbling beneath the surface.He frowned, clearly caught off guard by my question. “Out. Busy with work,” he said, his tone dismissive.“Don’t lie to me,” I snapped, taking a step closer to him. “I know where you’ve been. I know about her.”His eyes widened for a split second before narrowing into a glare. “What are you talking about?”“Don’t play dumb, Vincent!” I shouted, my voice breaking with emotion. “Jacob saw you. He saw you with another woman, kissing her! Is that why you’re never home? Is that why you’ve been treating me like garbage?”He didn’t say anything at first, but the silence was enough to confirm what I already knew. I felt my heart shatter all over again.“Fine,” he said at last, his voice cold. “So what if I was? Does it even matter?"His words felt like a slap to the face. “What did I expect?” I repeated, my voice trembling. “I expected loyalty,

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