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CHAPTER IX
Last Updated:
2024-12-27 13:13:36
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Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance CHAPTER X
I watched her closely, trying to hide the guilt that gnawed at me. The weight of lying to her felt like a heavy burden I couldn’t shake. But what else could I do? I couldn’t let her see how hard things had become. She needed to believe I was managing everything—school, work, life—because she had already given so much to me. She deserved peace, even if it meant hiding the truth from her.I placed the meal in front of her and watched as she slowly started to eat, her eyes still studying me with quiet concern.“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked again, her voice soft but insistent. “You’ve been so quiet lately. It worries me.”I nodded quickly, avoiding her gaze. “I’m fine, Mom. Just tired. Work’s been busy, that’s all.”The lie came too easily. I was tired, yes, but not because of work. It was the constant worry, the pressure of juggling everything and trying to keep us afloat. But I couldn’t let her see that. I couldn’t let her know how close I was to breaking.She seemed to accept m
Last Updated : 2024-12-27Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance CHAPTER XI
“Back again so soon?” she teased, her voice barely above a whisper, fragile but carrying a faint echo of her old self.“Always,” I replied softly, offering a small, reassuring smile as I placed a bag of warm soup on the bedside table. “You’re stuck with me, Mom. No escape now.”She chuckled weakly, the sound so faint it might have gone unnoticed if I wasn’t holding on to every bit of hope her voice gave me. That small laugh felt like a victory, a reminder that she was still fighting, still here with me.I pulled a chair closer to her bedside, my eyes fixed on her as she adjusted the blanket around her frail frame. We talked—about anything and everything. Memories of her teaching me how to ride a bike, stories of her youthful dreams, and plans for a future we were determined to reach. Each word felt like a lifeline, pulling us away from the suffocating weight of her illness.As I watched her take small sips of the soup, her hands trembling slightly, I felt a pang in my chest. It hurt t
Last Updated : 2025-01-03Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance CHAPTER XII
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but I would face them head on. Because she was worth it. She was worth everything."Good morning, Kirsten. How’s your mother doing?” Mr. Reyes greeted warmly as he entered the kitchen, his presence as steady and reliable as ever.I offered him a grateful smile while I focused on preparing the fresh ingredients for the day’s menu. The familiar rhythm of chopping and slicing was soothing, a small reprieve from the worries that clouded my mind. “Good morning, Mr. Reyes. She’s doing much better, thank you for asking,” I replied sincerely. “And… thank you so much for the help. The money you gave us has been a huge blessing. It’s made things easier for her—and for me.”Mr. Reyes crossed his arms, leaning against the counter with a fatherly air. “I’m glad to hear that, Kirsten. Your mother’s health is what matters most. You’ve been working so hard, and you deserve a little support.” His expression softened as he added, “If you ever find yourself in need a
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Pushing open the door, I found my mother sitting on the bed, her eyes heavy with concern but her face lighting up the moment she saw me.“Kirsten,” she whispered, her voice a mix of relief and exhaustion. “You’re here.”I knelt beside her, taking her hands in mine. “I’m here, Mom. I’m here.”And as I held her trembling hands, I realized once again that no matter how tough things got, this was where I belonged—by her side, fighting for the life we still had. “Thank you for taking care of her every time I’m gone, Sansa,” I said softly, my voice laced with gratitude as I glanced at my mother, now peacefully asleep on the couch. The sight of her resting brought me a small measure of relief, knowing she was in safe hands during my long hours at work.Sansa, my ever-reliable neighbor and a dear friend, gave me a warm smile and shook her head. “There’s no need to thank me, Kirsten. It’s the least I can do,” she replied, her voice gentle yet firm. “Your mother is like family to me, and I’m a
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I turned to see my mother stirring, her eyes fluttering open.“Kirsten?” she murmured, her voice faint but filled with warmth.“I’m here, Mom,” I said quickly, moving to her side. “Do you need anything? Water? Another blanket?”She shook her head slowly, a small smile playing on her lips. “No, sweetheart. I just… I wanted to see you. You’ve been working so hard. Are you okay?”Her concern for me, even in her condition, made my chest ache. I forced a smile, brushing a stray hair from her face. “I’m fine, Mom. Don’t worry about me. You’re the one who needs to rest.”She reached for my hand, her grip weak but full of love. “I’m proud of you, Kirsten. I don’t say it enough, but I am. You’re doing so much for us, and I’m so lucky to have you.”Her words shattered the fragile wall I’d been holding up all day. I bent down, pressing my forehead to her hand, tears slipping silently down my cheeks.“You’re my everything, Mom,” I whispered. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you’re okay. I
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The walk to the restaurant was brisk, the cool breeze a welcome distraction from the weight of my thoughts. By the time I arrived, the kitchen was already buzzing with activity. Mr. Reyes was waiting for me, clipboard in hand.“Kirsten! Perfect timing,” he said, motioning for me to follow him. “I wanted to go over the catering details with you.”I nodded, falling into step beside him as he led me to his office. The conversation was straightforward—small events, manageable menus, and flexible hours that could accommodate my current workload. By the end of it, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.“Thank you for trusting me with this,” I said earnestly, clutching the folder of notes he had given me.Mr. Reyes smiled warmly. “You’ve more than earned it, Kirsten. I’ve seen how dedicated you are, not just here but to your family. You’ve got the heart for this kind of work.”His words stayed with me throughout the day, fueling my determination as I navigated the usual rush of customers. By the
Last Updated : 2025-01-03Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance CHAPTER XVI
I missed the way their staff recognized me, smiling warmly and treating me like I was part of their team, even if only tangentially.But what I missed most—oddly enough—was the fleeting, almost intangible connection to the CEO of the company.I’d never spoken to him directly, never exchanged more than polite nods or the occasional acknowledgment and I never see him around the company. And yet, there was something about his presence that lingered in my mind. The way he carried himself—confident, poised, exuding a quiet authority that seemed effortless.Every time I entered that building, I couldn’t help but feel a spark of admiration. To reach the heights he had achieved, to command such respect and success—it was inspiring. It made me wonder about the journey he had taken to get there. What struggles had he faced? What sacrifices had he made?The mystery of who he really was intrigued me. Was he as composed behind closed doors as he appeared in public? Did he carry the weight of his p
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For the rest of the day, I couldn’t stop thinking about what Mr. Reyes had said. The front desk staff had noticed my absence? It didn’t seem real. I miss her too! I always enjoy talking to her even though she was seem strict. What was it about me, a simple restaurant worker, that had caught her attention?That evening, as I walked home under the soft glow of streetlights, I felt a flicker of something I hadn’t felt in a long time: hope. Maybe my connection to Rockwell wasn’t over after all. Maybe this was just the start of something bigger—something I couldn’t yet comprehend.And for the first time in weeks, I allowed myself to believe that my path, uncertain as it was, could still lead somewhere extraordinary.The day I had been dreading had finally arrived—the day I had to say goodbye to my education, at least for now. Standing on the steps of my college, a mix of emotions churned inside me. Sadness, regret, and a lingering sense of failure clung to me like a heavy weight. This wasn
Last Updated : 2025-01-03
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Anton reached for my hand, his fingers curling around mine in that reassuring way that always made me feel safe. “I’m right here with you.” Together, we made our way to the venue—a small, private room in a government building. It wasn’t extravagant, but it felt right. The judge greeted us warmly, and after a few moments of formalities, we stood facing each other, the weight of the moment settling around us. Anton’s eyes never left mine as the judge began to speak. I could feel the anticipation building in my chest, my emotions swirling. This was it. This was the beginning of everything. When it was time to exchange vows, Anton went first. “I promise to love you, cherish you, and stand by your side in every moment, no matter what comes our way. You are my heart, and I am yours.” Tears welled up in my eyes as he spoke, his words so genuine, so full of meaning. I could feel the sincerity in his voice, and my heart swelled with love for him. When it was my turn, I took a deep breath,
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As we stepped through the door, our hands still intertwined, the world outside seemed distant. The comfort of our home wrapped around us like a warm blanket. Anton pulled me close, his arms slipping around my waist as he held me from behind. I could feel his breath against my neck, soft and warm, as he kissed me slowly, tenderly."Mrs. Rockwell," he whispered, his voice teasing, sending a shiver down my spine. His words were full of promise, of a future that, no matter how uncertain, felt like it was finally within reach.I let out a soft laugh, the sound light and carefree. "Not yet," I replied, glancing back at him, my eyes meeting his with a playful glint.His lips curled into a mischievous grin, the kind that made my heart race. "Oh, you will soon," he said, his voice low and intimate, as he tightened his hold on me just enough to make my heart flutter. "And I want you to practice a new signature with my surname in it soon."His words hung in the air, heavy with significance. It w
Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance CHAPTER 109
I smiled, a warm glow spreading through me. "I'm glad we took the chance. I can't imagine my life without you now."As we shared a tender kiss, the fire crackled once more, as if celebrating our newfound love. The sofa, witness to our passionate encounter, seemed to sigh contentedly, its cushions inviting them to stay a while longer. And so they did, wrapped in each other's arms, lost in a world where only they existed, a world filled with love, passion, and the promise of a future together."When did you fall in love with me, Anton?" I asked, my voice soft as I looked up at him.He smirked, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on my arm. "I fell for you when you were just a delivery girl," he admitted with a chuckle.I giggled, remembering those days. "I was so naive back then. I only wanted to get your attention so you would hire me. That’s why I started sending those special meals to your office. I thought if I impressed you enough, you’d give me a job."Anton smiled as if recallin
Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance CHAPTER 108
I stopped, turning my head slightly, but I didn’t let go of Anton’s hand. “Yes?”He hesitated, his lips parting and closing as though he couldn’t quite find the words. Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter now. “Do you think I even deserve peace? After everything I’ve done to you… to both of you?”I sighed, glancing at Anton, who gave my hand a small squeeze. He didn’t intervene, allowing me to face Vincent on my own terms. “It’s not about deserving it, Vincent,” I said gently. “It’s about whether or not you want it. Whether or not you’re willing to change and work toward it.”He leaned back in his chair, his cuffed hands resting heavily on the armrests. His gaze fell to the floor as if searching for answers in the patterns of the tiles. “I don’t know if I can live with the guilt. Every time I think about what I’ve done… it’s like it’s eating me alive.”“Then stop running from it,” I said firmly. “Face it. Own your mistakes and make amends where you can. That’s the only way you’ll ever
Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance CHAPTER 107
He looked down at his cuffed hands, his voice lowering to a whisper. "So, I took advantage of it. Out of jealousy, out of spite. I wanted to take away something he cared about, something he might love, just to prove I could. I wanted to hurt him the way I thought he had hurt me... and you became the collateral damage."His words hit me like a tidal wave, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. All this time, I had thought Vincent’s actions were about me, about control, about possession. But now I realized—it was never about me. It was about his insecurities, his bitterness toward Anton, and his need to win a game only he was playing."You used me..." I whispered, the hurt evident in my voice.Vincent’s eyes met mine, and for the first time, they weren’t filled with arrogance or anger. They were filled with regret. "I did," he confessed. "And I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.""I can’t believe you..." I whispered, my voice trembling with disbelief and pain.Vincent nodded slowly, h
Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance CHAPTER 106
"Anton..." I hesitated, my fingers twisting nervously in my lap as I searched for the courage to voice what had been weighing on my mind. "Can I meet him?"The room fell silent, the air suddenly thick with tension. Anton’s jaw tightened, his usually soft eyes hardening as they locked onto mine. "Why do you want to meet him, Kirsten?" His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "Because I feel like I need to," I said softly. "To free myself from him completely—for real this time. I need closure, Anton. I need to look him in the eyes and tell him that we’re done. And... I want him to ask for forgiveness."Anton’s gaze didn’t waver, but I could see the conflict brewing behind his eyes. For a moment, I thought he’d argue, tell me it was unnecessary, that I didn’t need to reopen that chapter of my life.But then, to my surprise, he nodded. "If that’s what you need," he said quietly, his voice firm but filled with understanding, "I’l
Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance CHAPTER 105
The days passed like a dream—soft, fleeting, and almost unreal. I hadn’t been counting them because, for the first time in years, I was truly happy. But that happiness was laced with an edge of unease, especially when Anton told me what had happened.Vincent had been captured. By Anton’s men.The news left a strange weight in my chest, and though I tried to push it aside, it lingered."What are you going to do to your brother, Anton?" I asked, my voice quiet but firm as I sat across from him in the spacious living room.Anton leaned back in his chair, his sharp features illuminated by the soft glow of the chandelier. His brow arched slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You sound like you’re worried about him."I hesitated, unsure how to answer that. Was I?Despite the cruel way Vincent had treated me, a part of me couldn’t deny that he had once been a significant part of my life. But worry? Love? Those feelings had long since faded."I’m not worried about him," I said, shaking my h
Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance CHAPTER 104
I learned from him that Vincent had resorted to sending death threats, demanding Anton leave the country. My stomach turned at the revelation. It was a side of Vincent I hadn’t fully understood until now. Anton, however, seemed unfazed, stating firmly, “He’ll pay for that. I’ll make sure he does. Threatening me gives me the leverage I need to put him behind bars.”The thought of Vincent—once the man I thought I loved—going to prison left me torn. A part of me felt justice was inevitable, but another part still struggled to reconcile this side of him with the man I had once known.And then there was Anton. The man who had been a stranger not so long ago but now felt like a lifeline. It was surreal to think back to the days when I would deliver lunches to his company, never once imagining that the CEO himself was aware of me. And now, here I was, living under the same roof with him."Can you believe this?" I murmured to myself one evening as I stood by the window, looking out at the exp
Claiming What's Mine: A Billionaire Romance CHAPTER 103
His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought he might lash out. But instead, he turned away, laughing bitterly. "We’ll see about that," he muttered, disappearing into his bedroom and slamming the door behind him. I exhaled shakily, my entire body trembling. This wasn’t living. This was survival. I picked up my phone and opened Anton’s message again. Without overthinking, I typed: Me: I need your help. I hit send and waited, my heart pounding in my chest. Within seconds, his reply came. Anton: I’ll be there in the morning. I stared at the message, a mix of relief and fear washing over me. Tomorrow, things would change. Whether for better or worse, I didn’t know. But one thing was certain—I couldn’t keep living like this. The morning light filtered through the curtains, and I sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the floor. My heart felt heavy, weighed down by everything that had happened the night before. Vincent’s words still echoed in my mind—his possessiveness, hi
