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Chapter 8: Flickering Flame
Last Updated:
2025-02-11 15:56:00
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Faking It with the Billionaire Chapter 9: Breaking Point
(Aurora)The laughter and easy banter of my college friends filled the air, a fragile shield against the underlying tension. Oliver’s suggestion of Truth or Dare had initially seemed like an innocent throwback to our college days, but as the game progressed, it had started to feel more like a gladiatorial arena – one where Claire’s words were the sharpest weapons.I sat stiffly on the couch, the cool leather beneath my palms grounding me as I tried to appear unbothered. Around me, the group leaned forward with eager smiles, awaiting the next target of the game’s sharp questions and bold dares.I played along, though my focus was scattered, my attention darting between Claire’s too-perfect smile and Leon’s unreadable expression.When it was Claire’s turn, she didn’t miss a beat, her polished veneer firmly in place. “Truth,” she announced with practiced grace, her tone implying she could handle whatever came her way.Oliver, ever the instigator, leaned forward, a devilish grin spreading
Last Updated : 2025-02-11Faking It with the Billionaire Chapter 10: The Strength to Stand
(Aurora)The silence that had followed Claire’s question was suffocating, a pause too loud in a room full of old friends who suddenly looked like strangers. I could feel the weight of their stares, their curiosity mingling with unease. For a moment, I hesitated. My father’s scandal was a ghost I had worked hard to exorcise, a chapter of my life I rarely revisited. Yet here was Claire, dragging it into the light, her tone saccharine and her intent sharp.I forced a steady breath, keeping my voice level. “My life… it’s not exactly a party story, Claire.” My lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn’t reach my eyes. “I’d hoped for a little basic decency, but clearly, that’s beyond you—and your twisted fascination.”Her brows lifted in mock surprise. “Oh, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” she cooed, hands fluttering in faux distress. “I was just curious. We’ve all grown so much since college, and I thought maybe sharing could help bond us and… clear the air.”“Curious,” I rep
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(Aurora)After dinner had finished and a couple heartfelt speeches made, the group decided to head to the club because no one was ready to give up the night, not even after the ridiculous game of truth or dare.I agreed because, well, Jenny was here of course. And so was Leon, in quite close proximity to Claire. Something inside of me didn’t want to see them together, no matter how much uncertainty it might add to my marriage with Leon.The club pulsed with energy, the bass thrumming through the walls and vibrating beneath my feet. Multi-coloured lights danced across the crowd, casting fleeting shadows over faces flushed with excitement. Our group had spilled onto the dance floor, pairing off instinctively. Somehow, I ended up with Owen, his warm smile steady as he offered me his hand.The music swirled around us as Owen led us into a relaxed rhythm, but my focus kept slipping. “You okay?” he asked, leaning closer to be heard over the music.“Yeah,” I replied automatically, but another
Last Updated : 2025-02-11Faking It with the Billionaire Chapter 12: Shattered Facades
(Aurora)The restroom was dimly lit, the fluorescent bulbs above buzzing faintly as I scrubbed at the wine stain on my blouse. The crimson blotch clung stubbornly to the fabric, refusing to budge no matter how hard I dabbed. My reflection stared back at me, disheveled and frustrated, the events of the night swirling in my mind like the remnants of wine in a glass.Why had I even agreed to this night out?I tossed the damp paper towel into the trash with more force than necessary, letting out a sigh as I smoothed my blouse as best as I could. It wasn’t perfect, but it would have to do. Gathering my composure, I pushed open the door and stepped out into the hallway.And, of course, Leon was waiting there.He leaned casually against the wall, hands tucked into his pockets, but his posture was anything but relaxed. His expression was a mix of concern and irritation, his brow furrowed as his eyes landed on me.“I was just coming to check on you,” he started, his tone uncharacteristically s
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(Aurora)The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as I settled into the chair across from Jenny at our favorite café near the company. It had become our unofficial sanctuary – away from the deadlines, office gossip, and, in my case, Leon.Jenny took a sip of her latte and leaned in, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. “So,” she began, her tone casual but laced with curiosity, “did you hear about the big announcement next week? The company’s hiring a rising star in jewelry design.”My mouth opens but then falls shut back down. “Is it Claire?” I asked with probably a gloomy look plastered all over my face.Jenny winces and her shoulders slump, “So… you know.”I shrugged, “Of course. I knew she was after something but I thought it was just Leon,” I scoffed bitterly and shook my head, “Turns out, she’s after the job as well, and my husband handed it to her, wrapped up in a neat little bow..”Jenny gives me one of her sympathetic looks before saying, “By the way, did something happe
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(Aurora)Time slowed as he crumpled to the ground, the motorcyclist skidding to a stop a few feet away.“Leon!” I screamed, rushing to his side. My heart pounded wildly as I crouched beside him, scanning for injuries. His face was twisted in pain, but his eyes remained calm.“I’m fine,” he murmured, his voice strained. “Are you okay?”“Me?” I choked out, tears blurring my vision. “You’re the one who got hit!”Jenny appeared suddenly, her eyes wide with concern. Kneeling by Leon's side, she gently placed a hand on his arm, her voice trembling slightly. “Leon, are you okay?”She scolded the motorcyclist harshly while already dialing for an ambulance. “You’re reckless! Do you even know how to drive?” Her voice was stern, but her focus remained on Leon, making sure he was conscious and stable.Leon winced as he shifted slightly. “Jenny, go easy on him. He looks more terrified than I feel.”“Leon, stop joking,” I said, my voice trembling. “You could be seriously hurt.”His hand found mine,
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(Aurora)The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the room, mixing with the soft beeping of the heart monitor that seemed to echo my every breath. Leon, despite the bandages wrapped around his head and the dark circles under his eyes, was still working. I could hardly believe it.“Do you need help with that?” I asked, my voice low, as I stood at his side, watching him work despite everything.“I’m fine,” he replied with a faint smile, though there was a tiredness in his eyes that I hadn’t seen before. “It’s just some emails, nothing I can’t handle.”I shook my head, unable to mask the concern in my eyes. It was the way he refused to rest, as if he couldn’t afford to take a break, like something relentless was always nipping at his heels. Typical Leon—always determined to fix everything on his own."Okay," I sat down beside him, my fingers briefly brushing his hand. "I just hope you’ll lean on me more."a quiet reminder that he didn’t have to face this alone.My phone rang, breaking the
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(Aurora)The beeping of the heart monitor and the rustle of papers from Leon’s laptop were the only sounds breaking the silence in the bright hospital room. I worked quietly alongside him, my focus locked on the screen. Then the door suddenly opened with a “swoop”, shattering the stillness.Claire stepped inside, her heels clicking sharply against the floor as she hurried over to Leon’s bedside.“Leon!” Her voice was filled with a softness that immediately set me on edge. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you call? I’ve been so worried.”She reached for his hand, her fingers brushing lightly over the bandages on his arm. There was a tenderness in her touch that made me feel like an intruder in my own skin. It was too intimate, too effortless. The way she ruffled his hair, the warmth in her gaze—it all felt too casual, intimately so. It made my stomach churn.Leon managed a small smile. “I’m fine. Just a little bump, nothing to worry about.”Claire’s face twisted with skepticism. “A
Last Updated : 2025-02-11
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(Aurora)Isabella’s sharp gaze settled on me, her perfectly manicured nails tapping lightly against the table. Then, with an almost imperceptible smirk, she gestured for me to sit.I took my seat, back straight, head high – prepared for whatever storm was brewing.“I’ve been thinking,” Isabella began, her voice measured, almost pleasant. “Claire should move in to help care for Leon while he recovers.”The words were so casually spoken, but their weight landed like a stone in my chest. Before I could respond, she continued, her expression unreadable.“You and Leon are busy with work, and I know how ambitious you are about your design career.” A glint of disdain flickered in her eyes before her tone smoothed over, deceptively neutral. “Claire knows Leon so well. This is practically her second home. She’ll lighten your burden.”At the far end of the table, Claire took a deliberate sip of her tea before setting her cup down with a smug little smile. “Don’t worry, Aurora. I’ll take good ca
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(Aurora)The drive to Kingsley’s residence was tense and silent, the subtle hum of the engine only amplifying the thick, oppressive quiet. The bodyguards didn’t spare me a glance as they moved Leon into the grand estate under Isabella’s watchful eye. Claire confidently walked in, while I hesitated for a moment before entering through the gate.Jacob, Leon’s father, greeted us warmly. “How have you been, Aurora? And Leon... what exactly happened?”I recounted what had transpired in the hospital room. With so many people asking, "What happened?" lately, I’d gotten quite skilled at my stoic facade.Jacob sighed. “It must be grueling, having to face her like that. Don’t feel bad about the accident. We—at least I—don’t blame you.”I smiled. “Well, a storm is brewing. She’s not about to let me off the hook for hurting her only golden boy.”“I just hope she could be more level-headed about this.” Jacob winced. “I’ll handle Isabella. You don’t need to worry about her. Just take care of Leon.
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(Aurora)We rushed back to the hospital room at lightning speed, only to be greeted by a bizarre scene. Claire sat on the floor, her hair disheveled and face contorted in rage, shouting at the top of her lungs. James towered over her, equally furious, while Leon struggled—and failed—to calm the situation.“Aurora!” Leon’s eyes lit up when he saw me. “Thank god you’re back!”Claire glared at me like an angry lioness. “Keep your family in check, Aurora! He’s crazy!”James spun around, dramatically pointing at Claire before flashing me a lazy grin. “I’m just looking out for you, sis. I walk in, and there’s Claire, all snuggled up to Leon like a koala on a dying tree. So I step in. And what does she do? Tells me to mind my own business! Seriously? She’s been eyeing Leon for ages. You’ve gotta wean the old cat off the catnip. Enough with the yowling, come on!”“What did you just say?” Claire screeched. “Shut the trap! You little—”“Claire, calm down” I stepped between them. “You know James
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(Aurora)The beeping of the heart monitor and the rustle of papers from Leon’s laptop were the only sounds breaking the silence in the bright hospital room. I worked quietly alongside him, my focus locked on the screen. Then the door suddenly opened with a “swoop”, shattering the stillness.Claire stepped inside, her heels clicking sharply against the floor as she hurried over to Leon’s bedside.“Leon!” Her voice was filled with a softness that immediately set me on edge. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you call? I’ve been so worried.”She reached for his hand, her fingers brushing lightly over the bandages on his arm. There was a tenderness in her touch that made me feel like an intruder in my own skin. It was too intimate, too effortless. The way she ruffled his hair, the warmth in her gaze—it all felt too casual, intimately so. It made my stomach churn.Leon managed a small smile. “I’m fine. Just a little bump, nothing to worry about.”Claire’s face twisted with skepticism. “A
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(Aurora)The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the room, mixing with the soft beeping of the heart monitor that seemed to echo my every breath. Leon, despite the bandages wrapped around his head and the dark circles under his eyes, was still working. I could hardly believe it.“Do you need help with that?” I asked, my voice low, as I stood at his side, watching him work despite everything.“I’m fine,” he replied with a faint smile, though there was a tiredness in his eyes that I hadn’t seen before. “It’s just some emails, nothing I can’t handle.”I shook my head, unable to mask the concern in my eyes. It was the way he refused to rest, as if he couldn’t afford to take a break, like something relentless was always nipping at his heels. Typical Leon—always determined to fix everything on his own."Okay," I sat down beside him, my fingers briefly brushing his hand. "I just hope you’ll lean on me more."a quiet reminder that he didn’t have to face this alone.My phone rang, breaking the
Faking It with the Billionaire Chapter 14: A Love Reassured
(Aurora)Time slowed as he crumpled to the ground, the motorcyclist skidding to a stop a few feet away.“Leon!” I screamed, rushing to his side. My heart pounded wildly as I crouched beside him, scanning for injuries. His face was twisted in pain, but his eyes remained calm.“I’m fine,” he murmured, his voice strained. “Are you okay?”“Me?” I choked out, tears blurring my vision. “You’re the one who got hit!”Jenny appeared suddenly, her eyes wide with concern. Kneeling by Leon's side, she gently placed a hand on his arm, her voice trembling slightly. “Leon, are you okay?”She scolded the motorcyclist harshly while already dialing for an ambulance. “You’re reckless! Do you even know how to drive?” Her voice was stern, but her focus remained on Leon, making sure he was conscious and stable.Leon winced as he shifted slightly. “Jenny, go easy on him. He looks more terrified than I feel.”“Leon, stop joking,” I said, my voice trembling. “You could be seriously hurt.”His hand found mine,
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(Aurora)The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as I settled into the chair across from Jenny at our favorite café near the company. It had become our unofficial sanctuary – away from the deadlines, office gossip, and, in my case, Leon.Jenny took a sip of her latte and leaned in, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. “So,” she began, her tone casual but laced with curiosity, “did you hear about the big announcement next week? The company’s hiring a rising star in jewelry design.”My mouth opens but then falls shut back down. “Is it Claire?” I asked with probably a gloomy look plastered all over my face.Jenny winces and her shoulders slump, “So… you know.”I shrugged, “Of course. I knew she was after something but I thought it was just Leon,” I scoffed bitterly and shook my head, “Turns out, she’s after the job as well, and my husband handed it to her, wrapped up in a neat little bow..”Jenny gives me one of her sympathetic looks before saying, “By the way, did something happe
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(Aurora)The restroom was dimly lit, the fluorescent bulbs above buzzing faintly as I scrubbed at the wine stain on my blouse. The crimson blotch clung stubbornly to the fabric, refusing to budge no matter how hard I dabbed. My reflection stared back at me, disheveled and frustrated, the events of the night swirling in my mind like the remnants of wine in a glass.Why had I even agreed to this night out?I tossed the damp paper towel into the trash with more force than necessary, letting out a sigh as I smoothed my blouse as best as I could. It wasn’t perfect, but it would have to do. Gathering my composure, I pushed open the door and stepped out into the hallway.And, of course, Leon was waiting there.He leaned casually against the wall, hands tucked into his pockets, but his posture was anything but relaxed. His expression was a mix of concern and irritation, his brow furrowed as his eyes landed on me.“I was just coming to check on you,” he started, his tone uncharacteristically s
