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CHAPTER 23
Last Updated:
2025-01-17 16:36:54
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Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 24
Marie needed a rest. She could still feel the weight of the encounter with Howard, his icy gaze and eerie words ringing in her head. She could sense the tension seething beneath her flesh.After his father left, Aaron remained silent, but Marie could tellhe was harboring a lot of conflict. She hadn't witnessed him so tightly wound and in control in a long time.Marie decided to go out for coffee because she needed a moment to collect herself. She walked to the tiny kitchen area, her heels clicking lightly on the shiny floors. Even though the company's office was large and contemporary with white marble and glass walls Marie still felt alienated.Despite being courteous, the staff avoided her as though she reminded them of something they didn't want to face. A few women were talking in the corner as she approached the coffee maker. They were probably a little too engrossed in their chatter and were laughing too loudly.Marie chose her coffee while trying to ignore them and concentrate
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Marie's heart pounded as soon as the three women froze. In an instant, the atmosphere seemed tense and everyone's gaze shifted to the voices. The person was Howard Sanchez. He radiates a raw power that adds to the oppressive atmosphere of the room. Standing at the kitchen area's entrance, he focusedon the women who had been encircling Marie moments before.The three women blinked in obvious surprise and before Marie could grasp what was happening, Howard's icy voice broke the stillness.He looked at the women, his jaw clenching, and “Is there a problem here”?They took immediate action retreating almost simultaneously. When the woman with the red lipstick opened her mouth to object, Howard ignored her."Leave" he ordered in a tone that would not budge.With glances back at Marie, the women exchanged awkward looks and filed out of the kitchen individually. Then Howard turned to face Marie staring at her with a cold ferocity that made her stomach turn.His voice was cold as he said "Co
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Aaron's expression mixed confusion and something darker, making Marie uneasy. He stood tall in the doorway, his piercing eyes darting between her and his father, who slightly smiled despite the abrupt interruption.Howard stood up straight and unfazed." Aaron, no issue at all. I just had a brief conversation with your beautiful wife.” Theedges of his smile curled as he paused for a moment. "A friendly discussion. You are aware of how it is."Aaron's eyes squinted, but he held his tongue. He entered the space and walked to Marie with a protective aura. Howard nodded slightly, almost dismissively, with that eerie smile still on his face.Well, Howard said as though nothing significant had just happened," I'll leave you two to it. Marie, I hope to see you at the next family meal. And be careful." He turned on his heel and left the room without saying another word. The air between her and Aaron was now heavy with an unspoken emotion, and Marie stood there with her heart still pounding.A
Last Updated : 2025-01-21Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 27
Marie was sitting in her office, staring blankly at the papers strewn all over her desk, her back against the plush leather chair. She could almost feel the office's calm hum, but it didn't stop the storm that was building inside her head.The fluorescent lights outside buzzed softly, and she could see Aaron moving behind his desk, absorbed in whatever task he was working on, through the glass wall separating her office from Aaron's.A strange mixture of admiration and frustration rose in Marie'schest as she saw how confident and sure of himself his figure appeared. After observing him from the window, she slowly lowered her gaze to her hands in her lap.He had put his hand around her wrist earlier, and the memory was still vivid. Though it had only been a fleeting gesture, there had been a sense of connection. It was not the same. Firm, almost urgent, nothing about it was tender, even though he seemed to want to draw her closer to him and anchor her to him.Marie shifted uneasily in
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As she tried to focus on the reports before her, Marie sat at her desk, tiredly tapping the surface with her fingers. Her patience was wearing thin after a long day.Just like clockwork, Aaron's office door clicked open with a swivel. He stood straight and commanding, staring at her through the glass partition with a furrowed brow."Marie," he called, his voice piercing the stillness." Come over here."Before she forced herself to get out of her chair, she looked up at him and briefly met his eyes. Even though her legs were stiff, she walked toward him, her heart pounding more quickly as she expected his following words.Aaron was less than polite when he saw her. Instead, he pointed to the pile of files on his desk and narrowed his eyes.He pointed at the pile." I need you to take care of this," he said in a curt manner. "By the end of the day, sort through these, arrange them, and provide me with the information."Marie blinked as she tried to understand the unexpected amount of wor
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Notwithstanding the tiredness in her bones, Marie had meticulously completed Aaron's requested reports, accurately piecing together every detail.She knew she would experience another disappointment if she failed to meet his expectations. As she returned the files to his office, she hoped he would finally recognize her efforts.The soft click of the door closing behind her felt louder than ever as she knocked and stepped inside. Aaron was searching through a bookshelf at his desk with his back to the light.She walked over to Aaron's desk, laid the folder in front of him, and whispered," Here's the updated file, Aaron."Aaron reached for it, hardly looking at her, and flipped the file open as Marie watched him from a distance, hoping to gain recognition.She could feel the tension that seemed to seize every interaction between them. Aaron silently turned the pages for a moment without answering. His jaw tensed, and his brows knitted."This is wrong." He muttered, his voice brimming wi
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For a considerable time, the only sound in the room was their breathing, and Howard's eyes remained fixed on them.The tension was higher than before. Finally, Aaron withdrew just a little, his lips lingering close to hers. He said nothing and avoided looking at her. He held her arm tightly, worried that she might slink away.Marie's mind was racing to process what had just happened,causing her to breathe shallowly and her chest to rise and fall quickly. Her emotions had just been roused, and she was unsure of how to respond or what to do with them.Still standing at the door, Howard kept observing them, his face unreadable. Aaron spoke in a measured, low voice. With a sudden calmness as if nothing had happened, he said and stepped an inch away from her."Father, I'm so sorry."Howard took a while to reply. He moved into the room a little more, his eyes darting back and forth between them. A hint of amusement was visible in his eyes, but it was accompanied by surprise.“What’s going
Last Updated : 2025-01-25Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 31
Immediately after the door clicked shut, Aaron released Marie and gently pushed her away as if trying to restrain the intensity of his feelings.The tension that had previously existed between them lingered as his eyes met hers, crystal clear and icy. Aaron yelled, his voice barely controlled with rage, "Do you know what you just did? I promise you will be required to return everything if your stupidity causes you to break this contract. Everything—the house, the money…" Anger welled up inside Marie. Aaron's words felt like a kick in the face to her, who was already tense from what had just transpired. Aaron said quietly but firmly, “My dad can't see us fighting. We must continue to act as though we are. Do you understand?" The words stung Marie, but she swallowed hard enough to nod. Her voice was restrained as she said softly," I understand."For a moment, they stood silently, the pressure of the moment bearing down on them. Aaron sighed slightly in frustration while continuing to
Last Updated : 2025-01-27
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Aaron’s breath came in sharp, ragged bursts as he strode through the long dark hallway, his steps heavy. His father's remarks were reverberating in his mind like a vicious taunt, and he was consumed by a storm of rage. “You’re nothing without me.”. . . His knuckles turned white as his fists clenched so tightly his nails digging into his palms. It seemed as though the mansion itself was attempting to ensnare him in its ruthless, frigid clutches because the air around him was heavy and oppressive.He was hardly aware of the dim glow of the wall sconces as the hall stretched out in front of him with dark wooden panels reflecting it. He could hear and feel nothing but his own rage hammering unrelentingly.He could still hear his father's voice in his ears. . . “You’re toying with me.” With a start, he halted his boots scuffing the shiny floor. His chest was heaving, and his breath was harsh as he struggled to maintain his balance. Tonight his father had said far too many things, but th
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The smell of whiskey filled the dimly lit study, clouding the space with a strong, almost oppressive odor. Howard sat behind his desk, he swirled the amber liquid in his glass while staring into the depths of the drink.A firm and pointed knock was heard on the door.Howard called “Come in” in a steady, low voice that showed no signs of the storm that was building inside.Aaron entered as the door squeaked open. His stance was straight, his face tight with annoyance, and he stood tall. Howard closely observed him, his keen eyes scrutinizing each nuance and facial movement. Aaron was very much a reflection of himself; he was obstinate, strong-willed and self-destructive.“Aaron, sit. We must have a conversation.” Aaron, however, did not move. His body was tense as he stood there staring at Howard’s face. His voice was tight as he said. “I'm not here to sit. I'm here to know why you called me.”The corner of Howard’s mouth curled into a thin smile as he raised an eyebrow. Savoring the
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 102
The bathroom door gently closed behind Marie, leaving the sunroom empty except for Aaron and Susann. Once brimming with the warmth of conversation, the room felt suddenly too heavy and too quiet.Aaron took a seat slowly and raked his hand through his hair as his mind raced through the quiet room.At first, Susann’s expression was unreadable as she studied him without saying anything. The weight of the unsaid words that hung in the air caused the silence between them to grow longer. Even though Aaron's face was composed as he met her gaze, a sense of tension persisted.Susann finally spoke, her tone firm but quiet. “What do you think you're doing?" With a steady but slightly uncertain tone, he questioned, “What do you mean?”Her eyes narrowed slightly as she examined him, and she exhaled a soft, controlled breath. She spoke slowly and measuredly as if she were carefully weighing each word, “Marie is pregnant. I also know you're worried about her. However, you have to realize the ser
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With tea mugs in hand, Marie and Susann settled into the cozy cushions of the wicker sofa inside, but the serene setting did little to relieve the knot of anxiety that was weighing heavily on Marie's chest.Even though the room was lovely and the morning was warm, she couldn’t get rid of the dread that had been with her since her nightmare.“Marie, you've been incredibly quiet since yesterday”, she said quietly in a steady, calm voice. “I understand that your nightmare must have been upsetting, but I can't help but wonder if you're keeping something else from me. You know you can speak with me?”After placing her tea on the table before them and taking a deep breath, Marie looked out the window. Eyes tired, she turned back to Susann. “It goes beyond the nightmare. It is everything. I am just too tired of everything that is happening. I’m not certain that I can stop it.” Susann's face became softer. She reassured Marie by reaching out and placing a firm yet gentle hand on hers. “I k
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The following morning, Marie's bedroom curtains let in the pale light of dawn, which left the walls in long shadows. Her mind continued to replay the events in vivid detail, and she was still shaken from the nightmare. Each time she closed her eyes, she saw Howard's twisted smile as he watched her struggle, her father’s terrified face and the quicksand engulfing him. The nightmares' oppressive sensation persisted, and Marie couldn’t get rid of the feeling that something was seriously amiss.She was unable to remain in that space any longer. Because of the nightmares' lingering effects, the air felt too dense and heavy. Her legs felt wobbly as she got out of bed, and her heart was beating so fast.She gently left the bed, put on her robe and walked out of the room as quietly as she could. As she walked down the hallway, she couldn't stop thinking about the nightmare. She paused briefly upon arriving at Susann's room, taking a deep breath to help her relax. It would be a relief to spe
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Marie sighed."Are you okay?" Aaron whispered, his tone soft and caring. With her body still tingling from the way he had kissed and held her, Marie nodded.She turned to face him and whispered, “Yeah.”Aaron kissed her shoulder. “Alright.”Fatigue took over her, and she slowly fell asleep, her eyelids heavy. That was when the nightmare started again. In the midst of a foggy, dark forest, she stood. With their gnarled branches grabbing at the sky like skeletal fingers, the trees towered over her. She then caught sight of him. Her Dad. His terrified eyes darted around as though looking for someone or something.Marie felt her heart tighten. She screamed “Dad!” and tried to run in his direction, but her legs felt heavy as though the ground was resisting her. A dark figure appeared behind him, stepping out of the trees. Towering. Dangerous. A strange, unnatural grace in movement. Marie’s heart froze. The only thing she could make out of the figure's face was the flash of something sha
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 98
Sitting in his darkened study, Howard took a long drag from his cigar while the strong odor of tobacco filled the air. His jaw was so clenched that his temple veins throbbed. With the amber liquid burning down his throat, he brought the crystal glass to his lips, tightening his grip. But it wasn't enough to quell the anger that was gnawing at his gut.The sound of Howard smashing the glass against the mahogany desk reverberated throughout the space. Even though his anger was trembling, he steadied his hand and poured himself another drink, his fingers twitching as he reached for the bottle. Howard let out a sharp exhale and placed his cigar in the ashtray, his lips curling into a sneer. Power, privilege and a name that many dreaded were all bestowed upon Aaron by him. However, the boy was sacrificing everything for love—for a woman who didn't belong in their world?Stupid.“So Aaron,” he whispered to himself, “Is this how you want to play it? Fantastic.”With somber and calculating
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 97
She was there when the door creaked open. Marie. Aaron saw her standing there with an unreadable expression, and his breath caught in his throat.He was rushing toward her before he could even think because his heart was racing.“You returned.” His voice was hoarse and laced with hope and desperation.There was nothing from Marie. With nothing visible on her face, she simply stood there and watched him. Aaron took a deep breath and reached for her hand, holding on to it as if she might vanish if he released it.“Please, Marie, don't abandon me.” He didn't mind that his voice cracked a little. Pride was irrelevant. Ego wasn't a factor. No more. “None of this was intended by me. I promise that I never intended to cause you any harm.”Her eyes were fixed on him, but she remained silent. Aaron's chest ached from panic. “Other things don't matter to me. Nothing matters if I don't have you, not the money, not my father, not the power. Marie, I love you despite my mistakes. More than anythin
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Silent sobs rocked Aaron’s body as he sat on the bed, hunched over, hands clutching his head. He had the impression that the earth had been torn away from him, leaving him free to fall and without anything to cling to. He was suffocating from the unbearable weight in his chest, which was pressing down on him.Marie had gone. He had allowed her to leave after she had left. He had never been afraid of anything before, but this frightened him. How had it gotten to this point? How had he lost her so thoroughly? It was more painful than anything he had ever experienced to consider a life without Marie, without the fire in her eyes when she challenged him and without the warmth of her presence.He took a deep shuddering breath and tried to think, but his mind was a jumble of ideas. He never thought he would fall in love, much less be this enamored of a woman. Here he was, however, broken. Her memories were oppressive.She would frown when she was thinking too much, her lips would curl into
