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CHAPTER 74
Huling Na-update:
2025-03-10 23:26:54
Kaugnay na kabanata
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 75
Marie and Aaron arrived as Howard changed into completing a few paintings in his look. Everywhere felt quiet, and the anxiety became thick in the air. Aaron’s footsteps echoed via the hallway as they approached Howard’s workplace.Howard sat at the back of his massive wood desk, his regular calm demeanor not overlaying the suspicion in his eyes. As quickly as he noticed them, he smiled, however, there was an aspect to it.“Dad,” Aaron said as he opened the door to Howard’s office, his voice low, “I thought you were going to Germany?”Howard chuckled softly, looking to make the scenario mild. “I was, but I couldn’t go away without checking in first. I was in a rush to see you.”Aaron raised an eyebrow, simply skeptical, but he didn’t press similarly. Howard just leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of his drink, his eyes moving among Aaron and Marie. There was something in his expression that made Marie feel uneasy, like he knew something, but he chose not to say it.“Okay” Howard sai
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-11Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 76
After lunch, Marie and Aaron returned to their room. The environment felt worrying, and neither of them spoke much as they walked up the steps. Nonetheless, the verbal exchange with Howard weighed heavily on their minds. Both of them knew the stakes had been high.As quickly as they entered the room, Aaron went immediately to the bed and sat down, rubbing his temples. Marie sat beside him, her mind racing. How much longer should they keep this mystery from Howard?The door creaked, and Susann stepped inside. She checked them each with a knowing expression.“I want to speak to you,” Susann stated quietly, closing the door behind her.Marie, without delay, sat up straighter. “What happened? Did Howard ask you something?”Susann nodded, her face serious. “Yes, he asked me. He’s starting to get suspicious. He desired to know what was surely going on among you and Aaron. He even asked me if I knew something.”Aaron stood up and went to the window, his lower back grew as he stared out of do
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-14Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 77
Later that day, Marie became more nervous than ever. She couldn’t prevent thinking about Howard. His presence inside the residence made her feel uneasy. Every time she saw him, her coronary heart would race, and the burden of the secret she changed into retaining from him felt heavier.Marie paced around her room, her thoughts constantly spinning. What should she do next? How may she want to maintain pretending without elevating suspicion? She became so afraid that one slip-up, one incorrect phrase, could ruin everything.The door to her room creaks, and she grows to become quick. A maid stepped into the interior, her face calm, however well mannered.“Mrs. Marie,” the maid said, “You've got a call from the telephone in the sitting room.”Marie's heart skipped a beat. Her first instinct was to inform the maid that she would call again later, but then she remembered Howard had also turned into inside the sitting room. He was there for a while, sipping his whisky and quietly watching th
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-15Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 78
Marie drew in a deep breath as she held the telephone"Hi, Dad," Marie said, her voice shaky despite her pleasant efforts."Marie? How are you?" her father’s voice came through the phone, sounding distant but acquainted. "Is everything okay? I have not heard from you in some time."Just hearing her father's voice, Marie felt a wave of remedy wash over her. However, her nerves were still tight. She glanced at Howard briefly. He became still status by using the smartphone, his gaze in no way leaving her. Her heart raced."I'm fine, Dad," she replied, trying to sound calm.There has been a moderate pause on the other side of the line. Her father appeared to sense something in her voice, something off, however, he didn’t press her further."I’m satisfied to hear that," he said. "How is the whole of the residence? How are you and Aaron?"Marie quickly glanced at Howard once more. He hadn’t moved, his expression nevertheless unreadable. It felt like he turned into looking forward to her sli
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-18Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 79
Marie walked slowly down the hallway, her mind still racing. The communication with Howard had shaken her more than she wanted to confess. She couldn’t prevent thinking about how carefully he had been watching her, how every word she spoke had felt adored under a magnifying glass. Her heart started pounding in her chest.She reached the door to her room, took a deep breath, and opened it. As soon as she stepped inside, Aaron stood up from the bed where he was sitting, a worried expression on his face.“Marie,” he said softly, standing up. "What happened? Is the whole thing okay?"Marie walked towards him, seeking to calm her racing thoughts. She pressured a small smile but knew it was weak. She didn't want him to fear too much, however, she couldn't keep this to herself. Howard was getting towards coming across the whole thing, and that idea terrified her."I'm fine," she said quickly, her voice trembling barely. "I just... I just had a talk together with your father."Aaron's face ti
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-24Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 80
Marie sat on the edge of the mattress, her hands folded nervously in her lap. Her mind was heavy with everything that had happened, however it had changed into a new day. She had to face life once more.A knock on the door interrupted her mind, before she could reply, Susann walked in, her face fixed yet calm."Marie," Susann started, as she closed the door at her back. "We need to talk."Marie looked up, a little startled. "About what?"Susann took a seat next to her on the bed, her eyes searching Marie's face. "About everything that has been happening. About you and Aaron."Marie felt her chest tighten. She hadn’t expected Susann to convey it so quickly, however, it was right here. She couldn’t avoid it anymore."Is something wrong?" Marie asked, her voice betraying her nerves."No," Susann stated softly, however, her gaze turned into knowing. "It’s simply... I’ve been watching you, Marie. I see how a great deal you are carrying. And I see the way you are to him." She paused as if g
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-24Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 81
The soft clicking of silverware against fine China was the only sound coming from the silent dining table. The weight of the unspoken words made the air feel heavy and thick.Aaron was accustomed to this environment and the pressure of his father’s scrutiny. The silence was broken as Howard, who was seated at the edge of the table, looked at Marie after wiping his mouth with a napkin and placing it next to his plate. Tapping his fork against the plate, he declared, “This is good. Who made it?”Marie shifted slightly in her chair and swallowed. “I did.” Howard’s piercing eyes never faltered. “Well. . . You cook?”“Yes,” she answered, attempting to sound steady despite feeling as though his eyes were evaluating her.He gave a slow nod as though storing that information for later. For a brief moment, Howard remained silent and watched her with the same calculating expression, the silence lasting long enough to cause her discomfort. Then his posture changed and his face became grave.
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-26Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 82
In his private study, Howard sat in the dim light surrounded by the strong smell of polished wood and aged whiskey. With the exception of his fingers tapping rhythmically against the mahogany desk, the silence was maintained.Howard liked the kind of quiet that was deliberately regulated and unbroken. A quiet in which secrets flourished.He grabbed his glass and swirled the amber liquid inside, observing the way the light reflected off the crystal. He then set the glass down steadily, grabbed his phone and dialed a number he had long since committed to memory. Almost immediately, the call was placed.From the other end came the low gravelly voice, “Sir.” Howard's face was unreadable as he reclined in his chair. “Inform me that you have something.” After a moment of silence, the man answered, “I do.... “Howard's eyes stayed cold, but his lips slightly curled. “Continue. . .”Before the man continued in a measured voice, there was a rustle of papers from the other end. “I was able to
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-26
Pinakabagong kabanata
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 104
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
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 103
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
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 101
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
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 100
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
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 99
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
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 96
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
