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CHAPTER 81
Last Updated:
2025-03-26 08:46:04
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Forced 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-26Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 83
Aaron wrapped his arms around her, providing both security and comfort. He kissed the top of her hair and pulled her even closer as he stroked her back slowly.Marie rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, and she let herself drown in his powerful arms, unwilling to pull away from the comfort it gave. With a deep voice that was a calming vibration against her cheek, Aaron laughed. “Are you tired?” She hummed quietly. “Mmm... more accurately satisfied.”Aaron smirked as his fingers touched her spine, causing her already sensitive body to tremble once more.“That will be a compliment to me. . . “She raised her head just enough to give him a glance. The love, contentment and something else— raw and possessive—glowed in his dark eyes.Marie's mouth curved into a gentle grin. She acknowledged, lightly tracing his jawline with her fingers. It was amazing... With a deep exhale, Aaron tightened his hold on her. “You were incredible.” She gave a small
Last Updated : 2025-03-26Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 84
The road ahead stretched like an endless ribbon of faded asphalt, and the drive to the country was quiet and long. As his thoughts swirled, Howard's fingers tightened slightly as he held onto the steering wheel.He found this remote tiny house tucked away behind a line of tall oak trees thanks to the GPS. That was the location. He blew out his breath and looked around the grounds. The wooden exterior of the modest house had been exposed for years.There was a single rocking chair on the porch, sitting still in the still air. Behind the curtains, one light flickered faintly from within. Howard took a while to look.He sat quietly, looking around, letting the engine hum beneath him. Why was Richard so abruptly gone? And why did it feel like this? OFF?As he considered his strategy, his fingers pounded on the steering wheel. He would not receive the answers he required by storming in. He needed to be astute about this. He got out of his car, looked around and walked to the front door. Th
Last Updated : 2025-03-26Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 85
Howard grabbed the steering wheel and got into his car, but he didn't turn on the engine. His stomach roiling with anxiety, he continued to stare at the house.Howard had acquaintances. He had been dealing with criminals, con artists and liars for years. The man at the door had all the telltale symptoms of someone hiding something: his forced casualness in speech, his stiff posture and the way his eyes darted away too quickly. He was making a false statement. Exhaling, Howard drummed his fingers on the dashboard. “What on earth went wrong here?” He grabbed his phone and quickly browsed through his contacts.A short while later, he hit the call button. After two rings, a recognisable voice answered. “Yes?” Howard was uninterested in polite conversation. “Tell me. How on earth did you make this so bad?” The pause. Then a sigh. “What do you mean by that?” Howard tightened his jaw. “I rapped on the door. Richard was gone according to the man who answered, left, departed silently.”One
Last Updated : 2025-03-28Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 86
It was a suffocating dream for Marie. Her bare feet started to sink into the muddy ground as she ran through a pitch-black forest. She was caught by strong invisible hands that dragged her back and into the abyss. She snapped out of it. She was surrounded by warm arms from behind before she could even regulate her breathing. Aaron pressed his chest against her back and whispered “Shh…” against her ear. “You are safe. I've got you.”Eventually, Marie's tense body relaxed as he pulled her closer, his strong arms enclosing her and shielding her from the aftereffects of her nightmare. She nestled her face into his bare chest as she turned in his arms, inhaling his reassuringly fresh masculine aroma.She mumbled her voice trembling, “It felt so real.” Her fingers lightly touched his skin as she held onto him even more. “It felt like my whole being was being consumed.” As Aaron gave her back soothing strokes, his breathing remained steady. He said in a steady, quiet voice, “It was only a
Last Updated : 2025-04-01Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 87
Aaron’s fingers lightly touched her smooth skin as he moved his hands down Marie's bare arms.Marie's voice was shaking as she uttered his name in a whisper, “Aaron.”There was a lot of uncertainty and longing in the sound. Aaron looked into her worried eyes with his dark ones. He could see the vulnerability that she was trying so hard to conceal, the fear that was still present behind her eyes.Her heart pounded, but this time it wasn’t out of fear. Something else—something more profound—occurred inside her whenever he was near. “I have always been scared. For a very long time, even before the nightmares, I was afraid.”As if he could protect her from all pain and anxiety, Aaron’s eyes grew softer, and he bent down to plant a kiss on the top of her forehead. “I understand,” he said in a whisper. “Marie, I understand. But you no longer need to bear it alone. I'm always here for you."His words were so genuine that they made her breath catch in her throat. She found comfort in the war
Last Updated : 2025-04-01Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 88
Strangely, the mansion was silent.Marie was reading a magazine in the living room when her thoughts drifted. When she woke up, the bed was empty because Aaron had left early for the office. She usually spends the morning curled up in his arms with soft sheets, but today was different. Lonely. With a sigh, she threw the magazine on the coffee table. There was nothing to do. Her bones began to grow restless. Although she could have gone for a walk, she didn't enjoy the idea of being by herself in the expansive estate. Rather, she got up and walked toward the main hall, her bare feet softly tapping the marble floor.As she passed the open archway leading to the grand foyer, she noticed movement. A couple of maids were busy cleaning the staircase railing and polishing the furniture. Marie came over to them with a smile. “Do you require any assistance?”The maids' eyes widened as they turned to her in shock. A short woman with graying hair gave a quick shake of her head. “Oh no, Mrs. Sa
Last Updated : 2025-04-01Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 89
Marie gripped the photo with shaking fingers. As she struggled to process what she was seeing, she breathed in sharp, short gasps. This is totally strange. There should be no such thing. How manage? She asked herselfThen—. The door flew open. Marie’s heart hit her ribs as she jolted. Howard entered, engulfing the room with his massive frame that blocked the doorway.The maids huddled together in fright.They were aware. They felt terror. Marie had hardly time to respond. Between her feet the picture fluttered to the floor as it slipped from her shaking fingers."What the hell are you doing here?” He yelled.Marie swallowed. “I was just—" “You were just what?” His fists were clenched at his sides, but his voice remained uncannily composed.Marie made herself talk. “I was only tidying up.” Howard's eyes strayed to the cloth she was still holding. His jaw muscle twitches. “Cleaning?” he asked again incredulously.Marie nodded and took a deep breath. Howard, however, was not persuade
Last Updated : 2025-04-01
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Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 93
Marie held the file to her chest with trembling hands. Her mind whirled with anger, incredulity and fear as her heart hammered against her ribs.She didn't give a damn.“Hey sweetheart, as smooth as ever Aaron said as soon as he entered the room, greeting her.Marie stayed put. Instead, with all the rage raging inside her, she slammed the file against his chest after lifting it. It hit with a sharp, loud thud.“Explain this,” she snapped before Aaron could even react. Confusion knitted his brows as he grabbed the file out of instinct. He flipped it open while glancing down at it. Then, his body froze.His voice was low and too controlled as he asked, “Where did you get this?”She swore, “That's what you have to say? Not a single attempt to tell me this isn't true? Not a single word to deny it?”Aaron let out a slow breath and closed the file. “Marie—”She interrupted him with a raised voice, saying, “No! Don’t ‘Marie’ me! Aaron, I want the truth. Everything. Now.”Aaron's jaw tighten
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 92
When Marie entered the house, it was still as quiet as before. A tiny chill went down her spine in the silence. It always seemed like a place with secrets, and she was resolved to find one today. With caution, she made her way to Howard's study, her bare feet making no sound on the cool floor.She was positive that Howard wasn't at home. Anger-fueled, he had stormed out earlier. Now was her opportunity. She went to the door, but it was locked. The heart of Marie skipped a beat. That was not what she had anticipated.She hesitated for a moment. Would she be caught by someone if she turned around? No. I need to locate that image. With her thoughts racing, she took a step back and bit her lip. Where would Howard store the key? And then she realised. His chamber. She turned and rushed up the grand staircase without another second's hesitation.Her heart raced with each creak of the ancient wooden steps. She moved swiftly but carefully looked around corners to make sure no one was observi
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 91
Marie ran.She was not able to breathe, no matter how hard she tried to hold on to something; the world around her was blurry. The ground beneath her feet seemed to go on forever; it was neither warm nor cold, nor was it soft or hard.However, she was aware that she needed to continue running. Her chest rose and fell with urgency as she held her breath in sharp gasps.The wind had stopped. There is no sound. Just a spooky emptiness that caused her chest to constrict uneasily. Then—. A voice. Soft. Muttering. Weak. Marie. . . . Pulse thumping against her ribs, she skidded to a stop. Her gaze swept over the shifting mist as she turned.The quiet pressed against her ears. Then—. Marie heard the murmur once more. Closer this time. She was gasping for air. At her sides, she balled her fingers into fists. Like a chilly breath against the back of her neck, the voice, familiar but far away, sent a weird sensation racing through her. Her throat was dry as she swallowed hard. As though the air
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 90
Aaron, whose whole body was glowing with rage, barged into their bedroom. His shoulders were tense, his feet were heavy, and he raked a frustrated hand through his hair. Closing the door behind him, Marie followed in silence.Something raw flickered in his dark, intense eyes, making Marie’s stomach knot. After a moment of hesitation, Marie moved closer. “Aaron. . . .” With a sharp exhale, he turned to her. His jaw was tight, his dark eyes blazing with anger. “He was without right,” he snarled. “He has no damn right to treat you that way.” “Please, Aaron—” “I ought to have done more,” he interrupted, his tone full of annoyance. “The instant he raised his voice toward you, I ought to have intervened.”Marie tried to calm him before his rage overtook him by gently reminding him, “You did” in a softer tone.Aaron's laughter was sour. “Not enough.” He paced the room like a confined animal while shaking his head. “I wasn't expecting him to say it aloud, but I knew he would react this way
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 89
Marie gripped the photo with shaking fingers. As she struggled to process what she was seeing, she breathed in sharp, short gasps. This is totally strange. There should be no such thing. How manage? She asked herselfThen—. The door flew open. Marie’s heart hit her ribs as she jolted. Howard entered, engulfing the room with his massive frame that blocked the doorway.The maids huddled together in fright.They were aware. They felt terror. Marie had hardly time to respond. Between her feet the picture fluttered to the floor as it slipped from her shaking fingers."What the hell are you doing here?” He yelled.Marie swallowed. “I was just—" “You were just what?” His fists were clenched at his sides, but his voice remained uncannily composed.Marie made herself talk. “I was only tidying up.” Howard's eyes strayed to the cloth she was still holding. His jaw muscle twitches. “Cleaning?” he asked again incredulously.Marie nodded and took a deep breath. Howard, however, was not persuade
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 88
Strangely, the mansion was silent.Marie was reading a magazine in the living room when her thoughts drifted. When she woke up, the bed was empty because Aaron had left early for the office. She usually spends the morning curled up in his arms with soft sheets, but today was different. Lonely. With a sigh, she threw the magazine on the coffee table. There was nothing to do. Her bones began to grow restless. Although she could have gone for a walk, she didn't enjoy the idea of being by herself in the expansive estate. Rather, she got up and walked toward the main hall, her bare feet softly tapping the marble floor.As she passed the open archway leading to the grand foyer, she noticed movement. A couple of maids were busy cleaning the staircase railing and polishing the furniture. Marie came over to them with a smile. “Do you require any assistance?”The maids' eyes widened as they turned to her in shock. A short woman with graying hair gave a quick shake of her head. “Oh no, Mrs. Sa
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 87
Aaron’s fingers lightly touched her smooth skin as he moved his hands down Marie's bare arms.Marie's voice was shaking as she uttered his name in a whisper, “Aaron.”There was a lot of uncertainty and longing in the sound. Aaron looked into her worried eyes with his dark ones. He could see the vulnerability that she was trying so hard to conceal, the fear that was still present behind her eyes.Her heart pounded, but this time it wasn’t out of fear. Something else—something more profound—occurred inside her whenever he was near. “I have always been scared. For a very long time, even before the nightmares, I was afraid.”As if he could protect her from all pain and anxiety, Aaron’s eyes grew softer, and he bent down to plant a kiss on the top of her forehead. “I understand,” he said in a whisper. “Marie, I understand. But you no longer need to bear it alone. I'm always here for you."His words were so genuine that they made her breath catch in her throat. She found comfort in the war
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 86
It was a suffocating dream for Marie. Her bare feet started to sink into the muddy ground as she ran through a pitch-black forest. She was caught by strong invisible hands that dragged her back and into the abyss. She snapped out of it. She was surrounded by warm arms from behind before she could even regulate her breathing. Aaron pressed his chest against her back and whispered “Shh…” against her ear. “You are safe. I've got you.”Eventually, Marie's tense body relaxed as he pulled her closer, his strong arms enclosing her and shielding her from the aftereffects of her nightmare. She nestled her face into his bare chest as she turned in his arms, inhaling his reassuringly fresh masculine aroma.She mumbled her voice trembling, “It felt so real.” Her fingers lightly touched his skin as she held onto him even more. “It felt like my whole being was being consumed.” As Aaron gave her back soothing strokes, his breathing remained steady. He said in a steady, quiet voice, “It was only a
Forced To Be The Billionaire’s Bride CHAPTER 85
Howard grabbed the steering wheel and got into his car, but he didn't turn on the engine. His stomach roiling with anxiety, he continued to stare at the house.Howard had acquaintances. He had been dealing with criminals, con artists and liars for years. The man at the door had all the telltale symptoms of someone hiding something: his forced casualness in speech, his stiff posture and the way his eyes darted away too quickly. He was making a false statement. Exhaling, Howard drummed his fingers on the dashboard. “What on earth went wrong here?” He grabbed his phone and quickly browsed through his contacts.A short while later, he hit the call button. After two rings, a recognisable voice answered. “Yes?” Howard was uninterested in polite conversation. “Tell me. How on earth did you make this so bad?” The pause. Then a sigh. “What do you mean by that?” Howard tightened his jaw. “I rapped on the door. Richard was gone according to the man who answered, left, departed silently.”One
