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CHAPTER 81
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-26 08:46:04
Bab terkait
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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-01
Bab terbaru
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
