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3. FISTS AND PUNCHES
最終更新日:
2025-03-29 21:00:34
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From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 4. THE OFFER
The airport buzzed with life... trolleys wheeling across the polished floors, announcements echoing from overhead speakers, passengers rushing to gates with luggage in tow. Zander Cage stood apart from it all, a still figure in the middle of the chaos, his black duffel bag slung over one shoulder, his boarding pass in hand. He had been at the terminal for nearly an hour, quietly watching the clock tick toward his departure. Each passing minute brought him closer to the end of a chapter he hadn’t wanted to close. He thought leaving would feel like freedom, like healing. But instead, all he felt was emptiness. He’d told himself this was for the best. That letting go of Alina Thompson, his unreachable dream, the girl he had loved in silence for more than a decade, was the right thing to do. The only thing to do. She was about to marry someone else. Her brother would never let her be with a man like him. And even if she wanted to choose him, the world would never make it easy for them
最終更新日 : 2025-03-29From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 5. SHADOWS BEFORE THE VOWS
Alina’s feet barely touched the ground as she stepped out of the cab in front of the Thompson estate. The morning sun was beginning to spill over the towering white columns of the mansion, bathing the elegant structure in warm light, but the chill in her bones refused to leave. Her heart still raced from the cab ride, her mind spinning with the weight of everything that had just happened—and everything about to happen. She clutched her hoodie tighter around her, pulling the hood lower over her face as she passed through the front gate. The guards recognized her and offered polite nods, but one of them immediately spoke into his walkie-talkie. “Miss Alina is back,” he said. By the time she pushed the door open and stepped into the foyer, her brother was already coming down the marble staircase in long, impatient strides. “There you are!” Ezekiel’s voice cracked across the space like a whip. Alina winced. She had barely taken three steps inside before he was standing in front
最終更新日 : 2025-03-30From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 6. THE BRIDE’S CHOICE
Alina’s heart skipped a beat. For a second, the world stopped spinning. Her lips slowly curved into the widest, brightest smile she had ever worn in her life. Her eyes brimmed with tears, not of sadness or pain—but of overwhelming, almost impossible relief. He came. He actually came. Seeing how perfectly dressed he was for the occasion made him look like he had stepped straight out of a dream. Or maybe, he was the dream she had finally awakened into. He stood with such calmness and quiet power, his eyes trained only on her, his jaw firm, his gaze unshaken. Matt, standing beside her at the altar, furrowed his brows. He had followed her gaze and now looked back and forth between Alina’s face and Zander’s figure. Confusion twisted his features. Why was she smiling like that? And why...of all people...was Zander Cage, sworn enemy of the Thompsons, crashing this wedding? “Zander Cage?” Matt muttered under his breath. Across the aisle, Ezekiel’s face turned red with fury. He s
最終更新日 : 2025-03-31From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 7. VOWS IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS
The priest cleared his throat. "Then by the power vested in me, let us begin the vows." Zander took Alina's hands in his. The entire church remained still, breathless. "Repeat after me," the priest said. "I, Zander Cage, take you, Alina Thompson, to be my lawfully wedded wife." Zander's voice was deep, clear, and unwavering. "I, Zander Cage, take you, Alina Thompson, to be my lawfully wedded wife." The priest continued. "To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for as long as we both shall live." Zander repeated every word, his eyes never leaving Alina's. Then it was her turn. The priest turned to her gently. "Repeat after me, Alina." She did. Though her voice was softer, each word she spoke carried emotion, promise, and quiet defiance to the fate she had narrowly escaped. Zander reached into his pocket and brought out a pair of rings. Simple, and gleaming. He slid hers ont
最終更新日 : 2025-03-31From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 8. A QUIET BEFORE THE STORM
"That, my dear wife, is what happens when you kiss me." Alina turned her face away quickly, heat blooming across her cheeks as Zander leaned close and whispered those words to her. Her blush deepened and she let out a breathless laugh, pretending to look out the window, too flustered to meet his eyes again. She wasn't sure what startled her more—his teasing tone, or the very real and undeniable tension crackling between them. Zander, meanwhile, sat quietly beside her, but his thoughts were anything but calm. She had no idea. No idea that the moment she stood before him at the airport and asked him to marry her, she had given him a gift he had longed for most of his life. That simple request was the best thing anyone had ever said to him. And he vowed, right there in the back seat of the moving car, that he would never let her go. Not again. The drive to his apartment was a quiet one, filled with unspoken emotions. Zander's place was tucked away in one of the quieter districts of
最終更新日 : 2025-03-31From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 9. BEHIND LOCKED DOORS
The moment Alina stepped through the gates of the Thompson estate, her heart began to pound heavily in her chest. Each step she took forward felt like walking into the storm, a storm she wasn’t sure she was ready to face. The house loomed in front of her, quiet and tense, almost as if it too held its breath in anticipation. Everything about the atmosphere felt wrong. Her feet slowed as she climbed the steps, and when she reached the door, she paused, her hand hovering over the handle for a long moment before she finally pushed it open. The inside of the house was cold. Not physically, but emotionally. The warmth that once lived in these walls was gone, replaced by silence so thick she could almost hear it echo. As she moved through the house, her eyes scanned the familiar surroundings with a sense of nervousness. The maids avoided her gaze. Their footsteps were hushed, their eyes darting away as soon as they caught hers. Something told her they already knew what she had done. She
最終更新日 : 2025-03-31From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 10. MY WIFE
Exactly two hours later, Zander arrived at Ezekiel Thompson’s mansion with quiet fury. His black car rolled to a stop at the gates, but this time, he wasn’t alone. Two police vehicles flanked him, and a team of uniformed officers stepped out, matching his calm intensity. As they walked through the compound, the staff paused mid-task, startled by the sight of law enforcement. Zander didn’t wait to be invited in. He walked through the front doors like he owned the place. His sharp gaze met Ezekiel’s just as the man descended the staircase, his expression already twisted in disdain. "What do you think you’re doing here?" Ezekiel demanded coldly. Zander didn’t flinch. "I came for my wife," he said simply. “There’s no one here that has anything to do with you,” Ezekiel snapped. “You pulled a stunt at the church but that thing you considered marriage will be annulled before the end of the day.” Zander reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a folded document. “This is a cour
最終更新日 : 2025-03-31From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 11. A CRACK IN THE WALL
Irene sat on the edge of the sofa, her hands clasped tightly in front of her as Ezekiel paced the length of the room. His face was still twisted in anger and wounded pride, the rage from Alina’s sudden departure with Zander far from settled in his heart. But Irene had watched enough, heard enough, and could no longer hold her tongue. “You need to stop, Ezekiel,” she said quietly, her voice trembling not from fear, but from the deep disappointment she carried. “You need to stop all this madness.” Ezekiel turned to her, eyebrows drawn low. “Madness? He came into my house with police, Irene. He humiliated me. Took my sister away right in front of me like I was nothing.” “That’s because you acted like nothing,” Irene snapped, rising to her feet. “You hit your sister, Zeke. You slapped her so hard she bled. You locked her in her room like a prisoner. She’s not a child. She’s not your possession. She’s your sister!” “I was angry,” Ezekiel shot back, his voice rising. “She disgraced
最終更新日 : 2025-03-31
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From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms EPILOGUE
MONTHS LATER The early morning sun filtered through the cream-colored curtains of Sophia and Caleb’s bedroom, casting a soft golden glow over the room. It was quiet, peaceful—too peaceful for what was about to happen. Sophia stirred in bed, her brows furrowed slightly as a sharp wave of discomfort ran through her lower back. She shifted, thinking it was just the usual pregnancy ache she’d been dealing with for weeks now. But then, a second wave came... stronger, more distinct, and she gasped, her hand flying to her belly. “Caleb…” she whispered, a mixture of nervousness and urgency in her voice. He stirred beside her, his eyes opening in slow confusion. “Soph? You okay?” “I think…” she breathed, pausing as another contraction hit, this one more intense than the last. “I think the baby’s coming.” That was all Caleb needed to hear. He jumped out of bed in a flash, suddenly wide awake, his mind scrambling to recall everything they had planned. He rushed to grab the hospital
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 20. VOWS, LOVE, AND NEW BEGINNINGS
The day finally came for Ezekiel and Irene's wedding.. The venue was a grand, open-air estate draped in soft white fabrics and adorned with cascading flowers in shades of blush, ivory, and gold. A warm breeze carried the scent of fresh roses through the air, while violins played gently in the background. The crowd was large, filled with dignitaries, friends, family, and loved ones who had gathered to celebrate the long-awaited union. Irene looked breathtaking in a flowing, pearl-white gown that hugged her frame perfectly, her veil trailing behind her like a waterfall of lace. Ezekiel stood at the altar, his face a mixture of nervousness and joy, dressed in an impeccably tailored tuxedo. Alina sat in the second row beside Zander, her fingers laced through his as they both watched the ceremony unfold. She wore a pale pink dress that shimmered softly in the light, her hair pinned in soft curls. A few people from Zander’s family had shown up too....his mother, glowing with pride, and
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 19. FINALLY ACCEPTED
After Zander and Alina left Ezekiel, Irene went back home with him, and for the first time in days, she felt true relief. Finally, the storm had calmed. Ezekiel had taken the first step, and even though it wasn’t a full embrace, it was a beginning. That was all she had ever wanted. Later that day, after they returned home, Alina and Zander were greeted by a surprise—Zander’s grandfather was waiting for them in the grand living room. He sat on his usual armchair, a newspaper resting on the table beside him and a cup of untouched tea growing cold. What surprised Alina most was the soft expression on the old man’s face. “Alina,” he called gently, waving her over. “Come sit.” She glanced at Zander, who gave her a reassuring nod. Alina walked over, heart steady but expectant. Zander’s grandfather had barely spoken a kind word to her since she’d entered the mansion. But ever since the incident with Anna—the exposed plot, the video, the fall down the stairs—his demeanor had changed. Hi
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 18. SHATTERED BONDS
Zander’s grandfather was seething when he was away from Alina and Zander. His cane trembled in his grip as his voice echoed through the room. “How dare she?” he thundered. “How could Anna try to harm Zander’s mother like that? In our home!” The anger in his voice silenced the whispers around him. Everyone, still stunned from the video Alina had shown, stood quietly as the weight of Anna’s betrayal settled over them. Zander’s mother turned toward Alina, her eyes glossy with emotion. She reached out and pulled her into a hug, her voice soft but full of gratitude. “You saved me,” she whispered. “I don’t even want to think about what could have happened if Anna had succeeded. Thank you, Alina.” Before Alina could respond, Zander stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her from behind, drawing her into his chest. “You saved my mom,” he murmured, pressing a light kiss to the top of her head.After a while, Zander's grandfather called for Alina and Zander's mother to see him.
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 17. THE FALL OF A SCHEME
The scent of disinfectant filled the private hospital room where Anna lay on the bed, her head bandaged, her arm in a sling. Seated beside her was Daniel’s mother, her lips twisted in frustration as she leaned closer to Anna. "This is not how it was supposed to go," she hissed under her breath. “Your foolish stunt only made things worse. And that stupid son of mine—Daniel let Zander record his confession. Now, not only does Zander have the upper hand, but we’re both walking on thin ice.” Anna groaned and sat up slightly, wincing at the pain in her ribs. “Stop blaming me. Grandfather would never turn on me. I’m the one he loves most. I’m the only one who’s always been by his side.” “Love or not,” Daniel’s mother said with narrowed eyes, “you’re lying here, and that woman....Alina...is still walking around like a queen.” Anna’s expression twisted with pain and jealousy. “What hurts the most is that Zander hasn’t even visited me. Not once. I did everything for him. All I wanted w
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 16. A HOUSE DIVIDED
When Zander and Alina returned home, Zander didn’t let her walk. He cradled her gently in his arms and was carrying her toward their bedroom when a sharp voice interrupted their peaceful moment. “Zander, put her down and explain yourself right now!” Standing in the hallway was Daniel’s mother, her face twisted with fury. Beside her stood their grandfather, stone-faced and silent, while Daniel trailed behind them, his face swollen and wrapped in white gauze from the bruises Zander had given him the night before. Zander stopped, but he didn’t set Alina down. He kept his arms firmly around her as his gaze met Daniel’s mother’s accusing eyes. “This is unacceptable!” she spat. “How dare you beat up my son for your characterless wife? What sort of example are you trying to set in this family?” Their grandfather stepped forward, his cane tapping the tiled floor. “We demand an explanation, Zander,” he said in a deep, gruff voice. “You’ve become reckless...beating family, creating sc
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 15. TERMS OF PEACE
Despite her doubts and the warning that her brother would never approve, Alina gave a quiet nod and agreed. There was a strange sense of calm in her decision now. “Honestly,” she said softly, “being married to you feels a lot better than going back and letting my brother choose someone else for me again.” Zander didn’t say anything immediately, but the softness in his eyes said everything. A few seconds later, Alina added, “Still, I want to see him. Ezekiel knows the truth about Matt now, and I think I owe it to both of us to try one more time to talk to him.” Zander reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “That’s not a problem,” he said, his tone gentle. “I’ll take you to see him. I just hope he keeps his hands to himself this time. If he ever lays a finger on you again…” Alina smiled faintly and touched his chest. “He won’t. Not now.” Zander nodded, then leaned back slightly and glanced at her. “Can I make a suggestion?” “Sure.” “I was thinking,” he
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 14. THE GIFT OF LETTING GO
The sound of running water had faded, and a hush fell over the room as Zander stepped out of the bathroom. Steam followed him, curling like mist around the sharp angles of his body. He wore nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, his dark hair damp and clinging to his forehead. The tension that had gripped him earlier had dissolved beneath the warm shower, leaving him quieter, calmer—but no less conflicted. Alina, seated on the edge of the bed, looked up as he entered. Her gaze locked on him, her lips parting slightly in surprise at the sight of him. There was a long pause, a silence that crackled between them, filled with all the things neither had said. Zander reached for the towel around his neck, rubbing it through his hair, and then paused. His eyes met hers, and he spoke in a voice that was low but steady. “I never doubted you,” he said. Alina blinked, unsure of what he meant. “Earlier, when I asked if what that idiot said was true,” he continued, his tone soften
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 13. WHO DO YOU BELIEVE?
Once they entered their bedroom, Alina didn’t waste a second. She pushed Zander gently onto the bed and climbed onto his lap, cupping his face as she captured his lips in a deep, lingering kiss. Her actions were bold, deliberate, and had one very specific goal. Just as their kiss deepened and Zander’s arms found their way around her waist, the door creaked open behind them. Anna stood in the doorway, frozen, eyes wide with horror. A second later, her face crumpled, and she turned and ran away, sobbing. Alina pulled back slowly and rolled off Zander, a sly smile curving her lips as she lay beside him. Zander looked at her, slightly breathless. “What was that smile for?” Alina sat up and brushed her fingers through her hair, still smirking. “Well, she came to my face and warned me earlier tonight. I just thought I’d return the favor... in a way she won’t forget.” Zander blinked at her. “So this was for Anna?” “Partly,” she replied calmly. “Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it. B
