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96. ONE LAST GOODBYE
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2025-03-28 01:21:32
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From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 97. LINGERING SHADOWS
SOPHIA I watched Victor walk away from the table, his shoulders stiff, until he disappeared around the corner of the coffee shop. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. Whether his words had been genuine or just another part of his endless games, I couldn’t be sure. But I hoped, for my own sake, that it was finally over. That from this moment on, I could live my life in peace without having to fight him anymore. I sat there in silence for a moment until Caleb walked back to me. He took the seat beside me and rested his hand gently on mine. “Are you okay?” he asked softly. I nodded, though I wasn’t entirely sure. “It’s strange,” I said, glancing toward the door where Victor had left. “He said he was giving up. That he wished me happiness.” I paused, trying to process it all. “Do you think he meant it?” Caleb smiled faintly, but his eyes were cautious. “Given Victor’s history, I’m not giving him the benefit of the doubt. It’s possible he has something up his slee
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 98. BAD NEWS
SOPHIA “I’m looking forward to it,” I said with a small smile, though a part of me wished I could go with him. Caleb had already told me where he was going. He said he was meeting Melody. He wanted to talk to her face-to-face, find out if she really said those things to Victor. I didn’t like it. Something about it made me uneasy. I told him I wanted to go with him, but he refused. “You’ve been through too much,” he said gently. “You need to rest. I don’t know what I’m walking into with Melody, and I don’t want to risk anything that might upset you.” I knew he was right. But I still hated letting him go alone. After a while, I gave in. I stood by the door and watched him leave. He smiled back at me one last time before getting into his car and driving away. The house felt too quiet after he was gone. I tried to distract myself by going over the wedding plans again. I sat at the dining table, scrolling through the files the wedding planner had sent, trying to convince mysel
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 99. THE GLASS BETWEEN US
CALEB When I opened my eyes, the room was quiet. The scent of disinfectant hung in the air, and the dull hum of machines pulsed softly in the background. My head felt heavy, my body weak, but I could feel the presence of someone close. As my vision cleared, I saw two familiar faces—my sister, Melody, and our mother. They were sitting on either side of my hospital bed, both looking like they hadn’t slept in days. I blinked slowly, trying to process where I was. My throat was dry, but I managed to sit up halfway. “What happened?” I asked, my voice hoarse. Melody leaned forward immediately, her face filled with worry. “You passed out, Caleb. We were just talking, and then suddenly… you collapsed. I panicked. I called the driver, rushed you to the hospital, and then called Mom.” She reached for my hand, and I didn’t pull away, but my mind was elsewhere. Her voice faded for a moment as memories came back to me, slow and broken, like puzzle pieces rearranging themselves. I remembe
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 100. BENEATH THE TOAST
CALEB After lifting my glass and clinking it gently against Melody’s, she smiled brightly as though nothing in the world could go wrong. I raised the drink to my lips and swallowed it in one go. It was smooth. I didn’t think much of it. Maybe it was just good wine. When I placed the glass down, she immediately reached for the bottle again and filled it without asking. I let her. She seemed so excited, her eyes shining with something I couldn’t quite place. I picked it up again and drained the second glass, just as quickly as the first. The room was quiet for a moment after that, both of us simply breathing and acting nirmal. When she reached for the bottle to pour a third, I raised my hand and shook my head. “No, no,” I said, letting out a breath. “That’s enough. I have a dinner date with Sophia tonight, and she’s probably waiting already. I can’t stay too long.” Melody pouted slightly but nodded. “Okay, okay. In that case, I’ll go in and change quickly so I can walk you to
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 101. ALINA AND IRENE
SOPHIA When I opened my eyes, it took a few seconds for the reality around me to register. My arms ached, twisted awkwardly behind my back, and as I shifted slightly, I realized they had been tightly bound. Panic crept into my chest as I lifted my head and looked around, trying to understand where I was. The walls were bare, the air stale, and there were no windows—just a single wooden door that looked as worn as the floor beneath me. My heart began to race as I took in my surroundings. This wasn’t a hospital. It wasn’t anywhere I recognized. It was quiet. I forced myself to stay calm even though my hands were trembling. Then I saw two young women slumped against the wall just a few feet away from me. Their hands were tied too, just like mine. Their eyes were closed, their heads hanging low. And then I recognized them. They were the same girls I had seen before everything went dark. The same ones who ran toward me outside the house. The ones who called out my name, warned me
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 102. ONE KNOT AT A TIME
SOPHIA “I got a call,” I told the girls quietly. “Someone said my fiance, Caleb had been in an accident. I tried calling him, but his phone wouldn’t go through. I tried his mother, too, but she was unreachable. I panicked. I wasn’t thinking clearly. I should’ve known better, but I was so afraid…” My heart raced as the image of Caleb filled my mind. “What if someone actually hurt him?” I whispered. “What if something really happened?” “Hey,” Irene said softly, her voice firm and reassuring. “I’m sure it was a trap. Your fiancé is probably safe. Right now, you have to focus on yourself, on us. We’ll get out of here, and then you’ll find him.” Alina nodded. “We just need a phone. That’s all. Once I get to a phone, I can call my brother. Trust me, he’s not the kind of person who lets things like this slide. He’ll come for us.” I looked down at my wrists. “My bag isn’t with me,” I muttered. “Mine’s gone too,” Irene added. “They must’ve taken everything.” A quiet wave of r
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-29From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 103. NOT WITHOUT HER
CALEB I was already burning when I left the house. The rage in my chest didn’t give me a moment to breathe. Every second that passed without knowing where Sophia was felt like a curse. I wasn’t going to wait for answers to magically fall into my lap. I knew where to go. And I knew who to confront. Victor. The moment I pulled up outside his house, I spotted him. Calm like nothing was wrong. He was wheeling out his luggage toward his car, dressed for travel, every move unbothered, every breath infuriating. I didn't think. I charged at him, closing the distance in seconds, and slammed my fist into his cheek. The force of the blow made him stumble back a step. He hadn’t seen me coming. He lifted a hand to his jaw and rubbed it slowly, his expression tightening, but he didn't retaliate. “What the hell was that for?” he asked, as if he didn’t already know. I grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and yanked him forward. “Where is she?” I growled. “Where is Sophia?” He bli
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-29From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 104. A TRUTH TOO DARK
CALEB I took a step back, my mind spinning. Victor’s words rang in my ears like a bell that refused to stop clanging. I remembered that day clearly—the day Sophia and I walked out of court victorious. Melody had come to the house, drunk, loud, hysterical. She’d made such a scene that my mother had to escort her away. I hadn’t thought much of it then. I’d chalked it up to her disapproval of Sophia. But now… now, pieces I’d never tried to connect were starting to fall into place. Could it really be true? Had Melody…? No. No. It was impossible. She was my sister. She was family—even if adopted. My mother raised her as her own. I grew up seeing her as blood. I trusted her. I protected her. She'd been with us for years. How could she have done something so monstrous? I shook my head furiously. “No,” I said through clenched teeth. “You’re lying. That can’t be true.” Victor simply shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t care whether you believe me or not. I’ve already let go of Sophia. I
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-29
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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
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