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Chapter 38
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-12-21 20:55:58
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HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 39
The sound of Alexandra’s sharp heels echoed behind me as I stepped into the house. I didn’t look back, but I could feel her gaze cutting into my spine.I dropped the garden shears on the entryway table, deliberately not bothering to wipe the dirt off the handles. Maybe I’d get lucky, and she’d touch them by accident.“Mia.” Her voice followed me, calm but unmistakably edged.I kept walking, heading straight for the stairs. “I’m going to shower,” I said without turning around. “Unless you have another list of chores you’d like to add?”There was a pause. “Not at the moment.”I could hear the irritation buried beneath her polite tone, and for once, it felt good.---The hot water was barely scalding enough to wash away the day.I stood under the spray, letting the steam fog up the glass as I replayed the interaction over and over in my head.Had I really told Alexandra Knight to back off?My brain screamed that I’d made a mistake—that pushing back against someone like her was just askin
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-21HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 40
"Hello, Mia. Remember me?"The mug of coffee I had been casually sipping shook dangerously in my other hand as I fumbled with the phone. I pulled it away from my ear for a second and glanced down at the screen just to confirm I wasn’t imagining things. It was one of those moments where you have to check the caller ID twice just to make sure you heard right.Victoria Davenport.I stared at the name flashing on the screen for longer than necessary, waiting for the call to disconnect, but no such luck.With a quiet sigh, I pressed the phone back to my ear and straightened up. "Victoria," I said, carefully neutral. "Of course I remember you. How did you get my number?"Victoria’s laugh floated through the line, soft and sugary—exactly the way she always sounded when she thought she had the upper hand. "Oh, I got it from Alexandra. You know how she is—she thought since I’m Adrian’s best friend and you’re his wife, we should be close too."Alexandra. I should’ve known.I rolled my eyes, eve
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-23HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 41
I ran my thumb over the edge of the bag, pretending to admire it while the price tag practically screamed at me. Nine thousand dollars. That was more than my car’s down payment.Victoria didn’t look away, her smile lingering like she already knew the outcome. She leaned against the glass display case with effortless grace, her manicured nails tapping softly against the counter.I wasn’t sure what irritated me more—the bag, the price, or the smug satisfaction radiating off her."You know," I started, weighing the bag in my hands, "I was just thinking."Victoria’s brows lifted slightly. "Hmm?"I looked up at her, plastering on the sweetest smile I could muster. "This is nice and all, but I feel like... it’s a bit underwhelming."Her smile flickered. "Underwhelming?"I placed the bag carefully back on the glass shelf, adjusting it just so. "Yeah. Don’t get me wrong. It’s cute." I waved a hand dismissively. "But if I’m going to drop serious cash, it should be on something with more... pre
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-25HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 42
"Alright, spill."Adrian barely had time to unlock the car before I crossed my arms and leaned against the passenger door, blocking his way.He raised an eyebrow, amused. "Spill what?""You. Germany. What happened?"Adrian opened the door and gestured for me to get in. "I told you. The meetings finished early."I didn’t move. "And you just decided not to mention you were coming back?"His gaze met mine, and for a moment, the playful glint in his eyes faded into something more serious. "I wanted to surprise you."That caught me off guard.I felt my arms loosen, but I didn’t drop them completely. "Surprise me or check up on me?"Adrian’s lips curved slightly. "Maybe both."I narrowed my eyes at him, trying to figure out if he was joking. "You know that makes you sound like a controlling husband, right?""That’s what I signed up for." He winked, stepping around to the driver’s side.I shook my head but finally slipped into the car, pulling the seatbelt across my lap. The warmth from the
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-26HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 43
"I'm coming with you.”I froze, my hand still resting on the doorknob. I turned slightly, catching Adrian’s gaze from across the room. His posture was relaxed, one hand casually tucked into his pocket, but there was something in his tone that felt… firm. Like there wasn’t room for argument.I arched a brow. “Why?”Adrian shrugged, crossing the room toward me. “You said you were going to my mother’s house. Thought I’d tag along.”I narrowed my eyes. “You never voluntarily visit your mom. What’s the real reason?”“I just got back from Germany. I should at least check in.”I gave him a look. “Uh-huh. And that suddenly couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”He smirked. “Are you always this suspicious, or do I just bring it out in you?”“You definitely bring it out,” I muttered, stepping aside as he grabbed his coat from the rack by the door.I wasn’t in the mood to argue, not over something so small. If he wanted to follow me around like a shadow, fine. It wasn’t like I was planning anything more
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-27HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 44
For a second, neither of us moved.Adrian’s mother stood in the doorway, her eyes narrowing as she looked between us. The air seemed to thicken, the weight of her words pressing down on the room like a lead blanket.Adrian was the first to recover. He pushed off the wall, his face smoothing into that unreadable, perfectly controlled expression he always wore in public. “Mom, you’re hearing things.”“I don’t think I am,” she replied sharply, stepping further into the room. Her gaze shifted to me. “Mia?”I swallowed, gripping the handle of my half-packed suitcase a little tighter. This wasn’t part of the plan. Adrian and I had agreed—his family wasn’t supposed to know the truth. Not now. Not ever, if we could help it.Adrian’s hand brushed against my arm lightly, just enough to draw my attention. I glanced at him, and he gave the faintest shake of his head.Lie.“It’s nothing,” I said quickly, forcing a small, awkward laugh. “We were just… joking.”His mother’s brow arched. “Joking?”“Y
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-28HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 45
“You’re late.”Adrian’s voice cut through the darkened hallway as I shut the front door behind me. His back was to me, one hand braced against the wall, his head slightly lowered.I frowned, glancing at the time on my phone. 11:32 PM.“I didn’t realize I had a curfew,” I replied, setting my keys down on the entry table.“You don’t.” His fingers tapped lightly against the wall, the steady rhythm echoing faintly. “But she’s been here for two hours.”My stomach twisted. “Who?”Adrian finally turned, his eyes locking on mine. The sharp lines of his face were shadowed in the dim lighting, but the tension in his jaw was unmistakable.“My mother.”I froze.“She’s waiting in the dining room,” he added, his gaze narrowing slightly. “Said she had something important to discuss with both of us.”A pit formed in my stomach. I took a step forward, lowering my voice. “Does she know?”“I don’t know.” Adrian’s eyes flickered with something I couldn’t quite place—concern, maybe even frustration. “But
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-28HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 46
“Did you hear that?”Adrian’s voice cut through the silence as he stepped into the house, his gaze flickering toward the living room.I paused at the doorway, one hand gripping the strap of my bag a little tighter. “Hear what?”He didn’t answer right away. Instead, his eyes narrowed slightly as if he were listening for something.“It’s nothing,” he muttered, finally shaking his head.But the crease in his brow didn’t disappear.I stepped in behind him, glancing around the house. The lights were dim, and everything was still, but there was something… off.Maybe it was just me. I’d been on edge since his mom’s unexpected interrogation.“You sure she didn’t follow us?” I asked, half-joking as I dropped my bag near the stairs.Adrian smirked faintly. “Mom’s not exactly the lurking type.”“Could’ve fooled me.”He shot me a look, but there was amusement in his eyes.As I walked into the living room, I noticed a stack of mail sitting on the coffee table. My gaze skimmed over it, catching the
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-28
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HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 108
The evening was nothing short of perfect. The soft hum of the city below mixed with the gentle whisper of the wind, and the sky stretched out in vibrant hues of orange and pink. It felt like the entire world had paused to give us this moment, a rare and precious gift. The balcony where we stood had become our sanctuary—a place where we could breathe, where we could be just us, without the weight of the world pressing down on our shoulders. It had witnessed our transformation, from uncertainty to the kind of deep, unwavering love that anchored us here, in this peaceful moment.Adrian’s arm was around my shoulders, holding me close, and I felt the warmth of him seep into me, deep into my very bones. There was something about the way he held me—like he’d never let go, no matter what. The simple touch of his hand was grounding, like a promise. It felt like the world had faded away, leaving only us here. The hum of the city below was distant, muted, as if the world knew that in this moment
HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 107
The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the large windows of our cozy home, casting golden rays across the room. The world outside was just beginning to wake up, and I could hear the distant hum of cars on the road, the faint rustling of leaves in the breeze, but here, in this moment, it felt like it was just us. Adrian’s deep, contented breath beside me was the first sound I heard as I woke, his arm wrapped around me, holding me close. I smiled, enjoying the peace of the moment. We had been married for six months now, and somehow, everything felt both familiar and brand new at the same time. Like we were writing a story together that we’d never expected but were fully committed to.I glanced over at him, unable to resist. His features were softened in sleep, the usual intensity of his expression replaced with a peaceful calm. His lips were parted slightly, and I could see the subtle rise and fall of his chest with each breath he took. There was something about the sight of
HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 106
The day had finally arrived. The crisp morning air was filled with the soft hum of birdsong, blending harmoniously with the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore. The estate was a picture of serenity and beauty, nestled on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sparkling blue ocean. The sprawling gardens, meticulously maintained, were adorned with white roses, cascading ivy, and golden lanterns that twinkled even in the bright light of day. The venue was a dream—exactly what Mia had envisioned, though she would have never admitted just how much time she spent agonizing over the details. As the sun climbed higher into the sky, its rays kissed the tops of the trees, casting dappled light over the rows of chairs and the pristine white aisle that stretched toward the ornate floral arch at the altar. Mia stood in front of a gilded mirror in the bridal suite, her hands trembling slightly as they smoothed over the soft fabric of her dress. Her breath caught in her throat as she to
HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 105
I stood in the center of the boutique, staring at myself in the mirror. The lace of the wedding dress hugged my frame perfectly, the subtle shimmer catching the sunlight streaming through the large windows. The delicate floral embroidery along the bodice and hemline made the dress feel timeless, a perfect blend of elegance and romance. Yet, as perfect as it was, my chest felt tight, and my hands clutched nervously at the fabric as though grounding myself.“Are you sure about this one?” Claire’s voice broke through my thoughts. She stepped beside me, tilting her head as she studied my reflection. Her fingers reached out to adjust the veil slightly, her touch light but deliberate. Her tone was casual, but I knew her too well—there was an undercurrent of concern in her words.“It’s beautiful,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. I smoothed my hands over the intricate embroidery again, as if doing so would steady my nerves. “But… it still feels surreal.”Claire sighed, folding
HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 104
The sound of waves lapping against the shore filled the quiet evening, a rhythmic hum that steadied Mia’s racing thoughts. She had no idea what Adrian was planning. A simple invitation to dinner had turned into a mysterious journey, one that brought her to this private beach under a sky painted in hues of pink and orange. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over everything. It was beautiful—but Adrian was being suspiciously quiet, his usual confidence subdued by what seemed to be nervous energy. “Are you going to tell me what this is about?” Mia asked, her voice breaking the silence as they walked along the soft sand. The fine grains shifted beneath her feet, cool and inviting, yet her heart was anything but calm. Adrian turned to her, his dark eyes softer than she’d ever seen them. “Just trust me,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “We’re almost there.” “‘Just trust me,’” Mia repeated, raising a skeptical brow. “Do you even realize how ominous that sounds? You’re n
HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 103
Mia stood in front of the mirror, carefully adjusting the black dress she had chosen for the family gathering that night. It was an elegant piece, simple but fitting for what she had learned to embrace in her life—grace through challenges. Her fingers hovered over the fabric, unsure if she was ready for the weight of the evening, yet she knew it was necessary. She had made peace with Adrian’s mother—or at least, she hoped she had.The soft silk slid over her skin, and for a moment, she let herself breathe. The reflection staring back at her seemed like someone she didn’t quite recognize. There was a time when she would have run from a situation like this—an evening with Adrian’s family, full of expectations and formalities—but not anymore. She had learned that the only way through this was to face it head-on.Her heart beat a little faster as she thought of the woman she would have to face tonight: Alexandra Knight. Adrian’s mother had always been a constant reminder of how different
HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 102
Adrian and I were no longer strangers to one another, but the space between us was wide—wide enough to feel like a canyon, despite the way he reached for my hand. It had been days since we made our decision to try again, but rebuilding what we’d lost felt like trying to reassemble a shattered mirror. Each step forward felt like it might be the wrong one, but we couldn’t go back. I couldn’t go back.We were sitting in the same quiet café where everything had fallen apart. The same place where Adrian had hesitated, where my heart had broken, and where, for the first time in months, we were attempting something that felt almost... normal.The hum of quiet conversation surrounded us, punctuated by the clinking of coffee cups and the soft rustling of pages turning. I could smell the rich aroma of espresso in the air, but it did nothing to mask the tension that clung between us. It was as if the café had become a silent witness to all the moments of our relationship—the good, the bad, and t
HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 101
The café smelled of roasted coffee beans and freshly baked pastries, but the comforting aroma did nothing to settle the storm in my chest. I chose the corner booth, tucked away from the hum of conversations and the clinking of cups. My hands gripped the mug of chamomile tea in front of me, its warmth grounding me as I rehearsed what I wanted to say.Adrian was late.That wasn’t unusual for him—he always used to breeze in five or ten minutes after the clock struck, his apologies accompanied by some grand gesture. A bouquet of lilies. A designer pen he thought would inspire my next journal entry. Or just his lopsided smirk that somehow made forgiveness feel inevitable.But this time, I didn’t want grand gestures or charming apologies. I wanted honesty. I wanted answers. I needed him to face the reality of what he had done and the damage he had caused. Irrespective of the passionate kiss we shared the other night some part of me still didn't want to trust him completely I felt like I sti
HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game Chapter 100
The crisp evening air carried the faint scent of pine as I paced nervously in my small living room. Tonight was the night I would make my choice, and the weight of it pressed down on me with every passing second. I’d spent days in turmoil, analyzing every moment, every feeling, every word exchanged with both Adrian and Ethan. My heart had been pulled in two directions, and now, it was time to decide.The faint ticking of the wall clock seemed louder than ever, each second an unbearable reminder of the decision looming before me. I glanced at the coffee table where my phone sat, taunting me with its silence. The memories of the past few weeks flooded my mind—Ethan’s gentle smile, Adrian’s smoldering gaze, and the countless moments that had torn my heart apart.Finally, my phone buzzed, shattering the silence. My breath hitched as I reached for it, my hands trembling. It was a text from Ethan.Ethan: “Whenever you’re ready, I’m here.”His words were simple, but the weight behind them wa
