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Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-01-22 22:26:11
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Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 012
Amber’s povAfter lunch, I helped clear the table, despite Annie’s protests. She insisted it wasn’t necessary, but I needed to make a good impression. After all, she was my mother-in-law. A room had already been prepared for me. Curtis had made it clear that we would be staying in separate rooms, explaining to his mother that I needed time to recover and adjust. She accepted his reasoning without question. Climbing the stairs was a struggle. My legs felt heavy, each step threatening to give way beneath me. I needed a break, probably a bath and some much-needed rest. “I asked the maid to run you a cold bath,” Annie informed me as we reached the landing. “You need it to cool off and—” she hesitated, glancing at my outfit before continuing, “—perhaps change into something more comfortable.” She tried to mask her disappointment, but I caught it. I didn’t react. As I stepped into my assigned room, I found a group of maids waiting. They stood in matching uniforms, arms laden with
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-18Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 013
The Cashier's smug expression crumbled, all colour draining from her face as Alice's words hung in the air like a death sentence. The salesgirls who had gathered earlier slowly backed away, relief washing over their faces before being replaced by pity as they glanced at the Cashier. The guards who had tried grabbing me earlier immediately scurried off. “What a joke!” Astrid scoffed, her fingers clenched into fists at her side. “She's nothing! You really expect me to believe she's your boss?” Her voice quivered, betraying her fear. Alice didn't even spare her a glance. She fixed her cold stare on the Cashier. “I assume you have a manager,” she said calmly. “Fetch them. Now.” “Y-yes, ma'am,” The Cashier croaked, blinking back tears as she scrambled to obey, nearly tripping over herself as she rushed to the back office. Alice turned to me with an apologetic smile, “I apologize for not being by your side and allowing this to happen. I'll accept—” “It's fine. I walked off on
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-24Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 014
I arrived at the Store's exit and still felt those pair of eyes on me. I exhaled slowly before spinning on my heels to catch whoever it is. I immediately spotted the culprit—nearly everyone in the store. They all looked away the moment I turned. I wasn't sure whether or not the appropriate reaction was laughter or crying, but I was glad I was just being paranoid. After what went down today, it'd be odd if no one stared. “Get it together, Amber,” I muttered to myself, gently patting my cheeks before exiting the store. Immediately I stepped outside the store, I heard the distant click of a camera to my left. I looked in the direction of the sound to see a shady-looking guy with a camera glance at me. Did he take a picture of me? Is he watching me? When our eyes met, he raised a brow, an annoyed scowl on his face. “What are you staring at?” He yelled, before spitting on the floor and walking off. Geez! Someone is having a bad day. And I need to stop being so paranoid. “Amber, a
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-24Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 015
CLINT I had barely stepped out of the shower when my phone buzzed on the marble counter, flashing ‘Sophie PA’ across the screen. Jaw tightening, I grabbed my towel, wrapping it around my waist before answering the call. “This had better be good news,” I snapped. She paused for a moment before speaking, “Did something happen?” “Just tell me what you called about,” I snapped, running a hand through my hair. “This is definitely going to lift your mood…” It had better. “…Curtis Black's office just called. He's interested in moving forward with the partnership!” She ended with a squeal. For a second, I didn't move, my grip on the door handle tightening as I processed her words. “Say that again.” She didn't hesitate, “Curtis Black wants to move forward with the partnership. He wants to work with us, Sir!” My grip on the handle loosened, the pent-up frustration I couldn't get rid of in the shower dissolving in an instant. “Already?” “Yes. His team will be in touc
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-25Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 016
AMBER My eyes opened halfway, landing on the the plush embroidered pillows next to me and the polished nightstand. I sighed and shut them again. I wasn't dreaming. Me pretending to Marcella, a genius who is married to Curtis Black is all real. I'm really screwed. Another sigh. I flipped to the other side of the bed, my hand landing on something soft and warm, like… a person. My eyes snapped open, and I stifled my scream when I saw the tiny frame curled up beside me, a peaceful look on his face—Dustin. I blinked, a slow smile forming as I reached out, brushing his hair back. He must have sneaked in while I was asleep. “You make me feel so guilty, yet glad I agreed to this.” For a while, I stayed like that, watching as he slept, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. So small… so peaceful. A tear slipped down my cheek. Then another. Before I knew it, they were falling freely, blurring my vision. I turned away, sitting at the edge of the bed as silent sobs wracked my
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-26Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 017
Curtis stiffened. “What the hell?” His voice was low, but sharp. His voice snapped me out of my shock. Disoriented, I stumbled backwards, but he caught me before I could fall. “Breathe, Amber,” he said softly, holding me tight yet gently as he guided me to the bed. “I'm breathing. I'm fine.” I tried to sound calm, but my words came out breathy, ragged. “Stay still. I'll get rid of it and—” “No. I want to see what it contains. I saw the edge of a paper sticking out when it fell. There's something else in there.” I sucked in a sharp breath before continuing, my voice trembling. “I need to know what the message says.” He nodded before retrieving the envelope and the picture. The picture was of me in the mall, frozen in the middle of turning back. It was when I looked back to see who was watching me. I wasn't being paranoid then; I was right when I thought I was being watched. I poured out the content in the envelope. A second picture, along with a folded note fell on
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-26Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 018
CURTIS ‘Have you decided yet?’ I typed in my empty chat with Amber before deleting the messages like I'd deleted the other unsent ones. She promised she'd come back and I believed her, but I was still anxious. I couldn't help it when I've finally confirmed someone doesn't want Marcella alive. I didn't expect they'd move so fast, striking before Amber could settle down or fully accept her role. It was now certain it was someone in my family, after all, no one except them knew Marcella was alive. Cole. Right now, only Cole and my mother knew about her presence. I didn't want to suspect my mother, but I had to be ruthless in my investigation. Someone I love murdered Marcella, and I wouldn't let love prevent me from seeing clearly. And then there's Dustin. I don't know how to explain to him if Amber refuses to move on with our contract. “Dad!” Speak of the Devil. Ra
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 019
The atmosphere in the room suddenly shifted. The chatter stopped, and the laughter gradually died down. I looked up from my food to find everyone looking behind me, a mix of shock, horror, surprise and joy on their faces, with some switching between them. My eyes fell on Genevieve who was wearing an expression I couldn't quite place a finger on. Other than Pamela whose face was drained of all colour, eyes widened as though she'd seen a ghost, and Dustin who was beaming from ear to ear, the kids were oblivious. They just kept eating, with some playing with their food. I didn't need to turn to know who caused the change. “I told you mommy would come back!” Dustin stuck his tongue out at Pamela who was still frozen before jumping off his seat. “Mommy!” . I turned back and for a split second, believed it was Marcella standing at the doorway, with Dustin in her arms. She was breathtaking, dres
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27
Bab terbaru
Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 065
“No… I don't,” I answered, trying not to let my curiosity show. Expectant, I watched him, waiting for his response.But it never came. He just nodded, stretching lightly as he yawned. “Well, I should get some rest. My body isn't as agile as you youngsters.” And then he just left, leaving me blinking in shock.That old man was really something. Getting some rest when he just woke up? How gullible did he think I was to fall for that, and the clearly fake yawn.I scoffed, a scowl on my face. If he wasn't going to tell me, why did he ask? “How annoying.” Perhaps that's why he wasn't liked. He was annoying, and he knew it.“Focus, Amber. Don't let him get to you,” I muttered to myself as I gently patted my cheeks. This time, I paid attention to my surroundings so no one would sneak up on me again.About twenty minutes later, Lilith walked into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes. She straightened up when she saw me, her expression one of shock. “Marcella, why are you cooking?” Her voice was lace
Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 064
AMBER I was starting to desire what I shouldn't. As I sat at the edge of Dustin's bed, watching his chest rise and fall in a peaceful rhythm, I wished we were back at Curtis' mansion, a place I'd come to see as my home.I wished we could be away from this house, this family, the endless cycle of deception and hidden knives. I let out a tired sigh as I brushed a strand of hair from his face. “I wish this was real.” I wished we could start over somewhere far away, somewhere I wasn’t just a replacement. My wishes and desires didn't matter. I knew that much, but…Till it's time to leave, let me dream.Dustin shifted slightly in his sleep, his tiny fingers curling around the edge of the blanket, and my lips curled into a smile as I watched him, my baby. His presence in my life is one of the main reasons I didn't lose myself after losing my baby.It had been a while since I made him a meal. The chefs always handled everything, but I wanted to cook for him again. Slowly and quietly, I lift
Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 063
CLINT The sun had risen hours ago, but I barely noticed. My office at home was a mess, with papers scattered across the desk and littering every available surface. I’d spent the entire night going through all the documents related to the project. I exhaled sharply, shutting my eyes which were burning from lack of sleep. “Calm down, Clint.” Although I said that, I just couldn't. Something wasn’t right. My eyes snapped open as I sat up straight, massaging my temples. The numbers didn’t lie. Funds were slow, suppliers were pulling out, and investors were now hesitant. It was supposed to be just the usual delays, and minor issues the project usually experienced, especially for one as big as this. That was what I thought. That it was just bad timing, a rough patch in a solid plan. But not anymore. It was starting to look like sabotage, but I was desperately hoping it wasn't because if it was, there was only one person who could be responsible. “Please, be a mistake,” I muttered
Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 062
Lilith let out a chuckle. “You should’ve seen your face,” she said, her laughing fading into a smile. “Why were you just standing there alone?”I exhaled slowly, relieved she didn’t catch me eavesdropping on Genevieve, not that it mattered. Then again, I couldn't trust anyone in this house but Curtis. My lips parted to speak, but I stopped, realizing the opportunity before me. Letting out a tired sigh, I pressed a hand to my head, and said, “I was on my way to the kitchen, but then…” I paused, shaking my head slightly. “I’m not sure, but I think I remembered something from my past… I-I might be getting my memories back.”This was easier and more natural than a full-blown family conference. Now that she knew, it was only a matter of time before everyone else did. Her hands flew to her mouth, eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Really? Your memories are back?” She sniffled before rushing forward, pulling me into a tight hug. As though she'd touched hot iron, she immediately pulled away
Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 061
Silence hung in the air, thick, suffocating, and I could almost touch the tension in the air. His eyes scanned the room, stopping when they landed on me. Relief flashed through his eyes, but there was something else that made me feel as though he could see through my facade, and I instantly broke eye contact.Genevieve shot up from her seat, her chair scraping harshly against the floor. The silverware rattled as she slammed her hands against the table. “What the hell are you doing here?” Her voice was sharp, dripping with fury.“Is that any way to greet family?” He took a step inside, completely at ease, like there weren't daggers coming at him from every direction.”Genevieve let out a scoff, before turning to Annie. “Is this what you wanted to tell us about? Annie didn't respond, quietly eating her food, as though she was oblivious to all that was happening around her, but the way she aggressively sliced the lamb told a different story.The lack of reaction seemed to fuel Genevieve’
Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 060
CLINT The knock on my office door was soft and hesitant. I didn’t look up from my screen. “What?” Sophie stepped inside, carefully shutting the door behind her. “Sir, I…” She said, her voice trembling. I glanced up, a frown on my face. She was standing stiffly, hands clasped in front of her. The usual bright energy she emanated was replaced by wariness, like she was afraid of me. That irritated me. “Spit it out!,” I ordered, Her trembling moved from just her fingers to her entire body. “What is this? Are you trying to seduce me, because you are simply wasting both our time,” I drawled, leaning back in my seat as my eyes roamed her body. She shook her head furiously, pinching her arm to stay calm. “I’m not!” Her voice was firm, anger flashing through her eyes. “Then what did you come here for and watch your tone.”
Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 059
CURTIS Aidbe was the kind of restaurant where only the right people got in. No reservations, no waiting lists. If you had to ask how to get a table, you weren’t important enough. It thrived on exclusivity, where privacy was a given and silence was the real price of entry. Aiden sat across from me, pouring himself the fourth glass of wine like it was his first time tasting it. His ever-present smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, and his hood was up, shadowing his face. I guess his aesthetic for December was mysterious and brooding. No matter how much I thought about it, probably once, it was childish. He looked every bit like a man who didn’t take anything seriously, except money. And that was exactly what he was. This was the very reason we could be nothing more than business partners. I set my glass down. “I need things to get worse for Cole.”
Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 058
AMBER Could I have misheard him? I wondered as I headed for my room, exhaustion setting deep in my bones. Each step felt heavier than the last, and all I wanted was to collapse onto my bed. A sigh left my lips as I pushed open the door. My eyes flickered around the room, my mood dampening when I didn't see Curtis anywhere. Whatever! He was the reason I went through so much in one night. I kicked off my shoes before neatly arranging them on the shoe rack and plopping down on the bed, my eyes fixed on the ceiling. I wondered if I overreacted with Cole. Nah, he deserved more than that. Curtis wouldn't go ballistic if he didn't do anything serious to me—he didn't care that much. The thought of what Cole might have done made me shudder, but thinking about it wouldn't make me remember. I didn't want to recall it either, so I shoved it to the back of my mind. Immediately, Lilith popped up in my mind. Something about how casual, yet specific her questions were unsettled me, but there
Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 057
LILITH Marcella's eyes narrowed, her voice sharp as she asked. “Why are you asking?” I blinked, faking innocence. “I just said I was trying to reach you. It was the first time I'd been unable to reach you so I was concerned.” I said, my voice low and soft as though her words hurt me. Guilt flashed across her eyes. She sighed before saying, “I was…” she paused, probably wondering whether to tell me the truth or lie. “I was just asleep, and turned my phone off.” Her eyes didn't leave mine, watching to see my reaction. My heart sank to my stomach as I realized she wasn't who I thought she was, but I still chose to hold on to the hope that there was some misunderstanding. Maybe she just didn't want me to worry about it. Why do you keep letting them take you for an idiot, Lilith? The voice in my head asked, but I blocked it out. Marcella wouldn't betray me. She lied, but… there was a reason. She was the only good thing marrying into Cole's family brought me. Everyone else
