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Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-02 00:01:10
Bab terkait
Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 026
I'm meeting her parents tomorrow. I let out a laugh as I paced across my room, trying to figure out a way to escape it but I couldn't come up with anything. It was bound to happen soon, but I wasn't expecting it to be so soon—but it only makes sense considering the daughter they thought was dead suddenly came back. I went through everything Curtis had told me about Marcella. Although he said I shouldn't try to act like Marcella and just be me, it sounded like advice I shouldn't take. We're talking about family. If there's anything who'd immediately point me out as a fake? It was them.What would I say when we met? How was I supposed to react? Was I supposed to hug them or be hesitant? A knock on the door broke me out of my spiraling thoughts. I hurriedly rushed over to open the door. “Curtis. Thank—” My words caught in my throat and the colour drained from my face. “Simon…” I chuckled nervously, contemplating shutting the door in his face
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-03Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 027
“I mean, that outfit? The wig? The pop socks? It's a crime against fashion itself.” She arched a brow at my expression. “Oh? Don't tell me you haven't seen the group chat yet.” She's talking about the picture? As if just realizing something, she gently tapped her forehead. “How could I forget? You're not in there.” I squinted my eyes at her suspiciously, unable to tell if she was being truthful or not. But there was no point dwelling on it now—I couldn't confront her and I didn't want to ruin the mood. I let out a short breath, forcing a tight smile as my heart continued to hammer. “The family group chat has long been dead. Other than the reminder for the ‘last week of the month's gathering mum sends, nothing is ever said there. It's pointless formality,” Cole said, munching on a chip. I held a laughter when I saw Annie storm over to him, giving him a knock on his head. “Pointless formality?” She fumed,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-03Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 028
Amber’s Pov I exhaled sharply, twisting just in time to dodge the instructor’s punch aimed at my ribs before throwing a punch aimed at her face, but I missed. Too slow. Again. She didn't even look impressed. I couldn't tell what she was thinking anyway. I clenched my jaw, shifting my weight. If speed wasn’t working, maybe unpredictability would. I feinted left before throwing a sharp kick toward her side. But before my foot even got close, she caught my ankle mid-air and threw me to the floor. “Too slow.” Her voice was like her face—devoid of any emotion. I groaned, staring at the ceiling. “If you keep throwing me around, I’ll never learn how to actually win a fight.” “Then stop being easy to throw,” she said, completely unbothered. I exhaled through my nose. This lady was impossible. I thought learning to fight would be fun, but after three weeks of being thrown around like some toy, it didn't seem so fun anymore. Worse still, it didn't look like I'd improved at all
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 029
CURTIS“How long do I have to spend there before leaving without seeming rude?” I turned to face Jenna.She let out a light chuckle. “About two to three hours-”“So two hours.” I was just about to step into my car when I turned back to face her. “Will you be attending?”“You said it's not compulsory, so no. I should maximize whatever free time I get,” she said, batting her lashes innocently.“Wow. You make me sound like such a terrible boss.”She shrugged. “My review might change if you give me more days off.”I chuckled, shaking my head. “You're already pushing it.”She grinned. “Hey, can't blame a girl for trying.”“See you tomorrow morning,” I said, emphasizing each word.“Sure. I guess this is my fate,” She wiped the nonexistent tears on her cheek. As if recalling something, her expression became serious. “How’s Amber holding up?” She asked, her voice filled with concern.My mind went blank for a while—not because the question was shocking but because I had no answer at all. Sinc
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 030
“We haven't left for the event and these heels are already killing me.” She grumbled before kicking them off. “I'll wear them when we arrive there,” she said as she picked the heels and slipped her legs into furry slippers. There goes the magic. It really was impossible to mistake her for Marcella. “We should get going.” I announced. Turning to Belle, I gave a slight tilt of the head as I set the glass down. “Thank you for the juice.” Without waiting for a response, I headed for my car with Amber following behind me, muttering incoherent words. The drive to the venue was long and quiet—at least, after Amber dozed off halfway through. Her head rested against the window, lips slightly parted, one arm dangling over her stomach while the other hung limp by her side. Hardly the picture of elegance. At some point, she mumbled something under her breath and shifted, her forehead pressing against
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 031
CLINT “Mr. Black rarely hosts parties for anyone. You two must really be close,” One of the women surrounding me commented, curiousity etched in her voice. I simply gave her a smile. “We should keep in touch, Mr. Hayward,” One of the men said, handing me a business card. Collecting the card, I gave a curt nod. “Of course,” I said, raising a glass to him. “I'm just curious. How do you and Mr. Black know each other?” Another person asked. “Exactly. He hosts a huge party over your partnership and his wife, who has never showed herself at any event, came tonight,” Another added. His wife came? It wasn't a secret that Curtis was married, but no one had ever seen his wife. Some even claimed his marriage was nothing but a rumour, but it made no sense for him to lie about something like that. For her to make her first appearance at an event thrown for me. I straightened even more, a proud smile on my face. “Just as I've said multiple times, he and I had no prior relatio
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-08Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 032
I leaned against the wall, impatiently tapping my foot against the floor as I waited for Amber, my eyes not leaving the door to the ladies room I saw her walk in. The door swung open as she walked out, halting in her steps when she saw me. “You're Clint, right? The one who keeps calling me Amber.” Her voice was calm as she shut the door behind her before smoothening the fabric of the silver gown she was wearing. She wasn’t curvy, but the way the dress clung to her made me realize something—she didn’t just look different, she felt different. As if she’d shed the version of herself I used to know and become someone else entirely. “I'm starting to get uncomfortable.” Her voice snapped me out of my trance, but she wasn't done. “You following me to the ladies room isn't exactly a good look on you. Curtis should really pay more attention to personality.” Her eyes scanned me from head to toe and she shook her head disapprovingly. “To think I came out of this. Disappointing.” She
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-08Life after divorce: The billionaire’s crazy proposal 033
AMBER Clint got lucky. If Cole hadn't come along when he did, he'd have been the first to fall prey to the new moves I'd picked up during training. I wasn't complaining though—I wanted to keep my fighting skills a secret till when it truly mattered… or when my life was in danger. “Thank you,” I said as Cole passed me a cup of water. I wiped away the tears I'd forced down my face, sniffing. “I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't come to my rescue. The thought of what he could have done-” More water works. “-And he's Curtis partner too-” “Curtis should know about this,” Cole said, immediately standing from the couch. “No!” I yelled, my voice louder than intended. He raised a brow, but still sat back. “I mean, I don't want to cause problems for him. If I tell him, he'd probably want to cancel the partnership and that won't look good for him. Although I'm his wife, I can't remember that so I really don't want to cause problems for him. So please, don't say anythin
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09
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
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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
