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Chapter 20
Last Updated:
2025-02-10 08:53:31
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Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 21
Aliya’s POVThe morning cold embraced me as I squinted at the light slipping through the car window. I wrapped myself tightly in what looked like Nick’s jacket—at least, I supposed it was his. But when I looked around, he was nowhere to be found.“Where did he go?” I murmured, my breath visible in the chilly air.Sitting upright, I wiped the fog from the window, and that’s when I spotted him. He stood at a distance, staring into space, hands clasped behind his back like an inspector deep in thought.Then it hit me. Everything came rushing back—the events of last night flashing through my mind. I turned to the car’s mirror, my reflection staring back at me: ruffled hair and hickeys scattered across my neck.What happened between us wasn’t ordinary—I could feel it. Maybe Nick did like me after all, despite his cocky behavior.A blush crept onto my face as I straightened my clothes and made my way toward him, where he stood at the cliff’s edge.“Good morning.” My voice jolted him from hi
Last Updated : 2025-02-15Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 22
Liam’s POVI couldn’t understand what was happening to me anymore. One minute, I was enjoying a good time with Aliya, and the next… the next was history, I guess, because she hated my guts.Maybe it was for the best. I had lost focus on why I was with her in the first place, and—“Liam De Luca, son of Martin De Luca, can you fucking keep your head in the meeting?” Brooke’s sharp voice shook me out of my thoughts.“Sure, I’m here.” I turned to her with a smile and took a sip from my glass.“No, you’re not. If you were, then you’d have reacted when I said Dad had a breakdown while you were off on your honeymoon with Miss Perfect.” Her voice dripped with venom at the mention of Aliya.“How’s he now?” I asked, rubbing my temples. I wasn’t sure why my father’s breakdown didn’t make me move a muscle—probably because he had what, like five to ten of them a day.“Do you even love Dad anymore, Liam?” Brooke asked, her voice suddenly quieter and her eyes shining with unshed tears.“That’s a dum
Last Updated : 2025-02-15Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 23
Aliya’s POVI stood before the mirror, fixing the hem of my red strapless million-dollar gown, but no matter how much I adjusted it, it still looked crooked to me.Was I still hurting from Nick’s behavior? Yes, I was. But was I planning to let that get the better of me? That was a question I had no answer to.One thing was certain tonight—it may not be between Nick and me, but Philip would finally know who he was dealing with, and I would strip him of every penny I made him have.“Oh my God.”I stared at Brooke through the mirror. She stood by my room’s door, mouth agape and in awe.I had invited her over earlier. I figured it would be nice to have someone around before the gala other than Nick.“You look so beautiful, Aliya,” Brooke remarked as she approached me.I turned to look at her with a grin. “And you look amazing, Brooke.”“Oh, stop it. I only put on this dress because of you. I’m not really into this Cinderella stuff,” Brooke commented, making me chuckle lightly.“I’m sure N
Last Updated : 2025-02-16Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 24
Aliya’s POV“Dear, what’s the matter?” William inquired as he approached us.“Your security here doesn’t know who I am, and I don’t blame him,” I smirked, folding my arms. Ron flinched at the sight of William but remained still.“Mr. William, this woman has no invitation, and I can’t let her in,” Ron stated casually, pointing in my direction.William chuckled lightly before his expression turned cold. “This woman is Miss AVA—the reason you have a job. Get out of the way.”“I—I’m so sorry, Miss AVA! I had no idea. Please forgive me,” Ron stammered, causing Nick to smirk at his trembling body.I offered no more words as William led us into the grand hall where the ceremony was taking place.“Dear, I have to take care of something now. See you later,” he murmured before turning away, leaving me with Nick.“So, Miss AVA, how does it feel running a mega-company while keeping your identity hidden for so long?” Nick questioned as we observed the crowd of elegant men and women.“I love a priv
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 25
Aliya’s POV“Aliya, are you okay?” Nick kept bombarding me with questions as I stared at the red dot aimed at his chest.Horror filled my face, and my hands trembled. Who was this Mr. L, and what did he want with Nick?As if reading my thoughts from wherever the hell he was watching me, another text message came in. “Don’t look so frightened. It’s not like you love him. Besides, I’m aware your marriage is just a show.”My breath hitched as I read the words, my fingers tightening around my phone before I abruptly tossed it into my purse. Gripping the terrace handles, I held on tightly while Nick stared at me in absolute confusion.The rest of the guests had gone back inside for the continuation of the event, but I couldn’t move. My knees quivered, and my vision blurred—not from tears, but from sheer fear—as I scanned my surroundings for any clue.“You’re beginning to scare me, Aliya. Say something,” Nick whispered.I turned to face him, and just like that, the red dot was gone. The bre
Last Updated : 2025-02-21Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 26
Liam’s POV The guests erupted into cheers at the mention of a man’s name—one that commanded so much respect, even without being seen. Yes, I’m that man. But was I going to go up on that stage and risk everything I was trying to accomplish? Hell no. I turned to face Aliya, and the frown on her face spoke volumes. Was there any version of me she actually liked? She seemed to hate both Liam and Nick. I chuckled lightly before speaking. “Didn’t tell me your husband-to-be would be invited,” I teased. She rolled her eyes so hard they nearly disappeared into the back of her head. Her lips began to move, mumbling words I couldn’t hear, but I knew she was cursing me while holding herself back. “I mean, the guy’s literally a ghost like you. You two have a lot in common,” I added, smirking. “Can’t wait to see him.” “Fuck off, Nick! If he’s so great, why don’t you marry him instead? Maybe when you have sex with him, you won’t run off like a little girl in a tutu,” she snapped before
Last Updated : 2025-02-25Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 27
Liam’s POVI stared at the note repeatedly, but it was useless. So I tucked it into my pocket before turning to face Aliya.Her eyes screamed fear as tears continued to roll down.“Nick… w-who would do this to me?” she whispered in a raspy tone.I opened my mouth to speak, but for the first time, I had nothing to say. Whoever did this was insane, and it gave me the creeps as well.She looked up at me with her doll-like emerald eyes, and I felt—what? Pain? Anger? I didn’t know why her fear made me uncomfortable, but it did.“First, let’s get you in bed. Then afterwards, I’ll look into this,” I reassured her, and she nodded in agreement. I guided her into the house and to her bedroom. On a normal day, she wouldn’t let me this close—not after what happened. But it was clear the situation had shaken her up pretty badly.“I’ll be in my room if you need me,” I murmured, opening her bedroom door to leave.“No, wait!” she called out, stopping me in my tracks. “Don’t leave, Nick. I’m scared.”
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Liam’s POV“You know, you should have just stayed at home while I handle this—or rather, gone to work?” I remarked, and she rolled her eyes, paying no heed to my statement.I couldn’t take her to my mansion, and I eagerly wanted to meet this mailwoman. As much as I wanted to keep Aliya out of it, I couldn’t.“What are we doing at a café?” she questioned as I poo pulled over before Rosie’s Café, five miles away from my mansion.“This is where I’m meeting Posh and where we’ll find the answers about who is sending you those threats,” I explained, stepping out of the car, but she stayed rooted to her seat.I stared at her through the windshield as her hands fidgeted between her legs. Moving over to her side of the door, I popped my head through the window.“Coming?” I prompted. It was clear yesterday’s threat still unsettled her, but she wouldn’t let me find a solution on my own.“Yeah, I’m just catching a breath,” she responded with a smile, then stepped out as well.I nodded, entwining
Last Updated : 2025-03-04
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Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 55
Liam’s POVEver felt like your lies are beginning to close in on you and there’s no escape? Well, that was exactly the position I found myself in.God knows if Aliya had managed to open that text from Monica before I walked in, it would’ve been catastrophic. Now I stared at her furious face, unsure of what to do.“I can’t do that.” I cleared my throat, taking the phone from her hand.She folded her arms, brows furrowed. “Why, Nick? Unless there’s some truth to what I’m saying.”“There’s no truth to what you’re saying, Aliya. There’s nothing going on between Monica and me,” I said, my voice firm.Aliya let out a dry chuckle. “Unbelievable. I can’t believe how much trust I put in you.”I dropped the phone on the bed, walking toward her gently. I grazed her cheek with the back of my hand, staring into her teary eyes—but I saw more than just tears. I saw disappointment.“Believe me, baby. Monica probably just needs a favor,” I explained, but she shook her head, snapping away from my touch
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 54
Aliya’s POVSo Monica and Nick, huh? Didn’t see that coming.I got into my car and drove home after the long day at the shop, which I was certain I wouldn’t be stepping foot in for a while.Nick had left for his secret adventures with Posh, as usual, and all I could do was nod without complaint. Sometimes it felt like he didn’t trust me enough to let me into his world. I mean, take a look at how I found out my old friend used to be his girlfriend.There was this strange feeling I had when I saw the way they looked at each other. Was it jealousy? Or fear—fear that they hadn’t told me the whole truth about their past.I pulled over and stepped into the house, ready to unwind and melt into the warm blankets waiting on my bed. But my stomach had other plans—I hadn’t eaten anything all day.After a soothing bath, I made my way to the kitchen. Soft jazz drifted through the speakers as I played around with the knives and vegetables.“Might as well make something for Nick, since he always doe
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 53
Third Person’s POVNick stood still, eyes fixated on her, but he didn’t flinch—not even for a second.“What do you think you’re doing?” he asked, furrowing his brows.Monica ignored his question and stepped even closer. Her red lingerie sparkled under the chandelier. Rising on her toes, she placed a soft kiss on Nick’s cheek.“I’m in town because I’ve missed you, Nick,” she murmured, her voice low and seductive. “You know we were never supposed to end our relationship—if not for…”Nick suddenly grabbed her arm. “Don’t you dare say it. That’s supposed to stay between us, remember?”Monica chuckled. “Right. What happens in Peru stays in Peru.”He let go of her arm, and she rubbed the spot slowly before locking eyes with him.“I should be the one you’re with, not her. I was there for you through it all, and now that everything’s going great, you never reached out.”Nick ran a hand through his ruffled hair for what felt like the hundredth time that day. He brushed past her to the mini bar
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 52
Liam’s POVWalking in on your ex-girlfriend hand in hand with your present girlfriend is something you might see in your everyday life—but walking in on your ex-girlfriend, who knows everything about you, standing with your present girlfriend? That feels like the end of a game.“Monica?” I murmured, trying to mask my shock, but it was futile and Aliya noticed instantly.“Liam?” Aliya chuckled. “No, this is Nick, my husband.”“Excuse me, do you two know each other?” she asked, breaking the long, awkward staring contest I was having with Monica.“Uh… Aliya, this is Liam—my ex-boyfriend,” Monica said, turning to Aliya whose smile began to falter.“Ex-boyfriend from way back,” I added quickly, trying to lighten the tension.“Why is she calling you Nick?” Monica questioned, her eyes narrowing as Aliya looked at me for what felt like the fiftieth time today.“That’s because Nick is my actual name,” I said with a forced chuckle, not even sure what I was saying or how I’d explain it later.I
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 51
Aliya’s POVEver felt like the more you get closer to someone, the more you know them less?Well, that was Nick and me. We had taken things to the next level and it’s been a week now, but he still felt like a stranger to me. Always having errands to run, never letting me know anything about his life—I’ve always been in the shadows, and I still am.Aside from that, he was everything I ever wanted—everything Philip wasn’t. One way or another, I was going to bring down those walls he had built completely.I fastened my hands on the steering wheel as my phone buzzed, jolting me. I took a quick glance at the screen, tapped on it, and focused my attention back on driving.“Hey, baby!” Nick’s voice came through the speakers, and a smile spread across my lips.“You didn’t wake me, and now I didn’t get to stare at your face before you left,” he said.“I know, Nick, I’m sorry. It was an urgent call about my fashion shop, so I just had to step out real quick,” I explained.“Uhh, is everything ok
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 50
Liam’s POV“No!” Aliya sobbed as she tossed in her sleep, jolting me awake. “Mama?” I called out, rubbing the sleep from my eyes and switching on the bedside lamp. Her forehead was drenched in sweat as tears streamed down her face. “Don’t leave, please!” Aliya screamed even louder. “Baby, it’s just a dream,” I said, shaking her gently. “Wake up.” Aliya shot up hastily, her breathing rapid as she grasped her chest. I wrapped my arms around her as she melted into my embrace, letting out silent sobs. “It’s just a dream,” I kept reassuring her as I stroked her back softly. We stayed like that for a while before she finally let go. Her teary eyes pierced through me, and my chest ached seeing her cry. “I’m sorry for waking you,” her soft voice came through. “There’s nothing to be sorry for,” I replied with a small smile, hoping to ease her pain. “What was it about?” I asked as she lowered her head, avoiding my gaze. I lifted her chin with a finger. “Hey, talk to me. I’m here, swee
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 49
Third Person’s POVThe morning sun shone brightly into Camille’s bedroom as she stretched and rubbed her eyes. When they finally fluttered open, she scanned the room again, taking in the beauty of the space Vinichi had given her.“This is simply gorgeous,” she grinned, tossing the blankets aside and walking toward the balcony. She pulled open the floor-to-ceiling window.Camille closed her eyes, clutching the balcony rail tightly as she exhaled deeply, whispering, “I’m a Van Alen.”“That’s right. I’m a freaking Van Alen!” she declared louder this time, spinning like a made-up princess in a fairy tale.Her fun came to an abrupt halt when the front door creaked open and a young woman, probably around twenty-seven, stepped in with her head bowed low.“Good morning, Madam Camille,” the woman greeted quietly. “I’m the new servant assigned to you.”Camille stepped back into the bedroom and circled the woman slowly. “What’s your name?”“Ve… Vera, madam,” she stammered.“Vera is no name,” Cam
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 48
Liam’s POVEverything felt right. It didn’t feel like I was making a wrong decision, and it certainly didn’t feel like I’d ever regret dropping everything for the love I had for the woman before me.She was perfect in every way—beautiful and captivating. I was beginning to lose my mind when I didn’t get a glimpse of her face. Aliya had me wrapped around her fingers, and it’s safe to say I wanted to stay there.“If you keep staring at me that way, I won’t make it to work,” she said, eyeing me through the mirror as she fixed the collar of her shirt.I chuckled, tossing off the blanket and making my way to her. Wrapping my arms around her petite waist, I inhaled her perfume and placed soft kisses along her neck.“Mmm,” I murmured. “You smell so good.”She giggled, resting her hands over mine. “Nick, this is tempting.”“What if I don’t want you to go to work today?” I whispered low in her ear. “We could get back in bed, and I’ll make you forget you’re even a CEO.”She laughed as I continu
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 47
Aliya’s POVMy eyes fluttered open as the brightness of the morning light and a familiar scent enveloped me. A smile tugged at my lips as I turned to the other side of the bed to find my boyfriend—yes, my boyfriend—with that perfect grin on his face.“Good morning,” Nick greeted, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me in for a kiss.“Good morning, Nick,” I replied, breaking free from our kiss.Last night had been absolute chaos. Dad had shown up with his dumb revelation about Camille being his daughter and tried to force me to get her out.But Nick had wiped away that memory completely when he buried his head between my legs and explored my insides with his tongue.Whatever they had going on in that family was no longer an Aliya’s problem. If Dad wanted to claim someone else as his daughter, then they could have the title. Besides I’d already given it up without an ounce of regret.“You’re so beautiful,” Nick murmured as he tucked a few strands of hair behind my ear. “I can’t
