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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 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
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 46
Third Person’s POVVinichi sped off to the prison cell after receiving the text message about Camille’s release. He had received some help, and only now did he begin to wonder who the mysterious person was.He stood in the waiting area, running a hand through his sleek white hair and gently tapping his leg in anticipation, while his mind spiraled with thoughts of how he was going to tell Camille who he was.“Fuck!” he muttered, stopping the tapping and letting out a dry laugh. “Who am I kidding? Any girl her age would run at the opportunity of becoming a Van Alen overnight. This shouldn’t be too difficult.”He raised his hand and checked his watch before heading abruptly to the counter where a bald-headed policeman stood.“I’ve been here for almost five minutes,” Vinichi snapped, startling the man. “How long does it take to get her out of there?!”“I’m so sorry, Mr. Van Alen,” the officer stammered, trembling at the mere sight of a man who apparently had nothing on him anymore, yet st
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 45
Third Person’s POV “Damn that Aliya!” Vinichi growled as he stepped into his home, startling his wife, Maria, and daughter, Nala. “Jeez!” Maria rose lazily from the couch. “What’s all the fuss about?” “Yeah, Dad, what did she do this time?” Nala added. Vinichi paced the living room for a while before slumping into a seat. His body burned with the memory of what had just happened. “Where are the damn maids?” he bellowed. “Someone get me a bag of ice.” “Oh my God!” Maria gasped. “I didn’t even realize how battered your jaw was. Who did that to you?” The maid hurried back with a bag of ice on a tray, shakily placed it on the table, and scurried away, trying to avoid Vinichi’s wrath. “Dad, who did this?” Nala prodded, her expression filled with concern as she picked up the bag of ice and gently pressed it against Vinichi’s cheek. “Aliya’s weakling of a husband,” he grumbled, wincing as pain radiated from his swollen jaw. “And she just stood there and did nothing?” Ma
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 44
Aliya’s POV I froze, eyes wide, unable to utter another word as I stared at the man I called father—the man who had completely changed, almost as if he died and was reincarnated. And now he stood here, telling me I should release my sister? “You meant my ex-friend, right?” I asked, trying to convince myself I hadn’t heard him properly. “No, Aliya. Your sister—my daughter. Camille is a Van Alen. She shouldn’t be in that place for criminals,” he insisted, his face stern like he hadn’t just blurted out a shocking statement. “Well, then, I guess Beyoncé is my cousin, right?” I laughed, but his expression remained the same. I shook my head, turning to Nick, who had an unreadable expression. Then I let out a low laugh again. “Hold up. So you’re saying Camille—the woman who backstabbed me and posted horrible stuff—is my sister? And what you want is for me to let her go?” “My English is plain, Aliya,” he said. “I’m also here because you never showed up for the family dinner I in
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 43
Liam’s POV“Boss, are you certain this is how you want it to end?” Posh halted, cocking a brow. “You’ve planned for years.”“All I know is I can’t lose her—especially not to my desire for vengeance on her family,” I responded, placing the cutlery on the table.I had called Posh over to help me set up the house for a beautiful dinner. There was no doubt—I couldn’t breathe when Aliya resented me, so I had to make things right. This time, I would do everything the right way.“So you’ll tell her who you really are and what your actual purpose was in her life?” Posh asked. For the first time since he started questioning me that evening, I had nothing to say.I paused, my throat tightening as my mind ran in circles. Do I really have to tell her everything? I know I’m trying to make things right, but the last time I tried, we almost got into an accident. Maybe that was my sign—things would go horribly wrong if I blurted out the truth.“Boss?” Posh called, snapping me out of my reverie.I str
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 42
Aliya’s POVNick stared at me, ready to open his mouth when suddenly, a loud horn broke the silence. He stepped on the brakes, and we lurched forward.“Damn it!” Nick yelled, punching the steering wheel before turning to me.“Oh my goodness, Aliya, are you okay?” he asked, reaching out to me, but I pulled my hand away.“I’m fine, Nick. Just concentrate on driving so we don’t get into something worse,” I said, turning my attention back to the window.He quickly averted his gaze from his suspended hand and stepped on the gas again, driving slowly.“I still haven’t told you who I am,” Nick said.“Save it,” I muttered, keeping my eyes glued to the window.“But Aliya, you don’t understand, I’m…” he tried to say, but I turned, shooting daggers with my eyes.“There’s nothing to understand about you, Nick,” I growled. “The only thing I have in mind about you is that you don’t care about the people who love you. So whoever you are doesn’t matter. “Your character speaks for all that you are.”S
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 41
Aliya’s POV“Let go of me!” I screamed, struggling to break free from the closing darkness.“Stop screaming, Aliya. It’s just me,” a very familiar voice said, making my stomach twist even more in fear.I didn’t know if that was an attempt to make me struggle less, but if it was, then it was horrible as hell.Suddenly, the lights flickered on, and I was met with the stupid face of my lying, cheating, ungrateful bastard of an ex-boyfriend, Philip.My fear twisted into disgust and anger as I continued to struggle against his grip.“Of all the people who could think to kidnap me, it can’t be you. I’d rather be kidnapped by a deadly mafia gang than Philip Parker,” I snapped, glaring daggers at him as he slowly released his hold on me.“I’m sorry you feel that way, Aliya, but I didn’t come here to hurt you,” he muttered, straightening his rumpled hair.“So, the light mysteriously turned itself off, and you grabbed me by the arm. What else is that called if not an attempt to hurt someone?” I
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 40
Aliya’s POVI stood before my floor-length mirror, fastening the buttons of my blouse when my eyes drifted to my belly. Slowly, I placed my hand on it, rubbing gently as tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I fought them back.The doctor’s words flashed through my mind for a split second. I was infertile, and never would I have a child to call my own. I had wanted to take my life, but instead, I took that of my innocent baby.I stared at the broken reflection before me, unsure whether to just sit back and give up fighting or continue as if nothing had happened. As I battled with my emotions, a knock on the door jolted me.“Aliya,” Nick said, closing the door slightly behind him as he stepped toward me.“Good morning,” I replied, not taking my eyes off the mirror.“You’re all dressed up,” he noted, scanning my body with a frown. “Going somewhere?”“Yes. I have a company to run, remember?” I responded.“But you’re not fine yet,” he argued.“Says who exactly?” I shot back, my gaz
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 39
Liam’s POVThe thought of having my own family one day had never crossed my mind. All I could think about my entire life was revenge on the Van Alen family for making my family’s life miserable, and it seemed like my quest for vengeance had taken a toll on me. I lost my unborn baby because of it and drove the woman I love into darkness.It had been two days since Aliya was finally released from the hospital, and it had been two days of long silence. She wouldn’t speak or eat, wouldn’t cry, wouldn’t leave her room. It hurt to see her this way, but what hurt the most was knowing I played a vital roll in her pain she went through.The bubbly sound of the soup pot pulled me from my reverie. Immediately, I turned off the stove and continued shredding some chicken. Once I was done, I poured the soup into a bowl, made some sandwiches, and arranged everything on the tray.My grip tightened around it as I made my way upstairs to Aliya’s bedroom. I exhaled deeply at the door before pushing it o
