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Chapter 2

Penulis: McConville
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-01-02 13:55:10

Aliya’s POV

No matter how hard I tried not to break down, it didn’t work. My efforts were relentless, and the tears streamed down my face endlessly as I walked out of the house and away from the man I thought loved and cared so much about me. Philip was everything I thought a woman could wish for, considering how lonely it was to be a billionaire heiress. He made me feel all kinds of love, but now I see it was all for nothing.

I had left my wealth, my lifestyle and my family all for a man who didn’t give a damn about me and slept with a girl I thought was my best friend. My chest tightened, and I clenched my fist while standing out on the lonely, cold street. The street lights glared at me as the fireflies danced together.

It was dark, lonely, and scary. What made things worse was the striking sound of the thunderstorm and lightning that signaled it was about to pour. “Fuck,” I cursed as it came pouring down on me like my failed love life.

I shuddered under the cold, waiting for William to come pick me up. I had called him up before Philip arrived, but it seems he was running late.

Tears blurred my vision as I continued walking, letting the rain wash over me. I barely registered the sound of a horn blaring in a distance. Everything around me was a haze, muffled and distant, like I wasn’t really there. One step after another, I walked forward, my legs dragging along.

Then it happened.

A force slammed into me, knocking me off my feet and onto a hard surface. My breath left my lungs in a gasp as I hit the ground.

“Are you out of your mind?” A deep baritone voice snapped above me.

I looked up and found a man hovered over me. His face was a mix of anger and concern. He stretched his trembling hand and tried to help me up.

“You were about to get hit by that car. What were you fucking thinking about at this time of the night?” He said, as his tone began to soften.

I opened my mouth to respond, but words failed me. The reality of what just happened washed over me like ice water, and my legs nearly gave way again.

“You saved me,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

“Yeah, well, don’t make me do it again,” he whispered as he brushed off his jacket. His piercing eyes met mine for a moment and I saw something there. Something that made my heart beat so loud to my hearing.

Just then, I spotted the lights of the black SUV that made its way towards me. It was my dad’s assistant, William. “Hello Miss Van Alen.” He yelled over the raindrops as he rushed out of the car to open up the door for me.

I turned to find the man who helped me, but he was gone. “Did you see a guy with me, William?” I asked.

“I didn’t notice, ma’am. Let’s get you inside. It’s cold.”

Willam was the sweetest soul ever. He always had my best interest at heart and had always looked out for me like I was his own daughter since I was born. For a man in his late sixties, he sure had the energy of fifty men combined to always watch out for my wellbeing.

“Miss Van Alen, aren’t you going to ask?” He turned to me with the saddest eyes as he helped me with my seatbelt. “Ask what Williams? How you knew that my so called dumb fiancé had been cheating on me?” I shrugged, clearly not in the mood to talk to anyone.

William always warned me about Philip right from the first time I met him. So it wasn’t strange if he knew things will play out exactly like it did tonight.

“William, I know you want to tell me I told you so and that I wasted almost two perfect years of my life with Philip the loser and Camille the bitch, so just go ahead. I probably deserve it.” I stared out the window at the droplets of rain and wiped the tears that made their way down my face.

“You know, Miss Van Alen, you were just in love and we’re all bound to fall in love. The only mistake you made was almost leaving your wealth behind for that imbecile. Now that you’re back, everything will be perfect again. That’s after we deal with your dad.” He gave me a reassuring smile.

What did he mean by dealing with my dad? I know my dad was never in support of my relationship with Philip and he was a hard nut to crack. All he ever cared about anyway was his plastic face wife and brat for a daughter..

“I shouldn’t be telling you this now, but your dad wants you to get married as soon as possible.” William announced.

“What the fuck!” I yelled. “My dad, who was against my marriage, now wants me to get married? How’s that possible, William?” I asked as my fingers tucked deeper into my thighs.

He cleared his throat. “I don’t have that information, dear, but I overheard him saying he’d make it known to you soon, and it looks like tonight is the perfect time.”

I sank deeply into the car seat, shutting my eyes and taking in everything my life had presented to me today. Being a lady was hard, and worst of all, the Van Alen heiress.

“Just let me know when we’ve arrived the estate, William.” I said

“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded.

Moments later, we pulled up to the Van Alen estate. An estate so big it could house thousands of guests. The place was just how I remembered it. Maybe even more beautiful. Stepping out of the car, my heels clicked softly against the floors as I made my way to the grand doors.

The marble floors gleamed under the chandelier and servants walked around, greeting me like they had been trained to do.

“The prodigal daughter returns.” A voice cut through my thoughts. It was my dad, Vinichi.

He stood tall at the bottom of the long stairs with a cane in his hand, as always. “Hi dad,” I said.

“You leave your family behind for a year and some months and what I get is a hi?” He said as he walked down the stairs and towards me.

“Dad, I’m tired. I just want to be left alone.” I shrugged and tried to walk past him, but he grabbed my arm before I could make it up the stairs.

“You’re very dumb, Aliya, and even more dumb for thinking you can come in and out of here anytime you wish.”

I struggled to take my arm away from his stronghold. “Let go of me, old man. Don’t think I’m still the kid you can bully.” I said, making sure my head was held up high enough.

He raised his brows so hard it almost touched his receding hairline. “I see. That Philip guy has given you some courage and you’ve lost your darn manners, but that’s fine. I’ll let it slide for now. They’re other important things to worry about.”

He paced around for a while before standing still. “There’s a problem. The family’s in debt and only you can pay that debt off.”

I had hoped whatever William said in the car wasn’t true, but the serious expression on his face said otherwise.

“You see, Aliya, your grandfather is a sneaky bastard. The will states you have to get married before you can get his fortune and if we don’t pay that debt by the end of the week, that’s Sunday, then we’ll lose everything, including the estate.” He explained.

“Ha ha, very funny. So you expect me to get married and get my inheritance so I can save your sorry ass? This is your debt. Why can’t you fix it yourself?” I yelled.

“We’re not going to drag this matter forward. Do what I’ve asked, or you know the consequences and it can easily happen because there’s a lot of proof you were the one.” He smiled sinisterly.

“Now, this is the deal. You have two days to prepare yourself because you’ll be getting married to the son of my good friend Martin De Luca. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone, but if you decide to be a brat then the whole world will learn about the skeletons you hid in your closet,” He said as he brushed past me.

“This is ridiculous, dad, utterly ridiculous. You know i didn’t do what you’ve accused me of for years and I can’t marry someone I have no knowledge of.” I yelled as I stared at his retreating body.

“But dad, it’s impossible!”

He chuckled deeply. “ It’s not, if you just marry the De Luca heir peacefully.”

How was I supposed to marry a man whom I didn’t love? And where was I supposed to find love in two days’ time in order to save both myself and my sorry excuse for a family?

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  • Love, Lies and Billions   Chapter 3

    Aliya’s POV Last night had been the craziest night of my entire life. I get cheated on, dumped, almost run over, but saved by the hottest guy ever and now, I’m supposed to marry a stranger? Like I said, it wasn’t the easiest thing to be a Van Alen heiress. I wonder if I’ll ever get to meet the guy from last night; I didn’t even get his name or number and now I can’t stop thinking about our encounter I laid on my queen sized bed staring at the modern ceiling crafted originally by a French artist, Solomon Dubois, as the morning light crept its way through my window. A beautiful sight that isn’t seen just anywhere and by just anyone. I couldn’t cry for that loser anymore. I was going to get my revenge on him slowly and it’ll be messy. Well, if dad thought I was a fool and didn’t know what was written on that will then he was solely mistaken. Grandpa had said to fall in love and marry anyone I wanted in order to get my inheritance. I wanted nothing to do with love

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  • Love, Lies and Billions   Chapter 4

    Liam’s POV If I had been told I’d wind up half-naked in the restroom for ladies earlier this morning, then I would have bitten that person’s head off. An absent minded server had decided “oh, today is the day for me to soil someone’s clothes. Why don’t I try Mr Liam’s?” What a lousy place to be called a five-star restaurant. I had been washing my hands in the sink when I realized I was in the wrong bathroom, but it was too late. A lady had walked in already. My eyes widened when I realized it was her. The woman I had pushed out of the road hours back. “If I let go, you won’t scream anymore, right?” I asked, and she nodded. Slowly, I peeled my hands away from her mouth as she inhaled and exhaled. “You… you.. why… what?” She stuttered “I can explain.” I said, trying to calm her down. “You’re a pervert! What are you doing in the ladies’ room, huh?” She yelled. “Okay, lady, it’s a crazy story. First, this restaurant is trash. Second, a server soi

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  • Love, Lies and Billions   Chapter 5

    Aliya’s POV “No one touches my wife. Next time you try this, you’d be eating through a pipe.” Nick’s words startled me, and it sure startled everyone else. We weren’t even married yet, and he was already standing up for me. Who is this man? It’s funny how I walked into a bathroom and met the most beautiful man I had ever seen in my life, and trust me, I had seen a lot of men. For a second, I had forgotten I should be scared because a man was in the ladies’ room, but I stood there feasting my eyes on his body. His face was finely chiseled, perfect height, a lot taller than me and Philip combined, a nicely drawn tattoo on his left hand. My eyes railed from his chest to his torso, and that was when I remembered to scream. He ran towards me, closing my mouth, and I couldn’t help but stare into his striking eyes, a blend of blue and grey. “How dare you speak to my fiancé that way? Do you know who I am, you incompetent fool?” Philip growled, snapping me back to reali

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  • Love, Lies and Billions   Chapter 6

    Liam’s POVAs she handed me her house address, I couldn’t understand why she’d let a man speak to her that way. It’s not like I cared what happened to her; I just found it disrespectful how a lowlife could speak to an heiress like that. Did she really not tell him who she was? Because he seemed clueless.I took the card from her hand, staring down at her hazel eyes, and a smirk formed on my lips. If only she knew the person she was dealing with right now, a cheating ex would be the least of her problems.She didn’t wait for another word as she got into her car and drove away.“Boss, I must say, what you’re wearing is ugly,” Posh said, emerging from behind me while I stared at her moving car. He wasn’t wrong. It was quality, but not my style.“Let’s go. I have some things to take care of before meeting her later at her place,” I said, walking toward my sleek black SUV with Posh trailing behind me.“You’re walking into the enemy’s territory, boss. Why don’t we just get it over with now?

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  • Love, Lies and Billions   Chapter 7

    Liam’s POVI had completely forgotten I asked my men earlier today to find Vinichi’s first daughter and give her father a good scare before I bumped into her at the restaurant. The dumb idiots were only supposed to pass on a message, but they almost assaulted her.Aliya’s hands were trembling as they gripped my shirt tightly. Her sobs echoed in the room, each tear soaking into my clothes.“Shh,” I murmured, patting her back softly. For a second, I almost felt human, but this wasn’t the time for guilt to surface.“I don’t know who they were, Nick. They broke in and—” She couldn’t even finish her sentence. Her voice cracked, and she clung to me even tighter. I didn’t think she had it in her to hug me this tight because earlier it seemed as though she’d never need my help.“Don’t speak,” I said firmly, but not harshly. My hand brushed the hair from her tear-streaked face as I stared down at her. Those hazel eyes, glassy and red-rimmed, gazed up at me, so full of trust it made me sick to

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  • Love, Lies and Billions   Chapter 8

    Aliya’s POVI couldn’t let Nick know how thankful I was to him for showing up when I had no one to save me. Those men almost violated me, and that would have destroyed me, but he saved me and never left my side.I know I was being a brat, but letting my guard down again wasn’t something I was willing to do. Our relationship was clearly contracted. He worked for me, I paid him—it shouldn’t be that difficult, right?As we drove into my dad’s mansion, my heartbeat quickened. I knew I shouldn’t care what they thought, but I still felt the need to prove that I didn’t live for their love—especially since they clearly had none for me.The car came to a halt, and I couldn’t understand why Nick didn’t seem amazed at the size of this estate. Anyone who got in here always had their mouths hanging open, but him—it seemed he wasn’t impressed. Not like I was aiming to impress him, but he ought to be.“Don’t say anything unless you’re being asked a question. I can’t risk you spoiling my plans. But i

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  • Love, Lies and Billions   Chapter 9

    Aliya’s POV“Please hand me your phone, Aliya.” Nick stretched out his hand, confusing me even more in my state of shock. I opened my car door and stepped out, leaning on it as I wiped away my tears. This was the second time in just one day that Nick had seen me cry, and it was embarrassing.“What do you need my phone for?” I asked, my voice hoarse and still shaky from crying.Veins ran through his forehead like lightning as he stared into my eyes. “I know we’re not close, and we barely know each other, but trust me—just hand it over. Let me take care of this.”Was he crazy? He was right in stating that we barely knew each other, but here he was thinking he could handle a problem like this just because he might have saved me one or two times.“I just want to give him a warning, and I have friends who can make sure the picture goes away,” he explained, making me even more furious.“You want me to hand you a phone that has my naked pictures so you can warn the sender? Does that make any

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  • Love, Lies and Billions   Chapter 10

    Liam’s POV It was funny and crazy that she thought I cared about her little outburst the previous night. She had called me broke in many ways, but jokes on her—her family’s wealth came second to mine. It has always been that way, and it’ll always be that way. When I had asked for her phone, I honestly didn’t want to take a look at the picture Philip had sent. I had wanted to warn him, but then I realized she would think the worst of me, so I didn’t press the matter further. But when she lashed out at me continuously, I tried so hard not to hold her by the neck and strangle her till she lost her little life. As I walked away from the temptation, I couldn’t help but wonder why she’d choose to make someone like Philip her fiancé, who has done nothing but insult her. Once inside my room, I made sure to shut the door tight, and then I called up Posh immediately. “Yes, boss?” he responded. “I want to know everything about Philip, the guy who harassed Aliya at the restaurant ye

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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

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