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Chapter 32

Penulis: McConville
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-03-10 06:06:24
Aliya's POV

I stood there frozen, like a kid caught stealing candy. I didn't know what to say, and I should have just walked out, but no, I had to open my mouth.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, my eyes darting back and forth like a lost puppy.

He smirked and walked closer. "Aliya, you're in my room."

"I'm not," I protested defensively, then realized how dumb I sounded.

He chuckled loudly, like I was a jester. "You're literally holding and sniffing my clothes, and yet you're not in my room?"

I realized how tightly I had clung to his T-shirt, so I threw it away, keeping my head down to avoid his burning gaze. Taking my head down seemed like a bad idea, though, given what my eyes came into contact with.

If I hadn't known how big he was down there, I could have sworn I saw a bulge through that towel.

"Throwing it away won't stop me from asking why you're here?" He tilted his head, then followed my gaze. "Something's got you distracted, huh?"

His question hit me like a brick
McConville

Tell me what you think😁 Is Aliya making a good choice by taking care of her needs or is she making a grave mistake?😕

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  • Love, Lies and Billions   Chapter 33

    Liam’s POVMy heart raced as I leaned against the car seat of the taxi. Sweat dripped down my face, and my mind ran wild as to what must have happened.I was at a meeting with Posh, Brooke, and some of our investors when a call came through from Aliya. She had yelled faintly for me to come home, saying she wasn’t feeling too good, but I barely heard her.I immediately rushed out of that meeting without a second thought. Of course, it earned me some harsh glances from Brooke, but at that moment, nothing or nobody mattered apart from Aliya.At this point, I knew I shouldn’t have gone with her “Fling plan” 3 months ago, but I did, and now—well, now I’m addicted to her like a drug.“We’re here, sir,” the taxi driver announced, pulling me out of my reverie. You would think by now I should be used to the ride, but no, it felt like I’d throw up my lungs if I stayed in any further, so I rushed out.Once stepping into the gate, Marcus, the head of the bodyguards Aliya had hired, snapped his h

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-10

  • Love, Lies and Billions   Chapter 34

    Third Person’s POVCamille sat in her car, gritting her teeth as she dialed Philip’s number again. It was the sixtieth time that day, but the result was always the same.“Hi, this is Philip’s voicemail. Drop your information and leave my phone the fuck alone.” His voice, dripping with sarcasm, came through the speaker.“Pick up your damn phone, you idiot,” she muttered, slamming her fist against the steering wheel as though the force of it could somehow make him answer.“Unbelievable!” Camille hissed, shoving her phone into the passenger seat. She slammed the car into gear and sped off, her eyes narrowing with determination. There was only one place she had in mind and that’s where she headed.A few minutes later, she pulled up in front of Philip’s grandmother’s house, the small, rundown place that had given him shelter ever since Aliya began to take every single thing away. At least his grandmother had passed away years ago, leaving him the house in her will, but it didn’t feel like

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12

  • Love, Lies and Billions   Chapter 35

    Aliya’s POVToday was proving to be a very strenuous day.I had been sitting among bald and grey-headed men, who kept babbling nonsense about my company. A company I’ve worked hard to maintain. And now they want to buy me out of it like it’s candy in a 7-Eleven store?“Mrs. Van Alen Johnson, are you listening?” A voice pulled me out of my reverie.I turned my attention to see it was one of my grandpa’s most trusted friends when he was still alive, Mr. Frederick.“It’s a shame, Mr. Frederick,” I said, my voice cutting through the stale air. “It’s a shame what you’re doing right now. I’m pretty certain my grandpa is the reason you are where you are today, but this is how you repay him?”A flicker of guilt flashed in the old man’s eyes before vanishing. “Your grandpa was a lovely friend. God bless his soul,” he said, gazing up at the sky as though Grandpa were watching. “But this is business, Aliya, and we’ve weighed our options.”“And the best option for you all is to let someone else,

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12

  • Love, Lies and Billions   Chapter 36

    Liam’s POVI had woken up that morning, tossing to the side of Aliya’s bed with a wide grin and the hopes of continuing our session, but my grin faltered when I opened my eyes and noticed she was out of bed.I couldn’t deny the fact that my body craved her every day and anywhere, so I paid her a visit, and now she’s stuck panicking with me in the bathroom as the door is being opened.“This is your fault, Nick,” she grumbled, making me chuckle.The door finally opened, revealing none other than my dear sister.“Oh! Aliya,” Brooke exclaimed. “I’m so sorry, I thought it was one of the employees. You know Cynthia, right? She’s been, you know…” Brooke pretended to whisper.Aliya let out a sigh of relief, finally letting go of my hand.“You see? No worries.” I turned to her with a smile, but she just rolled her eyes.She turned her attention back to Brooke. “It’s fine, Brooke. Nick just had something important to tell me, and now I’ll be leaving.”“But—” I started, but she shot me a hard gl

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-18

  • Love, Lies and Billions   Chapter 37

    Liam’s POVPosh’s phone hung in the air, right in front of my face, as I stared at a video of the day I had met Aliya in the arms of Philip. Directly beneath it was a picture of her in nothing but a tiny piece of lingerie, barely covering her nipples.“Where did you get this?” I mumbled through gritted teeth.“The trending social media platform, Rona, Boss,” Posh responded, his gaze fixed on me. “It has over a thousand users here in the City.”“And how far has it spread?” My brows creased so deeply they could hold a thread.“W…we don’t know yet, Boss.” Posh stuttered, trembling as the phone in his hand began to slip.In one swift motion, I snatched the phone from his grip and hurled it into the wall with every ounce of strength I could muster. My breathing escalated as I pulled out my own phone and called Aliya.“This is Aliya’s voicemail. Please leave a message after the beep.”I tried again. And again. But it was the same thing every damn time until her line went completely dead.I

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-19

  • Love, Lies and Billions   Chapter 38

    Aliya’s POVThe scent of antiseptics flared my nostrils as I struggled to pry my eyes open. The beeping sound of machines was the first thing my ears came in contact with, and when I finally opened my eyes, I became consumed with disappointment.I was alive and well, but what was the essence at this point? I expected to be locked up in a coffin somewhere, dead, but here I was, living for nothing.My eyes were wide open, but it felt wrong. I shouldn’t have been able to open them, not after what I’d been through for years, and certainly not after what happened to me before now.My thoughts immediately traveled back to the day at the office after Nick had left abruptly because I asked a question so easy that even a kindergartener could answer.I was filled with disappointment and decided to keep a closed mind about it, never bringing up my feelings again. Later that evening, I packed up and left for home, and as soon as I got there, I received it.The video I stared at felt so unreal, ye

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-20

  • 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-21

  • 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-23

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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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