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Chapter Twenty-Three; Faces in the Dark
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2024-06-20 10:09:55Related chapters
Married a Billionare as a Side Hustle Chapter One; Wedding Bells of Deceit 1
BRIANA'S POV As I stand at the altar, adorned in a gown that isn't mine, I can feel the weight of deception pressing down on me like a leaden veil. The soft strains of the wedding march fill the air, mingling with the whispers of the gathered guests. All eyes are fixed on me, but they do not see the real me - they see the illusion I've been forced to embody. I steal a glance at him, the man I am to marry, the heir to a wealthy dynasty. His chiseled features are a mask of composure, but I couldn’t deny the love that shone in his eyes. He looked at me like I was the most precious jewel, and the sincerity with which he smiled caused my heart to ache painfully for him. Does he know the truth, or is he too blinded by duty and love to see through the charade? My chest tightens with every step I take closer to him, knowing that this union is built on a foundation of lies. I am not the woman he was meant to marry. She fled, leaving behind a void that I, with my uncanny resemblance, have b
Last Updated : 2024-02-27Married a Billionare as a Side Hustle Chapter Two; Wedding bells of Deceit 2
Finally, my shift comes to an end and I wave Mr Riley goodbye as I clock out, looking down at my watch as I hurry to my next job. But as I navigated the busy streets of Seattle I couldn’t shake off the unsettling feeling that washed over me. I felt like I was being watched, but each time I took a glance around me, I couldn’t spot anything or anyone suspicious lurking around me. It had been happening for the past few days now, and the feeling still lingered till now. “Bri! Oh my gosh! I’ve missed you!” I’m tackled into a hug the moment I step foot in the department store, rolling my eyes playfully as I let out a light chuckle. My coworker Sally was such an energetic soul, and it’s one of the reasons I don’t particularly hate this gig. “You saw me yesterday and the day before that.” I remind her, and Sally pulls back from the hug to give me a puppy-eyed look, her expressive brown eyes shining through the curtain of her dark fringe. “Well two hours a day is not enough time, and you’re n
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“Pardon?” Did I hear her correctly or were my ears deceiving me? She answers me with a light chuckle, seemingly amused by my reaction. “I said I want you to marry my brother,” she repeats casually, picking up her wine glass and letting it rest between her fingers. I blinked once then twice, trying to make sense of her statement, but my brain could only come up with one response. What the hell? “I don’t quite understand what you mean Miss.” I start carefully, and she takes a small sip of her wine before setting it back on the table. My brows furrowed in confusion as she raised her hand slightly, and with a small flick of her fingers, a tall man emerged from the shadows, making my heart jump in my chest as I let out a shocked gasp. How long had he been standing there? I didn’t even sense his presence. He was adorned in a raven-black suit, his expression unreadable, and his features hard as stone. The only notable thing about him was the silver tint of his brown hair and the scar
Last Updated : 2024-02-27Married a Billionare as a Side Hustle Chapter Four; A New Beginning
Present day... As we emerged from the chapel, the air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers and the sound of joyous applause. My heart fluttered with nervousness as I held onto the arm of the man who believed me to be someone else. The guests lined up, eager to offer their congratulations. I smiled and thanked each of them, trying to ignore the uneasy knot that tightened in my chest with every well-wish. “Oh, my darling daughter, you look absolutely gorgeous!” A short middle-aged woman says as she pulls me into a hug, and my smile twitches, threatening to fall as the word ‘daughter’ rings in my mind. I was not her daughter but a mere replacement, and she knew that very well. We both smiled at each other, under a mask of pretense as we acted like any daughter and mother would. It was almost sickening how she appeared unaffected by the thought of a stranger taking her daughter’s place, but it was no use understanding her state of mind. Her company would be in ruins if the scanda
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As the last guest offered their congratulations, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the reception ahead. My new life as a bride who was not truly a bride had begun, and I could only hope that I could keep up the charade long enough to set things right. Finally, the day had come to an end, and as we settled into the plush seats of the limousine, my husband turned to me, his eyes shining with adoration. "You were stunning today, my love," he said, reaching for my hand. I pulled my default smile, my fingers trembling slightly in his grasp. "Thank you," I replied, my voice betraying none of the turmoil inside me. All I did all day was say thank you, the term slowly becoming a mantra. He leaned closer, his voice soft. "Is everything alright? You seem... distant." I bit my lip, trying to quell the rising panic. "I'm just overwhelmed," I lied. "It's been a long day." He nodded understandingly, but I could see the concern in his eyes. I turned away, staring out the window as we dr
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“Anderson!” I hurried to his side, not caring if I soiled the pristine wedding dress as I kneeled before him, my hands reaching out to his face to calm him down. “Anderson!” my voice trembles with worry as my vision blurs with unshed tears as his face twists in pure agony. In a frenzy, I moved to get my phone as it was the only logical thing my mind could think of was to call for help, but before I shot up, I felt a pair of study hands wrap around me. My body moves in accordance with gravity as I stumble into his lap, my back pressing against his chest. I could feel the subtle beat of his stable heartbeat, and a lone tear slipped from my eyes as his grip on me grew comfortingly tighter “I’m fine,” he whispers sensually in my ear, resting his head on my shoulder as he peppers my skin with light kisses. “Don’t cry.” he cooed, his voice heavy with remorse and I did the exact opposite, biting down on my lower lip as I sobbed in pure relief. My shoulders quake as I burst into tears, drop
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The next morning, I was woken up by a sharp pain in my neck, and I let out a low groan as my eyes fluttered open. It was then I realized that I had slept in the same position as last night, crouched and folded, and now I was paying dearly for it. I was still in my wedding gown, and it was clear evidence that everything that had happened wasn’t just a dream, even after I had profusely wished it was. I let out a small yawn as I dragged myself to my feet, wincing slightly as another wave of pain twists the muscles in my lower back.I walk towards the mirror in the dresser, stopping midway to take a moment to admire the serene view of the breathtaking landscape behind the glass screen windows. It was the only feature of the room that I appreciated. The sun had yet to rise but the bright blue sky did well to take its place.I reach the mirror and gaze at my reflection, taking in the image of the face that had landed me in his position. I internally cringed at the sight of myself, my eyes
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THIRD PERSON POV “Come on pick up, pick up.” Briana frantically paced about her room, her brows furrowed in anxiousness as she continuously dialed Laura Shield's number. She looked over her shoulder with uneasiness, watching Celine silently arrange her luggage for the impromptu trip. Anderson had stepped out to finalize the arrangements, and he'd said they were scheduled to leave by noon. Leaving Briana little to no time to come up with a valid excuse to refuse. She was sure Anderson would get suspicious, because what newly wedded wife wouldn't jump at the thought of a lavish honeymoon. It was every woman's dream, but to Briana, it was nothing more than a nightmare. And finally, after a dozen solid attempts, she gets through to the enigmatic businesswoman. “What do you want? I'm sure I instructed you to call only during emergencies.”Came Laura's cold welcome, but Briana brushed it off and stopped pacing.She moves into the bathroom to avoid Celine from overhearing their conversa
Last Updated : 2024-03-16
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Married a Billionare as a Side Hustle Chapter Twenty-Three; Faces in the Dark
It was dark. Briana couldn't register anything else as she found herself in an unfamiliar place, the room was dead silent, and this only fueled her anxiety. The pungent smell of rotting wood stung her nostrils, probably from the old floorboards that creaked under her weight. She winced slightly as she tried to move, the rope that bound her wrists bit into her skin, leaving behind a burning sensation that would graduate into a bruise soon. Briana was strapped to her chair. Tight ropes ran across her body, looping around her ankles, torso, and arms to keep her in place. Thus, making any effort to escape useless. How long has it been since she was brought here? They had blindfolded her, and she couldn’t tell if night had fallen. Pathetic. Her whole situation was pathetic. Briana never thought herself to be lucky, neither had she ever relied on luck. But now she had no choice but to hope, begging for the god of luck to spare her this moment.Briana bit her bottom lip, her eyes squeezin
Married a Billionare as a Side Hustle Chapter Twenty-Two; Tales by the fireplace
Anderson paused, and Briana unconsciously held her breath. She mentally scolded herself for speaking without thinking again.“Daniel told you?” It was more of a realization than a question. Anderson knew that he was the only one who could have told her, and that meant she was also aware of the NGO. Daniel, that idiot.Briana answers him with a small nod, afraid of blurting out something stupid again.Anderson heaved out a long sigh, his shoulders slumping as he looked over to the window. Meanwhile, Briana anxiously pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. She was beginning to regret what she said, and Anderson's silence only meant that she had overstepped.“You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.” She spoke up. Anderson faced her, but she couldn't meet his eyes.It took a moment before he replied. “I'll tell you.” Briana looked up at him expectantly, her lips parted in awe at his words. She couldn't explain why her heart skipped a beat. “But you'll have to shower first.” He ad
Married a Billionare as a Side Hustle Chapter Twenty-One; Shipwrecked Hearts and Midnight Whispers
“Verona!---Arrgh! ” Anderson stilled as his chest burned. He collapsed onto his knees, mouth agape as his hand clutched his chest. His vision blurred, the sudden wave of pain weakening him.Fuck! He thought. Not now!Anderson gritted his teeth, taking rapid breaths. He screamed at his body to obey him, for his feet to work so he could save her! But he remained frozen.“Someone!” He yelled because that was all he could do at the moment. His heart throbbed, and a piercing pain shot through him as he did so, but he ignored it. “Anyone!”Answering his call, the crew members of the yacht rushed out and huddled around him. Anderson groaned, wanting to tell them that he wasn't the one in danger. His fingers shook violently as he forced his hand to move, pointing towards the sea.He tried to speak, but his eyes squeezed shut as the throbbing ache came once again, robbing him of his words.“Calm down sir.” One of the crew members tried to stabilize him, but Anderson paid no mind to them. He tr
Married a Billionare as a Side Hustle Chapter Twenty; Caught in the Current
Briana woke up with a splitting headache, cracking her eyes open and wincing as the morning sunlight kissed her face. She stirred, not fully awake, but her body felt heavier than a boulder, almost as if something was weighing her down. Exhausted, she decided to stay in bed, her arms tightening around her pillow. Briana sank her face into the soft material, her eyes fluttering closed. She inhaled, the faint yet alluring scent of lavender tingling her nostrils. Did Celine change the detergent used for the pillowcase? It usually smelled of lemon.And did her pillow always have a heartbeat?Briana’s brows furrowed as her hands groped the pillow.“That tickles.”She stilled as a familiar voice reached her ears. Her eyes shot open, her heart skipping a beat. Slowly, she glanced up, meeting the gaze of her husband.“Sleeping beauty awakes.” His voice was light and playful, sporting his signature amused smirk as he looked down at her. “Kinda disappointed that I didn’t get to kiss you first th
Married a Billionare as a Side Hustle Chapter Nineteen; Drunken Confessions
Earlier that day... Anderson arrived home, feeling the slight throbbing in his chest as he ventured into the estate. The mansion came into view up ahead, and his face brightened, his dreary expression replaced by one of excitement. He couldn't wait to see Verona. The doctor's appointment had taken longer than expected, and he was worn out from listening to the man nag about his health. He hated when people told him how to live his life. The doctor, his sister, and the media—he didn't care for their opinions, all except one person. Verona. Anderson didn’t mind when she scolded him; in fact, it made his aching heart flutter with joy. She would glare at him in the cutest way, her lips pulled into a tight pout. He laughed to himself as he remembered the rule she'd given him. It was a new side to her he'd never experienced, and he looked forward to seeing more of it. “She’s not home?” Anderson’s excitement was dampened the moment he arrived at the mansion. Celine shook her head in resp
Married a Billionare as a Side Hustle Chapter Eighteen; La Paradis
Briana didn’t know how to feel about Daniel’s appearance, especially when everyone else was fawning over him. After his brief introduction, he announced that he’d arranged a breakfast buffet for the staff and the workers on set, instantly winning their favor.“He’s so thoughtful.” Elise let out a dreamy sigh, her hands resting on her chest as she looked over to where Daniel stood, engaged in a hearty conversation with the director. “And handsome too. Very handsome.” This was the third time Elise had complimented his looks in the last five minutes.“He could pass for an actor or a supermodel,” she continued. Briana acknowledged her with a small nod, busy sorting out the clothes for the opening scene. She paused, taking a cursory glance at Daniel. Without a doubt, he was a sight for sore eyes, possessing a magnetic charm that added to his good looks. But as Briana eyed him silently, she couldn’t help but think that he was nowhere as handsome as Anderson.Startled by her thoughts, she wo
Married a Billionare as a Side Hustle Chapter Seventeen; Platonic Love
THIRD PERSON POV“Just one kiss.”“Anderson unlock the door.”“On the cheek? Pretty please?”Briana heaved out an exasperated sigh, while Anderson looked up at her expectantly, his eyes shining with plea. Anderson thought of himself as a genius. They’d just arrived at the office after a long morning, and just when Briana was about to bolt out of the car, he’d locked the door just in time.He was determined not to let her go without receiving a kiss.“Come on baby.” he urged her, but she was stubborn as a bull. Briana narrowed her eyes at him, silently regretting why she’d allowed him to drop her off at work.In the end, she couldn’t make breakfast. After Laura’s impromptu visit, she’d received an urgent call from Elise. The shoot for today was rescheduled earlier than before, and now she was running late. But all reason seemed to pass over her husband's ears, as he only cared about receiving a kiss.“We’re in public.” came her flimsy excuse, even when she knew that he had parked in a p
Married a Billionare as a Side Hustle Chapter Sixteen; The Choice
I knew Laura Shield to be a woman of few words. Her commanding presence spoke volumes, and the way she carried herself effortlessly hinted at her expertise in the field of business. She was the type of woman men feared, intimidated by her power, beauty, and intelligence. But alas, one man remained immune to all of this, and that was her younger brother.“Not that I'm not glad to see you..” Anderson entered the living room, Celine trailing behind him. He took a seat beside me on the sofa, giving way for Celine who silently served us freshly brewed chamomile tea. “But would you give a little heads up when next you come over?”I was the only one who bothered to thank Celine, and she appreciated me with a small nod.I glanced at Anderson, noting that he was now wearing a plain t-shirt. I shift my attention to the tray of tea on the center table, tracing the intricate design of vines and petals that decorated the tea cups. I didn't even ask her to prepare refreshments, trust Celine to alwa
Married a Billionare as a Side Hustle Chapter Fifteen; Breakfast and Dance
Mornings in the Shield mansion were very quiet, just like every other day. The sun would peak over the horizon, its subtle rays scattering across the pool. The cleaners would do the morning chores at the break of dawn, under the guidance of Celine who made sure everything was in perfect order. The next agenda was breakfast, which consisted of the finest cuisines made by a five-star chef.The chef was a middle-aged man named Anthony, and his skill and dedication were evident in the mouth-watering taste of his food. But today, Celine informed me that he'd fallen ill with a minor cold, and wouldn't be able to cook. She also said that he would be granted a one-week leave to recoveNow I stood in the kitchen, pulling my hair into a simple ponytail as I examined the ingredients laid out before me. Celine had expressed her worries, suggesting that we order food from a restaurant for the time being, but I decided to take up the role of the chef myself.“Are you sure my lady?” Celine skeptical
