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CHAPTER 36
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-02-15 14:33:28
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'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 37
Lena blinked her eyes open, feeling the warmth of the sheets wrapped around her. She groaned, not wanting to get up from the couch but she knew if she didn't get up, she'd fall asleep again.She slipped out of bed and stretched, her body sore from sleeping in an awkward position. Lena glanced over at the bed to see it was empty. She wondered if Asher had returned after leaving in such a sour mood last night. Why should she care? Lena headed for the bathroom to prepare for the day and when she opened the door, she was met with Asher standing in front of the mirror, buttoning his crisp white shirt.His reflection caught hers in the glass, but he didn’t acknowledge her. He simply adjusted his cuffs, smoothed his collar, and reached for his watch like she wasn’t even there.Lena folded her arms, her gaze trailing down his sharp features from the crown of his head to the sole of his feet. Sometimes, it got on her nerves how good-looking he could be without even trying, and that birthmar
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-15'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 38
Asher sat behind his massive oak desk, his fingers drumming rhythmically against the surface as he skimmed through the reports in front of him. The large window behind him offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline, but he barely acknowledged it.Work was his escape, a place where emotions had no place.The sudden sound of his office door swinging open disrupted his focus.“Asher, my guy!” Josiah’s voice boomed across the room.Asher exhaled, not even looking up. “Do you ever knock?”Josiah grinned, strolling in like he owned the place. “Why knock when I have VIP access?” He plopped down onto one of the chairs in front of Asher’s desk, stretching his legs out comfortably.Asher shot him a bored look. “What do you want?”Josiah grinned. “I need something chill.”Asher arched a brow. “Something chill?”Josiah nodded enthusiastically. “You know, coffee, juice—whatever. Call Trinity. She knows my preferences.”At the mention of his secretary’s name, Asher’s jaw tightened.Josiah frow
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-15'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 39
Asher forced himself to look away from the motorcycle, his face twisting into a glare. His grip on the armrest tightened as the vehicle carrying Lena and Raymond disappeared into the rain-soaked night.His rational mind told him not to read too much into what he had just seen.But his emotions refused to cooperate.The way she had leaned into Raymond, the ease in her laughter, the way she looked so at peace, it all grated on his nerves.She had asked him to meet her at a restaurant just for her to be riding on a bike with her lover. “Sir?” Matteo’s voice broke through his thoughts. “Should I take you home?”Asher exhaled sharply, forcing himself to regain his composure. “Yeah. Drive.”The ride back to the estate was silent, except for the sound of the rain tapping against the car windows. Asher’s mind replayed the image of Lena on the motorcycle, fueling the storm already brewing inside him.__________The Josh’s estate was a massive structure, a blend of modern luxury and old-money
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-17'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 40
The rain had not been kind to Lena.By the time she arrived at the Josh estate, her coat clung to her skin, her hair a tangled mess, and water dripped from her fingertips onto the marble floor of the grand entrance. Her heels made soft squelching sounds as she stepped inside, her body trembling slightly from the cold.The warm glow of the chandelier overhead did nothing to ease the chill in her bones, but at least she was home.Home.That word still felt foreign to her.As she walked further in, she spotted Danielle sitting elegantly on the couch in the living room, a steaming cup of herbal tea cradled in her delicate hands as she read through a fashion magazine. Danielle looked up, her piercing gaze landing on Lena with silent scrutiny.Lena hesitated for a second before offering a polite smile. “Good evening, mother.”Danielle said nothing but stared at Lena as if she had uttered the most foolish statement.She merely lifted the teacup to her lips and took a slow sip, her expressio
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-17'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 41
Lena stormed into her bedroom, her chest rising and falling with anger-fueled breaths. The room was dimly lit, the scent of rain clinging to her damp clothes as she closed the door behind her with a firm click.Asher was already inside.He stood by the window, his silhouette sharp against the backdrop of the storm still raging outside. His posture was rigid, hands shoved into his pockets, jaw tight. He had changed out of his earlier clothes into a loose black shirt and sweatpants, but despite the comfort of his attire, his entire body screamed tension.Lena crossed her arms, not moving from the door.“What did you say to Vincent?”Asher didn’t respond and neither did he act like anyone was in the room with him. His gaze remained locked on the darkened glass, as if he could ignore her out of existence— which would be better for his sanity at the moment. She must have enjoyed a good ride with her lover.Lena took a step forward. “Mr. Asshole.”Nothing.She clenched her jaw. “I know you
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-22'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 42
The neon lights of the nightclub flickered against the dark city streets as Lena pushed through the doors, the cool night air hitting her flushed skin.She adjusted her bag over her shoulder, her eyes scanning the sidewalk until they landed on Abby, leaning casually against a lamppost.Abby grinned as soon as she spotted her. “Well, well. If it isn’t my favorite overworked bartender.”Lena rolled her eyes. “You say that like I have a choice.”“You don’t,” Abby said, linking her arm with Lena’s as they started down the street. “That’s why I’m here to make sure you don’t drop dead from exhaustion before we even reach the bus stop.”Lena huffed a tired laugh, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.Abby must have noticed, because her playful demeanor shifted. “Okay, what’s up with you? You’ve been weirdly quiet all night.”Lena hesitated, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag.She wasn’t sure if she wanted to talk about it—hell, she wasn’t sure if she could. The last few hours h
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-22'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 43
The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass as Matteo pulled the sleek bronze Tesla out of the driveway. Vincent sat in the backseat, staring out the window with a hard expression, his school backpack slung lazily over one shoulder.Just as Matteo was about to accelerate, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed across the driveway."Wait!" Lena’s voice rang out.Vincent turned his head just in time to see her sprinting toward the car, her messy ponytail bouncing as she waved one arm frantically. Matteo sighed, already rolling down the passenger window."Mrs. Josh?" he asked, hidden amusement flickering in his dark eyes."Don’t call me that, call me Lena" Lena huffed, gripping the door handle. "I need a ride to the preschool."Matteo arched a brow. "You do realize this is not a taxi service, right?"Lena ignored him and yanked the back door open, sliding in next to Vincent. She barely had time to close it before Matteo pulled out of the driveway. She mouthed a foul
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-23'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 44
Vincent hopped out of the car, slinging his backpack over one shoulder. He didn’t say goodbye, just gave Lena a brief glance before disappearing into the sea of students.Lena sighed, sinking back into the seat as Matteo pulled away from the curb.The car was silent for a few moments before Matteo cleared his throat."I—uh—" he hesitated, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. "I heard what you said to Asher, the other day. About Phillip. It wasn't my intention to eavesdrop."Lena turned to him, surprised. Matteo had never spoken to her before, and his voice was deeper than she expected—calm, steady, with just the slightest hint of hesitation."You were listening?"Matteo kept his eyes on the road. "Not on purpose."Lena studied him, noting the slight stiffness in his posture. "And?"A muscle in his jaw twitched. "You’re not wrong to be concerned."Her breath hitched, in bewilderment. She leaned forward and whispered, "You think he’s hurting Pamela too?"Matteo hesitated. "I do
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-23
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'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 65
Asher sat in the backseat of his Porsche, the engine humming as they cruised through the city. The night was dark, with street lights flashing by, and he looked out the window, his thoughts in disarray, a lot going on his mind. Matteo stayed silent in the front seat, hands firmly on the wheel, while Josiah was next to Asher, chattering away like a wind-up toy.“Hey, picture this, right?” Josiah exclaimed, his voice loud and playful. “We arrive, and Abby's there in that red dress boom! I trip over my own feet trying to impress her! I’d look like a total fool, right?” He laughed, slapping his knee, grinning like a kid telling a bad joke.Asher clenched his fist, trying not to let his anger get the best of him. He hated himself for expecting any more from Lena. Last time, she forgot about their date and went on a ride with that bastard; now, she had called him to say Abby would take her place since she had a terrible headache.Asher barely registered Josiah, his eyes on the streaks of
'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 64
The next day, Asher sank into the driver’s seat of his silver. He rubbed his face, restless, his thoughts consumed by the dinner Lena had convinced him to attend tonight.Not wanting to be alone with his thoughts, he picked up his phone, found Josiah’s contact, and called before he could second-guess himself.“ Well, well, well, have dogs begun to fly?” Josiah greeted him, his voice lanky and absurd as usual, as though he’d just tripped on something amusing. “What’s going on? Are you actually calling me?”Asher frowned and leaned back in his seat. “Cut it out, you clown,” he replied, trying to maintain a gruff demeanor but failing. “Want to go out tonight for a pint or something? Your call.” He played it cool.There was a moment of silence from Josiah before he burst into laughter. “Ha! Is this a setup? You, wanting to hang out with little ol’ me?” he said, sounding as if Asher had just told him a funny story. “You alright, pal? Hit your head or something?” He cackled before lowerin
'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 63
As dawn broke slowly, Asher was already awake, restless in the small room he had slept in. The bed was uncomfortable, and the quiet ambiance, interrupted only by the occasional creak or birdcall, kept him anxious. He packed his belongings into a bag, eager to leave this cramped, middle-class setting and return to his own life. He could hear Lena shuffling around downstairs, likely also packing.He made his way down the stairs with his bag slung over his shoulder and found Lena in the kitchen with her mother. Lena was hastily packing a sweater into her backpack, her hair tousled, while her mum fussed by the kettle, steam rising in the dim light. The aroma of toast and tea filled the air, a cozy scent that made Asher uncomfortable. He dropped his bag by the door, gave a brief nod to both of them and said, “Ready when you are,” his voice gruff, already mentally distancing himself from the room.Lena’s mum turned around, wiping her hands on her apron, and gave them a look, sharp yet w
'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 62
Asher leaned against the small window in the cramped room Lena had arranged for him, the dark and silent night surrounding him. He heard the stairs creak slowly, and his head whipped around. The door opened slightly, revealing Lena, arms crossed, her expression a blend of irritation and an unrecognizable softness.Seeing her was like a breath of fresh air, a comforting surprise he didn’t anticipate. His shoulders relaxed a little, and the tightness in his chest eased, though he would never confess it to her or anyone else. She caught his gaze and smirked, a cheeky sparkle in her eyes. “What’s this?” she teased lightly. “Mum thinks you’re up here missing me. Cute, isn’t it? Tough guy, pining for my company?”He scoffed, sharply turning from the window to face her fully. “Pining? You’re dreaming, Lena. I’ve been perfectly fine without your chatter every five minutes.” He crossed his arms, mirroring her stance, though a twitch at the corner of his mouth threatened a grin.Lena walked
'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 61
Asher stood alone in the tiny and unkempt room Lena had prepared for him. It was a tight space with barely enough room for the single bed in it, a crippled chair, and a scratched-up dresser in it. He didn’t sit, didn’t unpack, just moved to the small window, pushing the thin curtain aside. The street outside was dark and void of life, just a few shining lamps casting shadows on the Broken pavement. He looked out, hands in his pockets, and his mind filled with so many thoughts, dragging him back to places he didn’t want to go, lucid and uncalled thought.Flashbacks hit him hard on the rain-soaked nights, the smells of blood on his knuckles, shouts echoing down narrow alleys, hovering on his mind. He saw his old life, rough friends, dodgy deals, the kind of stuff that left scars inside and out him. A younger Asher, angry and lost, running through streets not much different from this one. His breath caught, chest tight,breath unsteady, as he remembered the cold, the fear, the mess
'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 60
Asher was standing on the rickety, dirty porch of Lena’s parents’ home, when his phone buzzed in his hand, and Angelica’s name glared at him from the screen. He thought, "What the hell is going on? Why is she suddenly calling him?" He sighed deeply, frustrated, his thumb scrolling over the end call button. He didn't want to hear her voice, not now, not ever, not after the chaotic and stressful day he’d had, with his mind still filled with old memories and the view of the street. The phone continued to ring again and again, so he reluctantly pressed it to his ear. “What do you want?” he asked, his tone sharp and steady.“Where are you, Asher?” Angelica’s voice came through the air, filled with accusations and fury, as if she were looking for a confrontation.He rested against the porch railing, which creaked under his weight. “Why does it matter to you?” he answered coldly. He wasn’t in the mood for her drama today.She persisted. “Don’t play dumb with me,” she hissed. “I heard y
'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE Chapter 59
Asher parked the silver Porsche in front of Lena’s parents' house. The gravel driveway crunched beneath the tires as he sat for a moment, looking at the worn-down place; it was really pathetic. It was a small, unstructured house, with peeling and fading paint, a sagging and leaking roof that needed repair, and a front garden overrun with weeds choking any flowers that once grew there. By the steps lay a rusty and condemned old bike, and the cracked windows let in cold drafts. The sight hit him hard like a plague, bringing back heavy, dark memories. Blood, rain, and shouts from a past he had buried a long time ago. He held the steering wheel of the car, his knuckles turning white, almost tasting the metal and mud of those memories he wished to forget.Next to him, Lena shifted and grabbed her bag softly, her eyes looking slightly down as she looked at him. “You okay?” she asked quietly, her tone sharp as if sensing something was off about him.He forced a quick, strong nonchalant l
'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE Chapter 58
That morning, Luca was up to no good. The night before, he had been sneaking around the house and overheard Asher talking to Jade about taking Lena to visit her parents because her father was seriously ill. It was a minor detail, but Luca quickly twisted it into something bigger and more interesting. He saw an opportunity to create a problem and intended to seize it immediately. With a wicked smile on his face, he grabbed his phone and called Angelica. She answered quickly, her tone already sharp with annoyance. “What do you want now, Luca?”He got straight to the point. “Just thought you’d want to know Asher's moved on with a new girl, more beautiful than you. He’s really happy and taking her to her parents today like a hero. Looks like he’s over you.” He threw in some embellishments about Asher being all lovey-dovey with Lena and making future plans with her—complete nonsense, but it sounded enticing to the ear.Angelica went silent for a moment before her anger erupted. “What
'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE Chapter 57
The next morning arrived quickly, almost like lightning, with the sun just beginning to rise and casting a beautiful gray light through the curtains of the house.Asher rolled off the couch, his back aching from the stiff cushions he had slept on, and rubbed his eyes awake to see clearly. Lena remained asleep on the bed, covered under the duvet he'd wrapped around her the night before. He stole only a brief glance at her before standing up, unable to concentrate due to the worry and thoughts in his mind. It was time to get moving and prepare for the drive he had promised her.He quickly grabbed a clean shirt and pants from the wardrobe, dressed swiftly without delay, and ran his fingers through his hair to make sure it looked presentable as always .He didn’t have time for a proper shave, though he really needed one, but he was eager to get the day started.He quietly moved out of the room, carrying his shoes gently to avoid waking her, and made his way down the hall. He could hea
