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CHAPTER 5
Huling Na-update:
2025-01-16 13:43:06
NerdrockzHello again there and welcome to my second book. I know I promised a continuation for Divorced In Love but Unfortunately, it wasn't accepted. So, please, if you like this book, leave comments, vote, and drop a review. I'm a nursing student, so I'll try to update twice every day if I can🙂. And yes, thank you to those who gave my first book an opportunity. I'm rereading through it so I can edit but it's making me cringe because of the grammatical errors. Sorry, I had to let you guys go through that 😂. I'll try my possible best to avoid errors here but then, I'm only human. Love you guys and please stay safe 🫶🏾.
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'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 6
Asher walked into his office just to see Josiah, sitting on his office chair, legs crossed on the desk whilst watching Joker, displaying from the projector to the large screen.Josiah barked out a laughter, clearly enjoying the movie and ignoring Asher who was walking to him, with a clenched jaw.Asher grabbed Josiah's leg and pushed it away energetically, causing him to fall to the ground. Asher leaned on his desk, waiting for the seat to warm up so he wouldn't feel the heat from Josiah's ass on his." Not a very nice way to greet your best friend," Josiah said, standing up and dusting the sides of his black pants."I have warned you several times to quit sitting on my chair," Asher glared at Josiah. "How did you even get inside my office?- And please turn that shit off." " Just because you don't like watching movies doesn't mean it's shit," Josiah switched off the projector. He took a sit in front of Asher's desk. " You arrived late today."" How did you get into my office?" Asher
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-16'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 7
Whilst Asher was relishing the news he'd found out about Lena, she was running towards Maria's hair salon, holding three bags filled with shampoos and hair conditioners in both hands.When Lena raced inside the salon, she came to a halt and let out a heavy sigh when she saw how many people had come for a hairdo.They had doubled since fifteen minutes ago, she stepped out." Chica, drop the bags and get to work." Maria, the owner of the salon, stated as she applied red dye to a customer's hair.Lena lazily arranged the shampoos and hair conditioners in the designated compartments. She worked three jobs: a daycare teacher in the mornings, a salonist in the afternoons, and a waitress at night, yet didn't feel like she was doing enough. " Hey Len, how about you give me a haircut." James Weasley waved Lena over with a cheeky smile on his face.Lena grinned, happy seeing him. She took an apron and put it on before heading to the barbing section where he was."Good afternoon, James." Lena g
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-16'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 8
Lena stepped out of her bedroom with her heart in her mouth. The sound of Drake and his brothers bantering and loud pop music filled the whole house. Lena could immediately detect the stink of alcohol emanating from the living room. As she approached the living room, her gaze was drawn to the kitchen, which was a complete mess.Bottles of alcohol and takeout plates were littered on the floors, making Lena want to throw up.She despised it when Drake's siblings or friends came to visit; they usually trashed the house or caused the cops to stop by due to their loudness.Lena peered from the corner of her eyes at the woman sitting on Drake's lap. She only had a bra and G-string on. Her lips were on Drake's neck, biting it while his hand was squeezing her ass.When Drake's gaze shifted from his siblings to her, Lena gazed straight ahead. " Don't tell me you are going for another interview." Drake gave her a disdainful laugh and looked her over from top to bottom. "When will you comprehe
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-16'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 9
Matteo drove the car while Lena and Asher sat in the backseat.They made sure to keep a good distance from themselves as their bodies were touching the car doors.Lena breathed in the scent of pineapple and vanilla. It smelt so natural in the car that his stomach began to rumble. She had never felt so comfortable sitting down in a car before, the seats were like soft pillows. She wanted to thank Matteo for the low music he played over the drive, but she was very much still angry at him. The luxurious car almost made her forget her motive for being inside till Asher spoke, looking at her, and holding a smirk.Well, it was hard not to get amused by her." Are we going to get over this or what?" He snapped her out of her trance.Lena looked at him quickly, her soft gaze hardened instantly. She looked down at the mini briefcase on her lap and searched for the paper with interview questions written on it.She thought it fair to add her questions since she was the one conducting the inter
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-16'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 10
Three weeks passed swiftly, and Lena followed Asher's wishes by remaining away from him.She didn't want anything to do with him ever again but he kept on getting on her nerves anytime she saw his face on Television.She was able to obtain a loan from the bank and some friends to cover Liam's escape plot and her wedding expenses.Lena took a deep breath and looked ahead at the busy road. In two days, she'd be married to Blake.Her stomach wrenched as Blake caressed her knee with his thumb while driving her to fetch her wedding dress at the bridal shop. His touch no longer made her feel lightheaded and turned upside down and right side up.She'd caught him multiple times with his hookers making out. He no longer hides his act anymore and even goes to the extent of bringing them over to Lena's home. When he was done, he'd crawl to Lena's bed demanding she made love to him.Lena chose to live the rest of her life as a celibate rather than allow him to ever make love to her again. Losing
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-16'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 11
*An hour earlier*Asher was leaning against the bar table in the mini bar in his luxurious three-story building family home. He stared at the golden liquid inside the wine glass he was holding. It took all of his self-control not to toss the glass across the room. Not only did she insult him in front of newscasters and paparazzi, but Lena formed a whole scandal about him. She secretly recorded the rest of their conversation and sent it to the press!Asher gulped down the wine and clutched the glass forcefully. The glass cracked, piercing into his skin. He flung the pieces away in a fit of rage.She tarnished his reputation! Because of her, people are calling him names. Some people are even planning to protest against him for doing completely nothing but trying to put a fraud behind bars.He had gotten a phone call earlier from one of the prominent newscasters, who had told him to repent for his actions and withdraw from calling the authorities on Liam Duke." If you ever call my num
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-16'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 12
" Okay, ladies and gents, hush up," Josiah said to the ladies and guys sitting on separate couches from each other, with Drake in the middle of the twelve guys and Lena in the middle of the fourteen ladies.Lena had rented a lounging area for the bachelor and bachelorette party. After the introduction, the guys were meant to go to the lounge upstairs and have their fun while the ladies would stay down. Since Drake didn't tip in to either of the party, Lena could only afford a lounge. Abby cashed in a few bucks for decorations.Drake said the bachelor and bachelorette party should be strictly for friends and relatives their age, he didn't want any old people crashing the day he'd supposedly planned." Can you guys leave already?" Rebecca, Lena's distant cousin groaned. She impatiently awaited to enjoy the night with the girls and bride-to-be.Josiah looked at her with a breathtaking smirk and said, " No sweetheart, we have to do the introduction first before we get the main event."Hi
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-16'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 13
The male strippers returned to join the ladies for the party. Lena's eldest cousin ordered pizza for everyone, while Rebecca ordered lots of snacks. They all rounded the table filled with shots of alcohol whilst they sat on the ground. Lena watched with a smile as Abby chatted with the male stripper who was dancing on her a while ago. From the way she smiled with wide eyes and bit her lips at intervals, she had a crush on him. Lena rolled her eyes, not surprised. She hoped one day, Abby would find a guy she truly loved and stop playing around. " All right ladies," Lena's oldest cousin, Freda, got up and clicked a wine glass. When everyone kept quiet and put their attention on her, she smiled and announced. " So firstly, I'd like to say a big congratulations to my cousin for finding her soon-to-be husband!" Everyone cheered happily while Abby pulled Lena into a hug and kissed her cheek. " Drake is one lucky man but I swear, I'd beat his ass if he makes you cry." Lena fake-la
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-16
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'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
'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE CHAPTER 56
Lena fixed her gaze on Asher, studying him as if he were a puzzle to be solved, their eyes locked onto each other, and it felt as though time stood still in that moment. His warm, steady, and soft hands rested on her shoulders as his words, “I’m sorry, you’ve got to believe me,” hung in the air between them. Confusion twisted in her mind. Could he be lying? Was he manipulating her once more?Her heart ached from crying too much, her thoughts unstable, and she couldn’t comprehend if he was sincere or merely trying to prevent her from leaving the house for his selfish benefit. Yet, his expression appeared softer and sincere, as though he genuinely felt remorseful. But she had placed her trust in others before, only to be let down severely. What made this one different?Asher exhaled, loosening his grip slightly. “Listen,” he spoke quietly, “I’ll take you to see your dad tomorrow morning, okay? I’ll cover whatever expenses he needs. Just… don’t leave tonight.” He sounded exhausted,
'TIL DECEIT DO US APART: BILLIONAIRE'S PRETEND BRIDE Chapter 55
Asher was not getting himself after the meeting ended. The luxurious andd classic conference room now empty, the expensive suits all gone, he felt his world was being torn apart from the turmoil going on in his mind. Lena's tear-filled wet face kept flashing in his thoughts and memory of her red, puffy eyes and shaking voice as she accused him of causing her father's collapse. He realized he had acted foolishly and childishly for threatening her like that, and guilt tore at him, sharp and relentless like a needle would.He began walking right and left, like he lost something, feeling restless with a tightness and heaviness in his chest like stone and that made it hard for him to breathe smoothly. This wasn’t how he usually was; he didn't dwell on guilt or let others impact him negatively,NEVER. But Lena? She had gotten under his throat, and he hated it and almost hated her for it too. He grabbed his phone tightly, hesitated, and then called Josiah, for the first time, needing some
