Share

*Nostalgia*

last update Last Updated: 2024-12-23 19:50:27

Chapter 37

*Nostalgia*

Vanessa's POV

I ran my hands down my dress for what felt like the tenth time today, smoothing out invisible creases while my feet ached from these cursed heels. I didn’t know what had possessed me to wear this outfit. Maybe it was because of Mia's mocking comment this morning about how I'd look “too plain” for the event. I didn’t want to stand out, but something inside me felt the need to prove myself—even if it was just for today.

Now, I was starting to regret it.

Everything was chaotic, as usual, and I had been juggling errands since sunrise. When Mr. Garcia summoned me with his typical sharp tone this morning, I knew the day would be anything but smooth. I should’ve known better than to hope he’d give me even a hint of appreciation for my efforts.

The man was a walking storm.

At the orphanage, while sorting the gifts for the children, I heard him approach. The moment his voice cut through the air, I stiffened, my shoulders tensing instinctively. I’d gotten us
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter

Related chapters

  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   *Stolen Moments*

    Chapter 38Vanessa's POV:The evening’s charity event had reached its crescendo, and exhaustion tugged at every fiber of my being. My feet, stuffed into the torturous heels Claire had insisted I wear, ached so badly that I could feel blisters forming. Every step of mine was a reminder of how I had allowed fashion to trump comfort—a decision I would regret for hours.I limped toward the matrons' office to grab a few documents when Mr. Garcia appeared from around the corner, his sharp eyes scanning me. His usual cold expression softened, if only slightly.“You look like you’re in pain,” he remarked, the gentleness in his tone catching me off guard.I forced a smile, wincing as I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. “It’s nothing serious, just these heels. They’re killing me,” I admitted, figuring it wouldn’t hurt to share.Without a word, he took the files from my hands and gestured for me to sit down on one of the chairs lining the hallway. He left before I could protest, and

    Last Updated : 2024-12-24
  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   The Wrong Dress

    Chapter 39Vanessa's POVI stared at the pretty, luxurious box resting on my bed, its pristine wrapping mocking me. A sigh escaped my lips, the kind that came from the pit of your stomach when you knew nothing good was coming. The note taped to the top read: "YOU MUST ATTEND." It was spelled in capital letters to show how serious he was.The words felt like a direct jab, one of his endless tactics to remind me of my place. It didn’t matter what I wore, how I presented myself, or how much effort I put into the tasks he gave me—Andre Garcia always found a way to make me feel like a fool.For a moment, I debated whether I should even open it. My fingers hesitated over the lid before finally giving in. Inside was a folded uniform, its crisp white and black lines a clear signal of what my role at the event would be: a waitress.I clenched my jaw to keep the wave of anger at bay. This wasn’t just about making me work at a party; it was about humiliation. He could’ve sent someone else to do

    Last Updated : 2024-12-24
  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   *Stick Close*

    Chapter 40Vanessa's POV:"Where is the dress I sent you?" Mr. Garcia asked again, his tone sharp and unyielding.My heart stuttered. He sent me a dress? No—this had to be some kind of mistake. All I’d received was this plain waitress uniform.I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. “That’s what was delivered to me,” I whispered, my voice trembling.Mr. Garcia’s expression flickered—confusion, irritation, and something else I couldn’t decipher.Louisa’s mocking laughter echoed in my mind, her smug expression flashing before me. It didn’t take much to piece it together—she had to be behind this. But why? What had I done to deserve this? I might have slapped Mr. Garcia and broken his car, which landed me a job here, but what had I done to her? I didn’t even know her.Realizing I might have misunderstood him, I tried to speak, “I—”He pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something under his breath before turning back to me with his sharp, piercing gaze. I was still trying to wipe

    Last Updated : 2024-12-24
  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   *Waitress-Turned Assistant*

    Chapter 41Andre's POV:The sound of glasses clinking and muffled laughter echoed from the party hall, but my focus wasn’t on the party. I had one thing in mind, and that was finding Louisa. I knew exactly what she was trying to do, and I wasn’t going to let her get away with it this time.I found her near the balcony, mingling with a group of socialites. Her laugh was too loud, her gestures exaggerated. When she saw me approach, her smile faltered.“Louisa,” I said sharply, and her friends immediately fell silent. “I need to speak with you. Now.”"I'm busy," she hesitated, her eyes darting to her friends for support, but they quickly excused themselves. Smart move.“What is it, Andre?” she asked, feigning innocence.I didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Why did you do it?”“Do what?” she replied in a light voice, still feigning ignorance, and it fueled my anger. "You fucking know what I'm talking about. Why did you have to humiliate her? A maid's dress, really?"Her lips curled into a

    Last Updated : 2025-01-03
  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   *Where is Williams?*

    Chapter 42While speaking with the guest, Andre’s instincts flared like a warning siren. Something felt off. He scanned the crowd, searching for Vanessa. She wasn’t at the bar front where he’d last seen her, and a knot of unease tightened in his chest. He spotted Louisa slipping back into the ballroom, her expression far too smug. His eyes narrowed. She was up to something. He returned to the guest and excused himself with a small smile. "I'll be back." “Where is Vanessa?” he demanded, striding toward Louisa. Louisa feigned surprise. “What's that?” "My assistant isn't where I left her. Where is she?" She frowned at him. "How should I know? She's a grown up and very sly, she could've gone anywhere. And secondly, I can't be seen with someone who humiliated me in front of the crowd." Andre’s jaw clenched. He didn’t believe her for a second, but he had nothing against her. "Forget it, it's no use speaking with you," he said, turned, and stormed off to begin a search for her.

    Last Updated : 2025-01-08
  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   *Attention Seeking-1*

    Chapter 43Vanessa stirred in Andre's arms as he carried her to his room on the top floor. Her fingers clutched weakly at his shirt, and she mumbled his name, her voice barely coherent."Stay still," he instructed, setting her down on the bed.She giggled, her words slurred. "You're so bossy."Andre sighed, running a hand through his hair. Whatever they had given her was making her loopy. She wouldn't stop squirming, her clumsy attempts to assist herself is only making things worse."Williams, lie down," he said firmly."But I don't want to," she pouted, her lips forming a stubborn curve."Too bad," he muttered, gently pressing her back against the pillows.For a brief moment, her expression softened. Her gaze locked onto his, filled with such raw vulnerability that it caught him off guard."Why are you so mean to me?" she whispered, her voice trembling.Andre froze. He hadn't expected that, but he answered anyway, "I don't know.""Do you hate me?" she continued, her eyes glistening w

    Last Updated : 2025-01-10
  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   *Attention Seeking-2*

    Chapter 44"Shhh... It's morning," she whispered, blinking dramatically. "And if I don't prepare, that jerk is going to punish me by making me redo all the work, Claire.""What's Claire?" He twitched."Don't ask that." She fanned him off, wobbling. "You know him. The jerk with the Ferrari."Andre’s lips pressed together. "Jerk with the Ferrari?" That was what she thought of him?"I just want to work, but he won't let me. Maybe we should strangle him for real this time, Claire." She clapped her hands, giggling, hopping in place.Andre had had enough.He grabbed her and pulled her with him onto the bed."C'mon, to bed now." His voice was firm.For once, she didn’t fight him.She was too tired.Her eyelids fluttered shut, her breathing evening out as sleep finally claimed her.Andre was about to switch off the lamp when something caught his attention.Her lips.Pouted, soft, slightly parted.For a while, he noticed just how beautiful she looked tonight. Maybe it was the makeup, maybe it

    Last Updated : 2025-01-11
  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   *Adjusting—Or Not*

    Chapter 45Vanessa's POVThe cold morning air brushed against my cheeks as I stepped outside the Garcias’ mansion, slamming the heavy door behind me. My heart pounded, anger and hurt brewing in my chest as his words still echoed in my mind."You’re so clumsy, clueless, and dumb."I’d always known he hated me, but knowing that whatever happened last night wasn’t my fault—and yet he blamed me relentlessly—it stung.I wrapped my arms tighter around myself as I marched down the driveway, refusing to let the tears that blurred my vision fall. I didn’t have a plan—only one thought played on repeat in my mind: I’m done. I’m not going back. He can do as he pleases.---The next day felt utterly different from what my usual mornings were like, and so were the days after.For the first time in what felt like years, I wasn’t rushing to meet Andre Garcia’s impossible deadlines or trying to keep up with his mood swings. My mornings were slow, with me struggling to get my ass out of bed. Claire was

    Last Updated : 2025-03-11

Latest chapter

  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   *Lovers Game*

    Chapter 62Vanessa's POV:I've barely been to parties all my life, but nothing… absolutely nothing could’ve prepared me for Genevieve Laurent’s party.From the second we stepped out of the car, I felt swallowed by a whole different world. Like I had walked straight into a dream... or a movie. Everything glittered. The lights, the dresses, the jewelry—even the champagne shimmered in its glass. The mansion itself looked like it was carved from gold and secrets—tall ceilings, grand staircases, chandeliers that sparkled like falling stars. Every corner buzzed with laughter, clinking glasses, French accents, and perfume that smelled like money.I froze at the entrance. Just stood there like a misplaced child in a palace. I wore a nude silk dress Mr. Garcia had sent earlier—tight in places I wasn’t used to. I wasn’t dressed wrong, but I felt wrong. Like everyone here had grown up sipping champagne while I was still figuring out how to pay rent on time.Mr. Garcia stood beside me like I belo

  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   *Spa Day*

    Chapter 61Vanessa's POV:When I woke up, the first thing I noticed was the absence of weight in the air.No subtle scent of woodsy cologne. No sound of faint typing or movement. No silent, looming presence behind me.Just… silence.The kind that made me blink rapidly as I sat up slowly, my body sinking into something softer than the firm couch cushion I had laid on the night before. That’s when it hit me.I wasn’t on the couch anymore.I ran my fingers over the sheets, confused and dazed. My head turned quickly toward the now neatly folded couch blanket resting in a corner, as if someone had gently peeled it off me in the middle of the night.Andre Garcia.It had to be him. He must’ve carried me to the bed while I slept. The idea of his hands under me, lifting me—his scent barely clinging to the pillow beside me—sent a confusing rush straight to my chest.Why would he do that?I rubbed my face and flung my legs over the edge of the bed, taking in the empty room. The tall, sheer curta

  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   *Don't Act Like You Care*

    Chapter 60Vanessa's POV:I sat stiffly at the round table, the heavy silverware shining under the warm glow of the restaurant’s chandeliers. The conversation between Mr. Garcia and his business partners flowed smoothly, but I felt like a decorative piece—smiling when expected, nodding politely, and pretending that I belonged here.I tried to stay invisible, focusing on the perfectly cooked steak on my plate and avoiding too much eye contact. But of course, things never stayed simple around him.As I reached for my glass of water, Mr. Garcia leaned forward slightly, a playful look in his eyes as he assisted, passing the water to me.“Ah, young love,” Mr. Laurent mused, smiling as if he’d just discovered our biggest secret.I nearly choked.I set my glass down quickly and glanced at my boss, hoping—begging—he’d correct the misunderstanding.Genevieve chuckled softly and placed her hand over her husband’s. “It’s lovely to see Andre with someone who makes him… human. You bring a softness

  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   Whirlwind of Emotions – 2

    Chapter 59Vanessa's POV:Later that night, back at the hotel, I tried to keep my distance. But he was everywhere, partially suffocating my space.I was barely out of the shower when there was a knock at the door. I wrapped the robe tighter around me before opening it slightly, only to find him standing there, hands in his pockets.“Did you forget about the dinner?” he asked, his eyes scanning me briefly before stepping inside without invitation. “You need to get dressed.”I gestured to the dress I had already picked out. “I’m wearing this.”The dress I had chosen was a simple black one—elegant but modest.He gave it one look and dismissed it with a shake of his head. “No.”Frustration bubbled. “What’s wrong with it?”Instead of answering, he lifted the shopping bags with him. I blinked. He had lots of bags, and I wondered if he picked half the store."I got more than five dresses. Try them on.”“You expect me to try all of these?" He didn't respond, so I started opening the bags and

  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   *Whirlwind of Emotions*

    Chapter 58Vanessa's POV:He smelt of cigarettes. Sounded like the “something important” was smoking. My lungs were a bit relieved that he was considerate enough to do it outside.He paused in the doorway, expression unreadable, staring with lazy eyes, and in a nonchalant voice said, “What are you doing?”“Sleeping,” I said, fluffing a pillow.He let out a dry laugh. “Get up.”“I’m fine here.”His voice sharpened. “You're not allowed to do that here. We're sharing the bed, and that's final.”He did look serious. I swallowed. There was no room for argument. Slowly, I stood.I climbed into the bed, keeping as much distance as humanly possible from the other side. He disappeared into the bathroom. The sound of the running shower lasted minutes before the door clicked open again.I couldn't help myself. My eyes flickered over to him, despite my best intentions to look anywhere else. And there he was—standing shirtless, with a towel tucked loosely around his waist and another in his hand,

  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   *A Change of Scenery*

    Chapter 57Vanessa’s POV:The moment I stepped onto the plane, I knew something was wrong.Or, more accurately, something was too right.First-class? I had mentally prepared myself for the stiff seats, the cramped legroom, and the congested space. But here I was, standing in front of a seat so luxurious I almost didn’t want to touch it. Plush cream-colored seats, ample space, and an actual menu? This wasn’t just an upgrade. This was a full-blown Cinderella moment—except my fairy godmother was a sadistic CEO who got a kick out of seeing me squirm.I turned sharply to face Mr. Garcia, who was already settling into the seat beside mine like he owned the entire plane. Which, knowing him, he probably did.“You didn’t tell me we were flying first-class,” I asked, arms crossed.He gave me a slow, lazy smirk. “Would it have made you come willingly if I did?”I clenched my jaw. He didn't tell me he was kidnapping me in luxury.“This is unnecessary,” I muttered, gripping the armrest like it mig

  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   *A Trip to Paris*

    Chapter 56 Andre's POV:The door opened, and she walked in. The intern followed closely behind her, holding her hand, and then departed the moment my eyes lingered.He walked away from her side to stand beside his team manager. My fingers curled into my palm as I watched her approach. She leaned toward me slightly, her voice a soft whisper."Sir, coffee."I took it without a word, refusing to acknowledge the warmth in her tone. I took a sip, and somehow, it tasted more bitter than usual. I frowned and pushed it back to her."Get me a new one," I ordered.She passed me a pissed-off glare before leaving the room.Soon, the meeting ended, and everyone gathered their documents and left. Vanessa moved to pick up my copy of the proposal, but I stopped her. I got up, trapping her between the table with my hands."Sir?" Her voice was low, cautious, and her face held a frown.I tilted my head, watching her carefully. "What? You didn’t have this face downstairs when you laughed at whatever tha

  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   Obsession-2

    Chapter 55*Obsession-2*Andre’s POV:I ran a hand down my face as she stormed off, exhaling heavily. A part of me felt relieved watching her go—like shedding dead weight. There was no passion, no real connection. Just another failed attempt at something that was never meant to be.Signaling the waiter, I ordered a bottle of whiskey. Tonight, I needed to drown in something stronger than my thoughts.The moment I dropped the bottle, my phone buzzed, and I picked up without checking."How's your date going?" Ethan's voice carried amusement. I exhaled. Sounded like he called just to mock me. I didn't respond, just sighed a second time."Come on... Tell me about it, Andre..." Ethan dragged."Fucked. I broke up with her, and she left."Ethan laughed. "I knew it would end this way. You're that ass who doesn’t know what he wants.""And you do?""Better than you do." He jeered."You alone?""Still at the restaurant, yeah.""Let's drink together then."I leaned back in my seat. "And Sarah?""S

  • The Billionaire is a Jerk   *Obsession-1*

    Chapter 54By the time evening rolled around, Vanessa gathered her things and stepped out of the building.Andre stood in front of the glass window, arms folded, watching her leave. The sight unsettled him in ways he refused to acknowledge. The way she carefully balanced the box in her arms, her delicate fingers gripping the edges as if afraid to drop it—it held his attention longer than it should have.She was almost at the gate when someone stepped into her path.The intern from earlier.Andre’s jaw tightened. His eyes sharpened, drinking in every detail of the interaction between them.Vanessa said something, and the guy laughed. His smiling face grated on Andre’s nerves. Then, without hesitation, the intern reached out, offering to take the box from her. Vanessa hesitated for a moment before handing it over, a small, appreciative smile tugging at her lips.Andre's fingers curled into a fist, something dark and restless brewing inside of him.What the hell is she doing?His vision

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status