LOGINShare
CHAPTER ONE
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Thalia's POV
I stood outside the penthouse door, my keycard trembling between my fingers.
There was a gnawing feeling deep inside me, twisting and tightening, it was nauseating which was why I left the charity gala early and I only hope the feeling was good news for Brandon and I
My husband, Brandon wasn't feeling well so he couldn't attend the gala with me, an unfamiliar silence enveloped, the minute I entered the house, no hum of activity, no vacuum running, and no dishes clinking. Just absolute silence, I know Brandon is resting but something just felt off.
Shaking off the unease I headed toward the kitchen and poured myself a cup of water, it should calm my nerves before I speak to Brandon so we could take a test together.
Then I heard it. Muffled voices, a soft moan, sounds I shouldn't be hearing in my home of all places.
I slowly ascended the staircase, the silk of my evening gown brushing against my skin.
The sounds became clearer with each step.
Intimate. Familiar. My heart pounded so hard I thought it might burst out of my chest.
I pushed the door open. There they were.
My best friend, draped in nothing but my sheets, sprawled across my marital bed, lips locked with the man I promised my life to—
Brandon
"Thalia?" Bradon's voice echoed through the room and he shot up,
but there was no remorse in his eyes.
No shock. No regret. Only... annoyance. I stood there, my mind simply refused to process what I was seeing.
My husband. My best friend.
Betrayal wasn't supposed to feel this way, like I'd stepped into some batshit crazy dream I couldn't wake up from.
"You... you said you were going to the after-party" Brandon muttered, casually pulling on a discarded shirt, his face still bearing the same look, of annoyance... like he hadn't just been caught cheating on me "Why the hell are you back so soon?"
I opened my mouth but no words came out.
My mind was blank, I was struggling to piece together a logical thought, How? Why? Them?
Brandon's frustration grew as I stood there in silence.
"Thalia, say something," he growled. "It's not what you think."
Not what I think? A bitter laugh escaped my throat, and when I finally spoke, my voice trembled
"Not what I think? You're screwing my best friend Brandon, What am I supposed to think?"
My best friend— former best friend now wrapped herself awkwardly in the blanket, indifference plastered on her face. "Thalia... I just..."
"I don't want to hear it," I spat, the words sharper than now, my blood boiled beneath my skin
I turned my attention to Brandon my voice barely controlled.
"How long?"
Brandon sighed, as if this whole thing was a nuisance, as if I was a nuisance. He ran a hand through his hair completely frustrated
"It doesn't matter, This wasn't working anymore. We both know that Thalia!"
Know what? I blinked each word feeling like a punch to the gut. I squared my shoulders this wasn't the time to break in front of them, they'd seen plenty of that
"Know what? To know that you've been sneaking around with her?
That this doesn't matter? We talked about kids last week for god's sake!!!"
He didn't flinch. Didn't even care. Instead, he reached into the nightstand drawer and pulled out a brown envelope"I'm done, Thalia," he said, handing me the envelope. "Here are the divorce papers. It's over."
I stared at the envelope, my hands numb. Divorce papers, The words sounded foreign, like they couldn't possibly be meant for me.
"You're leaving me?"
Brandon's face twisted into a smug smile.
"Consider yourself lucky.
You'll still have a small portion of your family's fortune"
My stomach lurched at Fortune.
That's all this ever was to him. That's all I ever was to him, a wave of nausea hit me again and the bitter reality of his betrayal crushed me harder than I thought possible, three years down the drain...
"Brandon please, don't do this?" I whispered, my voice barely audible, fighting the dizziness that threatened to take me.
Brandon’s smile widened, cold and calculating.
"I bet you wish we would've had a prenup huh? You really should've read the fine print, sweetheart"
"You were always so foolish Thalia" Bella said now wearing an oversized shirt
"I even attempted to warn you but did you listen? No!!"
"Brandon could do no wrong, he loves me" Brandon said in a mocking tone
I fisted the papers in my hands and swallowed my tears
"Now look where it got you, no one could stand you, even your parents died and left you" Bella said verbally stabbing me with a dagger
"I wonder how you didn't see the signs, you were so blinded by my love that your senses left you" Brandon added
"How typical of an orphan like you to give in to the first person who has ever shown you love, or at least pretended to" Bella said once again and I stood there my tears threatening to spill but I didn't let that happen
"Sign the papers and get out of my house! Now Thalia! It's over!" Brandon yelled
"No need to pack anything, you own nothing in this house, as for your clothes, they will be sent to you" Bella hissed twirling her hair around her fingers.
"Brandon I could be pregnant" I whispered as my lips trembled
"That's not possible Thalia!, I had a vasectomy done six months after our wedding" He growled
"There's nothing you can do now Thalia, you are out of tricks, just sign them and get out! Only I will bear Brandon's children!"
I was going to yell at them but I couldn't, I was done with them
I can't fight them over this anymore so I did the only logical thing my mind told me to do, I signed the papers.
"Pen?" I said to Brandon, Bella quickly tossed a pen to me
"Finally Brandon!" She squealed jumping into his arms and he snaked his hands around her waist
My heart broke further as I watched their interaction.
I threw the pen and paper at them and ran out of the room, not stopping till I reached my car and drove off.
Related chapters
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER TWO
Two days later, I was a sobbing mess, not only did Brandon take sixty percent of my fortune but he has fifty percent of the company shares.Call after call, text after text, headline after headline I couldn't respond to any of them I found a motel outside of town and hid there.My world, my marriage, my family's fortune—it was all gone. I had nothing left, not even my pride. The betrayal stung at me like a decayed wound. The memory of that evening replaying in my head on an endless loop. My phone buzzed on the table, shattering my almost comfortable quiet. I hadn't answered any calls since that day, so I decided to answer this one, enough of sulking around.I reached for my phone but didn't recognize the number I still answered anyway. "It's Thalia speaking" I said, though my voice sounded distant and extremely croaky even to me. "Thalia Asplundh" The voice on the other end was calm, careful, and unsettlingly familiar. I sat up straighter recognizing the voice, and tension rippled
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER THREE
MARRY ME The words echoed in my mind I blinked "Excuse me?" "Marry me," he repeated like this was a perfectly reasonable thing to say "You and I both know how this world works, Thalia. Power is everything. You want your legacy back. I want to secure mine. Together, we can rebuild what was taken from you and strengthen my position"I stared at him He couldn't be serious. "You want me to marry you" I said slowly as if saying it that way would make the absurdity of it clear to him He didn't flinch "That's right" I crossed my arms, my face formed a scowl "You think I'd agree to that?" He tilted his head, that damn smile never leaving his face "Why not? You'll regain control of your family's wealth, I'll have a partner who understands, You've been left with almost nothing, Thalia, half of your company shares are already gone and as much as you hate to admit it, you can't fight this battle alone" I clenched my fists "I can fight just fine without you" "Really?" His voice dropped,
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER FOUR
After I left the cemetery, I drove back to the dingy motel I'd been staying at, the sadness of the day clinging to me like a second layer of skin. The unexpected meeting with Brandon and Bella still burned holes in my heart and mind. I needed to check on the company though. I forced myself to head into town the next morning. Walking through the office doors, I was met with a disheartening sight. The once-thriving company now seemed like a shell of its former self. Brandon had already started implementing his changes, marking everywhere with his disgusting self, dismantling everything my family and I had worked for. I felt a bit relieved when my secretary handed me a memo about the new marketing strategy that Alexander Croft had just launched. On a normal day this would be disastrous for my company but what Brandon was going to do would have left me with no choice but to sell my shares, and Croft knew that and stopped it. He was already stepping in where I least expected. Feeling
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER FOUR
"Excellent Choice ma'am" the one beside them said then I returned the ring to them with a smile and they picked up the boxes and left the room. Alexander smirked, clearly pleased with my choice too, but before he could respond his eyes landed on my hand the one with a wedding ring still adorning it, the one from my ex-husband.His playful expression faded for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly "Planning on taking that off anytime soon?" Tension coiled inside me as I glanced at the ring on my hand, beautiful memories flooded my mind. Once upon a time, this ring meant everything to me."It's okay if you don't want to take it off, things like this take time" he said his voice soft noticing how I tensed but I knew there was no room for hesitation. With a deep breath, I slid the ring off my fingers trembling slightly, I placed it on the table "There'll be another one to replace it soon" I said softly forcing a small smile. "My hand won't feel naked for long"Hm" He mused, a knock
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER SIX
"This here is your room Thalia" Alexander said as we walked into a room with a luxurious white canopy bed with emerald green silk sheets, fresh white roses on the nightstands, and more basically everywhere in the room, giving it a— romantic atmosphere. "My room? We have separate rooms?" I ask turning to face him surprised. "Well, I didn't think you were looking forward to sharing a room with me" he replied with a smirk. I groaned, lightly smacking his chest "Get over yourself" I say tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear "I could get over you instead" He said his voice dipped low in a seductive tone that sent shivers down my spine I didn't reply to that, I don’t trust myself to say anything clever, instead, I reached over to the vanity and took a deep breath"Listen I know you want some answers about why I rushed the wedding but..." "Actually No I don't" Alexander interrupted and came to stand behind me, our eyes met in the mirror "It's been a long day Thalia, you need t
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER SEVEN
Thalia? What happened?” Alexander said as he entered Edith’s room with a confused expression on his face. Liam and Cassandra came in behind him, she went to get them after I stopped crying. I was sat in the armchair with a tissue box in one hand and the test stick in another, I might have stopped crying but the pounding in my chest remained the same. “Drink some water Thalia” Cassandra said offering me a half-filled glass of water, I took it and gulped it down in one go.“Give us a moment” Alexander said to Liam and Cassandra even though his eyes were still on me before they landed on the stick in my hand “Of course” Liam said taking Cassie’s arm and guiding her to the door they closed it behind them. “Is that?…” Alexander started but I cut him off.“It’s a test, yes and it’s positive” I said the last part slowly meeting his eyes to see his reaction, but his expression remained unreadable no shock, no anger, nothing.“I’m really sorry, I didn’t know” I began to ramble “I didn’t t
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER EIGHT
Alexander's POV Everything seemed to narrow to the sound of my fists connecting with Brandon’s face, I couldn't think, all I wanted was to kill this lowlife piece of shit for putting his hands on my wife in my house."Alex stop you'll kill him" Liam's voice came through the haze but I didn’t care, I felt his hands trying to pull me away but I didn’t budge."Stop him, he's gone mad!" Brandon wheezed his voice pathetic as I landed blow after blow, his face gradually forming into a clot of blood. "That's enough!" Liam’s voice became desperate and somehow he was able to drag me away from the asshole, leaving him, crumpled on the floor."Let go of me Liam, that bastard attacked my wife!" I yelled, my fists clenched so tightly I felt my knuckles turning white. "Yes but killing him won't solve anything” Liam snapped back, his outrage visible as he held me in place.“So calm the fuck down!" I shook him off, glaring at my brother-in-law, now a possible target for my rage, his eyes were blaz
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER NINE
Thalia's POV "Your eyes look like flying saucers in there," Dr. Sage Alastair said as she flashed a light into my pupils, the brightness stung making me wince. "I'm pregnant so..." I said my voice trailing off waiting for her reply "Well, that explains it" she said thoughtfully scribbling something onto her notepad "When was your last checkup?" I glanced at Alexander, who stood a few feet away, phone pressed to his ear but his eyes constantly flicking over to me."I just found out last night" I murmured wrapping my arms around myself. Dr. Alastair's pen hovered for a moment before she jotted something else down. "You should head to the hospital for a proper checkup soon"I hesitated, my throat tightening "I was... um I'm thinking of terminating it" She paused, her eyes narrowed slightly in surprise "Oh? Well, you are Mr. Croft's wife right?" I nodded "Well is he on board with your decision? It's something you two should discuss together" "it's not his" The words slipped out b
Latest chapter
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE
Thalia's POV The car slowed to a stop. The crunch of tires against gravel, the only sound as I peered out the window, my breath caught in my lungs. This wasn't the church Four hours, I had spent nearly four hours driving into oblivion with Andrei, convinced we were headed to the church, only to end up here.I stared at the house, a chill creeping down my spine, it wasn't the eerie quiet of the place or the way the thick trees surrounding it cast gawky shadows over the house.No. It was the familiarity of it. The house sat near a lake, its surface shimmering faintly under the golden light of a lamp outside, the cobblestone path leading up to the house was bordered with moss and wildflowers, creating a somewhat scenic look."This isn't the church" I snapped at him. Andrei parked the car a few feet away from the house and turned off the engine, he didn't look at me as he replied "I know" Before I could question him further, he got out of the car. I hesitated for a moment, then I ope
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
Thalia's POV I sat stiffly in my seat, silently fuming, my arms crossed tightly, as I glared out the window. We had been driving for over thirty minutes now, and the once-crowded streets had given way to long, deserted paths. It was just us and the seemingly never-ending road. "I can't believe you didn't let me talk to him," I snapped, finally breaking the silence. My words hung in the air, but Andrei didn't flinch. He kept his eyes on the road, one hand casually resting on the steering wheel. The first driver came down from the car a few minutes back."He knows where you're going either way" he replied dryly, his tone bored. "Whatever" I shot back, trying to sound more confident than I felt "He must be worried" Andrei blinked, then let out a sharp, humorless chuckle "Worried?" He repeated, "You're the least of his concerns right now. At best, he might send someone to follow us, but he has far bigger problems to deal with—problems I'm sure you're aware of" I narrowed my eyes at
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
Alexander's POV We reached the elevator, and I pressed the button, the wait feeling like an eternity as my thoughts churned. Elijah's words replayed in my mind, grating on my every nerves.Thalia's trust, her vulnerability... it was a dangerous combination, but one I'd become bound to protect, I am doing what I have to, and he'll be damned if I ever let her find out.Liam crossed his arms, leaning back as we waited. "She's gonna want to resume the office soon". The elevator doors slid open, and we stepped inside."She mentioned it, I was able to convince her against it" I replied finally, eyes fixed ahead as the doors closed.Liam tilted his head thoughtfully "Hmmm" he murmured, but the elevator chimed, announcing our arrival on the ground floor, as we stepped out, he finally spoke up, his voice low and direct."Patrick told me about your conversation this morning". I shot him a look. Of course, Patrick had told him, the stupid fucker was determined to prove a point! "And?" I repli
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER SIXTY
Thalia's POV I considered her words, pieces of the riddle aligning in my mind. "Alex and I figured out that the building was a church" Sierra's eyes widened with the realization "A church! Yes! What could be more sacred than that? And a gate—it all fits!" I nodded slowly, the solution forming. "So there's a well in a church, with a bell above it and a tree nearby, maybe even above it" Sierra let out a delighted squeal "We've solved the riddle!" "But which church? There are millions of them" Arabella pointed out.I smiled faintly, picking up my phone "I know the one, St. Augustine's Church, and..." I checked the map on my phone as the location confirmed itself "It's about a two-hour drive from here" "Well, let's go" Sierra suggested eagerly “It's still early in the morning, we can make it back by evening.”"Oh, can I tag along?" Arabella asked, her eyes lighting up. I hesitated, my mind racing through recent events, the memory of the last time Sierra, Cassie, and I went out toge
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
Thalia's POV Another moan echoed, this one followed by a few grunts "Oh...fuck" came a voice. There was a sharp intake of breath, a murmured "Yes" followed by a chorus of muffled moans.The shelves behind the makeshift door rattled, vibrating against the wall.Who on earth would have sex in a library? I thought, horrified by the sounds I was hearing.The noises quieted, replaced by a soft giggle and a man's low voice murmuring something I couldn't make out, panic flared up in me. I had intruded on something, and I needed to leave before they realized I was there. Just as I turned to leave, ready to vanish before either of them noticed, I froze at the sound of my name."Thalia?" A female voice called out, laced with surprise... I knew that voice. My heart skipped, I turned, and there stood Sierra, looking equally stunned, her lipstick smudged, her cheeks flushed, her hair was tousled and although her clothes were in place, she looked...dishevelled, standing just behind her was Patric
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
Alexander's POV I entered Elijah's office, the scent of aged whiskey and leather hanging thick in the air, Liam and Elijah were both seated, sharply dressed, their gazes fixed on me as I stepped inside.Liam's face was blank as ever, while Elijah's sharp eyes glinted with interest, he swirled the amber liquid in his glass, watching me closely."To what do I owe this unexpected visit?" Elijah's voice was smooth, laced with a mock-curiosity.I ignored the greeting, settling into the leather chair opposite them. "Let's skip the pleasantries" Elijah raised a brow, smirking as he took a sip from his glass."Straight to the point, smart as always" Liam leaned back, his gaze calculating, but didn't say a word, the room was dim, the only light coming from a tall, arched window casting shadows on Elijah's mahogany desk.Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with classical books and a few ominous-looking artifacts that only Elijah would find fascinating. I leaned forward,"I need a full backgro
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
Thalia's POV Some five later, we pulled into the parking lot of Romero Gabe Library, Alexander parked with swift precision, then turned to me, his voice low."Let's go" I nodded and slipped out of the car, following closely as he led the way.Inside, the receptionist, a stern-looking woman in her forties, gave Alexander a curt smile, which he returned with a brief nod before heading straight past her, we made our way through rows of towering shelves and then climbed the staircase, the air-thick with the scent of old paper.At the top level, we finally reached an area filled with tables, in the far corner, I spotted Zach and Nolan, seated with a blond man and a red-haired woman I didn't recognize. The woman sat beside Zach, her eyes flicking from him to us as we approached. "Alex?" Zach greeted as we reached the table, eyebrows lifted in mild surprise."That was quick" Nolan added, getting up to meet us halfway, his face was tight with focus, mirroring Alexander's."Is everything I a
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
Thalia's POV Alex sensed the shift in the atmosphere as I spoke about Brandon, he tightened his hold on me and continued speaking."Do you remember your father mentioning an assistant he had a falling out with?"I let out a shaky breath, thinking back to a man named Justine Davis whom my father disliked speaking about."He was more than an assistant Alex, he was his best friend, but he grew greedy, and he wanted to go dirty. Father stood his ground and decided he didn't want any stain on Asplundh. It didn't matter to him. Running a clean business came first, and his friend Justin became furious and quit" "What was his name again?" "Justine... Justine Davis, last I heard he was bedridden" I muttered but Alexander grew quiet he stilled his movements "Alex?" I whispered, his silence irked me"Did he have any children?" He said his voice utterly serious now "Yes, he did, he had a son" Alexander made a grumbling sound and he ran a hand through his hair, seemingly frustrated "What's
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER FIFTY- FIVE
Thalia's POV I woke up the next morning to soft sunlight seeping through the curtains, the streaks of warmth creeping into the room. Alex's arm was draped around me, his hand resting on my waist. I turned slightly, finding him still asleep, his features softened in slumber. The strong line of his jaw was relaxed, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. His hair fell messily across his forehead, and I smoothed it back.The blanket tangled around us, and we were both naked beneath it, reminders of last night still vivid in my mind. We had been at it all night long, and true to Alex's words, the bed broke, forcing us to move to another room, all while he was still inside me. I gave into exhaustion after having an absurd amount of spine-curling orgasms.Alex wasn't kidding when he said he had a lot to explore, and his kink made it the more exciting. I never knew I would enjoy this type of intimacy, raw, intense, and unapologetically rough ones. But alas you never know until you
