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chapter 17: Being in the spotlight
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2024-12-14 23:41:52Related chapters
The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires Chapter 1: First impressions
Julianna’s povBalancing the weight of the tray on my shoulder, I make my way through the crowded Golden Bistro, a restaurant frequented by the city’s wealthiest, known for its infamous dishes. It's only my first week working here.’’ Tonight, the place is busier than usual. As I worked my way around a table, I bumped into a solid figure, causing the wine to spill on him and the floor, shattering glasses and dishes in the process.‘’Oh my God. I’m so sorry’’. I stammer, biting my lips in nervousness while avoiding eye contact with the man I believe is glaring at me.The man barely moves but glances down at his now-stained suit with a look of pure disgust. ‘’Do you have any idea what you’ve just done?’’ He asks coldly, glancing at the stain on his suit once again. He shakes his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as they sweep over me. ‘’How do you even expect to keep a job here when you can’t manage something as simple as carrying a tray? Pathetic’’.My chest tightens with a mix of ange
Last Updated : 2024-10-30The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires Chapter 2: Nightmares
Ethan's POV “Yes, arrange the meeting Tomorrow. Goodnight“I glance at the pills, sigh, and swallow them with a sip of water–not because I want to, but because I need to close my eyes for a few minutes.Turning off the light, I let the darkness envelope me without me realizing it.*****I'm back in my childhood home. Smoke fills my lungs, my legs getting weak as I gasp for air, the flames spread fast with an immense energy, the heat unbearable, making my vision blur.“Williams, please! save me!Someone, please help!” I cry, biting my nails nervously. Tears stream down my face as I tremble in fear.“Ethan, calm down, I'm coming!”Williams yells back, his voice strained but filled with obvious determination. I see him dodging the burning debris as the fire grows wilder around him. He's coughing, the smoke getting to him, but he doesn’t stop.Finally, he reaches me, pulling me close. His strong arms guide me through the blazing fire. The door is visible to us, fire consuming everything
Last Updated : 2024-10-30The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires Chapter 3: Love and its complexities
Julianna's pov"I hold my phone tightly, calling Liam as I try to keep my excitement in check. Today is his birthday, and I've planned to surprise him with a cake.After two rings, he picks up. Hi babe. Happy birthday. I say with a smile, hoping he will be as excited as I am.Yeah, thanks, he replies, his voice flat, lacking the warmth I expected.I pause, frowning slightly. His response is colder than usual, but I put the thought aside. Maybe he's just busy. I wanted to wish you well and let you know that I won't be able to make it to your birthday celebration tonight. I have a lot to do. I'm sorry, but I will make it up to you.Oh? There's a strange pause. That's fine, kind of disappointing, but alright.Something about the way he says it doesn't sit right with me. There's no sadness, just a cold tone and…relief. I'm probably overthinking it. Yeah, I'm sorry, I add quickly.Sure. Bye, he says, hanging up before I can respond.I pull the phone away from my ear, staring at it in disbe
Last Updated : 2024-10-30The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires Chapter 4: Beneath the surface
Julianna's povI take a slow, shaky breath. Without looking back at the mess, I walk to the backdoor and lock up the bar. My body feels heavy, weighed down by everything that happened tonight. The rush of adrenaline from earlier is gone, I stand at the entrance for a moment, staring into the dark. With a deep sigh, I turn on the light, filling the room with a soft white glow. The light feels too bright, too normal for what just happened.I kick off my shoes, but I don't bother with anything else. Not yet. My feet take me to the bathroom.The cold floor tiles help me focus as I reach for the shower knob. The sound of water running fills the quiet room, echoing around me.I step under the water, fully clothed, letting the water drench me. My hair clings to my face, and my clothes stick to my skin, but I don't care. My fingers move mechanically, unbuttoning my dress, peeling it away until I'm bare, exposed.The warmth of the water feels nice against my skin, but inside, I still feel cold
Last Updated : 2024-10-30The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires Chapter 5: The way out?
Ethan's povMy alarm beeps, signaling me to get out of bed and face today’s fate head on, I step into the shower, the water barely soothing the terrible migraine that’s settled behind my eyes. Exhaustion pulls at me, but I fight back.Once out, I grab my phone and call Jane. She picks up instantly, like she’s been anticipating my Call.Hello, sir,’’ she says, her voice clear.‘’Did you reach out to the auditing team? I want every trace of those articles and pictures gone. I say, my voice rougher than usual from lack of sleep.‘’Yes sir. They are working on it now. She replies.‘’Good’’, I responded with finality, hanging up and heading out to my car.I immediately drive off, the city streets blurring around me as my mind races ahead. Today’s board agenda is simple–ideas to save the company’s reputation. But I'm curious to see if any one has a useful suggestion or if they are block-heads like I suspect. It’s obvious who’s behind pulling this childish and pathetic attempt t
Last Updated : 2024-11-15The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires chapter 6: We meet again
Julianna's POVThe Nexus Global international building stands tall in front of me, exuding power and sophistication. Stepping inside, I hold onto my bag tightly, my palm slightly sweaty. Today isn't just any day–it’s my first day working for Ethan Frost, a man I can barely tolerate but somehow can’t avoid.The receptionist directs me to the 13th floor, and as the elevator doors close, I remind myself why I'm doing this: for Henry. Whatever it takes, I’ll endure it.The elevator doors slide open to reveal a busy office space. Employees move around with stressed looks on their faces’’. It feels like I’ve willingly walked into the gates of hell. I pause for a moment, taking in the beauty of the well-furnished room.‘’ Ms. Adams?.’’A cheerful voice pulls me from my thoughts. I turn to see a woman approaching me, her professional smile warm and welcoming.‘’Yes,’’ I replied, steadying my voice despite my nerves.‘’Good morning,’’ she says, extending a hand. ‘’I’m Jane. Let me show you to y
Last Updated : 2024-11-17The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires chapter 7: Fractured beginnings
Julianna's POVI get home from work at 10 p.m., hours after my colleagues leave.Kicking off my shoes, I drop my bag onto my bed and sigh. Ethan Frost had ensured another exhausting day with his endless complaints.No matter how carefully I work, he always finds a reason to call out. It was like he enjoyed seeing my frustrated and miserable side.My phone beeps pulling me out of my thoughts. I hesitate before reaching for it, my stomach sinking when I see the name on the screen. Liam."Babe, Let’s meet. You know we need to talk."I stare at the message, feeling different emotions–anger, disappointment, and hurt. Does he even feel any remorse?I’d waited for this text that night, hoping for some explanation, an apology…something. And now? Now he decides to reach out? Before I can process it, my phone rings. His name flashes across the screen..Without a second thought, I hit the red button and toss the phone onto the bed. He doesn’t deserve my time, let alone a conversation.A f
Last Updated : 2024-11-22The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires Chapter 8: second chances?
Ethan's POVYou're late Miss Adams, I say, my gaze narrowing in displeasure as I take in her messy hair.‘’I…’’ she begins, but Rodney cuts her off."She was unable to find a cab", Rodney interjects defensively." I saw her on the street ‘ trying to get one, so I offered her a ride." I turn my gaze to Rodney, giving him an irritated look that silently challenges him to keep talking. He notices the warning in my expression and quickly looks away."Miss Adams", I continue, shifting my attention back to her as our eyes meet." You were saying something earlier?" I raise an eyebrow, waiting for her to speak.She hesitates before responding."The reason I’m late is that I couldn’t find a cab. And, as Mr . Rodney said before, he offered me a–’’I scoff, cutting her off mid-sentence. Tapping my fingers on the desk, I stare at her unimpressed.'" Miss Adams, do you think that’s a good excuse? You’re late because you were unable to find a cab? Wow." I lean back in my chair, my tone drip
Last Updated : 2024-11-24
Latest chapter
The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires chapter 17: Being in the spotlight
Ethan's POV“Prepare for the dinner bouquet tonight.” I said then hung up before she could think of saying another word and stared at the headlines again. A small smirk at the corners of my lips. My phone buzzed, pulling me out of my thoughts. I answered it, already knowing who it was. “Who is the lady?!”Annabel screamed so loudly which made me wince and pulled the phone away from my ear.“Don't tell me that's the reason you called?’’ I asked, my voice laced with irritation.“Of course,...you’ve been sehen with women before, but definitely not like this.Who's she? Dad’s also curious– he had to cut his trip short because of the rumors.”I sighed and let the silence lingered.“Ethan? Are you still there?” she asked, her voice softer now, cautious. “Yes, I'm here,” I said, clearing my throat. “Annabel, the news isn't something to worry about. It's not just a rumor.”She went silent for a while, making me get irritated every passing second.“Since there's clearly nothing meaningful
The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires chapter 16: A sealed deal
Julianna's POVHenry was sitting up in bed, eating his lunch. The color was slowly returning to his cheeks, though he still looked weak.The door opened, and Dr. Matthew walked in with a clipboard in his hand and a warm smile. His calm expression immediately puts me at ease.“How are we doing today, Henry?” he asked, ruffling Henry's hair.Henry groaned but smiled. “I'm okay, Sir.”Dr. Matthew nodded as he flipped through the notes on his clipboard. “That’s good to hear. Your surgery was a success, but you need to recover fully before you are allowed to get discharged. You need to rest and avoid stress for the next few weeks. No screens for long periods, No video games, and definitely no football. “Understood?”Henry gave a small nod, glancing at me for reassurance. I smiled and squeezed his hand.The doctor turned his attention to me. “Miss. Adams, it's important he sticks to a proper routine–healthy meals, lot of water and rest. We”ll do a follow-up brain scan in two weeks to moni
The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires chapter 15: Not without consequences
Chapter 15Ethan's POV I walked out of the club, heading straight to my car. The cool night air did little to distract me as I slide into the driver's seat and started the engine. My phone buzzed, and I plugged in my earphones.“Speak,” I said.“Henry's awake, Sir.” Jane informed me.“Alright,” I replied then ended the call without a second thought.When I got home, I followed my usual routine: a quick shower, a glance at the files on my desk. Hours passed as I worked through the night, my mind clear and focused. It was better than dealing with the haunting nightmares.*****The next morning, Nexus demanded my attention as always. The day was filled with meetings and phone calls until my watch struck five.I picked up my phone and dialed Julianna's number. The line rang, but there was no answer. I frowned slightly and called again. Still nothing.Without hesitation, I grabbed my keys and left the office. The drive to the hospital was quick.When I arrived, I walked straight th
The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires chapter 14: A deal remains a deal
Chapter 14: Ethan's POV Her eyes burned with hatred as she stared at me, her emotions laid bare for anyone to see. When I said what needed to be said, she scoffed and turned away, her movement sharp as if distancing herself from me would erase the truth. That look in her eyes said it all–she despised me. Mutual, I thought coldly and that was precisely why I chose her to be my wife.It wasn't love, attraction or even affection that brought us here. This was a calculated decision. If I had to pick between my company crumbling under the weight of these ridiculous rumors about my sexuality or tying myself to a woman I couldn't stand, the choice was simple. Marriage, even a fake one was less evil.I watched her every movement for a moment longer and was curious to know what was going on in her head. She hated me now, but would she back out of the deal?I doubted it.A deal was a deal, and Julianna Adams didn't strike me as the kind of person who would abandon her brother's life
The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires chapter 13: Echoes of a deal
Julianna's POV “Code Blue!” We’re losing him!.” The words echoed through the hallway, freezing me in place. My heart dropped as I dashed towards the operating room, only to be stopped by a nurse blocking the door. “Please,” i begged, tears streaming down my face. “He’s my brother. He needs me! The nurse smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry ma’am, you can't go in. Let the doctors do their work. I stepped back, trembling. My heart raced as I try to catch my breath, my gaze fixed on the transparent glass window as though my desperate gaze could save Henry. Then I saw him–Ethan walking in as if he owned the place. Beside him was an older man with a composed yet commanding presence. Without a word, the man smiled at me and entered the operating room. “Who is that”? I questioned the nurse who looked shocked. She regained her composure, “Dr. Anderson. One of the best surgeons in the country. If anyone can guarantee your brother's successful surgery, it's him.” I felt instant relief
The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires chapter 12: Caught in the devil's web 2
Chapter 12Julianna’s POV‘’Be my wife. For a year.’’Ethan smirked, his voice calm but laced with arrogance.I froze, certain I had misheard him. ‘’What did you just say?’’ I asked, my voice sharper than intended.He swirled his wine glass, his gaze never leaving mine. ‘’Julianna Adams, I hate repeating myself. You heard me right– be my wife. For a year.’’ He raised an eyebrow, daring me to refuse him.A laugh escaped me, dry and humorless. I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing.’’ No,’!’. I said firmly, the word cutting through the tension like a knife. Without another thought, I pushed back my chair and stood to leave.He scoffed behind me, his voice cold and calculated. ‘’And Where do you plan on getting the fee for your brother’s surgery? Or is it that you don’t care about him as much as you claim to?’’His words stopped me in my tracks. My heart clenched as his accusation lingered in the airSlowly, I turned to face him, keeping my voice steady despite the anger I felt. ‘’Etha
The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires Chapter 11: caught in the devil's web 1
Ethan's POV Unable to sleep, I lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling as the hours dragged on. My mind refused to be quiet, haunted by the usual shadows of the past. When dawn finally broke, I forced myself to get out of bed and into the shower, letting the water wash away the remnant of the restless night. Walking into the building, I was greeted by my employees, but as usual, I ignored their greetings. I headed straight to my office and immediately got into work. A few minutes later, a knock stopped at the door. “Come in”, I said, not bothering to look up. “Good morning, sir,” a polite voice greeted me. I raised my head and saw Julianna Adams standing before me. Her posture was formal, and her tone was professional. I smirked,”Morning, Miss Adams.” You are officially my assistant,”I continued, my voice calm but firm.”I believe you already know that. I also assume Jane has informed you about what your role as my P.A entails. I kept my eyes on her, waiting for m
The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires Chapter 10: Demons in the dark
Ethan's PovI pick up my phone and call Jane.Jane, I say firmly, I need you to call Miss Adams. Tell her she needs to resume work tomorrow.Make it clear that lateness will not be tolerated. One more mistake, and she'll cease to work here.’’‘’Yes, sir,’’ she replies.‘’Good,’’I responded before ending the call.A while later, my phone buzzes with a notification. I unlock it and find a photo waiting for me–a picture of Julianna leaving the hospital. Her eyes red, and she looks like she’s struggling to fight back her tears.A slow smile spreads across my face. Watching her look so vulnerable? It puts me in a surprisingly good mood.I can imagine the look on her face when she receives Jane’s text.Julianna…the more I get to see your different sides, the more curious I get. I mutter to myself, still staring at her picture. **********`I get to my house at 11pm after a pretty long day. I shower quickly and scroll through my social media. Funny enough, people clearly have nothing b
The Billionaire's Forbidden Desires chapter 9: Fractured Hopes
Julianna's POVI step out of the Nexus Global building, feeling like my soul slipping away. In the cab to Wilfred City Hospital, but my mind is blank. I don't want my brother to see me looking pathetic, so I pull out a small mirror from my bag and attempt smile. ‘’Come on,’’ I whisper to myself, my voice trembling. ‘’Why is it so hard to fake a smile?’’Tears blur my vision as i force my lips upward, but the smile feels fragile, like it could shatter with the slightest push. My cheeks ache from the effort, but I keep practicing, determined.When i reach the hospital, the artificial brightness of the lights feels suffocating. My forced smile stays plastered on my face as i enter Henry’s ward. My heart clenches at the sight of him–pale, weak, and barely recognizable as the lively boy he used to be.‘’Hey, little bro,’’ I say, as happy as i can muster. His tired eyes light up for a brief moment, and he manages a small smile.. I sit on the edge of his, wriggling my eyebrows playful
