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Author: Gia Hunter
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

LONDON

“I can’t do this anymore.” My chin trembled as I looked up at the dark sky that seemed to empathize with my situation.

“What do you mean?” Linden leaned his elbows against his knees as I got his full attention.

“I can’t tell you.” I dropped my gaze and felt so guilty and embarrassed.

“I understand. If there’s only one thing I’m sure of, everything’s gonna be okay.”

“You don’t know that.” I wiped a single tear that rolled down my cheek.

“I know it because we’re here for you. You’re not alone in dealing with it. My buddy will not allow you to mope alone.”

“It’s Dad.” My voice cracked. My chest squeezed tight at the thought that I would still push through the wedding because I was selfish and was doing it for myself.

“You don’t have to tell me, London, but if you would take my advice, tell Cade everything. A foundation of a strong relationship is trust. Build it with trust, and you both are gonna be okay, even if everything surrounding you seems to start falling apart.”

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  • The Billionaire's Pawn   32

    LONDON I spent an hour in a bathtub with wine that no longer appealed to me. I was more concerned with how to break to Striker regarding my father’s true intention. I didn’t tell him last night. I couldn’t. I was too scared to face the consequences. I only said to him that I had some disagreements with my father. Judging by the look on his face, he wasn’t convinced. He knew I was hiding something, but he somehow respected my decision for now. Right now, he was watching me like a hawk from the corner, but he hadn’t said a word to me. I wasn’t happy with his silence. And it hurt like hell, but I was a selfish bitch and wasn’t ready to lose him. I couldn’t bear it. “The tub is big enough for the both of us.” He just remained there, his arms crossed over his chest, sighing constantly. He bounced his gaze between me and the view outside the window. “When are you gonna see Moses again?” “Monday.” “That’s good.” “Then you should have a one-on-one with your dad?” “Not a chance. He’

  • The Billionaire's Pawn   33

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  • The Billionaire's Pawn   34

    LONDON What had gotten into me? Striker was right. Last week I wanted to give my father what he wanted so that I could have my payback. Right now, I just watched the man I loved walk away from me, and I didn’t even stop him. He didn’t even finish his food. I felt terrible. Yes, I loved him. It wasn’t hard to fall in love with the right man. He was great, kind, thoughtful, loyal, and selfless. He always thought about my needs above everything else. “God, what should I do? I need a sign.” I looked up. I didn’t pray much but believed the big guy was up there. I searched for Striker everywhere in the house until I remembered his favorite place. “I thought I found you here.” He had whiskey in his hand. He took a sip and didn’t even look in my direction. This was all my fault. My father dragged him into this arrangement, and Striker didn’t think twice about helping me. Me being an ungrateful bitch just hurt his feelings. I sat beside him, placing a hand on his thigh. “I’m sorry.”

  • The Billionaire's Pawn   35

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  • The Billionaire's Pawn   36

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  • The Billionaire's Pawn   37

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  • The Billionaire's Pawn   38

    LONDON I loved the white gown. It was a minimalist, simple, but elegant off-shoulder wedding gown. Striker hadn’t seen what I would wear. It was a surprise. I faced the mirror, looked at myself, and turned to see if I had made the right choice. “You look beautiful, dear.” I smiled and launched to Tate. “Thank you.” He hugged me, but not tightly so I wouldn’t crumple his suit and my gown. “Don’t ruin your makeup. The ceremony hasn’t started yet.” When we arrived yesterday, I instantly loved the place. It was beautiful this season, and Beck’s wife, Maeve, and his twin sister, Becka, were amazing people. “Sorry. I’m feeling a little bit overwhelmed.” I breathed deeply. “I don’t know if I will be a good wife to your son, Tate. What if—” “No, no, no, London. Don’t go there. You’re perfect for Striker. You’ll be a good wife and, hopefully, a mom to my grandchildren, okay?” “Maybe I can see Striker before we get married? I wanna see him, please?” I begged when I felt too uneasy. He

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  • The Billionaire's Pawn   82

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  • The Billionaire's Pawn   81

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  • The Billionaire's Pawn   80

    LONDON“Hey, guys. It’s been a while since I last posted a short clip. As the 3rd Anniversary of LH is around the corner, I want to celebrate it by sharing these achievements and successes with all of you and those less fortunate. My husband, Cade, and I had been working on these special designs that are very close to my heart. Well, actually.” I chuckled. “My husband primarily did all the hard work since he designed them. Even before we met, he’d been active in charities, helping less fortunate kids, and he never bragged about it. Before he showed me the designs, he only asked for one thing, that all his share in the sales would proceed to his chosen charities.” I picked the sample of the bag and sneakers. “These are limited items. We called Cade Sneakers and Marguerite Bag. With your purchase, you’re already supporting. Thank you, and enjoy your day.”I watched the video I posted twelve hours ago, which had already reached half a million views.For the past weeks, life had been grea

  • The Billionaire's Pawn   79

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  • The Billionaire's Pawn   78

    LONDON Terzo had no remorse. If I wasn’t there, he could have tortured Magnus to death. I flinched as he threw water at Magnus’ face to wake him up. Magnus jolted, and the chair he was tied to shook. “What the fuck?” He swallowed and found himself tied to a chair. His eyes widened as he looked at Terzo, and his face fell on me. “Did you actually kiss her with that mouth?” Terzo seemed breezy as if he’d interrogated people a thousand times. “Who’s this guy, London?” He became more frightened to see Terzo was calmer. “You should have left her alone, dude. I mean, who does that? Kidnapping your ex for money?” He chuckled. I couldn’t believe he found torturing someone fun. “Let me go, asshole.” He wiggled as he tried to let himself loose, his eyes pinning at the man beside me. Terzo tsked. “Wrong answer, dude.” When he pulled the gun behind him, it began to rattle me. “Don’t. I told you I’m not gonna be involved in this.” “Very well.” I let go a breath when he put the gun on his

  • The Billionaire's Pawn   77

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  • The Billionaire's Pawn   76

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  • The Billionaire's Pawn   75

    STRIKER “Hey, Dad.” “I miss you, son.” He hugged me tight as if I hadn’t seen him in years. “I miss you, too.” I sat next to him in the backyard of Moses’ estate. “I don’t know you and Moses play golf together.” My father was with Linden, and Emory joined him since Dad came to sit with me. “I know you called him Papa. He was about to cry when he told me, hearing you call him Papa for the first time.” “You both are softies. I just don’t want to hurt your feelings.” “I pushed you to give him a chance. That would be my biggest mistake and regret if I didn’t do that. He seems to have done his best to be your good father.” “Aside from taking me to Sicily?” I chuckled and patted his knee. “I didn’t meet the bad guys, except Giosue when London insisted, but it was after the agreement.” “I hope London found the peace she’d been looking for.” “It was Papa’s plan all along.” “And I can breathe freely, but you still met Siciliano.” “Yes. His son is a dick.” I snorted. “He won’t touc

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