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CHAPTER 11
Last Updated:
2024-12-12 01:37:13
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The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 12
The Painting IncidentNaomi's POVWith the exception of my brush's gentle rasp across the canvas, the studio was silent. Bold and forceful, the colors swirled together in violent, chaotic strokes of black and red. Every movement of my hand served as a release and a conduit for the feelings churning within me. But the harsh, deliberate tap on the door broke the haven I had found in my work. "Naomi." My hold on the brush tightened as Roman's rich voice reverberated through the wood. I hoped he would go, so I didn't respond. Rather, the door creaked open, and he was there, his presence like a storm cloud filling the room. "I didn't say you could come in,” I said, without looking back. Roman stepped closer, his footsteps resonating on the hardwood floor, and shut the door behind him. "You haven't been avoiding me." "Have I?" With a bland voice, I continued without stopping. "I didn't notice that." "Enough." His voice sliced like a whip through the atmosphere. "Turn and look
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The Price of DefianceNaomi's POV As a clear reminder of Roman's cruelty, the fragments of my destroyed painting were still on the studio floor. But I felt a fierce resolution instead of despair. I refused to be crumpled like one of his disposable pieces, to give him the last say. With my head held high, I brushed away my tears, combed my hair, and left the studio. Roman was going to find out whether he thought his haughtiness could imprison me. Roman was sitting at the head of the long table in the softly lighted dining room, holding a crystal tumbler. As I stepped inside, his eyes darted up to meet mine, and the only sound was the clink of ice against glass. "You're running late," he stated in a cold voice. I smiled tightly at him. "I had no idea that we had a schedule." With a mixture of humor and caution, his brow raised. "We do. You will benefit from following my rules in this house.” "Your rules," I said again as I sat down across from him. "How endearing." A sligh
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Shadows of His PastNaomi's POVThe silence was more deafening than the storm I knew was coming, and the tension in the air was oppressive. Roman's massive frame created lengthy shadows on the strewn canvases and brushes as he stood in the doorway of my art studio. The room felt colder and smaller than it already was as his steely eyes penetrated through me.You have a habit of invading spaces that aren't yours." With a strong and arrogant tone, I remarked. Even though my heart was racing, I kept my uneasiness from him, which usually gnawed at me when we were together.Roman took a while to reply. Rather, he allowed his eyes to wander over my incomplete work, a whirl of gloomy, disorganized brushstrokes that reflected the chaos within me. A little, derisive smirk twisted his lips. “What a mess,” he finally said. “Is this supposed to mean something?”It's called expression." I yelled. "Something that you wouldn't understand."His shiny shoes clicked on the floor as he stepped purposefu
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The First CrackNaomi's POV The imposing study towered over me, it's dark wood paneling and tall bookcases serving as a sobering reminder of Roman's dominance. His chiseled features were obscured by shadows generated by the crackling fireplace as he sat behind the mahogany desk, his expression enigmatic. Control screamed from every inch of him, yet he was betrayed by the storm in his eyes. This time, I wasn't going to back down. "We need to talk, Roman," I said, my voice more steady than I had anticipated. He didn't look up from the papers in front of him, but his head tipped slightly. “You’ve made your feelings abundantly clear, Naomi. What more is there to say?” My chest erupted with anger, but I forced myself to swallow it and moved deeper into the room. “Don’t do that. Don’t dismiss me like I’m some annoying fly buzzing around your perfect little world.” At last, his sharp gray eyes met mine as he looked up. "Then quit behaving like one." I tightened my hands at my s
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Whispers of Betrayal Naomi's POV As I walked back toward my room, Roman's final words reverberated in my head, and the hallway felt colder than normal. "Be careful what you wish for." It was a promise rather than a warning. His secrets were like a fortress I could never enter, and his walls were impenetrable. However, I had held onto the hope that perhaps, just maybe, there was something inside him that wished to let me in. I couldn't go because of that flimsy hope, which forced me to put up with the never-ending struggle between his icy haughtiness and the infrequent glimmers of humanity he let to show. Faint voices, however, floated through the slightly open door as I passed the study. My breath caught in my throat as I hesitated. “You’re sure about this?” a deep voice said. I recognized it as Victor’s, Roman’s closest confidant and business partner. "Yes," Roman said in a tight voice. "It's the only way to proceed." I leaned against the wall just outside the door, d
Last Updated : 2024-12-19The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 17
Camille Strikes Again Naomi's POV As I anxiously adjusted the hem of my dress, the enormous ballroom reverberated with the sound of clinking glasses. Roman was going to use this as another chance to show me off like a trophy wife at a charity event. However, something felt different tonight. Camille's smile was as keen as a blade, and her cold stare weighed heavily on me from the other side of the room. I made an effort to ignore her and concentrate on the donors interacting with one another, but the tension in the room was oppressive. "Why do you look to be on the verge of fainting?" I was surprised by Roman's tone, which seemed as uninterested as ever. “I’m fine,” I lied, avoiding his piercing eyes. “Try harder,” he muttered, taking a sip of his drink. “You’re supposed to look like you belong here.” Refusing to give him the satisfaction, I bit back a response. Instead, despite the churning dread in my stomach, I straightened my shoulders and forced a smile. Camille c
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The Great Escape Naomi's POVThe ominous silence that pervaded the mansion only deepened my determination. As I stood in my room, holding the hurriedly packed duffle bag, my breath caught. Every heartbeat echoed like a drum as my heart hammered in my chest, urging me to move faster. All I knew was that I had to go, but I had no idea where I was heading. The message I had written, a brief but tragic farewell that would undoubtedly shatter Roman's heart, was resting on the nightstand. I made an effort to ignore the shame I felt in my chest. This was about saving myself, not about hurting him. “I can’t stay here anymore. I can’t keep fighting a battle I’ll never win.”I shook my head and wiped away the tears that threatened to make me second-guess myself. I couldn't allow myself to falter. Roman had made it clear time and time again that his walls were impenetrable, his past a fortress I was never meant to enter. I opened the door with a gentle squeak and looked into the dark
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A New Start Naomi's POV The flat was simple, with peeling paint and scuffed floors that revealed tales of past occupants. Though it wasn't much, it belonged to me. The calm was a welcome relief after weeks of turmoil. Yet, the silence was also unnerving. The only chair beside the window caught my My duffel bag sat beside it, the last remnant of a life I was trying to leave behind. I inhaled deeply, ignoring the memories that were about to come flooding back. “This is home now,” I said aloud, my voice breaking the stillness. But even as I said it, doubt lingered. The following morning, the room was bathed in a warm glow as sunlight filtered through the thin curtains. I had tossed and turned on the rough mattress all night, dreaming of harsh words and piercing glances. I needed a distraction. I dug inside my purse and took out my sketchbook. Its battered cover was familiar, almost reassuring. As I turned the pages, I noticed shards of a previous existence—drawings of Roman
Last Updated : 2024-12-24
Latest chapter
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 92
Camille's Downfall (Roman's POV)My eyes met Naomi's as soon as I entered the room, everything inside me twisted. She was wrapped in a blanket and sitting on the couch, her face pallid and battered, her wrists raw from the binding. I was devastated by the sight. She looked up at me, her eyes red and puffy from crying, but she tried to smile—a fragile, heartbreaking attempt to reassure me. My fists clenched at my sides, my jaw tight. Like wildfire, rage raged through my veins, yet beneath it all was something worse: Helplessness. All of this happened because I'm wasn't smart, fast and ruthless enough."Roman," she said softly, her voice tremulous but resolute. I knelt in front of her after taking three steps across the room. My thumbs brushed her cheeks as I caressed her face gently. My stomach turned over the bruises there. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice hoarse. “I should’ve gotten to you sooner.” Her hand was on mine as she shook her head. “You came. That's what matte
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 91
The EscapeNaomi's POVThe room was cold and wet. The rope, which was wrapped too tightly to permit even the slightest movement, dug into my skin, causing my wrists to hurt. My body hurt from where I’d been shoved into the chair hours ago. Time blurred in this hazy darkness. I forced myself to breathe. I couldn't bear to panic right now. The only thing keeping me grounded was the thought of Roman. He’d come for me—I knew it. But when? Through the walls, I could hear the faint buzz of voices. I tried to listen, paying attention to the word's cadence despite my inability to make them out. All of my instincts begged me to pay attention and to follow any lead that might get me out of here. The sound of footsteps approached, heavy and deliberate. My heart raced. I didn't recognize the man who stepped through the creaking door. I forced myself not to scowl at him as his beady eyes passed over me with apathy. The man grunted to the guard by the entrance, "Elijah said no harm for no
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 90
Chapter 90: A Dangerous RescueRoman's POVThe image pierced into my mind. Naomi—trapped, defenseless, terrified. My chest constricted as if my heart had been mercilessly squeezed by a vice. I looked at the phone screen once again, my hands shaking from rage and desperation. I feared my teeth could break from the tightness in my jaw. Elijah was showing off that he had her. The bastard believed he could manipulate and mock me. My voice was low and venomous as I muttered, "Not this time." I slammed the door behind me as I ran into my study. Long shadows were casted throughout the room by the desk lamp's feeble light, but I didn't mind the gloom. It mirrored the storm that was building inside of me. I needed a plan I kept thinking about Naomi's face, her terrified wide eyes. I would be haunted by that expression until I got her. No, not just got her back. I’d make damn sure Elijah regretted ever laying a finger on her.I took my phone out and dialed a number. Marcus, my head o
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 89
Camille’s Confession Roman’s POVThe cool air outside Camille's opulent apartment and the eerie silence of the night only made me more agitated. My mind was racing with pictures of Naomi's ambush, and my hands were clenched, my knuckles hurting from the hold. When I got to her door, I didn't bother knocking. Rather, I forced it open, my rage driving the action. With a glass of red wine in her fingers, Camille's head jerked up from where she was sitting on the couch. Her typical self-assurance concealed any shame she believed she could conceal as she grinned. She put the glass on the table and drawled, "Well, Roman, to what do I owe the pleasure of this... unexpected visit?" The sound echoed across the room as I slammed the door behind me. "Cut the crap, Camille," I yelled. "You know why I'm here." She crossed her knees and leaned back, her brow arched slightly. "Do enlighten me." I took a step forward, the rage seething beneath the surface. “Naomi was ambushed. Margaret’s in
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 88
Elijah’s Fury(Elijah's POV)The atmosphere in my office was oppressive, heavy with resentment and a better taste of treachery. Naomi had crossed a line I never thought she’d have the guts to approach, let alone crossing it. The city stretched out below me as I stood by the window, my hands holding the sill's edge so firmly that my knuckles turned white. My mind was racing, with each idea becoming more sharper than before and escalating the anger that was on the verge of erupting. I was startled out of my reverie by a knock on the door. I turned sharply, my glare fixed on the figure standing hesitantly in the doorway. It was Greg, one of my most loyal enforcers. His usual confidence faltered under my gaze, and he shifted uneasily "What?" I yelled my voice like a whip slicing through the tension. Greg cleared his throat. “Sir, we’ve gathered the details about the exhibition. The media’s still buzzing. Attendance was high—journalists, collectors, even a few government officials.
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 87
The Public Expose(Naomi’s POV)Margaret was rushed to the hospital in Roman’s private car, her weak breaths could hardly be heard above the hum of the engine. Roman sat next to me and held my hand firmly. With his jaw clenched and his gaze fixed on the future, his silence spoke more than words. “She’ll be okay,” I murmured, more to reassure myself than him. He didn’t respond, but his grip on my hand tightened. The medical personnel was prepared when we got there; Roman had called ahead to make arrangements for a private team. We waited in a sterile room while they took Margaret away on a stretcher. My nostrils were irritated by the antiseptic odor, and the stark white walls were oppressive. Roman paced the room, shouting commands to his squad while holding his phone to his ear. You could feel his rage coming off him in waves. “I want surveillance on Camille,” he said sharply. “Find out where she is. No mistakes.” With my head whirling, I leaned back in the chair. Now it w
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 86
Margaret’s Last Act(Naomi’s POV)The sharp sound rang out, slashing through the commotion. I opened my eyes expecting to see the man's fist roaring toward me, and my heart leaped to my throat. Instead, the attacker stumbled backward, his grip faltering as he cursed under his breath. Margaret stood like a resolute shield in his place. She was the one who took the punch meant for me."Margaret!" My voice trembled as I gasped. She remained silent, staring at the assailants with a calculating and icy attitude. “Stay behind me,” she said firmly, her voice sharper than I’d ever heard it. I froze, watching in shock as Margaret, who was always so calm and distant, stood against the guys who were closing in on us. One of them swung a crowbar toward her as he pushed forward. "No, Margaret!" It was too late when I let out a scream. The metal whooshed past her head as she ducked, then pushed the man hard in the chest.He staggered back and ran into another assailant. "Naomi, run!" Sh
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 85
Daniel's Redemption (Roman’s POV)A man I hadn't anticipated seeing again, stood in my entryway: Daniel. I could not see his usual confident demeanor, rather all I see is a wary tension. He appeared to be a guy burdened with a thousand regrets. Roman,” he said again, his voice steady, though his eyes revealed the turmoil within. I didn't offer him a drink or ask him to sit down. Rather, I glared at him while crossing my arms. “You didn’t answer my question. What are you doing here?” Daniel lowered his voice and took a step closer after peering over his shoulder to check for prying eyes. “I don’t have much time. Elijah… he’s planning something big. And I’m done being his puppet.”Elijah's name was like gasoline when it was said. I clenched my jaw. "I know, You think I'll trust you? after all of you have done?” There was a glimmer of desperation in Daniel's eyes, but his countenance tightened. "I came here not to ask for forgiveness. This is what I came to give you.”He bought
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 84
Naomi’s Growing Strength(Roman’s POV)The morning sun spilled through the bedroom curtain, casting a warm glow on Naomi’s face as she stirred awake. She looked peaceful, her soft curls spread across the pillow, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to forget the storm outside our walls. I was snapped back to reality, as my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I cautiously reached for it so as not to wake her. Naomi's eyelids fluttered wide as she stirred next to me. “Morning,” she said softly, her voice weigh with heavy sleep. “Morning,” I replied, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead. “Did you sleep well?” She stretched like a happy cat and sat up after nodding. She stared at my phone for a second, but she didn’t ask. Smart woman. She knew I’d tell her when it is time."Coffee?" I swung my legs out of bed and asked. “Only if you’re making it,” she teased, pulling the sheets tighter around her. I smirked. “Your wish is my command.” As I leaned against the counter i
