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CHAPTER 34
Last Updated:
2025-01-04 19:46:40
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Betrayed by AppearancesNaomi's POVEven though the gallery opening went well, I didn't enjoy it. The soft click of the doors locking echoed in the quiet night as I locked it serving as a reminder of how far I had come and how far I still had to go. Elijah's words echoed softly in my ears while my mind raced with uncertainty. He had advised me to fully let go of the past if I wanted to prosper, but I can't get rid of the memories of the past. I was jolted out of my reverie by the deep rumbling of a familiar voice. “Enjoying your fresh start?” I stopped in my tracks. Roman's hands were stuffed into his coat pockets as he stood beneath the dim light of a nearby streetlamp. I could tell this wasn't a casual encounter by the fire in his eyes and the set of his jaw. "Roman," I said, maintaining a steady tone. "What brings you here?" He moved in closer, his presence encroaching like a thunderstorm. "What brings me here? That’s rich, coming from you. After everything, you have the
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Camille’s GameNaomi's POV With my phone firmly grasped in my palm, I paced the length of my living room, the burden of the day hanging over me like a thick shroud. My screen had already displayed Roman's name twice, with his calls going unanswered. I know he won't stop. Roman wasn’t the type to let things slide, especially not when he is angry. My phone buzzed again, and this time, I couldn’t ignore it. With a shaky breath, I swiped to answer. "Roman," I murmured, maintaining a calm tone of voice despite the whirlpool of emotions roiling within me. "Naomi," he answered in a clipped, acerbic tone. "We need to talk." "What's happening?" I asked warily, fully preparing for whatever was about to happen. Tension was obvious in the pause. Then his voice came in low and relentless.. You want to explain to me why sensitive business files, files only a handful of people had access to—suddenly ended up in the hands of my competitors?” I went cold. "What are you talking about?"
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Broken TrustNaomi's POVDawn's drab light crept through the curtains like an unwanted visitor, and morning came too soon. After a restless night full of disjointed thoughts and unresolved questions, my head ached. I forced myself to get ready even though the resolve I had felt the night before was on the verge of breaking. No matter how unpleasant it was, Roman and I had to talk. The city appeared to be more subdued than usual as I made my way to his office, the bustle of life stifled by my thoughts. My chest was tense and my palms were clammy by the time I got there. I passed the receptionist's desk and headed for the elevator, but she gave me a startled glance but didn't stop me. The stress in my features was obvious when my reflection in the mirrored walls gazed back at me. For what seemed like the hundredth time, I practiced my sentences.”You know me, Roman. You know I will never do something like this.” But even in my mind, the words sounded hollow. With my heels click
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The Locked Room SecretNaomi's POVThe sun was barely peeking over the horizon when I woke up, and the faint light was filtering through the blinds. The decision I had made the previous night felt even heavier in the morning, but it was unwavering. I need to know.The only sound accompanying me on the silent drive to Roman's mansion was the hum of the engine. My mind was filled with memories of the innumerable times I had lived here. But today was different. Today, I was an intruder in what used to feel like home. My heart hammered my ribs as I parked outside. An uncommon sight that made me uneasy was the tall gates standing open. Roman was very careful about security, but I'm not going to question my luck. The mansion's icy exterior was more menacing in some way than I recalled. I slipped through the front door, hastily pushing off the memories that were evoked by the smell of leather and oak. Focus, Naomi. The corridor was silent and deserted as it stretched ahead of me.
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A Mother’s WarningNaomi's POVWith Margaret inside, the space seemed smaller, her silent presence filling every nook and cranny. She exuded a composure that hinted at a life spent amidst storms, but there was an unavoidable sadness in her eyes.I pointed to the couch, she sat elegantly with her hands folded tightly in her lap. I took a seat in one of the armchairs across from her and gripped the seat edge as if I were expecting to be hit. "You must have questions.” She said, in a calm but melancholy tone. I nodded, my throat too tight to speak. Margaret took a long breath, seemingly mustering the courage to dive into a past she would prefer to forget. “Roman is… complicated. But I suppose you’ve already figured that out.” Before I could stop myself, I let out a bitter laugh. “That’s an understatement.” Although her lips quirked, her eyes were not amused. “He wasn’t always like this. There was a time when he was just a boy—curious, kind, and full of dreams. But that was bef
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The dinnerNaomi's POVAt seven, Roman sent a sleek, black car with epitome of subtle luxury. I felt a knot form in my stomach as it smoothly came to a halt in front of my building. I wasn't prepared, either for the truths I might discover or for the answersI might get. The driver, a well-dressed man, nodded firmly and opened the door for me. Grasping my bag as if it were an anchor, I entered. There were brief reflections on the glass as the city lights flickered past the windows. My resolve was being eroded by the suspense as my head was filled with questions. The grand mansion stood out against the night sky when we arrived at Roman's estate, its imposing shape both alluring and ominous. The car slid up the long driveway and stopped right in front of the entrance when the big iron gates opened. A butler greeted me at the door, his expression impassive as he gestured me inside. The interior of the estate was as lavish as ever, but there appeared to be more tension in the air to
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Shadows and Sparks Naomi's POVI stopped when I heard frantic footsteps behind me, just as I was about to reach the gate. Roman's voice pierced the darkness as I turned, my heart thumping. "Wait, Naomi!" I paused, feeling my heart rate increase. When I turned, he was already there, his breath heavy, his expression raw. His features were softened by the dim glow of the mansion's lights, but his eyes were so intense that they made me gasp. “Roman, what is it?” Struggling to maintain a steady voice, I asked. He took a moment to respond, looking into my eyes as if he was having trouble finding the perfect words. "I can't let you go like this." "Why not?" Defensive and aching at the same time, I folded my arms. “You’ve made your choice, Roman. Camille made that perfectly clear.” He tightened his jaw. "This has nothing to do with Camille." “She has everything to do with this!” I lost my temper, letting out all the fury and confusion I had been suppressing. “You invited me h
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Manipulated MindNaomi's POVThe faint, watery sunlight that greeted the morning did little to calm the chaos that was building within me. I held a mug of tea that had long ago gone cold as I sat by the window. Roman's kiss, the softness of his touch, and the startling finding of Camille's earrings in his study were all repeated in my memory from the previous evening. The earring wasn't merely a coincidence or an oversight. It was a warning—a stark reminder that Camille was still interfering in Roman's life, and possibly ours as well. My suspicions had already been sparked by her unexpected appearance at the dinnerl, but discovering her earring confirmed them into something more sinister and indisputable. My phone buzzed before I could think any deeper, the sound cutting like a dagger through the quiet. It was a text from Elijah. “Meet me at 10 a.m. on Fifth at the café. Don’t be late.”My stomach turned as I gazed at the screen. Elijah's timing was as accurate as his words, and
Last Updated : 2025-01-09
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
