Share

112: THE GIFT

last update Last Updated: 2025-02-24 23:59:15

ELARA’S POV

The car stays silent for a second before a smile spreads across my brother’s face.

“I know that.”

My eyes widen, and my jaw almost hits the floor.

Maybe he heard me wrong. Maybe he didn’t understand what I was saying, because if he did, he wouldn’t be smiling. And earlier, he said he hadn’t found any evidence to prove our relationship wasn’t real.

He knows? How does he know?

“Did you hear what I just said?” I gasp in disbelief.

Elliot lets out a chuckle, shaking his head. “That much I know, El. It’s quite obvious. What kind of remarried couple lives in separate houses and only sees each other during the day? I figured as much. Even though you still have your ring on, I know there’s a part of you that’s not fully in this. And to be honest, that’s what’s giving me hope right now that you’ll see through that man and let him go for good.”

I don’t even know what to say.

This whole remarried couple facade… it’s all backfiring. I should’ve known it was this obvious.

So
Locked Chapter
Continue Reading on GoodNovel
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • The Billionaire’s Regret    113: THIS IS FOR THE BEST

    ELARA’S POVThe sound I hate the most right now has to be the ringing of my phone.After my call with Nate, I didn’t know what to do with what he sent me. So, I decided to leave it on the counter while I changed out of my wet clothes.Maybe I can think of something for when next I set my eyes on them. I tried calling Jenna again today. Finally, her phone was on, but for some reason, she wasn’t picking up, not even leaving a text. So It could probably be her calling now.I switch off my hair dryer, hoping it’s her.I guess I didn’t pray hard enough because it’s not Jenna. But at least it’s not someone I was dreading. It’s Sienna.Pressing the answer button, I bring the phone to my ear.“Hello, Elara.” Sienna’s voice comes through the line.“Hello,” I say with a small smile, as if she can see it.“Are you busy right now?” Her tone seems a bit off.“No, I’m at home. Is everything okay?” I ask.“Yes… but, uhm, I know this is last minute, but I have the pictures we took a few days ago rea

    Last Updated : 2025-02-26
  • The Billionaire’s Regret    114: GUARDIAN ANGEL

    ELARA’S POV “Nate forgot this last time. He said he’d come back for it, but he never did. Will you give it to him?” My eyes fall to the blue necktie in Sienna’s hand. I think I need to commend my luck, I’m trying to stay away from him, but something always seems to push me right back toward him. “Elara?” Sienna prompts with an arched brow, nudging the tie forward. “I don’t think I can take it to him. He said he’d come for it, right?” “Yes.” I force a smile. “Then I’m sure he will.” “But you guys are together… so I thought it would be easier if you take. Plus if it stays with me, I don’t think that would be a good idea. I can’t have some of the staffs mistaking this very expensive tie for one of ours.” A little part me told me to Just give up and take the tie, it’s just some stupid tie right? I let out a sharp breath, then forced a smile. “You can keep it in your office, then. I’m sure no one will think to use something tucked away in there.” I twist the doork

    Last Updated : 2025-02-27
  • The Billionaire’s Regret    115: CURIOSITY

    ELARA’S POV Fair enough. I glance to the opposite side of the room, where a woman has now taken a seat at what was an empty table just minutes ago. UNKNOWN: Relax, Goldie. No matter how hard you look, you won’t find me. So go ahead and drink your sorrows away in peace. ME: Who says I’m drinking away my sorrows? I ordered one mojito. And I haven’t even taken a sip of yet. UNKNOWN: Seems I guessed wrong, then. ME: You definitely did. I finally reach for my drink, taking a slow sip. The cool, minty flavor mixed with just a hint of alcohol is exactly what I needed. It’s been ages since I last had a mojito. After what feels like a long time. My screen lights up again. UNKNOWN: I have a gift for you, Goldie. Private rooms. Room B3. I’m sure you’ll love it. A gift? A few chats ago, they mentioned wanting to give me something. And now, suddenly, it’s waiting in one of the private dining rooms? A bad feeling settles in my gut. Obsidian’s private rooms are used f

    Last Updated : 2025-02-27
  • The Billionaire’s Regret    116: A VERY SMART WOMAN

    ELARA’S POV My hands feel numb as I stare out the window. White, fluffy clouds with soft, foggy outlines stretch across the sky, staring back at me. On any other day, I would have admired how bright and pure they looked, how their silver linings shined in the sunlight, or how the sky from up here seemed like an endless ocean. But today, I can’t think about any of that. Because no matter how hard I try, I can’t erase the image of what I saw last night. Nate and that woman… I don’t know what I was expecting from him, but it wasn’t that. Not after everything he told me. Not after the flowers. Not after the chocolates. Not after the note. FLASHBACK Our eyes met. For a second, I thought I imagined it, something flickered in his gaze, but it disappeared just as quickly. Then my eyes fell to the blonde woman sprawled on top of him, her hands wrapped around his neck. She let out a soft giggle. My stomach twisted. The heat in my chest was unbearable, spreading like wildfire.

    Last Updated : 2025-03-01
  • The Billionaire’s Regret    117: DO THE HONORS.

    ELARA’S POV Jenna ends her call with a sharp click, slamming the phone back into place. My gaze flickers to her, my mind still circling the last thing she said. “She won’t notice a thing.” Who is Brick? And who exactly is this person who won’t notice anything? Me? No, that can’t be right. I don’t have the full context of the conversation. I shouldn’t jump to conclusions. But if I shouldn’t jump to conclusions, then why is she in my seat, giggling into the phone with some guy named Brick while she’s been ignoring my calls for nearly a week? A tightness spreads through my chest, but I mask it with a slight arch of my brow. I push the door shut behind me, the soft click of it sealing us inside. “What are you doing in my office?” I ask, keeping my tone as neutral as possible. Jenna gasps dramatically, her face lighting up in exaggerated excitement. “Elara!” Instead of answering my question, she jumps up from my chair and rushes toward me. Before I can react

    Last Updated : 2025-03-02
  • The Billionaire’s Regret    118: TRUST OR TROUBLE

    ELARA’S POV I made it very clear to her last time. I didn’t want her butting in with this kind of stuff. That’s what we hired the ad team for. That’s what the staff is for. I wanted her to focus on the work laid out for her, nothing more. Is that too much to ask? But then, when I look at her and see that expression. the shift in her face, the subtle guilt in her eyes it makes me rethink. Maybe she really did do this with the company’s best interest at heart. And maybe I’m the one getting sensitive? “I’m sorry, Elara,” she says, her voice a little shaken this time. That surprises me. “I feel so bad now. I shouldn’t have done that, but they seemed like such a good company to partner with. And when I saw the chance, I just thought we’d want to seize it… to take the opportunity to make more.” She exhales sharply before continuing, “But now I know it’s not my place to decide that. I should’ve been more careful.” She blurts the words out like they’ve been weighing on

    Last Updated : 2025-03-02
  • The Billionaire’s Regret    1: THE NIGHT IT FELL APART

    ELARA’S POV “So, when are you going to tell your husband?” Dr. Rivers asks, her tone laced with concern, but not without the familiarity of someone who knows me well enough to press for answers. “I’ll tell him soon,” I reply with a soft laugh, even though she can’t see the forced smile stretching across my face. Four days ago, I found out I was six weeks pregnant, and it still feels surreal. Nate and I have been trying for almost a year. After every negative test, I tried not to lose hope, but disappointment clung to me like a shadow. When my period was late this time, I didn’t let myself get excited. I went to the clinic for confirmation, too afraid to believe the two faint lines on the home test. And then Dr. Rivers confirmed it. I’m pregnant. A little flutter stirs in my chest just thinking about it. I’ve imagined this moment so many times, telling Nate, seeing his face light up, the overwhelming joy of knowing we finally made it. But my joy comes with an undercurrent

    Last Updated : 2024-11-06
  • The Billionaire’s Regret    2: DIVORCE PAPERS

    ELARA'S POV "Don’t joke like that," I chuckle, trying to brush it off, giving him a light shove. Nate isn’t usually one for jokes, but every now and then, he surprises me. I wait for that familiar glint of mischief to break the tension, the hint that he's teasing me. But… it isn’t there. He looks at me, his eyes flat and unyielding. "I’m not joking, Elara. I want a divorce." The words are a sucker punch. My chest tightens as I stumble back a step, the brown envelope I’ve been holding slipping from my grasp. I tighten my grip on it instinctively, clinging to it like it’s the last piece of reality keeping me grounded. A divorce? Why? My head spins, trying to process his words, to find sense in them. Yes, we’d been distant lately, but it was nothing serious. We still shared our bed, ate our meals together, and spent time in each other’s arms… he even kissed me on the forehead this morning before he left for work. “If this isn’t a joke, then why, Nate?” I whisper, barely rec

    Last Updated : 2024-11-06

Latest chapter

  • The Billionaire’s Regret    118: TRUST OR TROUBLE

    ELARA’S POV I made it very clear to her last time. I didn’t want her butting in with this kind of stuff. That’s what we hired the ad team for. That’s what the staff is for. I wanted her to focus on the work laid out for her, nothing more. Is that too much to ask? But then, when I look at her and see that expression. the shift in her face, the subtle guilt in her eyes it makes me rethink. Maybe she really did do this with the company’s best interest at heart. And maybe I’m the one getting sensitive? “I’m sorry, Elara,” she says, her voice a little shaken this time. That surprises me. “I feel so bad now. I shouldn’t have done that, but they seemed like such a good company to partner with. And when I saw the chance, I just thought we’d want to seize it… to take the opportunity to make more.” She exhales sharply before continuing, “But now I know it’s not my place to decide that. I should’ve been more careful.” She blurts the words out like they’ve been weighing on

  • The Billionaire’s Regret    117: DO THE HONORS.

    ELARA’S POV Jenna ends her call with a sharp click, slamming the phone back into place. My gaze flickers to her, my mind still circling the last thing she said. “She won’t notice a thing.” Who is Brick? And who exactly is this person who won’t notice anything? Me? No, that can’t be right. I don’t have the full context of the conversation. I shouldn’t jump to conclusions. But if I shouldn’t jump to conclusions, then why is she in my seat, giggling into the phone with some guy named Brick while she’s been ignoring my calls for nearly a week? A tightness spreads through my chest, but I mask it with a slight arch of my brow. I push the door shut behind me, the soft click of it sealing us inside. “What are you doing in my office?” I ask, keeping my tone as neutral as possible. Jenna gasps dramatically, her face lighting up in exaggerated excitement. “Elara!” Instead of answering my question, she jumps up from my chair and rushes toward me. Before I can react

  • The Billionaire’s Regret    116: A VERY SMART WOMAN

    ELARA’S POV My hands feel numb as I stare out the window. White, fluffy clouds with soft, foggy outlines stretch across the sky, staring back at me. On any other day, I would have admired how bright and pure they looked, how their silver linings shined in the sunlight, or how the sky from up here seemed like an endless ocean. But today, I can’t think about any of that. Because no matter how hard I try, I can’t erase the image of what I saw last night. Nate and that woman… I don’t know what I was expecting from him, but it wasn’t that. Not after everything he told me. Not after the flowers. Not after the chocolates. Not after the note. FLASHBACK Our eyes met. For a second, I thought I imagined it, something flickered in his gaze, but it disappeared just as quickly. Then my eyes fell to the blonde woman sprawled on top of him, her hands wrapped around his neck. She let out a soft giggle. My stomach twisted. The heat in my chest was unbearable, spreading like wildfire.

  • The Billionaire’s Regret    115: CURIOSITY

    ELARA’S POV Fair enough. I glance to the opposite side of the room, where a woman has now taken a seat at what was an empty table just minutes ago. UNKNOWN: Relax, Goldie. No matter how hard you look, you won’t find me. So go ahead and drink your sorrows away in peace. ME: Who says I’m drinking away my sorrows? I ordered one mojito. And I haven’t even taken a sip of yet. UNKNOWN: Seems I guessed wrong, then. ME: You definitely did. I finally reach for my drink, taking a slow sip. The cool, minty flavor mixed with just a hint of alcohol is exactly what I needed. It’s been ages since I last had a mojito. After what feels like a long time. My screen lights up again. UNKNOWN: I have a gift for you, Goldie. Private rooms. Room B3. I’m sure you’ll love it. A gift? A few chats ago, they mentioned wanting to give me something. And now, suddenly, it’s waiting in one of the private dining rooms? A bad feeling settles in my gut. Obsidian’s private rooms are used f

  • The Billionaire’s Regret    114: GUARDIAN ANGEL

    ELARA’S POV “Nate forgot this last time. He said he’d come back for it, but he never did. Will you give it to him?” My eyes fall to the blue necktie in Sienna’s hand. I think I need to commend my luck, I’m trying to stay away from him, but something always seems to push me right back toward him. “Elara?” Sienna prompts with an arched brow, nudging the tie forward. “I don’t think I can take it to him. He said he’d come for it, right?” “Yes.” I force a smile. “Then I’m sure he will.” “But you guys are together… so I thought it would be easier if you take. Plus if it stays with me, I don’t think that would be a good idea. I can’t have some of the staffs mistaking this very expensive tie for one of ours.” A little part me told me to Just give up and take the tie, it’s just some stupid tie right? I let out a sharp breath, then forced a smile. “You can keep it in your office, then. I’m sure no one will think to use something tucked away in there.” I twist the doork

  • The Billionaire’s Regret    113: THIS IS FOR THE BEST

    ELARA’S POVThe sound I hate the most right now has to be the ringing of my phone.After my call with Nate, I didn’t know what to do with what he sent me. So, I decided to leave it on the counter while I changed out of my wet clothes.Maybe I can think of something for when next I set my eyes on them. I tried calling Jenna again today. Finally, her phone was on, but for some reason, she wasn’t picking up, not even leaving a text. So It could probably be her calling now.I switch off my hair dryer, hoping it’s her.I guess I didn’t pray hard enough because it’s not Jenna. But at least it’s not someone I was dreading. It’s Sienna.Pressing the answer button, I bring the phone to my ear.“Hello, Elara.” Sienna’s voice comes through the line.“Hello,” I say with a small smile, as if she can see it.“Are you busy right now?” Her tone seems a bit off.“No, I’m at home. Is everything okay?” I ask.“Yes… but, uhm, I know this is last minute, but I have the pictures we took a few days ago rea

  • The Billionaire’s Regret    112: THE GIFT

    ELARA’S POV The car stays silent for a second before a smile spreads across my brother’s face. “I know that.” My eyes widen, and my jaw almost hits the floor. Maybe he heard me wrong. Maybe he didn’t understand what I was saying, because if he did, he wouldn’t be smiling. And earlier, he said he hadn’t found any evidence to prove our relationship wasn’t real. He knows? How does he know? “Did you hear what I just said?” I gasp in disbelief. Elliot lets out a chuckle, shaking his head. “That much I know, El. It’s quite obvious. What kind of remarried couple lives in separate houses and only sees each other during the day? I figured as much. Even though you still have your ring on, I know there’s a part of you that’s not fully in this. And to be honest, that’s what’s giving me hope right now that you’ll see through that man and let him go for good.” I don’t even know what to say. This whole remarried couple facade… it’s all backfiring. I should’ve known it was this obvious. So

  • The Billionaire’s Regret    111: MAKING THINGS RIGHT

    ELARA’S POV Once the rain subsides, Elliot and I make our way to the car. My steps are slow as I contemplate whether to tell him everything or not. I know Elliot is just looking out for me, but how much he cares only makes me feel more guilt than I already do. “Elliot.” My voice is barely above a whisper. I’m not sure if I should tell him everything right here, but he’s getting so worked up because of me. The beeping sound of the car signaling that it’s been unlocked stops me. He doesn’t know anything right now. Maybe I should tell him and be done with it. But I can’t, not when he’s already in the car. Mom is probably inside, and I don’t think I’m ready to tell her anything. But when I reach the car, she isn’t in the front seat like I expected. “Where’s Mom?” I ask, sliding into the passenger seat. “She called a cab earlier and left,” he mutters, turning on the ignition. My Hand goes to the door slowly sliding into the car. The drive is quick, just as I thought

  • The Billionaire’s Regret    110: THE HEART WANTS WHAT IT WANTS

    ELARA’S POV Strong arms pull me back against a slightly wet, hard body. “Are you alright?” His deep, accented voice speaks into my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. I quickly pull away from him. Green eyes stare right at me. The man in front of me… something about him feels familiar, as if I’ve known him from somewhere, but I can’t tell where. I blink a few times, trying to clear my vision as small droplets of rain land on my lashes. “El.” My head snaps toward the voice. Elliot stands a few yards away. “Thank you for the help,” I say to the stranger before striding away to my brother. Leaving like that doesn’t seem right. Maybe I should ask for his name since he seems familiar. Maybe I know him. But as I walk away, I can’t shake the urge to turn back, even if just to get a better look at his face. I don’t, even though I can feel his gaze burning into my back. I shake the feeling away, trying my best to walk as fast as I can without tripping or falling. “

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status