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12: ITS HIM.
Last Updated:
2024-12-05 19:34:01
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The Billionaire’s Regret 13: THERE'S STILL HOPE
ELARA’S POV“Elara, my dear!” Mr. Deluca’s warm voice boomed as soon as he spotted me. His white hair seemed even more prominent than the last time I saw him. Without hesitation, he wrapped me in a firm hug, the scent of his cologne mingling with the faint aroma of Italian food wafting through the restaurant.“How have you been?” he asked, his thick Italian accent adding charm to his words.“I’ve been well,” I said with a soft smile.“You’ve grown so much, Bella!” he declared, stepping back to get a good look at me, his eyes twinkling with genuine affection.I chuckled. “The last time you saw me was only two months ago. Do you think I’ve really grown that much in such a short time?”“Oh, come now,” he replied with a wave of his hand. “Each time I see you and your brother, you both look more and more like your father”Nico pulled out a chair for me, gesturing for me to sit beside him. Across the table, Mr. Deluca and Elliot, my brother, were already seated.“But I’m the prettier versio
Last Updated : 2024-12-05The Billionaire’s Regret 14: DO YOU HAVE A PLAN
ELARA’S POV “Do you have a plan?” Jenna asks, sitting across from me, her eyebrows raised. I sigh, leaning back in my chair. “If I had a plan, Jenna, you wouldn’t be sitting here right now asking me this question.” She frowns but doesn’t argue. I don’t blame her for being frustrated. I’ve been staring at the same set of numbers for hours, and nothing makes sense. This morning, I got a text from Mr. Harper. He sent the contact information for the company where he bought the chandelier. Along with it came a message: You need to order it soon so it can arrive before the end of the week. It felt like a punch to the gut. The chandelier is necessary to complete the project, but I don’t have the money to pay for it. Even if I sold my car, emptied my savings, and pawned the expensive watch Elliot gave me last Christmas, I’d still fall short by thousands. Jenna watches me with a serious expression. “Maybe you could ask your brother to help? Three million dollars is nothing to him.”
Last Updated : 2024-12-06The Billionaire’s Regret 15: THE CLOCK IS TICKING
My head is spinning. The chandelier is the last piece of the puzzle for Mr. Harper’s project. Without it, we’ll miss the deadline, and our reputation will be ruined. But I can’t take a bank loan either Elliot would find out, and I can’t let that happen. A dangerous thought creeps into my mind. What if I borrow the money from a loan shark? I shake my head quickly. No, that’s not an option. Loan sharks are nothing but trouble. Before I can spiral further, Jenna bursts back into the office, looking both excited and nervous. “What is it now, Jenna?” I ask, bracing myself for more bad news. “I have good news and bad news,” she says, her tone upbeat. “Which do you want first?” “Just tell me,” I say, already dreading what’s coming. “Fine. The bad news is that I spoke to the chandelier supplier. They said they have one left, but someone else is interested in it. Because Mr. Harper is a loyal client, they’re willing to hold it for us, but only if we pay within two days.” “Two days?” I
Last Updated : 2024-12-06The Billionaire’s Regret 16: EVERYTHING IS FALLING APART
NATE’S POV“Mr. Hales, the last time I passed by the branch, it was closed,” Mr. Cavil, one of our key investors, says as we walk out of the meeting room together.“I hope everything is okay.”“Yes,” I reply quickly, forcing a smile. “Everything is going smoothly. It was just a minor inconvenience, but it has been sorted out.” I hope that’s true. If Lesley hasn’t convinced another company to take over the project, we’re going to have a huge problem on our hands.“That’s good,” he says, nodding. “Because you know those dealers won’t wait longer than what you promised.”“I have everything is under control,” I reassure him, trying to sound confident. “I guarantee we’ll be ready by the time they arrive.”He gives me a curt nod before heading toward his car.As I watch him leave, my chest tightens. The truth is, everything is falling apart.Ever since I saw Elara yesterday hugging and laughing with another manI haven’t been able to think straight. She really did move on.It’s only been a y
Last Updated : 2024-12-07The Billionaire’s Regret 17: I HAVE EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL
NATE’S POV “I have everything under control. The Vegas branch and the New York stores will all be completed on time,” I say firmly into the phone. This is the third call I’ve received since stepping off the plane. A five hour flight that was delayed, followed by wasted hours waiting around. It’s been an exhausting day, to say the least. And all of this every single call, every bit of this chaos because Lesley decided to air my business out in the open for everyone to hear. The Vegas branch is set to be one of the largest stores and office spaces my company has ever developed. A lot of money has gone into this project money from investors who are expecting nothing short of a massive return. This project will not only boost our company’s numbers but also recover from the setbacks caused by my father’s reckless, greedy decisions. I press my fingers to my temple, trying to shake the thoughts of the man who nearly ruined everything. The damage he caused still lingers, but I can’t let
Last Updated : 2024-12-08The Billionaire’s Regret 18: PICTURES DON’T LIE
NATE’S POV“Mr. Bellini, what brings you to our company?” I asked, forcing a polite smile as I gestured toward my office.He rarely comes to the office; whenever we need to discuss something, it’s usually at the men’s club, his hotel, or anywhere else but here.The frown threatening to crease my face eased as he stepped inside, his confident stride unshaken by the weight of the envelope he carried.“Well, Nate,” Bellini began, settling into the chair across from my desk as I poured us each a glass of scotch. “I’m not here because of the peculiar message my secretary received something about you gambling away my investment. A rumor, I’m sure. But the notion of the Vegas branch being a fake operation? That’s a little harder to ignore.”His tone was casual, but his words cut through the air like a razor.I took a steadying breath, forcing the relief I’d felt a moment ago into a tight corner of my mind. “I’m glad you don’t believe such baseless accusations,” I said, taking my seat across
Last Updated : 2024-12-08The Billionaire’s Regret 19: THE INVITATION TRAP
NATE’S POV“So, what is the issue here?” I asked.“Well, Nate, the issue my dear friend and I share, as major partners in this association, boils down to one thing: family,” Mr. Bellini began, his tone calm but laced with a hint of judgment. “I still remember when the media went into a frenzy after your divorce. You were everywhere. Then, of course, there was the string of women you were spotted with every week. And now, suddenly, you’re back with your ex-wife. It’s a good thing finding your way back to the one you love.” He paused, his sharp gaze cutting into me. “But how can we trust that you’re solid, Nate? Because, let me tell you, a man who can’t hold on to a woman is rarely the kind of man who can hold on to a business. Even if things seem to be running smoothly now, there will inevitably come to a point when the stability is tested. And that’s where doubts start and getting out of It won’t be easy.”A pang shot through my chest as I took a quick sip of my scotch. “You have no
Last Updated : 2024-12-09The Billionaire’s Regret 20: THE INEVITABLE TRIP
ELARA’S POV“What do you mean we need to go to New York?” I turn sharply to Jenna, dropping the pen I’ve been twirling in my hand.I’d left the office specifically for my lunch break, hoping to clear my head and sketch some décor ideas that have been nagging at me for days. It was supposed to be my time to relax, not stress over another curveball.“I just got off the phone with Lesley,” Jenna says, her tone apologetic but firm. “That’s what she said.”Lesley. Again.It’s always Lesley calling, always with some demand that feels impossible to meet. I’m starting to think her favorite pastime is making our lives harder.“What now?” I ask, trying to keep my irritation in check.“She said it’s about the New York stores we’re supposed to renovate. Apparently, something urgent came up, and they need us to do an on-site consultation as soon as possible.”“That’s absurd! We’re not even finished with the current branch we’re working on. How can they expect us to drop everything and jump to anot
Last Updated : 2024-12-09
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The Billionaire’s Regret 119: I wanted to
ELARA’S POV“You know, dear, expanding a business in early July is not something I’d recommend,” Mr. Caldwell says, his voice smooth but condescending, his hand lingering on my back a little too long for my liking.I shift slightly, forcing a polite smile, hoping he gets the hint. But instead of stepping back, he inches closer.Men like this are exactly why I avoid socializing at grand events like these. The flashing cameras, the overwhelming crowd, the endless small talk—it’s exhausting. And then there are the men—the ones who mistake common courtesy for an invitation.Elliot had insisted I come tonight as his plus one. I had wanted to stay home, lose myself in work, but I agreed to this because, for the past two days since we returned to Vegas, we hadn’t had a moment alone. And I needed to talk to him.To tell him the truth.But the moment we arrived, it seemed like everyone had someone to introduce to my brother, or Elliot himself had someone he needed to speak with. I quickly grew
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
