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13: THERE'S STILL HOPE
Last Updated:
2024-12-05 19:52:11
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The 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 : 2024-12-09The Billionaire’s Regret 21: LET ME EXPLAIN
ELARA’S POV“Where did you say you’re going again?” Elliot asked as he pulled my little travel bag from the trunk.I had texted him about my supposed business trip yesterday, hoping that by this morning, I could leave without having to face him. But, of course, I was wrong. My plan had seemed better in my head, but now? Reality wasn’t quite going the way I hoped.Now here we were, walking toward the airport together with my luggage firmly in Elliot’s hand. I felt like I had no choice but to walk beside him.“It’s just a quick trip. I’ll be back before you even know it,” I said with a smile, reaching for my bag, trying to take it back.“I know, you said that in your text, but where exactly are you going again? You never really explained it in that weird text of yours,” he said, his head tilting to the side. His eyes were locked on me, waiting for an answer.“Uh… New Jersey?” I said, hesitating, grasping at the first state that came to mind.“New Jersey?” he repeated, raising an eyebr
Last Updated : 2024-12-10
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The Billionaire’s Regret 86: THE TRUTH… FOR NOW.
NATE’S POV“I’ll tell you everything,” I say, my breathing a little too unsteady.I know Elara.Once she makes up her mind, she doesn’t turn back. And with the way she spoke just now, she was ready to walk out of my life, again.Unless I give her what she wants.She’s changed.She doesn’t just say things anymore, she follows through.And right now, she’s following through on walking away.I need her to stay.Not just because of the deal we made.Not just because of the. I song that will be in jeopardy. How could it be just that?I never stopped loving her.“I’m listening,” she says, turning to face me, her arms crossed over her chest.“Can you take a seat?” I ask.I knew this moment would come eventually.Sooner or later, I had to tell her the truth.I just didn’t expect it to be today.Thank God I booked the entire coffee shop. And I know no one will be listening in on us. So I’m sure it’s a safe space for me tell her the truth. Elara hesitates for a second before pulling out the c
The Billionaire’s Regret 85: I’LL TELL YOU EVERYTHING
ELARA’S POVFor the past few days, everything has practically gone back to normal.The media, which had been hating on me just a week ago, has suddenly switched sides. Now, people are gushing over me and Nate, shipping us like we’re some fairytale couple.Everyone is suddenly so nice. Too nice.I can’t say I’m surprised. This city is as fickle as ever.Between working on the office renovations and attending a few public events with Nate, I’ve barely had time to process everything. But the most frustrating part?He’s been acting like nothing ever happened.Like he didn’t say what he said that night after the engagement party.Like those words he said after dropping me off didn’t exist.I let out a heavy sigh as I push open the door to the coffee shop.I’m finally done with the proposal for his second office branch. I thought, I’d go through the rest of the project with the company’s team, but of course, Nate has made it clear he wants me to go over everything with him personally.And t
The Billionaire’s Regret 84: SHE DESERVES BETTER.
NATE’S POV “Nathan.” The familiar, warm voice reaches my ears, freezing me in place. For a second, I hesitate. My grip on the phone tightens, but I force myself to keep walking. I can feel Elara’s eyes on me as I make my way back to the car. I don’t want to stop. I don’t want to acknowledge this call. But I said it was an important call when I used it as an excuse to not face my feelings. “Nathan, are you there?” Her voice is more urgent now. But I still can’t bring myself to respond. “It’s… it’s Mom, Nathan.” The words hit me harder than I expect, but my throat stays locked up, refusing to let out even a single syllable. How long has it been? A million years? A lifetime? I can’t even bring myself to talk to her. The line goes dead before I can muster the courage to say anything. I stare at the screen, feeling like the worst son alive. My issue was with my father, not her, and yet… I couldn’t bring myself to reach out. I never told her that I didn’t hold anything agai
The Billionaire’s Regret 83: THE BEST THING
ELARA’S POV We both stand outside in silence, waiting for the limo to pull up. The cold night air creeps into my skin, making me shiver slightly. I fold my arms over my chest, trying to warm myself, but it doesn’t help much. Not even a second later, I feel something heavy and warm draped over my shoulders. The familiar scent of his cologne fills my senses. It’s expensive, musky, and uncomfortably familiar. “You don’t have to—” “It’s cold out here,” Nate cuts me off, his tone leaving no room for argument. The limo comes to a halt in front of us before I can protest further. Once again, Nate opens the door for me without saying a word. His manners tonight are throwing me off balance. Why is he being a gentleman? Why is he acting like the old Nate I used to know? I don’t like this. I slide into the car, keeping my gaze away from his. The ride back is quiet. Unbearably quiet. Both of us seem lost in our thoughts. Well, mostly me. His words from earlier replay in my mind o
The Billionaire’s Regret 82: I’M AT HER MERCY
ELARA’S POV This has to be a joke. Maybe it’s just an act. I can’t believe it. He sounded sincere when he said it, but it can’t be. If I were truly the best thing that ever happened to him, then two years ago, he wouldn’t have treated me like trash. But he’s been nothing but caring tonight, a voice in my head whispers. No. It’s all an act for the public’s eyes. Then again, there wasn’t anyone watching when he opened the car door for me. No audience in my mom’s house when he saved me from getting injured. I need to stop thinking about this. My legs feel wobbly, like they could give out at any moment. I force myself to walk quickly, desperate to escape the balcony and clear my head. “Elara?” A voice calls from the top of the stairs, making me freeze mid step. I snap my head toward the sound. Shit. Did I make a sound? Did he know I was eavesdropping? “Uh— hey,” I manage, waving awkwardly. Nate’s already descending the stairs, his gaze fixed on me. “Is everyt
The Billionaire’s Regret 81: ITS NOT YOUR GOLD I’M DIGGING
ELARA’S POV Standing before me was none other than Camille, Nate’s cousin. Her lips curled into a disgusted sneer, the kind that could make anyone feel out of place. She looked as impeccable as ever, her designer gown clinging to her like it had been custom made just for her. But her expression, the same one she always wore when she looked at me it hadn’t changed one bit. Not even after all these years since I’d last seen her. To this day, I don’t know why she dislikes me so much. Maybe it’s jealousy, maybe it’s just her nature. Either way, I couldn’t care less. Whatever her reason is, it doesn’t matter to me now. “Oh, it’s you,” she said, her tone dripping with disdain. “Still trying to play dress-up, I see.” I forced myself to remain calm, my face an unreadable mask. I refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing me react. “Excuse me,” I said evenly, stepping aside to continue on my way. But Camille wasn’t done. “Couldn’t find another rich man to mooch off, so you came c
The Billionaire’s Regret 80: LIFE HAD OTHER PLANS.
ELARA'S POV When I got home, the house was eerily quiet. Mom wasn’t around; she’d told me earlier she’d be busy all day. The silence was comforting at first, but it quickly became suffocating as my thoughts drifted to Nate’s office renovations. He’d told me to “do whatever I wanted” with the project, but the supposed freedom felt more like a trap. I preferred when clients had clear ideas. it gave me a framework to work with. Now, with this blank canvas, I felt lost. By the time evening rolled around, I decided to set aside my work and focus on the night ahead. I stood in front of my closet, staring at the rows of clothes, but nothing seemed to fit the image I had in my head. Everything felt too casual, too bland, or just... wrong. After rummaging through every corner, I admitted defeat and turned to a desperate option: Mom’s closet. She hated anyone touching her things, but her wardrobe was far better suited for events like this. Most of her dresses didn’t fit me properly
The Billionaire’s Regret 79: STEPPING STONE
ELARA'S POV After signing the contract, Nate and I walked out of the conference room together.“One more thing,” he said, his tone serious. “We have eyes watching everywhere. You need to be careful. Do you still have the ring?”“Yes,” I replied softly.The ring was in my bag. I had taken it off when I got home after our last meeting. For some reason, I’d kept it close instead of mailing it back to him since he forgot to take it back last time. Maybe it was a silly hope that I’d see him again and return it in person.Honestly, I should’ve just sent him a text like a normal person and mailed it back, but for some reason, I didn’t. I couldn’t even explain why. and I don't think I want to try. “I think you should wear it… at all times, if possible,” he continued. “We can’t let the reporters find something to make a fuss about.” His tone was polite, so I simply nodded without saying anything.With that, we walked side by side out of the building. The car he’d sent to pick me up earlier w
The Billionaire’s Regret 78: WOW ME
NATE'S POV"Do you have any colours in mind for the main offices?"Her voice broke through my thoughts as we stood in the middle of the large, empty conference room.I shrugged at her question, trying to look casual, even though I felt completely out of my depth. I wasn't supposed to be the one handling this. The FM team was meant to be here, going over every tiny detail with her.Honestly, I didn’t care what colours they used in this office, I don’t know anything about the employees working here, let alone what colours would look good in their office. The real reason I was here had nothing to do with renovations."You know what?" I said before she could suggest more ideas, knowing anything she came up with would be perfect. She always had an eye for detail, and there was no point pretending I'd object to her decisions.She stopped walking and turned to face me, a small frown creasing her forehead. "What?""You can freestyle," I said, watching her expression closely. "The colors, the
