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26: WHAT'S IT GOING TO BE?
Last Updated:
2024-12-14 23:24:11
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The Billionaire’s Regret 27: CURVE BALLS.
ELARA’S POVA tight knot forms in my throat, making it hard to breathe. Saying no to him feels like signing my name to those legal charges, but I refuse to let him think he’s won. Not now. Not ever.“So…” Nate drawls, leaning back in his chair with that insufferable smirk, waiting for my answer.Curveballs. Always curveballs.If I’d known signing that deal with his company would lead to this mess, I’d have swallowed my pride and asked Elliot for the loan. Hell, I might’ve even let Mr. Harper ruin my company, started over from scratch anything but this.Frustration churns in my chest like a storm. After everything I’ve been through, now I have to deal with this?I let out a long, slow sigh, my chest tight and my head pounding. Turning to face Nate again, I feel my heart racing, as if it’s moments away from exploding. The anger surging through me feels alive, electric. He thinks he can corner me, that his connections will leave me helpless and in jail?As much as I hate to admit it, t
Last Updated : 2024-12-15The Billionaire’s Regret 28: THE CRITICISM
ELARA’S POVA small part of me wants to second guess my decision to go with Nate, but I remind myself why I agreed in the first place: I need him to pay me.Besides, what better opportunity to network and look for bigger investors? It’s the perfect place to gain exposure and advertise my company for free.Killing two birds with one stone.“Remind me why you’re here,” my mother says, frowning as she kneads the pasta dough on the counter.“Because I missed you?” I reply, a smirk tugging at my lips.“One year and nine months,” she says, narrowing her eyes. “You didn’t think to come to New York to see me until now?”“What are you trying to say, sweet mother?” I pout, hoping to divert her attention.“Don’t ‘sweet mother’ me,” she snaps. “I get it New York isn’t your favorite place anymore. Not after that showdown, and your…” She pauses, her tone softening as she adds “You don’t call me, and your text replies are always late and dry,” she continues, her tone growing sharper.I want to say,
Last Updated : 2024-12-15The Billionaire’s Regret 29: MASKS, MASSAGES AND MISERY
ELARA’S POV It was surprising how, for the past three days, my mother hadn’t criticized my work. But deep down, I knew it was coming.“Mom, we’re different people. Your pace and mine are different,” I said, keeping my tone even.“We sure are very different, dear. When was the last time you even did something to that face of yours? Do you even use the skincare routine I made for you?”And then she pulls her signature move. Changing the topic when she didn’t want to hear the truth.“I do just fine,” I said, forcing a smile.She turned her attention back to the pasta, carefully placing it in the pot before washing her hands. But as soon as she was done, she turned back to me, narrowing her eyes as she studied my face.“You don’t, Elara. Because if you did, your skin wouldn’t look like… this. And don’t even get me started on that meal plan I gave you. You’re clearly not following it. If you keep this up, you’ll look forty in a few years” a frown found it self on her. Honestly, you alre
Last Updated : 2024-12-16The Billionaire’s Regret 30: A LONG RIDE
ELARA’S POV NATE: WE DON’T HAVE MUCH TIME. I scoff as I read the message, irritation bubbling up inside me. How typical of Nate to barge into my day without any warning. My fingers fly across the screen as I type out a reply, my frustration seeping into every word. ELARA: You should’ve given me a heads up. I need time to pack! The response comes almost immediately, as if he’d been waiting for it NATE: BE QUICK. WE DON’T HAVE TIME. Something about his demanding tone sets my teeth on edge. He shows up uninvited, changes plans without consulting me, and expects me to follow along like some obedient lackey? He said Saturday, not Friday. And now I’m supposed to drop everything because he’s in a rush? My annoyance sharpens as I glance at the window. Who does he think he is? NATE: YOU DON’T NEED TO PACK MUCH. WE CAN BUY CLOTHES. IF YOU MUST, JUST BRING ESSENTIALS. NATE: IF YOU’RE NOT OUT IN THREE MINUTES, I’M COMING IN. My jaw drops. The audacity. ELARA: YOU WOULDN’T D
Last Updated : 2024-12-17The Billionaire’s Regret 31: UNBEARABLE SILENCE
NATE’S POVI don’t know what the hell I was thinking when I decided to drive down to the Bellini retreat.Scratch that I know exactly what I was thinking. But the way I imagined it going in my head is nothing like the reality playing down in front of me right now.I take a sharp breath, my fingers tightening around the steering wheel until my knuckles turn white.Elara hasn’t spoken more than a few clipped sentences to me since we left. She’s been giving me the cold shoulder, and honestly, I can’t even blame her for it. Every time I’ve tried to start a conversation, she shuts me down with the same dismissive tone, leaving me to sit here in this unbearable silence.But I can’t stop myself from trying.There’s this gnawing urge to say something, anything, just to break through the ice. A huge part of me it feels like all of me needs to know how she’s been. Has she been happy? What’s the latest book she’s read? Does she still laugh at the same dumb jokes? I want to catch even the small
Last Updated : 2024-12-18The Billionaire’s Regret 32: WE ARE HERE!
ELARA’S POV I didn’t realize I had drifted off to sleep until my phone buzzed, startling me awake. I have been desperately searching for a way to distract myself, anyone to talk to, just to escape the suffocating silence with the man sitting next to me. But luck isn’t on my side both of the two people I talk to were too busy to pick up my calls or texts. Jenna, definitely has her hands full. I’ve been away for days now, and the workload had piled up. She is juggling inspections of the Hale project and drowning in paperwork, even though I was trying to help remotely. I know it’s not enough. I sighed, guilt gnawing at me. My phone buzzed again. I thought it’s mom replying to my text about leaving for New Jersey. But It’s just a notification, one from the game I’d been playing earlier. All my lives had been restored. I stared at the screen, unimpressed, and tossed the phone back into my bag. Looking out the window, I noticed the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky
Last Updated : 2024-12-19The Billionaire’s Regret 33: LET THE GAMES BEGIN
my breath hitched at the unexpected contact. “Not so fast,” he mutter, his voice low and commanding. I glared at him, but before I could protest, he grabbed my right hand. His grip was firm, leaving no room for argument. My heart raced. “What are you” I opened my mouth to say something , but the words died on my tongue when he slid a ring onto my finger. I stare at it in disbelief. It is my wedding ring. The same ring he proposed to me with! The same one I had thrown at him in anger the day I signed the divorce papers. The same one I had sworn I’ll never see again. He lifted my hand to his lips and placed a kiss on the ring. His touch sent an electric jolt through me, and I hated myself for feeling it. He finally released my hand, his eyes lingering on the ring as it sparkled in the fading light. I know this ring well it has been a part of me for years. Even with the slight changes made to it, the diamond shines brighter than I remembered. “Stay here,” he ordered, his
Last Updated : 2024-12-19The Billionaire’s Regret 34: I’M LOST
ELARA’S POV “Nathaniel,” the old man greeted in a thick Italian accent, his voice deep and warm. “You made it.” “As always,” Nate responded with his signature charming smile. “And you brought her too.” Martino’s gaze shifted to me, a hint of surprise flickering in his sharp eyes. “I did,” Nate replied smoothly before turning to me. “Sweetheart, I’d like to reintroduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Bellini.”Nate turns to me. Something about him calling sweetheart felt a little strange. “Oh, cut the formalities, Nate,” the old man interjected with a playful wave of his hand. “I’m Martino, and this is my wife, Rosa.” He gestured to the elegant woman standing beside him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” I say, returning their warm smiles with one of my own. “The pleasure is all mine, dear,” Rosa exclaimed, her tone full of genuine warmth. “You must be Elara.” “Yes, ma’am,” I replied, feeling a strange comfort in her presence. “Oh, Martino, she’s even prettier in person,” Rosa nudged h
Last Updated : 2024-12-20
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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
