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35: CRUMBLING WALLS
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-12-21 23:58:01
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The Billionaire’s Regret 36: WALKING IN WITH THE ENEMY.
NATE'S POV She walked in with Nicholas DeLuca. Of all the people in the world, she chose him. And to make it worse, her hand was linked with his filthy one.I couldn’t focus on anything else. The cheerful chatter around me faded into a dull hum, like white noise. My gaze was locked on her and that smug bastard beside her.Didn’t she tell him she was with me? Or did she blow our cover and spill the truth about us? Could it be that she invited him here to expose everything and make me look like some pathetic liar?No, she wouldn’t do that. She couldn’t. We’d both be ruined if Mr. Bellini found out that we were faking this entire arrangement.But then the memory of how close she looked with him back in Vegas replayed in my head. The way they stood together there was unsettling. And now, seeing her this close to him again... it feels like too much of a coincidence.Elara isn’t the type to let men get close to her. At least, the Elara I knew wasn’t. The old Elara kept her distance, she nev
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-22The Billionaire’s Regret 37: THE FIRST DANCE.
NATE'S POV Dinner ends in a blur. Elara and I haven’t spoken a word to each other since our little argument. The silence between us feels heavy, like an invisible wall keeping us apart, even though she’s sitting right next to me.As the plates are cleared, soft music starts playing in the background. Elara stays seated beside me, her hazel eyes focused on the people dancing.A small, smile finds its way to her lips, and for a moment, I wonder what she’s thinking. She seems calm, even happy, like she’s forgotten the tension between us.Meanwhile, Nicholas keeps stealing glances at her, his gaze lingering far too long for my liking. It’s as if he thinks he has some sort of claim on her, and each time I catch him looking, it feels like a dagger twisting in my chest, sharper and deeper every time.More couples step onto the dance floor, swaying to the gentle beats of the song. Even Mr. Bellini is dancing with his granddaughters, their laughter blending with the Italian music fills the ro
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-22The Billionaire’s Regret 38: TENSION AND TANGO
NATE’S POV “You’re unbelievable, Nate,” Elara says sharply as my hand settles on her waist, guiding her onto the dance floor. “Am I?” I reply, smirking as I raise an eyebrow at her. Her cheeks flush slightly more from frustration than anything else and I can’t help but admire how stunning she looks when she’s angry. I spin her in time with the music, keeping her close. “It’s true,” she snaps, her voice low but firm. “Why would you do that?” “Do what?” I ask, feigning innocence. “You know what—” she starts, but I twirl her before she can finish, cutting off her words and leaving her breathless when she faces me again. She exhales sharply, her eyes narrowing. “I don’t want to make a scene.” The song ends, and she pulls away from me so quickly it’s like my touch burns her. I don’t like it, but I let it slide for now. Then the music changes, and my chest tightens as the unmistakable rhythm of a tango fills the air. I glance at Elara. She freezes as soon as the firs
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-23The Billionaire’s Regret 39: NOT AGAIN
ELARA’S POVUnbelievable.Absolutely fucking unbelievable.I can’t even begin to wrap my head around what just happened tonight.First, Nate has the nerve to drop the “husband” bomb on Nico without giving me so much as a warning.As if that isn’t bad enough, he drags me onto the dance floor, forces me into a tango, and then he has the audacity to try to kiss me!Who the hell does he think he is?“Here’s your room,” Flavia says, her voice warm as she opens the door to what I assume is my designated prison for the night.“Thank you, Flavia,” I say, forcing a smile onto my face despite the anger brewing inside me.“Don’t mention it, Elara. It’s a shame you couldn’t stay for the night games, but you look like you need rest. Tomorrow, I’ll give you a proper tour, and we can have even more fun,” she says, her smile so genuine that I feel a pang of guilt for not matching her enthusiasm.“Thank you so much,” I manage to reply. “I’ll make sure to get plenty of rest tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll be
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-24The Billionaire’s Regret 40: A CHANCE TO EXPLAIN EVERYTHING
ELARA’S POV“Wait, are you seriously going dressed like that?” Flavia exclaims, her face a picture of horror as she looks me up and down.I glance at my outfit a loose pajama set from last night, wrinkled and thoroughly inappropriate for public viewing. My only effort at looking presentable had been washing my face and tying my hair into a messy ponytail.“Well… Nate forgot our bags,” I explain with a sheepish shrug. “So I don’t exactly have any yoga friendly clothes to wear.”Flavia gasps dramatically. “You can’t go to yoga in pajamas, silly!” She nudges me playfully, but her tone leaves no room for argument.“I’ll be fine,” I insist, though my resolve weakens under her judgmental gaze.“Nope, not happening. Come on, I think I have something you can change into,” she says, grabbing my hand before I can protest.Before I know it, Flavia is pulling me down the hallway. I don’t even have time to grab my shoes not that I have many options besides the heels I wore yesterday.When we fina
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-25The Billionaire’s Regret 41: SOMETHING IS OFF
ELARA’S POV “Nico,” I call softly as I approach him, my heart pounding in my chest. I try to gather my thoughts, but they scatter like leaves in the wind. He lets his arrow fly with precision, the sharp sound of the bowstring breaking the silence. The arrow hits its target dead center before he finally turns to look at me. “Hi,” I say awkwardly, shifting from one foot to the other. “Elara,” he replies, his tone cool and distant. The way he says my name sends an uneasy chill down my spine. Something is definitely wrong, and I know exactly why. I can’t blame him for feeling this way. He knew about my divorce. Then, after almost two years of me being single he suddenly hears that I’m back with my ex husband. No explanations from me. If I were in his shoes, I’d be distant too. “Good morning,” he says after a moment, offering a polite but guarded smile. He pulls another arrow from his quiver, handling it with ease. I watch him closely, taking cautious steps to stand nearby but care
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-26The Billionaire’s Regret 42: YOU’RE OVERREACTING
ELARA’S POV I gasp, my heart racing as I’m pinned against the wall. My eyes meet a pair of stormy grey ones, narrowed and filled with something dark. There are dark circles under his eyes, his face looking strained, like he hasn’t slept in days.“Let go,” I snap, struggling against his grip.His hold is firm, and his towering figure makes me feel smaller than I’d like.his breath warm against my cheek as he steps closer.“Why?” he whispers, his voice low and dripping with sarcasm. “Is this uncomfortable?”I roll my eyes, frustration building in my chest as I try to push him away. “Of course it’s uncomfortable! What the hell is wrong with you?”His eyes narrow, something dangerous flickering in their depths. He leans in, his voice low but filled with anger. “Didn’t seem to bother you when you let Nicholas trail his filthy hands all over you.”My stomach drops. “Are you serious right now?”He ignores my words, his jaw clenched tightly. “Because from where I was standing, it looked lik
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-27The Billionaire’s Regret 43: WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME?
ELARA’S POV“Let’s go,” Nate orders, his gaze snapping back to me with a look that screams impatience.Before I can even ask what’s happening, he grabs my hand and starts dragging me along. I stumble a little, trying to keep up. I have no idea where he’s taking me or why he’s in such a rush, but it’s clear this isn’t the way back to the house.“Where are you taking me?” I snap, planting my feet firmly on the ground, refusing to move another step.He stops abruptly and turns to face me, his eyes narrowing.“We’re going to get you some clothes,” he says, his tone clipped. “Something that doesn’t turn heads.”I follow his gaze as it drops to my chest, and it hits me, I’m still in Flavia’s black sports bra and tight yoga leggings. Heat rushes to my face as I fold my arms over my chest.His eyes linger far too long, and I can practically feel him devouring me with his stare.“Hey!” I snap, snapping my fingers in front of his face. “Eyes up here.”His head jerks up, and a small smirk tugs
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-28
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The Billionaire’s Regret 151: FIRST MEAL OF THE DAY
ELARA’S POV “I will,” I say with a small smile, hoping it’s enough to end the conversation. Elliot looks like he wants to press further, but before he can, Milla waltzes into the living room. “Hello, princess,” I coo, watching as she walks right past Elliot and heads straight for me. Without hesitation, I scoop her into my arms. For the past few days, she’s been hesitant with me. Unlike other cats, Milla hates being picked up when she’s doing her own thing. It has to be her choice, or she’ll either run away or threaten to claw me. So when she does come to me on her own? I never miss the opportunity to hold her. Elliot crosses his arms, watching us with mild curiosity. “And where did you get this?” “She was given to me.” I stroke Milla’s fur, and she lets out a satisfied purr. His brows knit together. “Let me guess… it’s that Ferrari-stuff friend again?” I bite down a smile. “Nope.” His eyes narrow slightly. “It’s not him?” “It’s not.” Elliot looks at me suspici
The Billionaire’s Regret 150: YOU NEED TO BE A BITCH SOMETIMES
ELARA’S POV “But Elliot…” “No buts, El. You are not going after her.” His grip tightens around my wrist, firm but not harsh. “Elliot, I need to explain to her,” I argue, my voice shaking, “I didn’t mean what I said the way she might’ve taken it. I was angry, and I just…” The words start tumbling over each other, lost in my frustration. “Elara…” His voice is calm, almost soothing, but it only makes the lump in my throat grow heavier. My eyelids burn as I blink rapidly, trying to clear my blurry vision. “You don’t understand, Elliot… I’ve never made anyone cry with my words before” I never let myself get that angry— to the point where my words just… take over. I’ve always been cautious with words, because I know being harsh with words tends to be. “I know… this might be a little too much for you” Elliot releases my wrist and to my complete shock, pulls me into his arms. I freeze. Elliot never does this. He’s protective, sure, but not that physical. It takes a lot for him to
The Billionaire’s Regret 149: IT’S NOT THAT DEEP!
ELARA’S POV “WHAT?” Jenna’s expression shifts, the sadness that clung to her face shattering in an instant. “You’re joking, right?” she lets out an awkward chuckle, her grip on my hands loosening. I take a slow breath, straightening my back. “As much as I wish I were, I’m not, Jen. I’m not going to the event with you.” My voice is steady, controlled. I refuse to let it shake. She blinks her jaw drops, Like she can’t believe what she just heard. “You’re serious?” she breathes out, shaking her head. “Elara, I need you there. I need someone I trust to help me get through it.” Her voice trembles slightly, but I don’t let it shake me. I already made my choice, I’m never going to unknowingly put my self in a situation where, Nathaniel hales is. I’m done with him, and I’m not going back on my words. Not this time not ever. I can’t break anymore of the promises I made to myself. “Jenna, I get that this is hard for you, I do, but—” “But what?!” she snaps, yanking her hands awa
The Billionaire’s Regret 148: IS THAT A YES?
ELARA’S POV I tried calling Jenna back, but of course, she doesn’t pick up. She spammed me with calls, yet now that I’m returning them, she’s ignoring me. Just great. I know it’s nothing urgent because I made sure to take care of anything that needed my attention before leaving the office. If it were important, she would have at least sent a text. The drive home is slow and quiet, the hum of the car engine the only sound accompanying me. By the time I pull up to the house, the sun has dipped below the horizon, leaving behind streaks of soft orange in the sky. As my car approaches the gate, I notice someone sitting outside, her back turned to me. I don’t need to get a closer look to know who it is. Jenna. But the real question is, why is she here? “Jenna?” I call out as I step out of my car. The last time she was here was months ago. Even though I’ve invited her over countless times, she always has an excuse, too busy, too tired, something came up. So Eventually, I stopped a
The Billionaire’s Regret 147: I’LL SEND YOU MAIL
ELARA’S POV “And that’s a wrap,” Robert says with a satisfied smile as he closes the document. I exhale softly, returning his smile, though mine is much tighter. “I hope I don’t regret this.” Deep down, my pulse ticks faster than normal, and tiny knots form in the pit of my stomach. My gaze drifts to the man sitting across from me. Kyle, our eyes meet and I quickly look away. “You won’t,” Robert reassures me, pouring me a glass of champagne. His assurance brings a small, genuine smile from me. Yesterday, I finished reviewing the contract. Instead of a long term partnership, we settled on a temporary job agreement. If things go well within the next three months and I like how things go, we’ll proceed with signing the main contract. But if I don’t like it… then we’ll have to wait two more weeks before I’m able to pull out if the deal. Robert also had me add a clause: if I decide at any point during the trial period that I want to move forward with the partnership, I should i
The Billionaire’s Regret 146: ONE LAST CHANCE.
NATE’S POV My foot slams on the brakes. What the fuck is she talking about? “What the fuck are you trying to say?” I bark into the phone, my grip so tight that my knuckles turn white. “Please, don’t get mad,” her voice comes out shaky. “What do you mean I shouldn’t get mad? All week, you had one fucking job, and you couldn’t even do that.” “But, I got the last, job done” she says her voice almost inaudible.“So do you expect me to be happy? To clap for you and tell you you’re doing a good job?” I snap. Silence. “Where is she right now?” “Well… uhm—I…” “I don’t have all fucking day, so can you fucking speak up?” My patience thins with every stutter that falls from her mouth. “We’re in the office… but you know you can’t come, right? It’s—” I hang up. When I look up, Marcus is staring at me with that same amused smirk, eyes filled with curiosity. I let out a sharp breath. “Get out.” His smirk only deepens as he leans back in his seat. “Did you hear me?” My voice hardens.
The Billionaire’s Regret 145: SHES NOT COMING
NATE’S POV I stop in my tracks, my grip tightening around the coffee cup in my hand as my eyes find her. She’s standing near the entrance of a boutique, her lips curved into a smile, her head tilted slightly as she listens to the man beside her. I don’t recognize the guy. And yet, he’s standing too close. My jaw clenches as I take in the way she looks at him. not the way she used to look at me, but it’s enough to make my chest tighten with something tight and unwelcomed Her eyes still haven’t found mine and I’m trying my best to think straight but I can’t. Then the thought of the ring, the ignored messages. Did she mind someone new? Is that why she has been ignoring me? I force myself to look away, “Damn man why are you standing out-“ Marcus began. But pauses he probably He follows my gaze He whistles low. “Well, damn I thought you’re back together with el,” he mutters. “Didn’t know Elara was seeing someone.” “She’s not,” I say immediately, my voice colder than I in
The Billionaire’s Regret 144: WITH ANOTHER MAN.
ELARA’S POVJenna studies the card, reading halfway before glancing up at me.“Why would you tear it up?” she asks, her brows furrowing. “It’s for Hale Co.’s grand opening.”“I know… that’s why I tore it.” I shrug, leaning back in my chair.Jenna’s frown deepens. “Why won’t you go? We worked so hard on that project, it’s only right that we attend.”“Well… you can go in my place if you want to.” I keep my voice light, even though I know this is about more than just the project.As much as I’m proud of what we accomplished, the last thing I want is to deal with that event right now.Seeing Nate? That’s problematic.He brings nothing but drama, and I’m not about to start that whole couple acting mess all over again.My plan was simple, let the rumors die down.And I know that, in just a few weeks, the press will find something else to obsess over.They already have.If I show up at his event, I’ll be dragging myself right back into that cycle and I refuse to do that.Besides, Nate and I
The Billionaire’s Regret 143: I’M NOT GOING
ELARA’S POV “You got mail,” Jenna announces as she waltzes into my office, a cream colored envelope in hand. “Here.” She sets it down on my desk. “Thanks for bringing it,” I say dismissively, my focus still on the new design I’ve been working on. Jenna doesn’t leave. Instead, she crosses her arms and tilts her head. “You look different today.” I arch a brow. “Different?” “Yes.” She narrows her eyes, scrutinizing me as if I’ve suddenly grown a second head. I roll my eyes. “I don’t think there’s anything different about me, Jenna.” I don’t think there anything different I’m wearing my usual outfits and it’s not the first time I have my hair in a low bun. Plus I’m wearing my glasses today so if anything. I look exactly as I did. Taking a sip of my coffee, I grimace the moment the bitter liquid touches my tongue. Ugh. I knew I should’ve made it myself instead of asking Catherine to bring it in. Jenna’s gaze drops to my cup, and her eyes widen. “That cup, where did you get it?
