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38: TENSION AND TANGO
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-12-23 23:31:45
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The 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 : 2024-12-28The Billionaire’s Regret 44: WHO IS VALENTINA
ELARA’S POV The ride to the mall passed in a blur. Nate didn’t try to make any conversation, and neither did I. The silence between us felt heavy, but I didn’t mind it. Sometimes, silence was easier than whatever this… thing between us was. When we got to the parking lot, Nate stepped out of the car first. He circled around, opening my door for me. I stared at him for a second, surprised. Even though I knew he was probably doing it for the sake of appearances, because of the company we have it still felt nice. As I stepped out of the car, a gust of cool wind hit my skin, making me shiver. Goosebumps rose on my arms as the chill seeped through my clothes. I was still in my sports bra and leggings, and Nate had claimed he had the “perfect outfit” for me, but here I am, looking like I just walked out of the gym. So much for— Before I could finish my thought, I felt soft fabric being draped over my shoulders. A familiar scent hit me as I looked down to see a blue button up shirt
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-29The Billionaire’s Regret 45: YOU ARE NOT OKAY
ELARA’S POV “What’s going on?” Nate’s voice breaks through the chaos. I’m too embarrassed to raise my head and face anyone. My face burns, and I can already feel the weight of everyone’s stares. “Are you okay, love?” Nate rushes to my side, crouching down to my level. If I didn’t know he was acting, I might have believed he genuinely cared. But I know better than to fall for the illusion. “Are you hurt?” he asks, his voice firm yet soft as he carefully helps me sit up. “I’m fine,” I lie, biting back the sharp pain shooting through my hand. The way everyone is looking at me is unbearable. The last thing I want is to make a bigger scene. Even though it’s just us, a few of the staff are already busy picking up the fallen rack and putting it back in place. “Are you sure?” Nate presses, his hands resting gently on my shoulders as he examines me. “Yes,” I snap, but the edge in my voice does little to convince him. “You don’t look fine to me,” he says, standing and offerin
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-30The Billionaire’s Regret 46: LETS GO HAUNTING
ELARA’S POVValentina.The name hits me like a ton of bricks.Could she really be the same Valentina they were talking about at the mall?I glance at Nate, who suddenly looks a little tense. His shoulders stiffen ever so slightly as Farrah practically gushes over the new arrival.“Hello, Nate,” Valentina says, her voice smooth and saccharine, a smile dripping with seductive charm plastered across her face.It doesn’t take a genius to figure out her intentions. The way she tilts her head just so, her piercing green eyes lingering on him a moment too long—it’s painfully obvious. She’s up to something.“Valentina,” Nate replies, his voice even and steady, but there’s a chill to it. No warmth, no enthusiasm.I try to read his expression, to find some hint of how he feels about her presence. But his face remains frustratingly neutral, as though this is just another mundane encounter.He ushers me and the others to our seats around the table, his behavior cool and collected.As brunch begin
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-31
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The Billionaire’s Regret 171: I’LL CHANGE
ELARA’S POV He takes a breath, trying to reel in his temper. “If I leave, we leave. I’m not going unless you come with me. I can’t imagine you staying here all alone and no security” he states with finality in his tone. We? that just didn’t rub me the right way, he can’t come in here and demand that I leave with him. I arch a brow. “We? There is no we, Nathaniel. There never will be.” He messed up the ‘we’. Now there can never be one not again. He can’t be reliable, and I don’t think I can trust that he won’t try anything. It might all start with him staying over. Then he’d probably decide to make this an every night thing. Or come up with reason to stay close. I know Nate and this is how it starts with him. Then, I’d probably start making excuses for him. Then I might let my guard down. And I can’t let that happen. I still have the scars he left me with even though I’ve been shoving them far away, trying my best to forget they’re there. I can feel them. I remember them ev
The Billionaire’s Regret 170: PLAYING HERO
ELARA’S POV “What do you mean they were trying to bug my house?” The words tumble out of me in disbelief as I stare at the truth, the two tiny cameras in his hands. I don’t think I have any enemies. Well… maybe I’ve made a few along the way, but I don’t think they’d stoop as low as spying on me. why would someone even decided to spy on me? my life isnt that eventful. Nate’s jaw tightens as he turns to me from where he was surveying the area. “This is very obvious, El. Someone is trying to keep tabs on you.” “Okay, it might be a silly mistake. Maybe they were looking for another house—” “I don’t think so. That van has been out there since I got here.” “How long have you been here?” I couldn’t help but ask, did he stay long before he knocked? “A long time. A very long time. And they were here even before I was.” I think I also saw that black van when I came back from work. But I don’t want those thoughts to be true. It can’t be. “Still—” “These aren’t cheap knock-offs, El. T
The Billionaire’s Regret 169: THE ONE PERSON I CARE ABOUT
ELARA’S POV I don’t know what I’m doing as I reach for the doorknob and step out of the house. The cold air bites at my exposed skin. I shouldn’t open the door. I should leave him standing out there in the cold until he gets the message. But I open it anyway. And I see him, standing outside the gate. The moment the entrance creaks open, his eyes find mine. And for a second, we just stare at each other. He looks rough. Tired eyes. Ruffled hair. Wrinkled shirt like he’s been pacing for hours or didn’t even bother changing after work. “What do you want?” I ask flatly, not stepping aside to let him in. “I needed to see you,” he says. My grip on the door tightens. “Congratulations. You’ve seen me. Now leave.” “El…” he lets out a sigh. “I’m afraid I don’t have anyone for you to beat up today, Nate.” The street is quiet. No one’s out here except him and me. A black van is parked a few steps away. I think I saw it there earlier when I came home probably belongs to one
The Billionaire’s Regret 168: CAN I SPEAK WITH YOU?
ELARA’S POV The rest of Rob’s conversation fades into the background as a strange unease creeps up my spine. “Elara?” His voice tugs me back to the present. “Are you okay?” he asks again, eyes narrowing as he studies me. “You’ve been staring out there a lot.” I blink and take a quick sip of my drink, masking the sudden chill running down my arms. “Well…” I hesitate. Should I say it out loud? Would I sound crazy? "well..." he repreats leaning closer. Maybe I should ask... “Okay, this might sound weird, but… I think someone’s watching us.” His gaze follows my discreet point toward the glass wall of the café. The street is a little quiet, as the warm orange glow of the evening lights is in the distance. Rob frowns. “Where?” “I don’t know exactly. But it’s from that angle,” I say, motioning to it. “It’s like… I can feel it. And it’s making me really uncomfortable.” He’s quiet for a beat. Then, “I think I feel it too.” Relief washes over me. See? I’m not imagin
The Billionaire’s Regret 167: EYES ON ME.
ELARA’S POV “You finally decide to show up,” Rob said, turning to Kyle as he strolled into the elevator, his usual scowl etched on his face. Kyle hit the button and leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “Do I have a choice?” “Someone’s grumpy,” Rob muttered, nudging me with a smirk. I didn’t laugh. My gaze stayed a second too long on Kyle, his jaw clenched, shoulders seem tense. His eyes caught mine, and my chest tightened. I looked away quickly.As a deafening silence bang creeping in rob spoke. “Where’ve you been all weekend?” “Busy.” Kyle didn’t even open his eyes. My thoughts flashed to Saturday. To Nate. The tension. Kyle’s disappointed look in his eye before he left, it still weighed heavy. Rob’s voice faded into the back ground. As soon as the elevator doors opened, I stepped out like the hallway was on fire. “I don’t think we’ll manage that tour today,” Rob said, eyes glued to his phone. “Something’s up with my a project.” “What’s the issue?” Kyle ask. “the Italian
The Billionaire’s Regret 166: FIRST DAY
ELARA’S POV “Is that all we have to discuss?” I ask, to no one in particular. I’m currently in the conference room for the staff meeting. Normally, I’m good with it excited for it, even, sometimes. But today? Not so much. Even though it’s just, me the operations team, a few from sales, and finance. Plus the meetings never take long because well we have a small company. It’s a few minutes in and I’m already tired. For one, I’ve been staring at screens way too much lately, because all I’ve been doing after my very eventful Saturday is burying myself in work. I decided to forget everything that happened and just focus, but that came with consequences. Every time I glance at the screen in front of me, it feels like torture. And honestly, the last place I want to be is the office. But then again, I don’t have a choice. “Well, ma’am,” Olivia, who’s standing in front of the projector begins, “the reports are in order, and this is the rundown we have for last month’s operation
The Billionaire’s Regret 165: ROOM TO BREATHE
NATE’S POV As much as I wanted to believe he was bluffing, and this was just some twisted way of him trying to make me invest in his business, but then again, there was a high chance he wasn’t. That look in his eyes, the smug smile and the confidence he had as he spoke, its making me rethink it. I need to be sure for safety reasons I stood frozen in the middle of the room, Jake’s words replaying like a broken record in my head. “The records.” That was the hint he’d left me with. That smug bastard never played fair, and the fact that he wasn’t bluffing this time sent a chill down my spine. I looked around my penthouse, feeling more trapped than safe. It was silent, save for the ticking clock on the wall, and suddenly, even that sound felt too loud. My hand throbbed from the earlier injury, a dull ache pulsing through the bandage, but I couldn’t focus on the pain right now. I needed to get to a phone. Fast. My eyes scan the living area, then it lands on my office. I moved to
The Billionaire’s Regret 164: I PITY YOU
NATE’S POV “Took you long enough to finally get home, huh?” Jake turned to me, a smug smile on his face. “Jacob Hales,” I muttered. “What the heck are you doing in my house?” It had been a while since I laid eyes on my cousin. A while since he’d tried anything to ruin my image or take the company from me. And even though it meant fewer things to deal with, I always knew he hadn’t given up. I knew he’d try to pull something again. Whatever it was, though, I didn’t think I was interested at least, not right now. “How have you been, big brother?” he asked, completely ignoring my question as he dropped onto one of the couches. “Well, from that wrapped hand, I’d say… not very good, right?” he taunted. “Why are you here, Jake? I’ve had a long day, and you’re the last person I want to entertain right now.” “Oh, well, I came to congratulate you on the success of the branch.” “Oh, cut the crap. We both know that’s the last thing you want to do. Besides, Marcus is going to be
The Billionaire’s Regret 163: I DON’T FEEL ANY BETTER.
NATE’S POV I switched into a pair of grey sweatpants, and the whole time, it felt like the space around me was closing in. I needed to speak with Dave, but I didn’t have a phone. Then again, there might be one in the car. I never forget to keep one lying around. One important thing I completely forgot? This wasn’t my car. Apart from the perfume bottles, random documents, and candy wrappers, there was nothing close to a phone in here. And that only made my anger worse. I can’t believe I came down here for nothing, I slammed the car door shut and leaned against it, staring out into the dim parking lot. I needed to clear my head. But Even a glass of alcohol didn’t seem like the right thing. hell, I don’t even want to smell it right now. The last place I wanted to be was in that penthouse. It didn’t feel right anymore. Nothing did. Not when all I could think about was how much of a damn fool I’d been today. From the corner of my eye, I caught the sign for the i
