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38: TENSION AND TANGO
Last Updated:
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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 2024-12-31
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The Billionaire’s Regret 156: THE STAR OF THE DAY.
Nate’s POV“Congratulations, brother.”Angelo pulls me in for a quick bro hug, his signature grin stretched across his face.“Thanks, man,” I reply, patting his back before stepping away.“What is this, your millionth project now?” James jokes from the side, his tone casual but curious.I shrug with a smirk. “Could be. Who’s counting anymore?”The event kicked off earlier than planned because of the product showcase Marcus insisted on adding. He said it’d help widen our customer base and give the brand a more approachable image. He even suggested slashing some of our prices to attract more interest.Which, of course, I didn’t agree with.Our company has been doing just fine with the current pricing more than fine, actually. If it’s not an increase he’s proposing, then I’m not interested. But this entire branch is going to be his soon. A few more weeks and I hand over the reins. After that, he can do whatever he wants with it. For now I want to make this event is a success. To be hon
The Billionaire’s Regret 155: FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES
ELARA’S POV For most of the time now Kyle has been quiet while Mimi does more explaining. Kyle is still holding my iPad swiping g through the sketches. With an expression I can’t quite explain. His hand slightly brushed mine as he turns the iPad to me. “This is good,” Kyle murmurs, his voice low and thoughtful as he studies the design on my iPad. I try to swallow the sudden lump in my throat. Why the hell am I feeling nervous now? It’s just Kyle. Just a stupid couch. Just… expensive cologne and annoyingly attractive… Pull it together, Elara. “But I don’t think there’s an exact design like this here,” I say, clearing my throat and pointing toward a set of couches arranged nearby. “So, what if we swap it out for one of those? Just for the prototype, I mean. If you don’t like them, we could… maybe look somewhere else.” I lower my voice at the last part, just loud enough for him to hear. The last thing I wanted was to offend Mimi by talking about scouting o
The Billionaire’s Regret 154: THE OBSESSED PART.
ELARA’S POV The woman, who I assumed was Mrs. Jules wrapped Kyle in a quick hug the moment we walked in. “I never thought I’d see the day Kyle Sinclair showed up late,” she teased, pulling away from him with a warm laugh. Kyle frowned immediately, his eyes flicking to me with pointed accusation. I bit back the smile threatening to curl my lips, pretending to be entirely innocent. So petty, I thought, barely holding in a chuckle. “And you must be Kyle’s friend…?” she asked, turning her attention to me. “Elara,” I replied with a friendly smile. “Elara Westwood—” Before I could finish my introduction, she pulled me into a hug. “It’s so lovely to meet you, Elara. I’m Mimi Jules.” “It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs. Jules,” I said as we pulled apart. “Oh, no, darling, just call me Mimi,” she insisted with a bright smile. “We don’t have much time today,” Kyle cut in, his tone all business. “But if she likes the place, we’ll be back for a more in depth.” “Oh, of course
The Billionaire’s Regret 153: IM NEVER LATE.
ELARA’S POVThe ride to the showroom wasn’t as awkward as I thought it would be.Even with Kyle awful silent, grumpy energy from the driver’s seat, I focused on my phone, trying my best to stay calm. Every now and then, I threw a glance in his direction to see if his mood had improved, but nope same stone cold scowl plastered on his annoyingly handsome face.“You can take a picture, you know,” he muttered out of nowhere.I raised a brow, keeping my expression innocent. “A picture of what?”“Stealing glances is kind of outdated,” he said smoothly, eyes still locked on the road. “Just take a picture. That way, you can stare at that instead of burning a hole in my head.”I gasped. “Excuse me? With what eyes did you even see me staring? You haven’t looked away from the road.”A smirk played on his lips. “Your stares are not exactly discreet.”I crossed my arms, refusing to let him get under my skin. “For the record, I was not staring at you. There’s nothing particularly interesting to lo
The Billionaire’s Regret 152: LATE AGAIN.
ELARA’S POV Taking another bite of my noodles, I rose to my feet, bowl in hand. “I’m gonna go take this call,” I told Elliot, who only gave me a nod before going back to whatever was on his phone. I headed for my room, kicking the door shut lightly with my foot as I slid my thumb across the screen to answer. The line connected, but for a few seconds, there was nothing. Just the sound of distant shuffling and movement on the other end. “Hello?” I said, adjusting the phone against my ear. Still no reply. “Kyle,” I tried again, dragging his name out. “If this is some weird prank call attempt, it’s really lame.” Finally, his voice came through low and a little rough. “Yeah. I’m here.” I blinked, dropping the bowl on my desk. “That’s how you start a phone call? You sound like someone just dragged you out of bed.” “I was working,” he muttered, clearly irritated. “Didn’t realize I had to sound like a radio host for you to take me seriously.” I couldn’t help but grin. “So… did you c
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 suspicio
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
