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44: WHO IS VALENTINA
Last Updated:
2024-12-29 10:09:31
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The 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 : 2024-12-31The Billionaire’s Regret 47
ELARA’S POV“What are you trying to say, Mrs. Bellini?” I asked, chuckling nervously. I hoped she’d clarify what she meant because her words left me uneasy.“Oh, you silly girl,” she said with a warm laugh. “I know everything.”Her words sent another knot twisting in my stomach. Everything? My mind went blank. What exactly did she know?“Martino told me about you and Nate how you had a little separation but are now back together . I know it might feel uncomfortable with Valentina here, but I can assure you, Nate only has eyes for you.”“He does?” I mumbled. That was all I could manage to say. I didn’t understand where this conversation was heading, but I’m not surprised.“You two seem so lovely together,” she continued with a fond smile as we walk further. “I’ve known Nate since he was just a boy. During the time you were apart, he never said much when he stopped by, but I could see it in his eyes, he was a mess.”He didn’t seem like a mess to me in those weekly magazines and blogs he
Last Updated : 2025-01-01The Billionaire’s Regret 48: THE PAINTING.
ELARA’S POVI glanced at the shopping bags again, my brow furrowing. Maybe the staff mixed my things with someone else’s.I’ll check them later.For now, I grabbed my phone from the dresser. This time, it was fully charged.The flood of texts and missed calls made me hesitate. What else should I expect when I hadn’t touched my phone since yesterday?I skimmed through the messages. There were a few from Mom.MOM: What kind of meeting is on a Friday afternoon? You left all your stuff behind!MOM: This has to be a joke, Elara.I rolled my eyes, smiling at her usual tone.There were more from this morning.MOM: When you’re done in Jersey, come back and get your luggage. It’s crowding my house.That one made me laugh.MOM: Even though you were in a hurry, I hope you didn’t forget your pills.Pills… oh, no.I bolted to my bag and let out a sigh of relief. I had them, but I hadn’t taken a single dose since arriving at the villa. I was supposed to take them twice a day, but my phone reminders
Last Updated : 2025-01-02The Billionaire’s Regret 49: WE’RE STUCK HERE
ELARA’S POV“You know, old man, if you want her to check out another portrait for you, you need to pay up,” Arturo says, handing me a glass of wine.I take it but don’t drink, just swirling it around in the glass.“I don’t mind doing it for free,” I say with a smile. “I do this kind of thing all the time, and clients don’t pay me for it.”“But here’s the thing, those are clients, and he’s not,” Arturo replies, raising an eyebrow at me.“He doesn’t have to be a client for me to help out,” I say, laughing a little.“Not everyone’s focused on money, Arturo,” Mr. Bellini adds with a smirk, making both of us chuckle.The banter between them is funny to watch. It’s not something you’d expect between most fathers-in-law and sons-in-law. Mr Bellini told me that Flavia and Arturo are engaged, which makes sense now.As we laugh, my gaze drifts. From where I’m sitting in the foyer, I notice two figures standing a little ways off.It’s Nate and, of course, Valentina.His back is to me, so I can’t
Last Updated : 2025-01-03The Billionaire’s Regret 50: SOMETHING'S GOING ON
ELARA'S POV “What’s this, Elara?” Nate asks, his eyes narrowing as he reads the label on the container.Before he can finish, I snatch it away and shove it behind me.“It’s none of your business,” I snap, hoping he hasn’t seen enough to start asking questions.My heart pounds in my chest. Bringing the pills here was a mistake. If Nate sees them, he’ll ask questions I’m not ready to answer. Questions I’ll never be ready to answer.but going a long time without taking them will do more harm to me. I don’t want to explain that I’m sick. That I need to take these pills for a few years, maybe longer until the wounds in my stomach heal. After the miscarriage, the internal damage left me in pain, and my developed anxiety hasn’t loosened its grip since.But telling him now? What would it change? Years ago, when I begged him to listen, to care about me and the child I carried, he turned his back. That child is gone now, and so is any reason to tell him. There’s no good in opening up old woun
Last Updated : 2025-01-04The Billionaire’s Regret 51: MISUNDERSTANDINGS.
NATE’S POVI can’t believe what I’m hearing right now.Other people’s man? What is that supposed to mean?I don’t recall telling her anything about dating anyone, though to be fair, we haven’t had much time to discuss such things.But I thought she, of all people, would know that I’m not in a relationship.With all the time we’ve spent together in the past, I figured it would be obvious to her.Does she think I have someone else in my life? The urge to clear up this misunderstanding rises, but I suppress it.Instead, I simply lie back in bed beside her.“There can only be one of us on this bed, and it certainly isn’t you, Nate,” she hisses, yanking the covers away and exposing my body to the cool air in the room. “Get off. Go back to wherever it is you slept last night.”I bite back the smile that almost forms on my face. “This is where I slept last night,” I point out, my voice calm and steady.“Liar,” she mutters under her breath, her tone dripping with distrust.“What do I gain by
Last Updated : 2025-01-05The Billionaire’s Regret 52: THE POT STIRER
NATE'S POVAfter breakfast, we all headed out to the gardens for one of the Bellini family’s traditions: harvesting grapes from their vineyard. It’s something they do every year with their workers, and they even plant new vines afterwards. It’s a lovely tradition, really if you’re into that sort of thing.Me? Not so much.I’ve been dragged into this ritual ever since I was a kid visiting the Bellinis with my grandfather. Back then, I tried to get out of it by feigning illness or “accidentally” oversleeping. Of course, none of it worked. And now, as an adult, I’m still here, stuck doing something I’ve never liked.My eyes wander across the fields as everyone gets to work. Each person is decked out in their harvesting gear, carrying baskets as they move between the vines. I can’t help but admire how picturesque it all looks, with the sunlight streaming through the grape leaves.But then, my attention snaps to something or rather, someone i can’t ignore.It’s Elara.And Valentina.Talki
Last Updated : 2025-01-05
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The Billionaire’s Regret 152: LATE AGAIN.
ELARA’S POVTaking 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 call to beg
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
