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5: EYES THAT HAUNT
Huling Na-update:
2024-11-06 05:24:30ELARA’S POV
“Wonderful! I have dresses in the back you ladies can change into,” Mrs. Chelsea beams. Jenna pulls me aside, whispering, “More connections mean more jobs, and more jobs mean more money. Plus, I bet they’ll serve us some expensive wine and delicious snacks” I chuckle, rolling my eyes. “Fine, whatever.” We walk into the room, where she has an entire rack of elegant evening gowns ready. Jenna doesn’t hesitate. She’s already looking through the dresses, holding up a deep blue one against herself. “Try this,” she says, tossing me a sleek beige gown. I hold it up, admiring the simple yet beautiful design. With a sigh, I change into the dress, touch up my makeup, and glance in the mirror. Jenna gives me a thumbs up, and we rejoin the event, blending into the crowd of socialites all dressed to impress. Mrs. Chelsea finds me quickly, her arm linking with mine as she introduces me to several guests. Making sure to tell them how much of a lifesaver I am. I do my best to keep up, smiling politely and making small talk. After a while, the crowd starts to feel suffocating, and I excuse myself to the side of the room to catch my breath. I take a seat by the seating area, the whole room falls quiet, murmurs spreading through the crowd. I turn toward the entrance to the three men that walked in and freeze.It’s Antonio Mancini, James Leclarc with their plus ones and Nate. My Nate, looking as handsome as ever except his arm is around another woman. She’s stunning, dressed in a sleek red gown, her laugh too loud as she clings to him.
Our eyes meet for a split second, and I instinctively smile, hoping he’ll return it. But his scowl only deepens, and he turns away, focusing all his attention on her. A sharp pain shoots to chest but I brush it away. I’m checking my phone when I feel someone’s gaze on me. Glancing up, I see a man watching me from across the room. Tall, dark haired, and impeccably dressed, he has an air of quiet confidence. When our eyes meet, he gives me a slight nod, as if we’re sharing some private joke. Something about him is oddly familiar, though I can’t place it. He begins to walk over, but before he could get to me he gets intercepted by a lady in a green dress pulling him to the other direction. As the evening drags on, I watch Nate mingle with everyone. Everyone but me. The people who had been so friendly earlier are suddenly distant, as if they, too, noticed his cold shoulder. When he finally stepped away from his group, my gut twists, urging me not to follow. But he has been ignoring my calls and texts, and if I want to tell him about our child, I need to be brave enough to talk to him face to face. Ignoring the voice in my head screaming at me telling me not do it, not to go close to Nate, I take a deep breath and move toward him.
Kaugnay na kabanata
The Billionaire’s Regret 6: CRIMSON TEARS
ELARA’S POVI can feel eyes on me as I stroll toward Nate, fighting the urge to turn back and just leave.“Hello, Nate,” I say with a smile when I reach him.He doesn’t respond. His scowl deepens, and he acts as if I don’t exist.He tries to walk away, but I step in his path.“What the hell do you want, Elara?” His voice cuts sharp and cold.“I need to speak with you,” I say, glancing at the curious eyes watching us, which makes me shift uncomfortably. “In private,” I add, keeping my tone low so only he can hear.He scoffs, loud enough for those nearby to catch. “About what? I thought we said everything that needed to be said when you signed the divorce papers.”The room erupts in whispers.I feel like the biggest fool on the planet.“I don’t want to see or hear from you ever again, and whatever it is you have to say, I’m not interested.”He downs his drink in one gulp, placing the empty glass on a passing server’s tray.“Nate,” I try again, but he’s already walking away.With another
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-06The Billionaire’s Regret 7: WHY DID YOU DIVORCE YOUR WIFE.
NATE’S POVONE YEAR EIGHT MONTHS LATER “What do you mean they don’t want to work with us anymore? You told me they were interested in partnering with us. What changed?” I asked Lesley, my secretary, who stood before me, visibly nervous. She looked like she was one second away from fainting.Lesley was my third secretary this month, and while I was tempted to fire her on the spot, I resisted. I had too much on my plate to waste time with another round of interviews.“Well... uhm, sir, the person I spoke to earlier said all their business partnerships must be approved by their CEO. And their CEO specifically declined, so they had no choice but to withdraw,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.I couldn’t help but let out a humourless chuckle. “This has to be the biggest joke of the year,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair.I had turned down every other company because they assured me they would work with us. Now, with the project already underway, it was too late t
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-02The Billionaire’s Regret 8: FACING THE FALL OUT.
NATE’S POV"Why did you divorce your wife, Nathan?" Marcus’s voice cut through the silence in my office, sharp and direct.I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples. "Because…" My voice trailed off, the words hanging in the air like a heavy weight."Because what?" he pressed."I didn’t think she’d go through with it." The admission left my mouth before I could stop it. "I thought Elara would stay. I thought she’d fight for me, for us. But she didn’t."Marcus laughed, the sound bitter and biting. "You’ve got to be kidding me. You honestly believed that, after everything you did, she’d stick around? Man, I’ve always thought I was the delusional one in this family, but you’ve clearly taken the crown."My fists clenched on the desk as the memory of that night came flooding back. The fundraiser. The things I said to her. The way her eyes filled with pain before she walked away. I’d pushed her too far, and she hadn’t looked back."I thought since you were the one who wanted the divorce,
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-02The Billionaire’s Regret 9: LETTER FROM THE PAST
ELARA’S POVIt has been one year and eight months since my divorce.One year and eight months since I packed my bags and left the city, hoping to escape the pain and heartache that haunted me.When my brother, Elliot, suggested I move to Las Vegas with him, I didn’t want to. The idea of leaving everything behind felt overwhelming. Despite everything, I still held onto hope that Nate and I could work things out. Even with the way he treated me, I foolishly believed there might still be a chance for us to fix things.Why? Because I loved him. I was deeply in love with him, and letting go of someone I love has always been incredibly hard for me. It’s just who I am. I try to find excuses and reasons for people’s actions, even when they hurt me. I cling to the belief that things will get better if I just give it time.But life doesn’t always give you what you want. Sometimes, it takes everything from you, leaving you with no choice but to face reality.Two days after Mrs. Chelsea’s charit
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-03The Billionaire’s Regret 10: LINES I WON’T CROSS.
ELARA’S POV “So let’s hear it Jenna” “Okay, so the secretary for Hale’s Mining, the one who called, she’s the real reason I took the consultation in the first place,” Jenna begins, shifting nervously as she speaks. “At first, she seemed desperate. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you which company it was. I didn’t think it was important because the pay was good. But I should have been upfront, and I’m sorry for that.”I watch her, my arms folded, not saying a word as she continues.“Anyway, ever since you found out and made us cancel the deal, she’s been calling nonstop. The last time she called, I think she was on the brink of tears. Apparently, her boss threatened to fire her if she didn’t get us back on board. She said her family really needs the money she earns.”Jenna pauses, gauging my reaction before continuing.“I don’t think he’s bluffing about firing her, El. She’s the third person I’ve spoken to this month from their office. The other two were let go. I’m just saying… to save he
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-03The Billionaire’s Regret 11: A THREE MILLION DOLLARS PROBLEM.
ELARA'S POV The shrill ring of my phone jolts me out of my thoughts as I make my way to the car. I glance at the screen: Jeffrey (Foreman). My stomach knots instantly. Jeffrey never calls unless something has gone terribly wrong.“Jeffrey,” I say, answering quickly, my tone sharp and to the point. “What’s going on?”“Elara, we’ve got a problem, a big problem,” he says, his voice laced with tension. “One of the workers... well, he broke a custom chandelier at the Harper estate. And it’s bad. Really bad.”I stop in my tracks, dread pooling in my stomach. “How bad are we talking?”“Over three million dollars,” he says, his voice tight. “They’re saying it’s irreplaceable. The client’s losing it and demanding we pay for the damages.”Three million. The number slams into me like a freight train. For a piece of glass and metals, my mind reels as I pinch the bridge of my nose, forcing myself to take a deep breath.“I’m on my way,” I reply, ending the call without hesitation.When I arrive at
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-04The Billionaire’s Regret 12: ITS HIM.
ELARA'S POVI glance at his usual black suit, the kind he always wears, then back at his face. My heart skips a beat, and I quickly stand up my pulse racing.His lips curl into a smile, a slow and familiar one. that made my stomach do a weird flip, and I don’t know why.This can’t be happening.“Long time no see, darling,” he says, his voice smooth and sure. Any doubts I had vanished in an instant.It’s him. Nathaniel.he is right in front of me, in arms reach!“Elara,” another voice calls out my name, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turn to see Nico walking toward me.He’s grinning, like always, his bright smile lighting up his face. He’s just a few steps away now.“Nico,” I say, a smile breaking through my confusion. The anger bubbling up inside me fades. I grab my purse from Nathaniel’s hand without looking at him and hurry toward Nico.“I didn’t know you were back in town,” I say, stopping in front of him.Nico’s been a family friend for years. He’s Mr. DeLuca’s son, and we met
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-05The Billionaire’s Regret 13: THERE'S STILL HOPE
ELARA’S POV“Elara, my dear!” Mr. Deluca’s warm voice boomed as soon as he spotted me. His white hair seemed even more prominent than the last time I saw him. Without hesitation, he wrapped me in a firm hug, the scent of his cologne mingling with the faint aroma of Italian food wafting through the restaurant.“How have you been?” he asked, his thick Italian accent adding charm to his words.“I’ve been well,” I said with a soft smile.“You’ve grown so much, Bella!” he declared, stepping back to get a good look at me, his eyes twinkling with genuine affection.I chuckled. “The last time you saw me was only two months ago. Do you think I’ve really grown that much in such a short time?”“Oh, come now,” he replied with a wave of his hand. “Each time I see you and your brother, you both look more and more like your father”Nico pulled out a chair for me, gesturing for me to sit beside him. Across the table, Mr. Deluca and Elliot, my brother, were already seated.“But I’m the prettier versio
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-05
Pinakabagong kabanata
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
