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57: I DON’T BELIEVE YOU
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2025-01-08 21:35:00Related chapters
The Billionaire’s Regret 58: HEY, STRANGER
ELARA’S POV Two weeks. It has been two weeks since I came back from New York. Two weeks since everything returned to normal or at least that’s what I like to think. Because Work has been steady, with new clients rolling in, thanks to Mr. Bellini and his wife’s help. I think I should feel relieved, maybe even happy, but for some reason, something feels off. The Hales project has been my primary focus since I got back. Today was the last inspection, and their representative made sure everything met their expectations. I should be celebrating its completion, but my mind is elsewhere. It’s also been two weeks since I last saw Nate. Not a call, not a text. Nothing. It’s like he vanished into thin air. But what was I expecting? That’s how things are supposed to be. A sudden buzz from my phone snapped me out of my thoughts. Fishing it out of my purse, I glanced at the screen. It was a text from Nico. NICO: Meet me at Crystal’s. My heart skipped a beat. Nico had been avoid
Last Updated : 2025-01-09The Billionaire’s Regret 59: ITS NOT WHAT YOU THINK
ELARA’S POV It felt like a million years before the waiter finally finished placing the food on the table. Nico had ordered way too much, more than we ever used to. But he’d picked all our favorites. Crystal’s had always been our place. A small, family owned restaurant tucked away in the city, serving some of the best dishes Vegas had to offer. Every time we came here, we’d order half the menu and laugh about how ridiculous it was. But today felt different. Off. And I couldn’t even tease him about the ridiculous amount of food because he was still giving me the cold shoulder. “Do you need anything else?” the waiter asked. “No, I think we’re good,” I replied with a small smile. Nico simply nodded and picked up his fork, quietly taking a bite of his salmon. I followed suit. The food tasted amazing, just like always, but it did little to settle the awkwardness hanging between us. We ate in silence. Bite after bite, I kept hoping Nico would say something, anything. Normally,
Last Updated : 2025-01-09The Billionaire’s Regret 60: A LIAR
ELARA’S POV “Not what I think’? Things happened so fast, Elara. So fast,” Nico said, his voice laced with disbelief.I felt trapped. I couldn’t lie to him, but I couldn’t risk telling him everything either.“I guess your husband is really something, then,” he added sarcastically.“He’s not my husband,” I snapped, the words escaping before I could stop myself.Nico froze, his fork halfway to his mouth. Shock washed over his face, and for a moment, I thought he might drop it entirely.That’s it. I said it.Now there was no going back.“What do you mean he’s not your husband?” he asked slowly, as though he didn’t quite trust what he was hearing.I bit my lip, debating whether I should even go down this road. But if I didn’t, this misunderstanding would only get worse.“It wasn’t real,” I said finally, lowering my gaze to the table. “The remarriage… it was just an act. A charade.”“For what?” His voice was sharp, demanding. “Why the hell would you do something like that?”I took a deep b
Last Updated : 2025-01-09The Billionaire’s Regret 1: THE NIGHT IT FELL APART
ELARA’S POV “So, when are you going to tell your husband?” Dr. Rivers asks, her tone laced with concern, but not without the familiarity of someone who knows me well enough to press for answers. “I’ll tell him soon,” I reply with a soft laugh, even though she can’t see the forced smile stretching across my face. Four days ago, I found out I was six weeks pregnant, and it still feels surreal. Nate and I have been trying for almost a year. After every negative test, I tried not to lose hope, but disappointment clung to me like a shadow. When my period was late this time, I didn’t let myself get excited. I went to the clinic for confirmation, too afraid to believe the two faint lines on the home test. And then Dr. Rivers confirmed it. I’m pregnant. A little flutter stirs in my chest just thinking about it. I’ve imagined this moment so many times, telling Nate, seeing his face light up, the overwhelming joy of knowing we finally made it. But my joy comes with an undercurrent
Last Updated : 2024-11-06The Billionaire’s Regret 2: DIVORCE PAPERS
ELARA'S POV "Don’t joke like that," I chuckle, trying to brush it off, giving him a light shove. Nate isn’t usually one for jokes, but every now and then, he surprises me. I wait for that familiar glint of mischief to break the tension, the hint that he's teasing me. But… it isn’t there. He looks at me, his eyes flat and unyielding. "I’m not joking, Elara. I want a divorce." The words are a sucker punch. My chest tightens as I stumble back a step, the brown envelope I’ve been holding slipping from my grasp. I tighten my grip on it instinctively, clinging to it like it’s the last piece of reality keeping me grounded. A divorce? Why? My head spins, trying to process his words, to find sense in them. Yes, we’d been distant lately, but it was nothing serious. We still shared our bed, ate our meals together, and spent time in each other’s arms… he even kissed me on the forehead this morning before he left for work. “If this isn’t a joke, then why, Nate?” I whisper, barely rec
Last Updated : 2024-11-06The Billionaire’s Regret 3: THE ROAD TO NOWHERE
ELARA’S POV Something is wrong. Something is definitely wrong. I still can’t quite process what Nate just did. My mind feels like a spinning wheel, unable to settle. A tear slips down my cheek, but I make no effort to wipe it away. I’m too focused on dragging my small suitcase, which seems to grow heavier with each passing step. I clutch the handle tightly, letting the numbness in my chest dull the sting of my shock. The walk from our house I mean Nate’s house, to the nearest bus stop is only ten minutes, but tonight it feels endless. I tried calling for a cab, but none were available. The city that never sleeps, yet somehow, all the drivers are busy. When I finally reach the bus stop, I sink onto a cold metal bench, exhausted. I wrap my arms around myself and stare at the darkened street, feeling the weight of the situation hit me. For the first time, I realize I have nowhere to go. Sure, I have places—my mom’s and Elliot’s, but neither feels like an option. Not tonight.
Last Updated : 2024-11-06The Billionaire’s Regret 4: A CALL FOR HELP
ELARA’S POV The sound of my phone buzzing jolts me awake with a groan. With my eyes still closed, I stretch my hand, fishing around for my phone on the floor. Just when my fingers brush against it, I lose my balance and tumble off the couch with a thud. “Shit,” I mutter, opening my eyes. I really should’ve gotten a futon for the office. If I had, maybe I wouldn’t be falling on my face right now. After practically living here for the past three days, a proper couch would’ve come in handy. I spot my phone in the corner and crawl over to grab it. I don’t know how it isn’t dead yet or how it even ended up there. “Hello?” I mumble into the phone, barely awake. “Hello, am I speaking to Mrs. Elara Westwood?” a voice asks, formal but a little rushed. “Yes, this is she,” I reply, sitting up. “Thank God,” the woman murmurs under her breath, footsteps sounding faintly in the background as if she’s hurrying somewhere. “My boss wants to speak with you.” “Hello, darling,” a new
Last Updated : 2024-11-06The Billionaire’s Regret 5: EYES THAT HAUNT
ELARA’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,
Last Updated : 2024-11-06
Latest chapter
The Billionaire’s Regret 60: A LIAR
ELARA’S POV “Not what I think’? Things happened so fast, Elara. So fast,” Nico said, his voice laced with disbelief.I felt trapped. I couldn’t lie to him, but I couldn’t risk telling him everything either.“I guess your husband is really something, then,” he added sarcastically.“He’s not my husband,” I snapped, the words escaping before I could stop myself.Nico froze, his fork halfway to his mouth. Shock washed over his face, and for a moment, I thought he might drop it entirely.That’s it. I said it.Now there was no going back.“What do you mean he’s not your husband?” he asked slowly, as though he didn’t quite trust what he was hearing.I bit my lip, debating whether I should even go down this road. But if I didn’t, this misunderstanding would only get worse.“It wasn’t real,” I said finally, lowering my gaze to the table. “The remarriage… it was just an act. A charade.”“For what?” His voice was sharp, demanding. “Why the hell would you do something like that?”I took a deep b
The Billionaire’s Regret 59: ITS NOT WHAT YOU THINK
ELARA’S POV It felt like a million years before the waiter finally finished placing the food on the table. Nico had ordered way too much, more than we ever used to. But he’d picked all our favorites. Crystal’s had always been our place. A small, family owned restaurant tucked away in the city, serving some of the best dishes Vegas had to offer. Every time we came here, we’d order half the menu and laugh about how ridiculous it was. But today felt different. Off. And I couldn’t even tease him about the ridiculous amount of food because he was still giving me the cold shoulder. “Do you need anything else?” the waiter asked. “No, I think we’re good,” I replied with a small smile. Nico simply nodded and picked up his fork, quietly taking a bite of his salmon. I followed suit. The food tasted amazing, just like always, but it did little to settle the awkwardness hanging between us. We ate in silence. Bite after bite, I kept hoping Nico would say something, anything. Normally,
The Billionaire’s Regret 58: HEY, STRANGER
ELARA’S POV Two weeks. It has been two weeks since I came back from New York. Two weeks since everything returned to normal or at least that’s what I like to think. Because Work has been steady, with new clients rolling in, thanks to Mr. Bellini and his wife’s help. I think I should feel relieved, maybe even happy, but for some reason, something feels off. The Hales project has been my primary focus since I got back. Today was the last inspection, and their representative made sure everything met their expectations. I should be celebrating its completion, but my mind is elsewhere. It’s also been two weeks since I last saw Nate. Not a call, not a text. Nothing. It’s like he vanished into thin air. But what was I expecting? That’s how things are supposed to be. A sudden buzz from my phone snapped me out of my thoughts. Fishing it out of my purse, I glanced at the screen. It was a text from Nico. NICO: Meet me at Crystal’s. My heart skipped a beat. Nico had been avoid
The Billionaire’s Regret 57: I DON’T BELIEVE YOU
ELARA’S POV “What sort of business trip did you go to?” my mom asked, fixing me with that sharp, probing gaze of hers. It was the kind of look that told me she wasn’t buying anything I was about to say. “You left on a Friday afternoon and came back on a Sunday evening. How does that even make sense?” Even I know it doesn’t make any sense but I can’t, but I know better than to tell her where I actually was. Because she won’t only lose it she will probably disown me. I let out a sigh. “Like I said, Mom, it was a consultation. Those can happen any day of the week, as long as the client’s okay with it,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady while avoiding her piercing stare. Her eyes narrowed as she studied me, her suspicion practically radiating off her. I kept my gaze glued to the TV, desperate to look like I didn’t care. “Well, if you say so…” she muttered, but her tone said otherwise. Then, her fingers reached out and squeezed my hand, making me hiss in pain. “And
The Billionaire’s Regret 56: HE LEFT
ELARA’S POV As we settled into our seats on the jet, Nate leaned over to help me buckle my seatbelt. His fingers brushed against mine, and I felt a sudden, unexpected warmth rising to my cheeks. I tried to ignore it, glancing away quickly, but the flush didn’t fade as fast as I hoped. Once we took off, Nate turned his attention to his laptop, his fingers moving fast across the keyboard. He was completely engrossed, probably working on something important. I don’t know what I expected from this flight, but it wasn’t… silence. He sat just far enough away to feel distant, like a wall had suddenly sprung up between us. Maybe I’d read too much into things earlier. I shifted in my seat, fidgeting with the armrest, unsure of what to do. Making conversation felt pointless, he was clearly busy, so I tried to focus on the in-flight movie. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t concentrate. My gaze kept drifting to him, drawn in by the way his sleeves were rolled up to his elb
The Billionaire’s Regret 55: SUDDEN GOOD BYES
ELARA’S POV. For the rest of our time before lunch, I didn’t see Nate, but I got a text from him that he was going to take care of something important. a little part of me thinks he just wanted me to deal with the grapes we were harvesting alone but I know he was better than that. When I was done with most of our lane and filling half of our basket, Mrs. Rosa said we should call it a day and head for lunch leaving the rest for the farmers to take care of. During lunch, Nate still wasn’t there to share the awkward tension and teasing I’d been getting from Flavia and Catherine. Even though Flavia wasn’t there to witness the kiss, but Catherine made sure she elaborated on everything at the table, exaggerating a few parts of it. Thankfully Nico wasn’t at the table to hear the excruciating story. I’d have to explain it to him later, but at least that would be on my own terms.After lunch, Valentina and Farrah left immediately, while I lingered around, with Catherine, and Flavia in th
The Billionaire’s Regret 54: GET A ROOM.
ELARA’S POV Even with the stares I’m probably getting, I know better than to stop. Instead, I push myself to run even faster. I can hear Nate’s footsteps closing in behind me, each one growing louder and more determined. One thing I remember clearly from the years we were married is that Nate hates dirt. He absolutely despises getting dirty.and, the amount of sand I poured on him earlier? It wasn’t just regular sand. It was sand mixed with fertilizer. The thought makes me grin a little. But my victory is short-lived. I don’t notice the water pipe in my path until it’s too late. My foot catches it, and I lose my balance. I’m about to hit the hard, soil when I feel a strong hand grab me. It’s Nate. His eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, everything around us feels like it has stopped. The world fades into nothing but the two of us. His dark, intense eyes hold mine in place, and I can’t seem to look away. I can feel the warmth of his breath against my face. His lips are so cl
The Billionaire’s Regret 53: STAY IN YOUR LANE
ELARA’S POV“Elara, since this is your first time, I’m going to pair you up with your husband,” Rosa says with a smile.“Nate comes here often, so I hope he’ll be a good teacher in showing you how we harvest the grapes,” she adds, though her eyes are fixed on Nate instead of me.“She already knows I’m the best when it comes to teaching,” Nate says confidently, pulling me just a little too close.He leads us to the section of the vineyard where we’re supposed to work. Things were going well, even with Valentina’s death glare practically burning into my back.“That’s not how you cut it,” I say, pointing at him. “You’re going to ruin the grapes before they even make it to storage.”“I’ve done this for years, it’s not my first time,” Nate grumbles, dropping a bunch of grapes into the basket with more force than necessary.“Oh, give me that,” I mutter, frowning as I snatch the cutter from his hands.He tries to grab it back, but Mrs. Rosa’s voice interrupts us.“Is everything okay over the
The 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
