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65: I DON’T THINK I CAN DO THIS
Last Updated:
2025-01-12 23:56:18
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The Billionaire’s Regret 66: EAVESDROPPING
ELARA’S POV“We are not rushing into clarifying anything, Elara,” Nate said, his tone soft but firm. “Like I told you, my team is taking care of the pictures and the articles. Once they’re done, it’ll be like none of this ever happened.”I let out a long, frustrated sigh and sat on the edge of the bed.He made it sound so simple, but nothing about this situation felt simple to me. Even if his team managed to scrub the internet clean and silence the public, how would I explain this to my family? To Nico?It wasn’t just one lie anymore. It was a growing web of them. And every time I tried to fix things, I ended up spinning more lies to cover the first one.Running my hands through my hair, I groaned, frustration bubbling up inside me. “How long is this going to take?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.Nate glanced at his watch before meeting my eyes. “A few hours, maybe longer. They promised to handle it quickly, but we can’t rush them if we want it done right.”“Can I have my
Last Updated : 2025-01-13The Billionaire’s Regret 67: DAMAGE CONTROL
ELARA’S POV“I need to speak with you,” I said, my voice sharper than I intended. Pushing away the feeling at crept up. My mind was spinning with questions I couldn’t push away.Who was the woman Nate was so determined to protect? And why did it feel like I was falling deeper into a game I didn’t understand?No Elara that’s none of your business. “Go on,” Nate muttered, his tone laced with irritation.“I just had a look at those pictures,” I began, watching his face closely for any sign of guilt. “And I’m curious… how did they get out? Who posted them?”His expression didn’t change, but I could tell I had his attention.“It’s also a little weird,” I added, stepping closer to him, “that in all those pictures, you don’t look even a little bit bothered. And, on top of that, you were the first person to find me at the airport. Convenient, don’t you think?”Nate raised a brow, his jaw tightening. “What are you trying to say, Elara?”“I don’t know,” I replied with a shrug, my tone drippin
Last Updated : 2025-01-14The Billionaire’s Regret 68: I DIDN'T ORDER ANYTHING.
ELARA'S POV. I walked Out of the room and slammed the door shut behind meand hard. I didn’t care. It was my way of telling Nate I didn’t want to talk to him anymore. Hopefully, this time he’d get the message and leave me alone.But, as always, Nate proved to be as stubborn as ever.“Elara,” he called after me.Instead of heading back to the room like I initially planned, I turned sharply, walking toward the other direction, hopefully to the exit to this ridiculous apartment, condo, or whatever this over the top place was.“Where are you going?” he asked, catching up to me as I reached the stairs.“What do you think?” I spat, glaring at him. “I’m leaving. I’m not staying under the same roof as you for a second longer.”I turned to descend the stairs, but Nate grabbed my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. A jolt of electricity shot through me. Snatching my hand away, I stepped back, glaring daggers at him.“It’s not safe out there,” he said, his tone firm. “You can’t leave yet.”And th
Last Updated : 2025-01-15The Billionaire’s Regret 69: THE LINK
ELARA’S POV After a few bites of the meal, I told the lady, who I now know to be Theresa, by name, to take it back. She did so gladly, leaving me with a polite nod and the glass of water on a tray. I took my pills and waited. For what, I wasn’t entirely sure. Maybe for Nate to send someone to tell me his team had finished their so-called “damage control,” or maybe for him to appear himself. Either way, I was stuck. But no one came. The last thing I wanted to do was wander around this ridiculously oversized condo looking for someone to ask. And calling Nate? Not in this lifetime. He’s the last person I want to speak to right now. Eventually, the exhaustion from my earlier flight caught up with me. I don’t even remember falling asleep, but I must have because the next thing I knew, it was morning. Weirdly enough, I woke up in bed, which made no sense because I’m pretty sure I’d dozed off on the couch. Did I sleepwalk? Before I could think too hard about it, a knock l
Last Updated : 2025-01-16The Billionaire’s Regret 70: I’M SCREWED!
ELARA’S POV This has to be a fucking joke! Nate’s words from last night come rushing back into my head: You know how important she is to me. I can’t let this blow up in her face. I finally understand who he was talking about. Her. It’s definitely her. How could I have ever forgotten about her? She should’ve been the first person to come to mind when Nate claimed it was not him who tipped off the reporters. I keep watching the show, despite the rage building inside me. I want to hear what she has to say. At least I should watch it all before jumping to conclusions. “So, Miss Valentina, I heard you’re starting a new business,” the interviewer: Sofia Valesco says, smiling politely at Valentina, who sits there with a smug little curve on her red painted lips. “I wouldn’t call it a business,” Valentina says softly, her voice so sweet and convincing that if I didn’t know who she was, I might’ve believed her sincerity. “It’s more like a passion project. Something I want to
Last Updated : 2025-01-16The Billionaire’s Regret 71: ITS NOT HER FAULT
ELARA’S POV “Elara Lilith Westwood, do you mind explaining that nonsense I just watched on Wake Up NYC?” my mother’s sharp voice cut through the quiet morning air, her rage radiating from her. The driver, oblivious to the growing tension, casually carried my suitcase to the front porch of the house. A small part of me wanted to call out to him, to tell him not to bother going past the gate because there was a good chance I wouldn’t be staying long. My mother might disown me before I even set foot inside. But I didn’t. I simply stood there, frozen, as my mother shifted slightly to let the driver pass, her piercing gaze never leaving me. “Are you even listening to me?” she snapped, her frown deepening as I stayed silent. “Mom, the thing is… I— uhm…” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. “What? Speak up, Elara!” she demanded. “What you saw on TV was… a lie,” I finally managed, though I wasn’t sure she believed me. Her eyes narrowed as she launched into the rant I’d bee
Last Updated : 2025-01-17The Billionaire’s Regret 72: THE TRUTH DESTROYS PEOPLE
ELARA’S POV “I’m the last person you’d want to listen to, and I know I don’t even deserve for you to listen to me,” Nate said, his voice calm and gentle, almost sincere. “But, Mrs. Westwood, I’m asking you to please hear us out.” I noticed the faintest shift in my mom’s demeanor, a slight softening in her posture. Her arms were still crossed tightly, but she no longer looked like she was ready to rip someone’s head off at least not entirely. “I was—” Before she could finish her sentence, the ring of her phone interrupted her. With an annoyed huff, she fished it out of her pocket and glanced at the screen. “I need to take this,” she muttered, stepping a few feet away to answer the call, though her glare warned us she wasn’t done. As soon as she was out of earshot, I turned to Nate, my voice a harsh whisper. “What the hell are you trying to do right now?” “Clear up the mess we’re in,” he whispered back, his gaze steady as it met mine. “And you plan on clearing it up
Last Updated : 2025-01-18The Billionaire’s Regret 73: YOU’RE NOT WELCOMED HERE!
ELARA’S POV Nate sighed, running a hand through his hair. His lips parted like he was about to say something, but he didn’t. A part of me wanted to ask what it was, to push him to spill whatever thoughts were hanging on the tip of his tongue. But I didn’t. I knew better. Asking would only lead to another argument, and I was too tired for that. So, I turned around and headed back into the house, hoping that would be the end of it. But it wasn’t. I could hear his footsteps following me, the soft thuds trailing me all the way to the porch. I didn’t say a word, hoping he’d get the hint and leave. He didn’t. When I reached the front door, my hand froze on the knob. I spun around, unable to hold back my frustration any longer. “And where exactly do you think you’re going?” I snapped, raising a brow. “Where else?” he said, shrugging like it was obvious. “I’m coming in.” “Not a chance,” I fired back. “You’re not welcome here, Nate.” “Your mom told us to wait for her to come bac
Last Updated : 2025-01-19
Latest chapter
The Billionaire’s Regret 88: AN OPPORTUNITY.
ELARA'S POV "It’s so nice to meet you." I smile, trying my best not to seem too excited, even though I was."Nathan, long time no see, huh?" Sienna turns to Nate, who simply nods, taking a sip of his drink."I’ve been wanting to come say hello, but you both seemed a little busy with Valentina," she says, gesturing toward where Valentina is."Really?" I muse, tilting my head slightly."Yeah, it’s been a while since I’ve seen Nate. I wanted to say hi and finally introduce myself to his wife. I’m sure Nate hasn’t mentioned me, but we went to high school together. And after that, he decided to ghost everybody me included." she chuckled, "Oh, you did?" My brow lifts as I glance at Nate who just shrugged. confirming what she said. "I could tell you all about how much of a handful he was back then," she teases, "but I’m running out of time. Oh, and the other reason I came over, I have this new shoot coming up. I want to step out of my usual style, try something different, and do a couple’
The Billionaire’s Regret 87:
ELARA’S POVFor some reason, my mother decided today was the perfect day for her and her two best friends to have a girls’ night.I didn’t want to go to the launch party with Nate, but now it seems like my only escape.Because I know my mom’s friends.Those two old ladies she calls her besties? They’re just like her—if not worse.And it’s already hard enough dealing with my mom alone. Sure, she’s been a little better lately, but those so-called friends of hers? They’re on a different level of blunt. No filter. No boundaries.I already know they won’t let me stay in my room and be by myself. They’ll pull me into their night, force me to sit with them, and if all three of them corner me, they’ll probably figure out my relationship with Nate is fake.And I can’t have that happening.With a huff, I pull on the dress I picked out for the event, keeping my makeup light and natural.Even though I never gave Nate a straight answer about going, he still texted me. I didn’t see it at first—only
The Billionaire’s Regret 86: THE TRUTH… FOR NOW.
NATE’S POV“I’ll tell you everything,” I say, my breathing a little too unsteady.I know Elara.Once she makes up her mind, she doesn’t turn back. And with the way she spoke just now, she was ready to walk out of my life, again.Unless I give her what she wants.She’s changed.She doesn’t just say things anymore, she follows through.And right now, she’s following through on walking away.I need her to stay.Not just because of the deal we made.Not just because of the. I song that will be in jeopardy. How could it be just that?I never stopped loving her.“I’m listening,” she says, turning to face me, her arms crossed over her chest.“Can you take a seat?” I ask.I knew this moment would come eventually.Sooner or later, I had to tell her the truth.I just didn’t expect it to be today.Thank God I booked the entire coffee shop. And I know no one will be listening in on us. So I’m sure it’s a safe space for me tell her the truth. Elara hesitates for a second before pulling out the c
The Billionaire’s Regret 85: I’LL TELL YOU EVERYTHING
ELARA’S POVFor the past few days, everything has practically gone back to normal.The media, which had been hating on me just a week ago, has suddenly switched sides. Now, people are gushing over me and Nate, shipping us like we’re some fairytale couple.Everyone is suddenly so nice. Too nice.I can’t say I’m surprised. This city is as fickle as ever.Between working on the office renovations and attending a few public events with Nate, I’ve barely had time to process everything. But the most frustrating part?He’s been acting like nothing ever happened.Like he didn’t say what he said that night after the engagement party.Like those words he said after dropping me off didn’t exist.I let out a heavy sigh as I push open the door to the coffee shop.I’m finally done with the proposal for his second office branch. I thought, I’d go through the rest of the project with the company’s team, but of course, Nate has made it clear he wants me to go over everything with him personally.And t
The Billionaire’s Regret 84: SHE DESERVES BETTER.
NATE’S POV “Nathan.” The familiar, warm voice reaches my ears, freezing me in place. For a second, I hesitate. My grip on the phone tightens, but I force myself to keep walking. I can feel Elara’s eyes on me as I make my way back to the car. I don’t want to stop. I don’t want to acknowledge this call. But I said it was an important call when I used it as an excuse to not face my feelings. “Nathan, are you there?” Her voice is more urgent now. But I still can’t bring myself to respond. “It’s… it’s Mom, Nathan.” The words hit me harder than I expect, but my throat stays locked up, refusing to let out even a single syllable. How long has it been? A million years? A lifetime? I can’t even bring myself to talk to her. The line goes dead before I can muster the courage to say anything. I stare at the screen, feeling like the worst son alive. My issue was with my father, not her, and yet… I couldn’t bring myself to reach out. I never told her that I didn’t hold anything agai
The Billionaire’s Regret 83: THE BEST THING
ELARA’S POV We both stand outside in silence, waiting for the limo to pull up. The cold night air creeps into my skin, making me shiver slightly. I fold my arms over my chest, trying to warm myself, but it doesn’t help much. Not even a second later, I feel something heavy and warm draped over my shoulders. The familiar scent of his cologne fills my senses. It’s expensive, musky, and uncomfortably familiar. “You don’t have to—” “It’s cold out here,” Nate cuts me off, his tone leaving no room for argument. The limo comes to a halt in front of us before I can protest further. Once again, Nate opens the door for me without saying a word. His manners tonight are throwing me off balance. Why is he being a gentleman? Why is he acting like the old Nate I used to know? I don’t like this. I slide into the car, keeping my gaze away from his. The ride back is quiet. Unbearably quiet. Both of us seem lost in our thoughts. Well, mostly me. His words from earlier replay in my mind o
The Billionaire’s Regret 82: I’M AT HER MERCY
ELARA’S POV This has to be a joke. Maybe it’s just an act. I can’t believe it. He sounded sincere when he said it, but it can’t be. If I were truly the best thing that ever happened to him, then two years ago, he wouldn’t have treated me like trash. But he’s been nothing but caring tonight, a voice in my head whispers. No. It’s all an act for the public’s eyes. Then again, there wasn’t anyone watching when he opened the car door for me. No audience in my mom’s house when he saved me from getting injured. I need to stop thinking about this. My legs feel wobbly, like they could give out at any moment. I force myself to walk quickly, desperate to escape the balcony and clear my head. “Elara?” A voice calls from the top of the stairs, making me freeze mid step. I snap my head toward the sound. Shit. Did I make a sound? Did he know I was eavesdropping? “Uh— hey,” I manage, waving awkwardly. Nate’s already descending the stairs, his gaze fixed on me. “Is everyt
The Billionaire’s Regret 81: ITS NOT YOUR GOLD I’M DIGGING
ELARA’S POV Standing before me was none other than Camille, Nate’s cousin. Her lips curled into a disgusted sneer, the kind that could make anyone feel out of place. She looked as impeccable as ever, her designer gown clinging to her like it had been custom made just for her. But her expression, the same one she always wore when she looked at me it hadn’t changed one bit. Not even after all these years since I’d last seen her. To this day, I don’t know why she dislikes me so much. Maybe it’s jealousy, maybe it’s just her nature. Either way, I couldn’t care less. Whatever her reason is, it doesn’t matter to me now. “Oh, it’s you,” she said, her tone dripping with disdain. “Still trying to play dress-up, I see.” I forced myself to remain calm, my face an unreadable mask. I refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing me react. “Excuse me,” I said evenly, stepping aside to continue on my way. But Camille wasn’t done. “Couldn’t find another rich man to mooch off, so you came c
The Billionaire’s Regret 80: LIFE HAD OTHER PLANS.
ELARA'S POV When I got home, the house was eerily quiet. Mom wasn’t around; she’d told me earlier she’d be busy all day. The silence was comforting at first, but it quickly became suffocating as my thoughts drifted to Nate’s office renovations. He’d told me to “do whatever I wanted” with the project, but the supposed freedom felt more like a trap. I preferred when clients had clear ideas. it gave me a framework to work with. Now, with this blank canvas, I felt lost. By the time evening rolled around, I decided to set aside my work and focus on the night ahead. I stood in front of my closet, staring at the rows of clothes, but nothing seemed to fit the image I had in my head. Everything felt too casual, too bland, or just... wrong. After rummaging through every corner, I admitted defeat and turned to a desperate option: Mom’s closet. She hated anyone touching her things, but her wardrobe was far better suited for events like this. Most of her dresses didn’t fit me properly
