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71: ITS NOT HER FAULT
Last Updated:
2025-01-17 23:40:56
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The 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 : 2025-01-19The Billionaire’s Regret 74: IT’S MY FAULT
ELARA’S POV “Mom,” I began, trying to keep my tone calm and collected, even though my heart was racing. “It’s not what you think.” “Oh, is that so?” She raised an eyebrow, her expression making it clear she wasn’t buying a word I was saying. “Yeah,” I forced a smile, but even I didn’t believe it. “Then how do you explain all this?” she shot back, gesturing dramatically toward me. “You in that T-shirt, damp hair, and him standing there with his shirt all disheveled. Oh, and let’s not forget the little kiss I walked in on.” “We didn’t kiss” I interject. “If I didn’t walk in when I did it would’ve happened” her eyes land on the broke plate. “Or maybe it did happen” “Mom—” “There’s no point in trying to hide it, Elara.” Before I could tell her he only me to stop me from getting injured. Nate stepped in, cutting me off. He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer, and I froze. “We’re back together,” he announced casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the w
Last Updated : 2025-01-21The Billionaire’s Regret 75: I WANT TO RESPECT YOUR DECISION
ELARA’S POV For the past two hours, Mom hasn’t said a word about Nate. Heck, she hasn’t said much to me at all, and I’m dying to know what’s going through her head. I thought we were in a good place the last time I was here, I thought we’d moved past all the tension, but clearly, we’re back at square one. Each time I’ve tried to start a conversation, she’s blatantly ignored me, focusing on her cooking like it’s the most important task in the world. And honestly, I knew better than to push her. Mom wasn’t the type to hold back when she wanted to speak her mind. If she was staying quiet, it meant she was either thinking deeply or waiting for me to crack. Fine. I’d wait for the right moment. “Can you just say it already?” I huffed, dropping my fork onto my plate. The weight of her silence had been suffocating, and the occasional stares she threw my way were only making it worse. Mom glanced up at me but didn’t say a word. “Mom, seriously,” I pressed, the guilt gnawi
Last Updated : 2025-01-22The Billionaire’s Regret 76: A LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD ME...
NATE’S POV“Nate, honey!”The high- pitched voice of Valentina cut through the air, sharp enough to give me a headache.I don’t even know why James thought the men’s club would be a good place to discuss business. when we have pests like Valentina running around it. I glanced up from my phone and immediately regretted it. She was the last person I wanted to see. let alone talk to.“How have you been, baby?” she asked, her overdone smirk stretching across lips coated in way too much lipstick. She slid onto the stool next to me like she belonged there.“Hello, Valentina,” I said evenly, keeping my irritation in check.Ever since I made it clear to her that whatever “thing” she thought we had was over, she’s been on a mission to irritate me. It’s like she lives for my reactions, but I’ve never given her the satisfaction.“A little birdie told me you’ve been looking for me,” she said with a tilt of her head, casually grabbing the untouched tequila the bartender had set in front of me.I
Last Updated : 2025-01-23The Billionaire’s Regret 77: FOCUS
NATE’S POVThe door to the building pushed open, and my head snapped toward it.Elara walked in, looking entirely different from the last time I saw her. Gone was the oversized T-shirt that left just enough to the imagination to drive me crazy. She’d always been a sucker for lounging around like that, and it never failed to draw a reaction from me, back when we were married. but yesterday, I’d had no right to touch her, no right to do anything but stare and keep my hands to myself.I hated that. I still hate it.She looked at me as she walked in, her heels clicking against the floor of the empty building. She wasn’t dressed casually this time, she looked every bit professional. A black pantsuit hugged her frame perfectly, her hair pulled back in a neat bun that made her look sharp and put together.She was beautiful. Scratch that- she was stunning. She could wear anything and still take my breath away.Even though her expression was all business, there was something about the way she
Last Updated : 2025-01-24The Billionaire’s Regret 78: WOW ME
NATE'S POV"Do you have any colours in mind for the main offices?"Her voice broke through my thoughts as we stood in the middle of the large, empty conference room.I shrugged at her question, trying to look casual, even though I felt completely out of my depth. I wasn't supposed to be the one handling this. The FM team was meant to be here, going over every tiny detail with her.Honestly, I didn’t care what colours they used in this office, I don’t know anything about the employees working here, let alone what colours would look good in their office. The real reason I was here had nothing to do with renovations."You know what?" I said before she could suggest more ideas, knowing anything she came up with would be perfect. She always had an eye for detail, and there was no point pretending I'd object to her decisions.She stopped walking and turned to face me, a small frown creasing her forehead. "What?""You can freestyle," I said, watching her expression closely. "The colors, the
Last Updated : 2025-01-24The Billionaire’s Regret 79: STEPPING STONE
ELARA'S POV After signing the contract, Nate and I walked out of the conference room together.“One more thing,” he said, his tone serious. “We have eyes watching everywhere. You need to be careful. Do you still have the ring?”“Yes,” I replied softly.The ring was in my bag. I had taken it off when I got home after our last meeting. For some reason, I’d kept it close instead of mailing it back to him since he forgot to take it back last time. Maybe it was a silly hope that I’d see him again and return it in person.Honestly, I should’ve just sent him a text like a normal person and mailed it back, but for some reason, I didn’t. I couldn’t even explain why. and I don't think I want to try. “I think you should wear it… at all times, if possible,” he continued. “We can’t let the reporters find something to make a fuss about.” His tone was polite, so I simply nodded without saying anything.With that, we walked side by side out of the building. The car he’d sent to pick me up earlier w
Last Updated : 2025-01-25
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The Billionaire’s Regret 120: I’LL SEE YOU SOON
ELARA’S POV I should walk away. I should say thank you for the save and disappear into the crowd, back to my brother or my car or anywhere that isn’t here standing in front of a man I don’t even know, feeling like I should. But I don’t move. Because there’s something about him. Something about the way he watches me, not with expectation, not with amusement, but like he already knows I won’t leave just yet. “I take it you have a habit of stepping in where you’re not needed?” I arch a brow, tilting my head slightly. His smirk doesn’t falter. If anything, it deepens. “I don’t know… Were you going to handle it?” I narrow my eyes. He’s playing with me, testing me. And I don’t like it. “I was two seconds away from pouring my drink in his lap,” I say smoothly, waving my now empty glass. “But I suppose your approach was more… effective.” A little smile tugs at my lips. I was actually planning on doing it, but only if Mr Caldwell had followed me after I left. His ey
The Billionaire’s Regret 119: I wanted to
ELARA’S POV“You know, dear, expanding a business in early July is not something I’d recommend,” Mr. Caldwell says, his voice smooth but condescending, his hand lingering on my back a little too long for my liking.I shift slightly, forcing a polite smile, hoping he gets the hint. But instead of stepping back, he inches closer.Men like this are exactly why I avoid socializing at grand events like these. The flashing cameras, the overwhelming crowd, the endless small talk—it’s exhausting. And then there are the men—the ones who mistake common courtesy for an invitation.Elliot had insisted I come tonight as his plus one. I had wanted to stay home, lose myself in work, but I agreed to this because, for the past two days since we returned to Vegas, we hadn’t had a moment alone. And I needed to talk to him.To tell him the truth.But the moment we arrived, it seemed like everyone had someone to introduce to my brother, or Elliot himself had someone he needed to speak with. I quickly grew
The Billionaire’s Regret 118: TRUST OR TROUBLE
ELARA’S POV I made it very clear to her last time. I didn’t want her butting in with this kind of stuff. That’s what we hired the ad team for. That’s what the staff is for. I wanted her to focus on the work laid out for her, nothing more. Is that too much to ask? But then, when I look at her and see that expression. the shift in her face, the subtle guilt in her eyes it makes me rethink. Maybe she really did do this with the company’s best interest at heart. And maybe I’m the one getting sensitive? “I’m sorry, Elara,” she says, her voice a little shaken this time. That surprises me. “I feel so bad now. I shouldn’t have done that, but they seemed like such a good company to partner with. And when I saw the chance, I just thought we’d want to seize it… to take the opportunity to make more.” She exhales sharply before continuing, “But now I know it’s not my place to decide that. I should’ve been more careful.” She blurts the words out like they’ve been weighing on
The Billionaire’s Regret 117: DO THE HONORS.
ELARA’S POV Jenna ends her call with a sharp click, slamming the phone back into place. My gaze flickers to her, my mind still circling the last thing she said. “She won’t notice a thing.” Who is Brick? And who exactly is this person who won’t notice anything? Me? No, that can’t be right. I don’t have the full context of the conversation. I shouldn’t jump to conclusions. But if I shouldn’t jump to conclusions, then why is she in my seat, giggling into the phone with some guy named Brick while she’s been ignoring my calls for nearly a week? A tightness spreads through my chest, but I mask it with a slight arch of my brow. I push the door shut behind me, the soft click of it sealing us inside. “What are you doing in my office?” I ask, keeping my tone as neutral as possible. Jenna gasps dramatically, her face lighting up in exaggerated excitement. “Elara!” Instead of answering my question, she jumps up from my chair and rushes toward me. Before I can react
The Billionaire’s Regret 116: A VERY SMART WOMAN
ELARA’S POV My hands feel numb as I stare out the window. White, fluffy clouds with soft, foggy outlines stretch across the sky, staring back at me. On any other day, I would have admired how bright and pure they looked, how their silver linings shined in the sunlight, or how the sky from up here seemed like an endless ocean. But today, I can’t think about any of that. Because no matter how hard I try, I can’t erase the image of what I saw last night. Nate and that woman… I don’t know what I was expecting from him, but it wasn’t that. Not after everything he told me. Not after the flowers. Not after the chocolates. Not after the note. FLASHBACK Our eyes met. For a second, I thought I imagined it, something flickered in his gaze, but it disappeared just as quickly. Then my eyes fell to the blonde woman sprawled on top of him, her hands wrapped around his neck. She let out a soft giggle. My stomach twisted. The heat in my chest was unbearable, spreading like wildfire.
The Billionaire’s Regret 115: CURIOSITY
ELARA’S POV Fair enough. I glance to the opposite side of the room, where a woman has now taken a seat at what was an empty table just minutes ago. UNKNOWN: Relax, Goldie. No matter how hard you look, you won’t find me. So go ahead and drink your sorrows away in peace. ME: Who says I’m drinking away my sorrows? I ordered one mojito. And I haven’t even taken a sip of yet. UNKNOWN: Seems I guessed wrong, then. ME: You definitely did. I finally reach for my drink, taking a slow sip. The cool, minty flavor mixed with just a hint of alcohol is exactly what I needed. It’s been ages since I last had a mojito. After what feels like a long time. My screen lights up again. UNKNOWN: I have a gift for you, Goldie. Private rooms. Room B3. I’m sure you’ll love it. A gift? A few chats ago, they mentioned wanting to give me something. And now, suddenly, it’s waiting in one of the private dining rooms? A bad feeling settles in my gut. Obsidian’s private rooms are used f
The Billionaire’s Regret 114: GUARDIAN ANGEL
ELARA’S POV “Nate forgot this last time. He said he’d come back for it, but he never did. Will you give it to him?” My eyes fall to the blue necktie in Sienna’s hand. I think I need to commend my luck, I’m trying to stay away from him, but something always seems to push me right back toward him. “Elara?” Sienna prompts with an arched brow, nudging the tie forward. “I don’t think I can take it to him. He said he’d come for it, right?” “Yes.” I force a smile. “Then I’m sure he will.” “But you guys are together… so I thought it would be easier if you take. Plus if it stays with me, I don’t think that would be a good idea. I can’t have some of the staffs mistaking this very expensive tie for one of ours.” A little part me told me to Just give up and take the tie, it’s just some stupid tie right? I let out a sharp breath, then forced a smile. “You can keep it in your office, then. I’m sure no one will think to use something tucked away in there.” I twist the doork
The Billionaire’s Regret 113: THIS IS FOR THE BEST
ELARA’S POVThe sound I hate the most right now has to be the ringing of my phone.After my call with Nate, I didn’t know what to do with what he sent me. So, I decided to leave it on the counter while I changed out of my wet clothes.Maybe I can think of something for when next I set my eyes on them. I tried calling Jenna again today. Finally, her phone was on, but for some reason, she wasn’t picking up, not even leaving a text. So It could probably be her calling now.I switch off my hair dryer, hoping it’s her.I guess I didn’t pray hard enough because it’s not Jenna. But at least it’s not someone I was dreading. It’s Sienna.Pressing the answer button, I bring the phone to my ear.“Hello, Elara.” Sienna’s voice comes through the line.“Hello,” I say with a small smile, as if she can see it.“Are you busy right now?” Her tone seems a bit off.“No, I’m at home. Is everything okay?” I ask.“Yes… but, uhm, I know this is last minute, but I have the pictures we took a few days ago rea
The Billionaire’s Regret 112: THE GIFT
ELARA’S POV The car stays silent for a second before a smile spreads across my brother’s face. “I know that.” My eyes widen, and my jaw almost hits the floor. Maybe he heard me wrong. Maybe he didn’t understand what I was saying, because if he did, he wouldn’t be smiling. And earlier, he said he hadn’t found any evidence to prove our relationship wasn’t real. He knows? How does he know? “Did you hear what I just said?” I gasp in disbelief. Elliot lets out a chuckle, shaking his head. “That much I know, El. It’s quite obvious. What kind of remarried couple lives in separate houses and only sees each other during the day? I figured as much. Even though you still have your ring on, I know there’s a part of you that’s not fully in this. And to be honest, that’s what’s giving me hope right now that you’ll see through that man and let him go for good.” I don’t even know what to say. This whole remarried couple facade… it’s all backfiring. I should’ve known it was this obvious. So
