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Shattered Facades
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2024-08-26 23:03:36Related chapters
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Hidden Depths
Elara’s fingers trembled slightly as she dialed Tessa’s number. After everything that had happened, she desperately needed to hear her best friend’s voice. The phone rang twice before Tessa’s familiar, cheerful tone filled the silence.“Elara! Oh my god, where have you been? I’ve been worried sick!” Tessa’s voice was a mix of relief and concern.Elara took a deep breath. “Tessa, I’m sorry. So much has happened. I don’t even know where to start.”“Start from the beginning, honey. I’m all ears,” Tessa encouraged, her voice softening.Over the next hour, Elara poured out everything—fainting, waking up in Damian’s bed, the confrontation with his mother, and the revelation about Daniel Regars. Tessa listened patiently, only interrupting occasionally to ask for clarification.“Wow, Elara,” Tessa breathed when Elara finally finished. “That’s... a lot to process. Are you okay?”Elara sighed, sinking back into the pillows. “Honestly? I don’t know. Everything’s happening so fast, and I feel lik
Last Updated : 2024-08-27The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Beneath the Surface
The next day.“Good morning,” Damian greeted as she opened her eyes wide, as if she had just seen a ghost. “I hope you’re feeling better.” Elara felt surprisingly energetic, much better than the day before.“Yes,” she replied, sitting upright. Damian Blackwood had a strikingly handsome appearance that commanded attention. His sharp, chiseled features, dark tousled hair, and intense icy blue eyes gave him a mysterious and intimidating aura. He was so handsome that she couldn’t look away.“Are you done staring?” he asked with a smirk.“Yes,” Elara answered unconsciously.“Really?”“What!” Her eyes widened. “What did I just say?”He scoffed, enjoying her embarrassed expression. It was amusing to see her so flustered.“Have you captured and imprinted my look into your brain?”“And why should I?” she demanded, trying her best to hide what she felt. Elara was mortified and wondered why she couldn’t look away. Damian moved closer to her, lifted her chin, and looked straight into her eyes.“I
Last Updated : 2024-08-27The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Tears and Triumphs
Elara stood up from the bed, stripping herself naked before walking to the bathroom. She turned on the shower, allowing the cold water to cascade over her body, washing away the tension. She grabbed her sponge and soap, scrubbing her body vigorously. Once she was done, she dried herself with a towel, then returned to her bedroom. She opened her closet and selected a simple dress. She applied her cream, put on the dress, styled her hair into a bun, slipped on her shoes, and went downstairs to the kitchen.“Good morning, Mrs. Blackwood,” the maids greeted her politely as she passed by. Mrs. Blackwood... a title no one truly cared about.“You’re here, Ma’am,” Sonia, the head maid, greeted her.Elara nodded in acknowledgment. “Good morning, Sonia.” The elderly woman smiled warmly, gesturing for Elara to sit as she served her breakfast. Elara thanked her and began to eat, savoring the simple pleasure of a well-prepared meal.“Thank you for the food,” Elara said as she stood up. “I really l
Last Updated : 2024-08-27The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Daniel
In a luxurious penthouse overlooking the city, Daniel Regars lounged in his leather chair, a glass of expensive whiskey in hand. His piercing green eyes were fixed on the large screen before him, displaying various news articles and social media posts about Elara’s sudden marriage to Damian Blackwood.A cruel smile played on his lips as he scrolled through the content. “Oh, Elara,” he murmured, “did you really think you could escape me so easily?”He stood up, moving to the floor-to-ceiling windows. The city lights twinkled below, a reminder of the power and influence he wielded. Daniel had always gotten what he wanted, and Elara was the only person who had ever dared to say no to him. It was a slight he had never forgotten—or forgiven.A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. “Come in,” he called out, not turning from the view.His assistant, a nervous-looking young man named Alex, entered the room. “Mr. Regars, I have the information you requested about Mrs. Blackwood’s current
Last Updated : 2024-08-27The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Unwelcome Gifts
Elara sat on her bed, having just finished talking to her mother and little brother, promising to visit them soon. Just then, she heard a soft knock on her door.“Ma’am, a package just arrived for you,” a maid announced, stepping into the room and placing a small box on the table. “No return address.”A package? She wasn’t expecting anything. Her heart began to race as she stared at the package. Something about it felt wrong.“Who delivered it?” Elara demanded, trying to keep calm.“A courier service, ma’am. They didn’t provide any details.”“Thank you,” Elara murmured. She waited until the maid had left before approaching the package, her hands trembling slightly. There was no return address, just her name scrawled in neat, unfamiliar handwriting that sent a chill down her spine.Elara’s breath caught in her throat as she opened the box, only to find a dead rat soaked in blood. Tied around the rat’s neck was a small piece of paper with a single word scrawled on it:‘I hope you like m
Last Updated : 2024-08-27The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride In the Blackwood Mansion
Serena Blackwood sat in her extravagant study, her manicured nails tapping an agitated rhythm on the polished chestnut desk. The confrontation with her son and his new “wife” replayed in her mind, fueling her anger.“Madame,” her personal assistant, Vivian, entered the room. “Your tea is ready.”Serena waved her hand dismissively. “I don’t want tea. I want solutions. Have you gathered the information I requested?”Vivian nodded, placing a thick folder on the desk. “Yes, Madame. Everything we could find on Elara Hart... or should I say, Elara Blackwood?”Serena’s lips curled in disgust at the name. She opened the folder, her eyes scanning the contents rapidly. “She comes from a poor background and has a history with Daniel Regars, worked her way through college, was accused of unethical practices, and recently lost her job at Marshall & Hewitt. How convenient.”She looked up at Vivian. “This girl is nothing but a gold digger. She’s ensnared my son with her sob story and fake innocence.
Last Updated : 2024-08-27The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Power Plays and Hidden Agendas
Serena gestured for Veronica to take a seat. “I’m glad you could come on such short notice, my dear.”Veronica settled into the plush chair across from Serena, her posture perfect and her smile unwavering. “Of course, Mrs. Blackwood. I’m always at your service.”Serena’s eyes gleamed with approval. This was the kind of girl her son should be with—poised, elegant, and from a good family. Not some gold-digging upstart like Elara.“I’m sure you’ve heard about Damian’s... recent recklessness,” Serena began, her voice laced with disdain.Veronica’s smile faltered slightly. “Yes, I’ve heard rumors, and I have met the same girl, but I was just wondering, is their marriage real?”Serena waved her hand dismissively. “A momentary lapse in judgment, I assure you. That’s why I’ve called you here. I need your help to remind Damian of what he’s giving up.”Leaning forward, Serena outlined her plan. Veronica listened intently, nodding at appropriate moments. By the time Serena finished speaking, a d
Last Updated : 2024-08-27The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Declaration
The long-awaited birthday finally arrived.The grand ballroom of the Blackwood mansion was filled with excitement as elegantly dressed guests awaited the evening’s festivities. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in a warm glow, reflecting off the polished marble floors. Gold-leafed mirrors adorned the walls, creating a dazzling display that seemed to extend the celebration infinitely.Damian stood at the center of the room, surrounded by a sea of colorful gowns, his black tailored tuxedo standing out. His eyes kept glancing at the large grandfather clock in the corner, its ornate hands inching closer to midnight.The air was filled with the luxurious scents of expensive perfumes, freshly cut flowers in tall centerpieces, and the delicate aroma of gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Waitstaff in impeccable attire circulated, offering the delectable treats. A string quartet played softly in the background, adding a refined touch to the lively chatter.Elara appeared at Damian’s side, glittering in
Last Updated : 2024-08-28
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The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Introducing my new project
Six Ten years. Ten fucking years of blood, bullets, and brotherhood.I stared at the ornate ceiling of Don Vicenzo's study, counting the cherubs painted in some long-dead artist's vision of heaven. Ironic, considering the hell that transpired in the room below them."You understand what you're asking, Six?" The Don's voice carried the weight of tradition. Of rules written in blood. "La fratellanza is for life."I kept my expression neutral, years of training holding my features in check. "I understand, Don Vicenzo. But I've served faithfully. I've never asked for anything before."The Don's fingers drummed against his mahogany desk – the same desk where I'd pledged my loyalty a decade ago. A frightened kid with blood on his hands and nowhere else to go. Now I was his best enforcer, the shadow that kept La fratellanza's enemies awake at night."The number six," he mused, "has become quite the legend. Our rivals whisper about it. The police have entire task forces dedicated to it." A wr
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Epilogue: Legacies and Redemptions
Five years had passed since the tumultuous events that had reshaped their lives. The world of Damian and Elara had transformed, each piece falling into a complex but harmonious puzzle of success, love, and calculated revenge.Jackson and Tessa’s relationship had blossomed into something unexpected and profound. What had begun as a professional connection had gradually evolved into a passionate romance. Jackson, now known for his cold, calculated approach to business, had found a softness in Tessa that he never thought possible.She brought light to his structured world, her carefree spirit balancing his intense personality. They had married a year after Damian and Elara’s epic wedding - a celebration that had been the talk of high society.That wedding - Damian’s grand gesture to Elara - had been nothing short of spectacular. He had spared no expense, transforming an entire historic estate into a breathtaking venue. Thousands of white roses lined the pathways, crystal chandeliers hung
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride The Prison Visit
Elara stood at the doorway, waving at Tessa until her car disappeared down the driveway. A soft smile lingered on her lips, but it quickly faded as she turned back to the house, her thoughts drifting back to Damian.His presence always left her both breathless and overwhelmed, and the way he had looked at her this morning stayed imprinted in her mind. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts.Walking back inside, she passed a few maids tidying up the living room. They greeted her with polite smiles, and she returned the gesture before heading to Ace’s nursery. She found him sound asleep, his tiny hands curled into fists. Elizabeth had decorated the nursery in soft pastels, filling it with warmth and love. Elara stood by the crib, watching her son’s chest rise and fall.***The concrete walls of the women’s correctional facility felt cold and unforgiving. Elizabeth walked with measured steps, her elegant demeanor unchanged despite the stark surroundings. Her purse was carefully
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Tessa
They rested for a while before Elara stood up.“I need to bathe,” she said, rising to her feet.“Are you sure?” Damian asked, noticing her legs trembling slightly.“Yes,” she replied. She knew she needed some space from him; otherwise, he might take her again. “I’ll be back.” With trembling legs, she carefully made her way to the bathroom. Under the spray of the shower, she sighed contentedly, still feeling the lingering warmth of Damian’s affection on her skin.She quickly washed herself, then reached for a towel to dry off. Wrapping it securely around her, she walked back to the bedroom. At the nightstand, she found her moisturizer and began applying it to her skin. Her body trembled under Damian’s intense gaze, which followed her every movement.“Stop looking,” she said, glaring at him.“Why should I? I can never get enough of you.”A blush crept onto her face as she turned away. “Don’t say that,” she whispered.“I won’t get tired of saying it, honey. You’ll just have to adapt.”Ela
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Elara
The first light of dawn gently filtered through the sheer curtains of the penthouse, casting a warm, golden hue across the room. Outside, the world was slowly waking up, but inside their bedroom, a peaceful stillness enveloped them, as if time had paused.Elara was nestled against Damian, her head resting on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His arm was wrapped around her, his hand gently tracing circles on her bare shoulder.Damian stirred, his eyes fluttering open to find Elara already gazing at him. Her soft smile greeted him, and for a moment, he allowed himself to bask in the serenity of her presence.“Good morning,” she whispered, her voice still husky from sleep.“Good morning, love,” he replied, his voice deep and warm. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering as if savoring the simplicity of the moment. “Did you sleep well?”Elara nodded, her fingers tracing the defined lines of his chest. “I always sleep well when you’re here.”A
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Intimate
“She’s finished,” Jackson said quietly, his voice filled with grim satisfaction. “There’s no coming back from this.”Damian nodded, though his mind was already elsewhere. “She made her choice.”Jackson glanced at his friend, studying the hard lines of Damian’s face. “And Daniel?”“He won’t get far,” Damian replied, his voice low and confident. “By the time he realizes his escape route is compromised, it will be too late. The authorities will handle the rest.”For a moment before Jackson spoke again. “Do you think she meant it?”Damian arched a brow. “Meant what?”“When she said she loved you.”Damian’s lips curled into a cold, humorless smile. “Love?” He scoffed. “Vera doesn’t know the meaning of the word. What she feels isn’t love. It’s an obsession. An insatiable need to possess what she can’t have.”Jackson exhaled softly. “I guess I always knew. I just hoped…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “It doesn’t matter now.”Damian’s gaze softened briefly. “You deserved better, Jackson.
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Truth
Vera stumbled backward, her legs shaky beneath her as the walls of her reality closed in. Her heart raced, and her mind screamed for a way out, for a lifeline, but none appeared.The calculated calm she once wielded like a weapon was shattered, leaving only the raw, frantic fear of a woman cornered.“You... you don’t know anything!” Vera spat, her voice trembling with a mix of fury and desperation. “You’re bluffing.”Jackson’s smirk only deepened. “Am I?” He leaned against the edge of the mahogany desk, arms crossed, watching her unravel with an almost clinical detachment. “Let me guess, you’re thinking of running, aren’t you?” His eyes gleamed with amusement. “Trying to calculate how far you can get before we catch you?”Damian’s cold gaze remained fixed on her, unyielding and unmerciful. “You’re not going anywhere, Vera. Not until you answer for your sins.”“I’ve committed no sins!” she shouted, her voice cracking under the pressure. “You’re just trying to pin your failures on me. Y
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Trap
“Jackson.” Vera’s voice echoed through the silent room. She had been called by him, and now she stood in his study, surrounded by towering bookshelves and the lingering scent of old paper.She smiled as she walked around, her fingers trailing along the spines of leather-bound volumes, searching for something she couldn’t quite name. The late afternoon light filtered through heavy curtains, casting long shadows across the Persian rug.She was still searching the room when Jackson walked in. His footsteps were nearly silent on the thick carpet, but something in the air changed – a shift in pressure, perhaps, or just the weight of his presence.“You’re here.” His voice startled her, making her stop immediately. She rose to her feet, trying to compose herself. “Vera.” His tone was cold, like ice, as he walked toward her.“Yes,” she replied with a smile. A smile she knew Jackson always looked forward to. “You called me here? Is something wrong?” She placed her hand on his chest as Jackson
The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride Illusions of Victory
The sterile lights of Damian’s penthouse cast a cold, artificial glow across the room, but the atmosphere between him and Jackson was anything but sterile. It buzzed with an undercurrent of controlled chaos, the final pieces of a counter-plan falling seamlessly into place.Damian leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin, his sharp gaze locked on Jackson. “You’ve done well, Jackson. Vera and Daniel need to know who they were planning for. I will make them suffer and regret ever thinking of hurting me or my loved ones.” His voice was calm, but the satisfaction lurking beneath it was unmistakable.Jackson met his gaze with equal confidence. “She underestimated me. So did Daniel. They thought I was nothing more than a pawn.”Damian’s lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile. “You’ve proven otherwise.”Jackson appreciated the rare acknowledgment, but his mind was already on the next move. “Daniel will act soon. His pride won’t let him sit idle. He’s desperate, and despe
