로그인공유
CHAPTER 1
최신 업데이트:
2024-12-10 21:05:31The ballroom is massive,it is too large for me to truly understand it. A sea of polished marble stretches beneath my feet, the high ceilings is very far above, decorated in gold ornamental work. The chandeliers sparkle as the stars in the sky sparkle, and every corner of the room is bathed in a golden light.
Be that as it may, regardless of how lovely the space is or the way in which stunning the visitors are, I feel thoroughly like a gatecrasher who doesn't have a place there.All I taste is dread in me. My heels against the marble floor as I'm strolling reverberations noisily in my ears, yet the clamor is immediately gulped by the mumble of discussion and the clunk of glasses. I don’t belong here. The dress is great—an intricate blend of satin and lace—lace that clings to my body in ways that make it feel unnatural. I never imagined I’d wear something like this. It’s beautiful, yes, but it feels like a mask, a costume, something I’m expected to wear to play a role that isn’t mine — just like a movie. The weight of it presses down on my shoulders, heavier than I ever anticipated. But it’s not just the dress. It’s the life that comes with it—the life that’s been planned for me without my knowledge whether I wanted it or not. I feel small in this room, small in this life. My father’s world of high society, of power and money, is foreign to me. It always has been. I glance through the crowd, my eyes landing briefly on the people who fill this space and they are perfectly poised, effortlessly graceful, each one in their element. None of them are like me. I’m out of place. But none of them matter, either. I turn my head, seeking some eyes that are familiar in this sea of strangers. And then I see him. At the far end of the room,my father stands there surrounded by his usual entourage,business partners, associates, people who live in the world he’s built. His back is straight, his posture is impeccable. He’s shaking hands, exchanging pleasantries with a smile that never quite on his face. The perfect businessman. Always performing. But when his gaze flickers toward me, there’s something I’ve seen countless times in it. A glint and a glimmer of expectation. What's more, it makes my stomach beats. I've done my part however I don't feel like I'm in charge of anything any longer. I've gone through my whole time on earth attempting to satisfy my dad's unimaginable guidelines, continuously remaining in the shadow of my ideal more established sister, Veronica. And now,this marriage is one thing that was never my choice. “Leila.” I stiffen at the sound of his voice. My father’s tone is calm, cold as always. “You’ve made it,my dear daughter,” he says, his eyes flicking over me in the same way he would assess any business deal. “Good. Keep your head up dear. You’re representing this family tonight.” I nod, though the words pierce me like a pin. “I know.” “You should be proud of yourself darling,” he adds, though I can hear the strain in his voice, as if he’s convincing himself more than me. “This marriage– you are doing— will ensure our future.” Our future. The words make my stomach twist. “Is it everything you expected?” he asks, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assesses me again and again, the smile on his face just a little too perfect. I force a fake smile, but it feels brittle. “It’s... fine.” He looks at me as if he’s waiting for something more, but the silence stretches between us, very thick and suffocating. Finally, he speaks again and his voice is now softer, but there’s an edge to it I don’t miss. “I didn’t have the luxury of choice when I was your age, Leila. You should comprehend that. This is your duty. This marriage will secure your place.” “Understood,” I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper. I turn away before he can say more words. I can feel his eyes boring into my back as I walk away, but I don’t dare look back at him. As I walk through the crowd, I spot Veronica across the room. She’s talking with some man I don’t recognize, but her posture is perfect and her smile radiant, as always. She’s everything I could never be. Confident. Successful. Accomplished. She fits here. I never will. I calm my nerves and take a deep breath. "Leila." The voice stops me. I turn slowly, almost feel extreme reluctance to look at anyone, and there he is. Alexander Hawke. The man I’m about to marry. The billionaire. The stranger. He’s taller than I expected, his presence is commanding. Even in a room full of great and powerful people, he stands out. His dark hair is neatly combed, and his sharp suit fits like it was tailored for him. He looks at me assessing me with his gaze, and I can’t help but feel like I’m being weighed and measured. "Mr. Hawke," I manage, my voice feels small in comparison to his own voice. “Leila,” he says in a low voice, smooth and almost too calm. “I trust you're enjoying the evening?” I force a fake smile, but it feels like it’s held together with strings. “It’s... fine.” He nods, but doesn’t smile back. “Good. The arrangements have been made. Everything is in place. Your father is now satisfied.” The words sting. “I’m glad to know.” He seems to study me for a moment, his dark eyes flicking over my face with an intensity. “I hope you understand the gravity of what this marriage means.” I try to ignore the fear in me, but it’s impossible. "I do." "You’re not just marrying me, Leila. You’re becoming part of something far bigger than you’ve been prepared for. Your family’s future depends on this." Hope you understand? There it is. The truth. I’ve been nothing more than a pawn all along. My stomach twists again, but I keep my face neutral. "I understand," I repeat. "Good," he says, "I’m not one for pretense, Leila. You know why this arrangement exists. You know why we’re here tonight.” I nod, unable to speak the words aloud. Yes, I know. This isn’t about love. This is about survival. About saving my family from the mess my father has made of their finances. I see the irregular move of something in Alexander’s eyes—something I can’t quite place. But before I can ponder it further, he turns, his hand gesturing toward the crowd. “Shall we mingle?” he asks.But it’s not just a question, rather; it’s an order. I nod and step beside him, the silence continues to hover between us,filled with unspoken things. As we make our way through the crowd, the tension between us grows and thickens like smoke. Alexander doesn’t speak again, but his presence looms over me, the weight of his status, his power, undeniable. Finally, we stop near a window where the city lights of New York are stretching out in front of us. He looks out over the skyline, his posture rigid, his gaze faraway. “What do you want from me, Leila?” he asks, I looked up at him surprisingly with the question he asks. He turns to face me, and for the first time, I see something more than just business in him. I try to calm my nerves,but my heart still pounds in my chest. “I... I want to understand. I want to know what this is. What you expect from me.” His lips tighten slightly, looking at me, but he doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, he watches me with an intensity that makes me feel more exposed and vulnerable. And then, just as I think he might speak, just as I think I might finally understand what he wants from me, the door to the ballroom swings open and a sharp, harsh voice cuts through the air, the last thing I ever expected to hear tonight. "Leila, you’re needed." I freeze. It’s my father.관련 챕터
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride CHAPTER 2
The moment the door to the bridal suite closes behind us, everything feels too much—too heavy, too loud and too unreal. The quiet click of the lock resonates in the hollow silence that follows. I remain stand there, I don't know what to do .My heart beats loudly, and my head is full of noise. I can't figure things out. They say, the wedding was beautiful,it was a grand spectacle of wealth and status. I barely remember it, just the blur of faces and the stiffness in my back as I stood by the altar.", staring at the man I was marrying. Alexander Hawke. I know almost nothing about him—his reputation precedes him, and the whispers I’ve heard from my father are far from reassuring. A man who thrives on control.And yet, here I am. His bride. Bound to him by duty, not by choice. I glance at him now. He stands by the window, looking out at the city skyline, his broad shoulders beneath the tailored suit tense. The dim light from the street below casts shadows across his sharp features,
최신 업데이트 : 2024-12-10The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride CHAPTER 3
The penthouse feels too big for me. Its elegant, of course, every inch of it designed with a kind of perfection that makes me feel like Im living inside a museum. The floors gleam underfoot, the walls adorned with modern art pieces that scream wealth. The view from the floor-to-roof windows is confounding — a general scene of New Yorks skyline that feels as far off as all the other things in this world. I step into the living room, my heels clicking against the cool marble floors, however the sound appears to be suppressed here, consumed by the huge space around me. Alexander is now sitting on the lounge chair, a glass of whiskey in hand , the cool amber liquid getting the light. He doesnt even look at me when I enter. Make yourself comfortable,he says, his voice smooth but detached. It’s as if he’s speaking to a guest, not a wife. I nod awkwardly, uncertain where to start. The quiet stretches between us, thick and choking. He hasn't spoken much since we left the wedding. In fact
최신 업데이트 : 2024-12-10The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride CHAPTER 4
The days blur into each other in the penthouse. Morning fades into afternoon, and evening brings nothing but silence. The silence has become a constant companion—thick, heavy, and inescapable. It fills each edge of this vast, generic space, repeating stronger than any words Alexander and I have exchanged since our wedding night. I sit by the window in the lounge, my knees tucked underneath me, some tea developing cold in my hands. Outside, the city hums with life, the roads underneath overflowing with individuals who have places to go, lives to live. I envy them. They’re moving forward while I feel stuck—stuck in a marriage that feels more like a transaction, in a life that doesn’t feel like mine. Alexander has been gone most of the day. Not that it's uncommon. He leaves promptly in the morning, his suit impeccably tailored, his expression is quite unreadable, and doesn't return until well after dinner. Sometimes he calls. Sometimes he doesn’t. But when he does come back, the sil
최신 업데이트 : 2024-12-10The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride CHAPTER 5
The evening feels different from the others. There's an unpretentious change in the air, a slight pressure that I can't exactly put. It's like something is going to occur — something that could either break us apart or unite us. I sit in the lounge area, tinkering with my fork, not really tasting the food before me. I've never been a lot of an eater, however this evening, the food feels particularly unappealing. The lavish dishes Alexander ordered are all fine dining, too rich and elaborate for my simple tastes. The flavors are too bold, too fancy, and I find myself pushing the food around on my plate, lost in thought. Across from me, Alexander is focused on his phone, eyes flicking from the screen to his glass of wine. He doesn’t look up at me. The distance between us is as it always has been—an unspoken wall that neither of us has bothered to address. But then, something shifts. Just a flicker, a small moment, but it’s enough to make my heart skip a beat. “Leila,” he says sud
최신 업데이트 : 2024-12-10The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride CHAPTER 6
The world I’ve entered feels like an entirely different realm—a futuristic terrain of gleaming glass and steel illuminated by artificial lights. Every detail of Alexander’s life radiates a level of perfection that feels beyond my understanding, let alone my ability to replicate.It’s a world where people wear confidence like armor, where wealth is the only language spoken, and where the air feels thinner, sharper, as though it’s been conditioned for someone stronger than me.Tonight is the first of many events Alexander has insisted I attend with him. A charity gala. A routine part of his life, but for me, it feels like a performance I wasn’t trained for. My gown clings too tightly to my frame, the shoes pinch my feet, and every smile I offer feels like it’s held together with invisible threads that might snap at any moment.“Relax,” Alexander says beside me as we step into the grand ballroom. His voice is low, smooth, but there’s no warmth in it. It’s a command not reassurance.“I’m
최신 업데이트 : 2024-12-12The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride CHAPTER 7
The morning light is simply starting to channel through the blinds of our penthouse, creating long shaded areas across the cleaned floors. The city outside murmurs with life, the usual chaos of blaring vehicles and the blur of individuals hurrying to their next destination. Yet, inside, everything is still. The air feels as if it's not moving, as if it's holding its breath, waiting there expecting something.I sit at the kitchen island, gazing down at a cup of coffee that has gone cold. My fingers twist around the porcelain, however my mind is somewhere else. It's been right around fourteen days since I moved into this penthouse, and I've become used to the quiet between Alexander and me. The briskness, however, still present, feels less choking out now, more like a far-off murmur. Yet, it's still there, waiting like a shadow I can't exactly shake off.Just as I take a sip of the now tepid coffee, the lift tolls, signalling Alexander's return. He steps into the room, his presence as
최신 업데이트 : 2024-12-12The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride CHAPTER 8
The phone rings, the sharp, piercing sound pulling me from my thoughts. I look at the screen: ‘‘Dad’’. The name alone sends a shock of frenzy through me, a similar feeling of fear I've felt each time he's called recently. I take a deep breath, attempting to steady my nerves. "Hi?" "Leila," my dad's voice pops through the line, harsh and stressed. "We need to talk." I can hear the heaviness of his words even before he says anything more. The most recent couple of months have been loaded up with cryptic warnings, commitments of 'things improving,' and repeated affirmations that everything was under control. However, I realize it's all falling apart. I can feel it in the pit of my stomach. "What's happening, Father?" I ask my voice scarcely over a murmur. I need to sound quiet, but the nervousness crawling into my chest is almost difficult to shake. "We're in a tough situation," he says gruffly. "The company... it's failing. We can't keep up any longer." I sit down on the edge of
최신 업데이트 : 2024-12-13The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 9
I look fixedly at the clock on the wall, counting the seconds that slip by without anything changing. The quietness between Alexander and me feels heavier tonight. It’s the kind of silence that stretches out into hours, pressing on me, chocking me. I’ve learned how to continue to be in this silence, how to feign it that it doesn’t bother me, that it’s just a part of the arrangement. But, it’s different, tonight.I’ve reached my limit.I can feel this biting emptiness that has been creeping up on me since the day we said our vows. I’ve been endeavouring to ignore it, trying to persuade myself that this is exactly what my life has turned to, that this is the price I pay for saving my family from mess. But tonight, I can’t push the thoughts aside any longer.I’ve had enough.Taking a deep breath, I move in the direction of the man turning over a financial report like it’s the most interesting thing in the world,who’s sitting across the room. His attention is fixed on the papers before hi
최신 업데이트 : 2024-12-26
최신 챕터
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 23
The tension in the boardroom is palpable, a storm brewing just below the polished surface of smiles and tailored suits. I sit at the long glass table, my notebook open in front of me, pen poised to jot down notes. But it’s not the data on the projection screen that’s got my attention. It’s the subtle shift in the room—the glances exchanged, the murmurs behind cupped hands. I’m not supposed to be here. At least, that’s what the board members seem to believe. Alexander’s seat at the head of the table is empty. He’s running late—something about a last-minute call—but his absence feels strategic and deliberate. Maybe he wants to see how I’ll handle this without him.The murmuring grows louder. One of the older men at the table, James Troughton, clears his throat and leans forward, his salt-and-pepper hair slicked back to perfection.“Mrs. Hawke,” he begins, his tone polite but dripping with condescension. “I must admit, it’s... unexpected to see you here. I wasn’t aware Alexander had de
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 22:
The sharp hum of the elevator fills the silence as I ascend to the top floor of Alexander’s corporate fortress. My palms are clammy, clutching a leather-bound notebook like a shield. The glassy walls of Hawke Enterprises loom around me, their sheer perfection a stark contrast to the tangle of nerves inside me.I’ve spent the morning studying—scrutinizing reports, Googling business jargon I barely understood a week ago, and reviewing every word Alexander let slip in his cold, clipped tones. Now, as I stand on the precipice of something new, I feel a strange mixture of dread and determination. I refuse to be invisible anymore, not here, not to him.When the elevator dings and the doors slide open, I step into the executive suite. The air is heavy with the scent of polished wood and faint cologne, a space meticulously crafted to reflect Alexander’s precision and power. Heads turn as I walk past, employees exchanging subtle glances. I pretend not to notice.“Mrs. Hawke,” a young assistant
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 21
I never imagined I’d find myself standing in the middle of Alexander’s sleek, glass-walled conference room. The air buzzes with anticipation, voices murmuring in clipped tones as his team files in, carrying laptops and notepads, ready for another high-stakes meeting. I’m not here to watch anymore. Today, I’m stepping in.The moment I push open the door, every conversation halts. Heads turn. Eyes widen. I can feel the weight of their gazes pressing down on me, a mix of surprise and thinly veiled scepticism.“Mrs. Hawke,” one of the assistants says, her voice hesitant but polite. “We weren’t expecting you.”I hold my chin high, willing my nerves to steady. “I’m here to help,” I say simply, my tone firm enough to leave no room for debate.Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Alexander standing near the head of the table. His expression is unreadable, his dark eyes locked on me as if trying to decipher my intentions. His usual cool, detached demeanour is intact, but I don’t miss the fain
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 20
The apartment is silent, the main sound being the far-off murmur of the city underneath. I stand by the huge window, watching the lights gleam somewhere far off, a sign of how far I am from the existence I once knew. All that feels like it's changing, but, nothing appears to change by any means. Alexander hasn't spoken a lot throughout the night. The pressure between us has developed thick, more unmistakable than at any other time in recent memory.The heaviness of his quiet lingers palpably, making it harder to relax.I turn around and find him standing by the bar, gazing at the glass in his grasp as though the main thing sounds good to him at this moment. His jaw is tight, his shoulders firm. I realize something's wrong. However, he's never been great at sharing what's inside."Alexander," I say, my voice milder than expected, attempting to overcome any barrier between us. "We want to talk."He doesn’t look up, just swirls the amber liquid in his glass. The movement is almost mechan
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 19
The weight of everything presses down on me like a stone sitting on my chest. I wake up in the morning, gazing at the roof, and briefly, I keep thinking about whether any of this — the wedding, the commitments, the moving tides of my new life — are genuine.Alexander's side of the bed is cold once more, and the space between us feels more critical now than it did even only a couple of days prior.I swing my legs off the bed and press my palms against the cool surface of the end table, steadied by the quietness of the room. The calm is frightening. I long for when quietness felt consoling, not choking. Maybe the quietness has turned into a wall between us, a barrier I’m unsure how to break through anymore.I hear the soft sound of footsteps outside our bedroom door, and a moment later, it creaks open. I don’t even have to look up to know it’s him—Alexander. He’s standing there, a shadow in the doorway, his expression unreadable. He’s dressed for another day at the office, but the lin
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 18
The day extends on in a blur of meetings, calls, and vast reports. I sit in the extensive front room of our penthouse, the quietness weighty in the air.Alexander hasn't spoken a lot today, and when he does, everything,without a ddoubtt, revolves around business. His psyche is consumed by the domain he's endeavoured to work in while I sit on the outskirts, a mere observer of a life I’m no longer sure I’m a part of.“Leila, did you get the numbers from the New York team?” Alexander asks, not looking up from his phone as he paces the room, his face etched in concentration.I look up, alarmed by his abrupt inquiry. I've developed used to his distraction with work, but the distance between us feels more articulated today. "Yes, I have them," I express, standing from the lounge chair to recover the files. I hand them over to him, feeling the cold air between us deepen.He barely acknowledges the gesture, scanning the papers quickly, then tossing them aside without a second thought. “We nee
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 17
The phone rings, its shrill tone cutting through the silence of our apartment. I glance at the clock. It’s late, but the call isn’t unexpected. The moment I press accept, my father’s voice comes through, strained, far more panicked than usual.“Leila, we need to talk. It’s urgent.”I sit up straighter, the weight of his words pressing down on my chest. “What is it, Dad?”There’s a pause on the other end like he's gathering his courage before speaking.“The financial situation… it’s worse than I thought. The debts have piled up even more than we anticipated. I don’t know how long we can keep this up.”My stomach churns, and I rub my temples, trying to steady myself. “But we were supposed to have more time… We were managing everything slowly, little by little.”“I thought so too,” my father says, his voice tight, “but things have escalated. We might lose everything, Leila.”I close my eyes, feeling the weight of his words sink in. The pressure in my chest feels suffocating. I glance at
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 16
The day feels different, almost as if the air has shifted around me. When I wake up, there’s a sense of purpose that wasn’t there before, a quiet but undeniable energy inside me. It’s not like the nervous excitement of a child on their first day of school, but rather the steely calm of someone who’s decided to stop letting life happen to them.I glance at the mirror, surprised by the reflection staring back at me. My hair is a mess, as always, but it’s the eyes that hold my attention. There’s something in them now. Something I didn’t notice before. A quiet resolve that wasn’t there a week ago.“You’re not just a pawn in someone else’s game anymore,” I murmur to myself.The house is quiet when I step out of our bedroom. Alexander is already gone for the day, leaving only a faint scent of his cologne behind. I’m used to his early mornings, but today, for some reason, I’m restless. I should have stayed in bed. But I can’t. I need to do something. For myself. For us.I move through the gr
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 15
The morning started like any other, with the soft hum of the city outside our penthouse and the steady rhythm of life moving forward. But as I entered the living room, the first thing I noticed wasn’t the view—it was Alexander.He was standing near the window, phone in hand, eyes narrowing at something on the screen. I could feel the tension radiating off him, even from across the room.“Is everything okay?” I asked, my voice quieter than I intended. He didn’t look up immediately, and for a second, I almost regretted asking. But then he finally turned, his expression hard, almost guarded.“It’s just the news,” he muttered, shoving the phone into his pocket. “Nothing for you to worry about.”I frowned, crossing the room toward him. “Don’t do that. Don’t shut me out.”His jaw tightened. “I’m not shutting you out. I just don’t want to drag you into this mess.”But I had already seen enough. I’d been living with Alexander long enough to know when something was off. His eyes, normally col
