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Chapter 25
Last Updated:
2025-01-09 00:35:43
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The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 26
The silence of the penthouse feels heavier than usual tonight. The far off murmur of the city is stifled by the thick walls, and the shine of the horizon channels through the glass windows, creating faint shaded areas on the cleaned floors. It's late — unreasonably late for both of us to still be awake—but sleep seems like an impossible luxury.I sit on the rich lounge chair in the parlor, nursing some tea that has since gone cold a long time ago. My laptop lays on the foot stool before me, its screen sparkling with pages of research I’d hoped would distract me. But my focus keeps slipping, drawn back to the storm that’s been brewing between Alexander and me.The outrage. The meeting room obstruction. The stifling strain to prove myself while navigating a marriage that feels more like a combat zone than a partnership. It's completely turned into a knot of feelings I can't disentangle.A weak commotion draws my attention. Footsteps— consistent and conscious — reverberation delicately a
Last Updated : 2025-01-10The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 27
The numbers didn’t add up. Again.I sat in Alexander's home office, surrounded by spreadsheets, reports, and vast files. The faint light from the work area light cast long shadows across the room, and the weak murmur of the city outside gave a consistent indication of the world past these walls. However, my attention stayed on the glaring irregularities in the monetary reports spread before me.My senses let me know this was more than a basic oversight. It was purposeful.The heaviness of the acknowledgement squeezed vigorously on my chest. Somebody was playing a hazardous game with Alexander's company, and the further I dug, the more vile it became. But, I was unable to force myself to face him yet — not until I was sure beyond a shadow of a doubt.I found Alexander in the living room, a glass of whiskey in hand as he stared out at the city skyline. His silhouette was sharp against the scenery of sparkling lights, a man who conveyed the heaviness of an empire on his shoulders."Alexa
Last Updated : 2025-01-10The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 28
The slam of the office door echoed through the penthouse like a gunshot. My heart pounded in my chest as I stared at the closed door, Alexander’s angry words still ringing in my ears.“You don’t understand, Leila. This isn’t a game.”It was always the same with him, walls going up the second things got too close. I clenched my fists, the frustration bubbling up inside me. I wasn’t a fragile doll, incapable of standing by his side. I’d proven that time and time again, yet he kept shutting me out.I took a shaky breath and followed him, my heels clicking sharply against the hardwood floors. He wasn’t getting away with this, not tonight.Alexander stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his back to me, hands shoved deep into his pockets. The city lights reflected in the glass, casting a kaleidoscope of colours across his tense frame. “Do you want to talk about it?” I asked, my voice steadier than I felt.“No,” he said curtly, not turning around.“Too bad,” I replied, stepping closer. “Bec
Last Updated : 2025-01-11The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 29
The sleek conference room smelled of polished wood and fresh coffee, but the tension hanging in the air made it hard to focus on anything other than the sharp glances being thrown my way. I adjusted my blazer, willing myself to exude confidence, even if I felt like I was walking into a den of wolves.Alexander hadn’t arrived yet, leaving me to face his board members alone. They weren’t overtly hostile, but the scepticism in their eyes was palpable. I was an outsider in their world, a figure they viewed as Alexander’s decorative plus-one rather than someone with a real place at the table.And that’s exactly why I was here—to prove them wrong.I scanned the room, my gaze landing on a man seated at the far end of the table. He was older, with greying hair and a shrewd expression that made it clear he was taking everything in. I’d met him briefly before—Robert Calloway, Alexander’s longest-serving executive and a man whose opinion carried considerable weight within the company. To my surp
Last Updated : 2025-01-11The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 30
The strain in the penthouse was choking. It felt like the actual walls were shutting in, retaining the heaviness of Alexander's implicit displeasure and dissatisfaction. I remained toward the edge of the parlour, looking as he walked forward and backwards close to the massive windows that overlooked the city. His silhouette, sharp and commanding, contrasted with the vulnerability in his voice as he barked orders into his phone."Figure out who released the agreement subtleties," he snarled, his words cut and venomous. "Also, get me a report on the client's reaction. It doesn't matter at all to me how late it is."He finished the call with a sharp tap of his screen, the pressure in his edge emanating into the room. Briefly, he just remained there, gazing out at the city lights, his hands propped on his hips. It was intriguing to see Alexander like this — unsettled, his usual composure unravelling at the edges.I made a sound as if to speak softly, reluctant to end the quietness. "Alexa
Last Updated : 2025-01-12The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 31
The air in Alexander's office was thick with pressure. The weak murmur of the city underneath scarcely arrived at the glass fortification where we sat, encompassed by mahogany work areas and racks fixed with leather-bound books. The morning sunlight filtered in through the windows, casting sharp lines across the room, but it did little to warm the chill that had settled between us.Alexander was seated at his desk, his elbows resting on the dark wood, his hands steepled under his chin. His jaw was clenched, his look fixed on the reports spread before him. It wasn't the typical controlled certainty I had generally expected from him. This was unique. He looked... cornered.I moved in my seat opposite him, the heaviness of implicit words pushing on my chest. I had gone through the whole evening sorting out an arrangement — a strong one — and presently, as I arranged to lay everything out, the questions started to sneak in. Could he try and pay attention to me?"Alexander," I started relu
Last Updated : 2025-01-12The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 32:
“You don’t get to dictate my life, Alexander.” My voice cut through the charged air of the penthouse like a blade, sharp and unrelenting. The words felt foreign coming out of my mouth, but I didn’t flinch. Not this time.Alexander turned slowly from the floor-to-ceiling window, the Manhattan skyline glittering behind him. His jaw tightened, the faintest flicker of something—anger? Frustration?—crossing his face. His silence pressed down on me, but I refused to back down.He crossed the room in deliberate, measured steps, his presence consuming every ounce of space. “I’m not dictating your life,” he said, his tone calm, controlled—infuriatingly so. “I’m trying to protect you.”“By smothering me?” I countered, standing my ground despite the way his piercing gray eyes seemed to see straight through me. “Every decision, every move I make, you’re right there, questioning it, redirecting it. I’m not some pawn in your world, Alexander.”A muscle ticked in his jaw. “And yet you’re still ali
Last Updated : 2025-01-14The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 33
“Secrets don’t stay buried forever.” The words hovered in my mind as I stared at the manila folder on Alexander’s desk, my heart racing like it was in a sprint I’d never prepared for.I knew better than to pry. I wasn’t some naïve girl stumbling into unknown territory anymore. But curiosity? It was a dangerous thing—one I couldn’t shake no matter how tightly I gripped the desk to steady myself.“What are you hiding, Alexander?” I whispered, the question barely audible over the roaring in my ears.The answer lay in my hands. And once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it.The folder was full of damning evidence: emails, contracts, financial statements—all of them pointing to one conclusion. Samuel Grayson wasn’t just another competitor. He was a man with a vendetta, a grudge so deep it bled through every single page.My fingers trembled as I flipped to a grainy photo paperclipped to a sheet. It was of Alexander and Grayson, standing side by side, years younger, smiles painted on their faces.
Last Updated : 2025-01-14
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The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 172
You’d think after everything we’ve been through, we’d know how to keep our promises.I stood in the middle of our kitchen, barefoot, wrapped in one of Alexander’s oversized shirts. The silence in the penthouse was loud—only broken by the hum of the refrigerator and the dull buzz of my phone on the counter. Again.Work messages. At nearly midnight.The trip had ended three days ago. Three perfect, disconnected, sun-drenched days where we remembered what we were without the world pulling us in opposite directions. But the second we landed, the floodgates opened.He’d already broken our no-work-after-seven rule twice. I’d ignored it the first time. Justified the second. But now?Now I was pissed.I didn’t hear him walk in until his voice cut through the quiet like a wire snapping.“You’re still up?”I turned, crossing my arms. “That’s your opening line?”Alexander stilled, already sensing the storm brewing in me. He looked tired—no, wrecked—but I didn’t let it soften me this time.“I had
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 171
"Just when we thought we had it all figured out, life threw us a curveball wrapped in dollar signs."The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of our penthouse, casting a deceptive calm over the chaos brewing beneath. Alexander sat at the dining table, a thick dossier open before him, his brow furrowed in concentration. The sight was both familiar and unsettling."Leila," he began, his voice measured but tinged with an undercurrent I couldn't quite place. "We need to discuss this proposal."I set down my coffee, the rich aroma suddenly nauseating. "Another one? Didn't we agree to take a step back after the last project nearly consumed us?"He sighed, rubbing his temples. "I know. But this... this is different. It's a partnership offer from Global Innovations. The potential here is massive."I approached, glancing over his shoulder at the documents. The figures were staggering, the kind that could solidify our company's position at the pinnacle of the industry. But
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 170
"Love isn't tested in the calm; it's forged in the storm."I stood at the edge of our penthouse balcony, the city lights stretching out like a sea of stars beneath me. The cool breeze did little to calm the storm brewing inside.Alexander's voice broke through my thoughts. "Leila, what's going on?"I turned to see him leaning against the doorway, concern etched on his face. His presence, usually so grounding, now felt like a lifeline."It's Daniel," I began, my voice barely steady. "He's back, and with him, all the memories I've tried to forget."Alexander's eyes narrowed. "What does he want?""He says he's in trouble," I replied, wrapping my arms around myself. "But his return has stirred up doubts about who I was... and who I am now."Alexander crossed the space between us, placing his hands on my shoulders. "Your past doesn't define you, Leila. We all have shadows. It's how we move forward that matters."Tears welled up, blurring my vision. "But what if those shadows catch up? What
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 169
"Just when you think you've buried your past, it has a way of knocking on your front door."The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of our penthouse, casting a golden glow over the minimalist decor. I stood at the kitchen island, nursing a cup of coffee, its rich aroma filling the air. Alexander sat across from me, engrossed in the financial section of the newspaper, his brow furrowed in concentration."Anything interesting?" I asked, breaking the comfortable silence.He looked up, a small smile playing on his lips. "Just the usual market fluctuations. Nothing that can't wait."I nodded, taking another sip of my coffee. The tranquility of the moment was shattered by the sharp chime of the doorbell. Alexander and I exchanged puzzled glances; we weren't expecting anyone."I'll get it," I offered, setting my mug down and moving toward the door.As I opened it, my breath caught in my throat. Standing before me was a ghost from my past—Daniel. His once-boyish face was
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 168
“Success had always been my compass, but lately, it felt like I was navigating without a map.”I stared at the half-empty espresso cup on the kitchen island. The crema had gone flat, the kind of detail I usually wouldn’t notice. But now it felt like the perfect metaphor for everything that had gone dull lately—even the parts of life that were supposed to taste rich.Leila padded in barefoot, wearing my faded CalTech hoodie and holding a mug of tea. Her hair was a mess, and her cheeks were still pink from sleep, but damn if she didn’t still stop me cold.“You didn’t sleep again,” she said.I gave a non-answer shrug and kept my eyes on the city outside the window.She set her mug down and leaned on the counter, not pressing yet. Just... waiting. That was something she’d learned recently. How to wait for me to come to her instead of dragging it out of me.“I’ve been thinking,” I finally said.“Uh-oh,” she said, smiling a little. “That’s your ‘change the company overnight’ voice.”“No. No
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 167
“Grief doesn’t ask permission. It just shows up, wrecks everything, and dares you to clean it up.”It started with silence.Not the peaceful kind. Not the kind where two people sit next to each other and don’t need to fill the space. This was the heavy kind. The kind that sat between us at the dinner table while Alexander pushed food around his plate and pretended to be somewhere else.He hadn’t touched the roasted chicken. I made it from scratch. It used to be his favorite.“You haven’t eaten all day,” I said, not looking up from my own plate. I’d barely taken a bite myself.“I’m not hungry.”"You said that yesterday."He finally looked up. His eyes were dull, rimmed red from nights I knew he wasn’t sleeping through.“Leila,” he said flatly. “Please. Not tonight.”I set my fork down. “It’s been nine nights.”He exhaled sharply and shoved his chair back. “I can't do this right now.”And just like that, he was gone—down the hall, the door to his study clicking shut behind him.At first
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 166
"Alex, it's your dad."I heard the change in his voice before I heard the words. He'd just picked up a call—early, too early for it to be anything good. His body stiffened. His shoulders pulled back like someone punched him from behind.I was halfway down the stairs in a T-shirt and one sock when I saw his face.“What’s wrong?” I asked, breath catching.He lowered the phone slowly like it weighed fifty pounds. “It’s my father,” he said. “He’s had a heart attack.”---We didn’t talk much on the drive to the hospital. He gripped the steering wheel like he needed it to keep breathing. I sat there, silent, staring out the window, trying to do something—anything—but think about what it would mean if this went badly.He didn’t need me to talk. Not yet.He just needed me there.---When we got to the hospital, we found Emily pacing outside the ICU. Her face was blotchy. Her hands shook.“They rushed him into surgery two hours ago,” she said, and when Alex hugged her, her voice cracked. “They
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 165
"We need to get away."Alexander's voice cut through the ambient hum of our penthouse, his tone resolute.I glanced up from my laptop, fingers hovering over the keyboard. "Away? Now?""Yes, now." He crossed the room, his movements deliberate, and gently closed my laptop. "We've been running on fumes for months, Leila. It's time to hit pause."I leaned back, studying his face—the tension etched in the lines around his eyes, the tight set of his jaw. "And you think a getaway will fix everything?""Not everything," he admitted, perching on the edge of the coffee table opposite me. "But it's a start."I sighed, the weight of unending responsibilities pressing down. "Where would we even go?"A slow smile curved his lips. "Leave that to me."---Two days later, we were airborne on his private jet, destination undisclosed. Alexander reveled in the mystery, his eyerevelledling with unspoken secrets."You're enjoying this, aren't you?" I teased, nudging his shoulder.He chuckled, a rich sound
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride Chapter 164
"You can't be serious, Leila."Alexander's voice echoed through our expansive living room, his tone a mix of disbelief and frustration.I stood my ground, meeting his intense gaze. "I am serious. This is my project, and I need to do this on my own."He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture I knew all too well. "Why now? Why this?""Because I need to prove to myself that I can," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.Alexander sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I just don't want to see you get hurt.""I know," I said softly. "But I have to take this risk."---The opportunity had come unexpectedly—a chance to lead a project without Alexander's influence overshadowing me. It was a small tech startup looking for investors, and I saw potential where others saw risk."You're sure about this?" Jessica, my closest confidante and our company's CFO, asked as we reviewed the proposal.I nodded. "Absolutely. This could be the breakthrough I've been waiting for."She raise
