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Chapter 17: Late Night Reflections
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2024-09-07 05:31:25Related chapters
The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 18: Planning Alone
RubyAfter days of ignoring Archer and giving him the cold shoulder, I’ve noticed a change. He no longer waits for me in the morning or checks up on me at lunch. Archer has simply stopped, and even though I haven’t been receptive, it still hurts.As I lie on my bed this evening after a hectic day at work, my mind drifts back to a recent conversation I had with Ethel on the phone.“What?” She exclaims after I recount the entire story. “I’m going to kill him.”I laugh, knowing how fierce Ethel can be.“I’m so sorry you’re stuck in this, Ruby. Can’t you get out of this wedding? Surely Papa will see reason,” she sympathizes with me.“When you consider that moving in with him months before the wedding all but compromises me, and the importance of the shipping lines he’s bringing with him, we need him, Ethel,” I say softly, rubbing my temple as a headache looms.“Shit, I’m so sorry, Rubes,” she says.“Sometimes, I wish I never agreed to this wedding, Ethel,” I admit, my heart breaking all o
Last Updated : 2024-09-07The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 19: Left At the Altar
ArcherToday is my wedding day. My hand shakes as I try to knot my bowtie.The last few weeks have been dreadful. Giving Ruby space when all I want to do is shake her until she tells me why she changed. Why did she want Diavolo instead of me? What went wrong?But the fear of losing her and chasing her away has kept me calm since. Once we get married, she can’t run away. She will be mine. Then we will thrash out any differences between us, and I’ll make her forget all about Diavolo.“Bro.” Jordan knocks, then steps in. He looks good in his tuxedo, as my best man, he had to.“Mom just called; they are at the venue already,” he says, walking up to me to help me knot my tie.I inhale deeply and exhale. Jordan’s parents and younger siblings arrived last night for my wedding. Other than them, I won’t have any family members on my side.After my mom ran away with the gardener when I was three, my father cut away every connection between us and her family, the few that were left.I don’t know
Last Updated : 2024-09-07The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 20: Flight From Fear
RubySitting in the limo in my custom-made wedding dress, perfect hair and makeup, I try not to throw up. My hands are sweaty, and my heart is beating fast—so fast that I’m surprised no one can hear it.When Ethel arrived yesterday, I went to the airport to wait for her. Her husband, Anthony, is such a darling because he let us go alone, probably figuring out that we needed some girl time.“So, what’s the plan?” Ethel asks as she stirs her iced tea with her straw.“Unfortunately, there isn’t one,” I reply.“Damn.” She curses, then drinks her tea.“You’re a duchess now; you’re not alone to swear,” I inform her.Ethel laughs, “Before I became a duchess, I was my own person.”“Indeed,” I raise my iced tea and take a sip.“I thought maybe I should confront Archer about his relationship with Sophia and tell him to call off the wedding. But I know he wouldn’t. Besides, he needs me as much as I need his shipping lines. There will be no calling off the wedding.”I think we should call off the
Last Updated : 2024-09-07The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 21: Lost But Found
ArcherGetting drunk after being jilted was a good idea this afternoon. When the taxi driver drops me at the hotel later that night, with my head spinning, I can’t remember why it was a good idea in the first place.I stagger to the hotel door and open it. It’s late in the night, and the reception is almost empty.I’m walking to the elevator when I almost fall down.I close my eyes to orient myself, and when I open them, I see black heels stopping in front of me.I raise my head and follow those black heels to the face of the wearer. A petite woman with a slender frame, black hair, and black eyes. She’s wearing a smile and looks so familiar. But for the life of me, I can’t remember where I’ve met her before. My drunk ass was too tired to stress my brain.“Hello, Archer,” she says.“Do I know you?” I ask, genuinely curious.“Surely you must have seen pictures of me while growing up?” She asks, sounding surprised.“Why would I? Are you a famous person?” I retort.“No. I’m your mother.”
Last Updated : 2024-10-11The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 22: Unexpected Shelter
RubyHissing in frustration, I walk away from the empty house. I ran all the way—not minding if the world thinks of me as crazy—to Diavolo’s only to meet an empty house after hoping for comfort in his arms.I drag my feet, tired from running. And then, I come to a stop on the not-so-bustling city street, desperation surging through me. The chill in the air does little to numb the rawness of my plight. I cannot go back home; Papa would get a hold of my throat for embarrassing his mighty name and soiling Archer’s ego.And my sister, Ethel, I have no word in mind to illustrate how furious yet, hopeful she is at the moment. Encouraging everyone to wait for my return, which will not happen.I stamp my feet on the ground, unconsciously acting on my thoughts.I feel terribly uncomfortable from the steaming eyes of passers-by. I am grateful that no one approaches me instead, they continue to steal glances from afar while going about their activities.After taking a few steps forward to avoid
Last Updated : 2024-10-11The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 23: Return To Routine
ArcherI walk into Ferretti Winery, and the first thing that meets my eyes is the pitiful look from the employees. They shouldn't care about these little things, but I know that I am the subject of discussion at work today. I don't care; I want to focus on work.Heading to my new office as one of the directing officers, I overhear most of the employees talking about the situation as I walk past. Some are feeling pity for me and the fact that I have to put up with "Ruby's tantrums." I chuckle a bit at that.It seems like most of them believe that Ruby is at fault, which is good for me. The last thing I want is staff who do not like me for whatever reason."Good morning, boss," my new assistant, Sonia, says. "Good morning, is the meeting for this morning still scheduled to hold?" I ask. Just because Ruby ran off does not mean that the business world is at a standstill. Business must go on, and I'm going to keep Ferretti's winery moving. "Yes, sir. I believe they are waiting for you in t
Last Updated : 2024-10-11The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 24: A Call and A Warning
ArcherI rush out of the bathroom toward my ringing phone. I would have ignored it, but whoever is calling seems to be pretty persistent."Hello!" I nearly scream into the phone."Archer? I'm so sorry if I caught you at a bad time; I can call back later.""No, it's fine," I say as I recognize Ethel's voice."Are you sure?""Yeah, what's up?" I ask while adjusting the towel around my waist and sitting down on the bed."Nothing much. I just wanted to inform you, in case you didn't know yet, that the wedding will hold.""What wedding?""Yours. With Ruby," she replies exasperatedly.I feel my stomach drop. I had thought I numbed out the feelings that came with the thoughts of her. This news means she's coming back from wherever she ran to."Why are you the one telling me this?""Because I was asked to. Can you stop asking these questions and just get ready for your fiancée's return?"I laugh harshly at her words."The same fiancée that stood me up at the altar? I feel like all of you expe
Last Updated : 2024-10-11The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 25: Homecoming Dilemma
RubyThe rays of the sun hit through the window pane. How I love the sight of it, especially with the children around me. It gives me hope, makes me forget that I have a life outside the orphanage, it helps me discard the memory of running away from the being married.I engage the children with games and help out with painting of papers.“Mama.” Elvin cries for help, obviously frustrated about the blocks not forming a heap.I stretch my hands to him and fix it up.“Thank you, ma.” A smile engulfs his teary and tired face.I rub his head playfully and turn to the children painting the rainbows.I raise up my head and a wave of surprise and concern hits me as Julia approaches me with a coldness in her expression. This is unlike the warm and welcoming Julia I know.“Hey, Julia.” I smile, hoping her countenance would change.She clears her throat in a disturbing way.“What is the problem?” It is unlike her to act this way.She hesitates for a while. “Your father is waiting outside.”Her w
Last Updated : 2024-10-11
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The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 81: Till Infinity
Archer“Really?” Ruby asks while she continues what she’s doing. She stops for a while and looks up at me, giving me a naughty smile.“What are you thinking?” I ask.“Anything you’re thinking, that’s what I’m thinking,” she says while letting out a light giggle.I look at her, still marveling at how she got to be so beautiful. Her hair falls off from her shoulders, and it is silky and dark. It smells of fresh olives, which turns my insides on.“So, tell me, what are you thinking? I want to know,” she inquires.“I’m not a man of many words, I’d rather show you what I’m thinking than say it out,” I reply back.“How will you show me?”“Just let me do my thing. You’ll know when I’ve shown it fully,” I say with a wide grin“Well, I just can’t wait already,” she says as she giggles and lays her head on my chest while I still hold her firmly by the waist.My nose picks up the scent of her perfume as I draw her closer to myself, and it is like a warm hug.It is soft and subtle, but it is unmi
The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 80: Happily Ever After
RubyMany women want flashy or flamboyant weddings, not me. I always want to have the opposite, a quiet wedding with a few close friends as guests. I have also always imagined getting married to a man who would be head over heels in love with me.Today, I am getting one out of those two wishes. I am going to have the quiet, serene wedding of my dreams but to a man who can’t stand me, Archer Petraki. Most women would give anything to be in my position right now. They would be happy and excited to be his wife, not fidgety and nervous like I am.I stare at my reflection in the mirror, thinking I look pretty enough. The white wedding gown snugly hugs my shape, then tapers down and flows out. I have white roses braided into my hair. A tiny necklace with an A initial nestles on my chest.I am happy with how the makeup turns out. I told the guy I wanted something natural. I turn around to get a better look at the back just when the door swings open without a knock, and my sister walks in.“Y
The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride CHAPTER 79: Intense Passion
RUBYMoist heat trailed up the side of my neck. I sigh, more asleep than awake. A gentle suction just under my ear draws a shudder from my body. I give myself over to the feel of his mouth against my skin and the warm strength of his hard body behind me. The backs of his fingers brushed over the bare skin just beneath my navel. My body tense with need. His fingers slid beneath the waistband of my panties, teasing curls of hair as he seeks my clit. I'm so hot and swollen. How had he gotten me so worked up so quickly? His fingers stroke me with the speed, pressure, and rhythm required to bring me to orgasm in seconds.“Oh God!” I cry as her body convulse with release. I have never climaxed so quickly before. I turn my head to seek his mouth with mine. I reach for him, my hand finding the warm skin of his arm. He must have removed his shirt while I was sleeping. A little more exploring finds him still wearing his pajama bottoms. Damn. He kisses me, and then shifts me back against his che
The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 78: One Step Closer
ArcherI tried to convince myself that my steadily tapping feet were not an indication of my excitement at her return. Yes, I was angry, furious even, but also relieved.I glance at my watch again.“Why isn’t she here yet?” I mutter irritably.Her sister said she’d be here an hour ago.I stand from the couch, pacing around, then sit down at the thought of her walking in and seeing that I was not totally aloof to her absence, that her running away had bothered me more than anything had ever bothered me before. Someone like her didn’t deserve to know she had that kind of power over me.I cross and uncross my leg for the sixth time. I’d missed her. I could admit that to myself alone, but to no one else, especially not to Ruby. Another thing I’d never admit was staying home just because she was coming back.The doorbell rings, and I stand up, hurrying toward the main entrance, pausing briefly to take a deep breath before unlocking the door.“Hi.”“Hi,” I breathe out, her beauty knocking t
The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 77: The Resolution
Archer"Sit down Archer,all that pacing is making me nervous" I ignore Aolo's statement as I keep walking around the office space. We suddenly lost connection with Mirabel and with it,my faith in the mission. I'm left feeling adrift ,unsure of what is happening. Unsure if she was able to get Ruby and herself out of the house fast enough."I can't relax,bro. How can you even be so chill about all this? For all we know they could be in trouble now." I suddenly pause my pacing as a thought flashed in my head"We need to go over there" Aolo begins to shake his head in disagreement but I press on"We have to,they might need our help now.""You would be risking everything you've been trying to avoid Archer. What if the sight of you triggers him into hurting her? Can you really be able to live with the idea that you might have been the reason why she got harmed?" " Didn't think of it that way" I say after another pause"Of course you didn't" he replies calmly"I'm losing my fucking medula
The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 76: Pregnancy illness
RubyI hear the door being unlocked and I don't even bother to turn. I already know who it is."Hello darling" Diavolo greets cheerfully as he walks into the room. I ignore him "Still being stubborn?" He asks and this time I sit up from the bed and glare at him"You need to let me go. I'm having terrible pregnancy illnesses and I have to go to a hospital. I need supplements and vitamins"He laughs harshly then stops as his eyes travel down my body, briefly stalling at my slightly protruding stomach. "You really think I give a shit if you lose that baby? Heck! I want you to lose it. It's a liability honey,a setback. So no….you won't be getting any vitamins or supplements.""Fuck you!" "Well that can be arranged" he responds again,the smile still on his face."Look Ruby,you really have limited options here,you can't keep being headstrong,it will cost you". I scoff and give him a look thickly laced with disdain" I would rather die than submit to you Diavolo. You can't always have what
The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 76 : The Paved Way!
ArcherI stare absently at the wall as the phone rings. I make no move to answer it, lost in my own thoughts. The sound of the phone becomes nothing more than background noise, drowned out by the thoughts swirling in my head. Whoever it is will have to call back later or never again. I get up and walk towards the connecting door between the master's bedroom and the room I am in. The room I've been spending my nights and most of my days.I have not been sleeping in our room ever since Ruby was kidnapped. It's a kind of punishment to myself for not being able to protect her enough. I stare longingly at the double bed as memories of our happy memories threaten to overwhelm me . I step towards the closet and reach for the handle, opening the door to reveal her neatly organized clothes, taking a moment to look at them.I pick out a blouse, holding it close enough to inhale her lingering scent. "I'm so sorry baby" I whisper into the silence,my voice slightly raspy from all the emotions cour
The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 75: The Way Forward
RubyI stared absently at the television, my whole mind in turmoil. In the space of one hour, I had thought about ten different escape options, and all of them had massive loopholes. "I hated it here," I said to myself; I had been doing that a lot more often these past few weeks. I froze slightly as I heard the telltale sound of the doorknob twisting and the door swinging open. And there he was, standing in the doorway with an unreadable expression that made my heart skip a bit. "Hello beautiful, how are you today?" "Fuck off!" I snapped, ignoring the fear twisting my gut. His face broke into a wide smile as he walked into the room and shut the door. "Always feisty, that's one of the many things I love about you, Ruby." I reflexively jumped up from the bed, not wanting him to meet me on top of it. "What do you want from me, Diavolo?" I asked, my voice surprisingly calm. He didn't respond until he was standing right in front of me. "Isn't that quite obvious now, Ruu?" he said while
The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 74:The Threshold
RubyI lay still on the bed, a smile on my lips as I stared at the white ceiling above me. I’d sent Archer home to go freshen up, but not after teasing him that he stank. But to be honest, I didn’t want him going after Diavolo and causing trouble.I shrugged off the thought of Diavolo finding me. Even I wasn’t certain I was safe from him but I had to calm Archer down somehow. Put his mind at ease, at least.The thought of what Julia said about Diavolo hovered around in my mind.Who would have thought, someone I once loved with all my heart was a huge scam! No wonder papa never accepted him.I sighed and shut my eyes.The door opened and I turned towards it. Two nurses walked in, they were both dressed in green scrub. One had on a face mask that prevented me from seeing even the bridge of her nose while the other carried a little metal tray containing some hospital equipment. They both walked to my bedside.“Good day Mrs. Petraki” The nurse carrying the tray greeted with a broad smile.
