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Chapter 34: Defenses Intact
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2024-10-11 08:57:11Related chapters
The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 35: Depressed and Insecure
RubyI rub at my eyes as I lie awake the following morning. I’m not even surprised Archer left the bed. But for a moment there, I think I see even the tiniest glimpse of contrition beneath his facade. The way he kisses me, holds me like I’m delicate.I exhale, causing my tousled hair to flutter across my forehead. I must have been mistaken thinking I saw a glimpse of the old Archer. I am definitely being delusional. But it doesn’t make it any less worse. I look around the large room, feeling lonely. Archer will not spare me even the slightest bit of his time. I get up and stretch lazily.I can’t afford to be hungry and sad; I think as I make my way to the bathroom. I freshen up quickly and then I put on the next thing I can find, which is a grey shirt. I roll the sleeves unceremoniously and put on grey sweatpants. My gaze lands on a yellow floral dress. It reminds me of sunshine and the peace and tranquility I long for. But I’m not feeling warm or sunshiny, so I close the closet with
Last Updated : 2024-10-11The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 36: A Plan to Change
ArcherThe expression on Ruby's face this morning cuts me deep. Since when did I become this monster? How did I let my hurt and pain turn me into this wicked being that his wife is afraid of? My need for retribution has turned me into a shadow of myself.How could I hurt her like this? I'm so disgusted with myself that I run out the moment she enters. I didn't want to face the product of my mistakes. I think about how she looks this morning; her eyes have dark circles under them, her usual glow is missing.I've punished her enough for something neither of us can change. It's high time to start looking at the future and not the past. What's done is done; I can't change it, but I can make the future better. I sigh. I miss my wife. I miss the days when we used to talk for hours and could never get enough. I miss the way she used to look at me with love and warmth. I miss holding her hands. I miss her even when I'm with her.I promise myself as the elevator takes me to the ground floor th
Last Updated : 2024-11-08The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 37: Tensions And Worries
RubyWatching Archer hurry away for work as usual breaks my heart. How much longer are we going to continue like this? How much longer before I become a shadow of myself?I blame myself every day for the strain in our marriage. I blame Archer more for not wanting to fix it. We could book couples therapy and try to work through our problems, but broaching that topic with Archer will require him to actually talk to me.I'm still in the kitchen when Sophia walks in; she's wearing her usual clothes, just a shirt. I grit my teeth and clench my fist. This is my house; she can't continue to dress like that, or I'm kicking her out."What are you wearing, Sophie? Or not wearing?" I ask casually."None of your business," she responds."Actually, it is. This is my house, and Archer is my husband. I'd really appreciate it if you stop dressing like that. Because if you don't, you're out of here," I threaten, hoping Archer will back up my words if it comes to it. Briefly wondering if he'll choose m
Last Updated : 2024-11-08The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 38: A Realization
ArcherSitting across from the investor from Spain who wants us to partner with them, I zone out as he goes on and on about the advantages of the partnership. I haven't had time to speak with Ruby for days now. I haven't told her about wanting to bury the hatchet or asked her for forgiveness.I know I'm only delaying because I'm afraid that I've pushed her too far and that I could never win her back. Be that as it may, I miss her badly enough that I'd rather risk doom than spend another hour talking to her. The investor is still talking, and I stifle the urge to yawn.My phone vibrates to announce an incoming message. I sneak it out and take a peek. What I see makes me jump up from my seat, startling everyone at the table, including the investor."Um, I'm sorry. I have to use the restroom. Excuse me," I say. I get out as quickly as I can. "Shit, shit. I can't believe Sophia would do this," I murmur, walking quickly to the front of the building. I call Ruby's phone; it rings and rings,
Last Updated : 2024-11-08The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 39: The Hospital Visit
RubyI hear a knock at the door, and I know it’s my friend, Julia. She has been visiting ever since the last time she came. It was a memorable event where I got to hang out with the kids from the orphanage and also be free around her, now that Archer isn’t in town. We definitely have a lot to catch up on. I take a deep breath and open the door.Julia sees the look on my face and rushes over to me, giving me a big hug.“Oh my God, are you okay?” she asks, and I can feel the concern in her voice.“Yes, I am,” I assure her.“You sure don’t look fine to me; you’ve got dark circles around your eyes,” Julia says.“It’s just stress. You know, I’ve been doing some work at home,” I explain.“You should get help to assist you at home. I don’t like to see you stress out yourself,” she suggests.“Don’t worry; I’ll be fine. It’s nothing that I can’t handle,” I reassure her, gesturing for her to come into the living room.We both sit on the big cushion, and she looks happy as she runs her eyes all
Last Updated : 2024-11-08The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 40: Rushing To Ruby’s Side
Archer“Mr. Archer? Are you still there?”“Yeah... yeah! I’m here. Go on,” I say quickly, the director’s voice snapping me out of my thoughts.“Are you sure? ‘Cause you seemed a bit distracted for a moment there.”“I’m fine, director. Please continue.”I am distracted. Ever since I got the call from Julia, my heart hasn’t stopped racing. Why is she at the hospital? Julia is saying something about her slipping and falling. I’m not so sure if I heard her right with the sound of my heartbeat filling my ear.Ruby looks okay when I leave the house, I am sure of that. What I’m not sure of is the state she is in after probably seeing those pictures. She ignores all my calls, all twenty-three of them. Yes, I count, my agitation mounting each time the phone goes unpicked. I quickly grab the phone when I see her calling, only to find out its Julia.I would totally cancel this meeting like the others if it wasn’t scheduled by the committee. I can’t let them think I’m slacking or they’d pounce on
Last Updated : 2024-11-08The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 41: A Surprised Revelation
RubyI lay on the sterile hospital bed, my gaze fixed on the plain, off-white ceiling. The harsh fluorescent lights flickered intermittently, casting a cold glow that seemed to accentuate the sterile environment.The air was heavy with the unmistakable scent of antiseptic, a clinical aroma that permeated every corner of the room. It clung to my nostrils, invading my senses and evoking a sense of unease. I despised that smell. It reminds me of illness and vulnerability.The room itself was stark and functional, devoid of any personal touches or warmth. The walls, painted in an uninspiring shade of pale blue, were barren except for a few nondescript medical charts and a clock that ticked away the seconds with ruthless efficiency. The linoleum floor squeaked underfoot as nurses hurried past, their footsteps echoing through the sterile corridors.I closed my eyes momentarily, attempting to shut out the sterile environment that surrounded me. Instead, I focused on the sounds that seeped th
Last Updated : 2024-11-08The Billionaire's Stubborn Bride Chapter 42: Confession And Forgiveness
ArcherI sat in the waiting area, my mind racing with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. It had been incredibly hard for me to leave Ruby's side, even for a short while. She was carrying our child, and the weight of that responsibility weighed heavily on my shoulders. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was to blame for her current condition, despite her assurances that I wasn't.The kind-looking doctor called my name, and I followed her into the examination room. I discarded my shirt as instructed, exposing the wound on my shoulder. The doctor went to work, cleaning and stitching it up with practiced precision. In no time, the wound was covered, and she provided me with instructions for care."Just make sure to keep the wound clean and dry, and it should heal nicely. If you experience any pain or swelling, don't hesitate to reach out to us," the doctor advised, offering a reassuring smile."Thank you, Doc," I expressed my gratitude before hastily making my way back to Ruby's ward. Ev
Last Updated : 2024-11-08
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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.
