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Chapter one hundred and fourteen: The first step
Last Updated:
2025-02-02 06:03:55
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The Billionaires Pawn Chapter one hundred and fifteen: Learning to trust
Lexi’s POVLexi sat across from Kayla in the car as they drove back from the appointment. The silence between them was thick—not uncomfortable, just… heavy. Kayla stared out the window, her fingers tapping against her thigh, lost in thought.Lexi cleared her throat. “So… how are you feeling?”Kayla huffed a short laugh. “Like I just signed up for something I don’t fully understand.”Lexi smiled slightly. “That’s fair.”Kayla turned to her, her gaze unreadable. “You really think this is gonna help?”Lexi tightened her grip on the steering wheel. “I hope so.”Kayla snorted. “Not exactly reassuring.”Lexi glanced at her. “I don’t want to lie to you. This isn’t a magic fix, Kay. It’s going to take time. Some days might feel better, some worse. But you don’t have to go through it alone.”Kayla leaned back in her seat, exhaling. “Yeah. That’s what everyone keeps saying.”Lexi hesitated, then softened her tone. “Because it’s true.”Kayla didn’t respond right away. She just kept staring out t
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Kayla’s POVThe psychiatrist’s office was too pristine, too calculated. The walls were a soft cream, the furniture deliberately warm and welcoming, and the air smelled like lavender. It was the kind of place that tried too hard to put people at ease, which only made Kayla more on edge.She sat stiffly on the couch, arms crossed, legs bouncing restlessly. Across from her, Dr. Evelyn Carter sat in a plush chair, legs crossed, a notebook resting in her lap. The woman’s face was calm, unreadable, but Kayla felt like every twitch, every subtle shift in her expression, was being scrutinized.“So, Kayla,” Dr. Carter said smoothly, flipping open her notebook. “Lexi tells me you’ve been struggling.”Kayla rolled her eyes. “Lexi tells people a lot of things.”Dr. Carter nodded, unfazed. “That’s true. She’s concerned about you.”Kayla exhaled sharply. “Lexi loves to worry.”“Because she loves you?” Dr. Carter offered.Kayla clenched her jaw. “Because she likes to control things.”A small pause.
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Kayla’s POVThe sterile white walls of the psychiatric office felt almost suffocating today. Kayla sat on the familiar chair, her fingers nervously tapping the edge of the table. She could hear the soft hum of the fluorescent lights above, a background noise that had become all too familiar during her time here.It had been a month since her first session with Dr. Elaine Roberts, and every visit had brought a new layer of discomfort, but also a sense of relief. Kayla could admit, now, that she hadn’t expected to feel any progress at all. She’d thought she was beyond repair. But now, sitting here, her thoughts were less chaotic, more organized. She could think clearly again.The door opened, and Dr. Roberts walked in with a small smile. She closed the door behind her and sat across from Kayla, her clipboard in hand.“Good afternoon, Kayla,” Dr. Roberts greeted, settling into her chair. “How are you feeling today?”Kayla hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. “Better, I guess.”Dr. Robe
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Kayla's POV“Kayla, I think we’re ready for the final evaluation,” Dr. Roberts said, her voice steady. “I’ve seen the progress you’ve made, and I’m confident in saying that you’re in a much healthier state than when we first met.”Kayla’s heart skipped a beat. Final evaluation? Was it really happening?Dr. Roberts smiled gently, sensing her uncertainty. “This doesn’t mean you’re done with therapy, but it’s an important milestone. It means you’re stable enough to take the next step.”Kayla’s chest tightened. “So… what now?”“You’ll continue your treatment, but it’s time for me to assess whether you need ongoing therapy or if a psychiatrist would be a better fit for your needs,” Dr. Roberts explained. “You’ve made excellent strides, Kayla. But some people need longer-term care.”Kayla swallowed hard, her thoughts racing. She’d been afraid of this moment—afraid that once they reached this point, they would tell her she wasn’t ready, that she would never be fully healed. But now, as Dr. R
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Lexi’s POVThe gala had been a success. I could feel the buzz of the evening still lingering in my bones, the adulation of the crowd, the celebration, and the way Julian’s hand had gripped mine as we walked together. They had just returned from the gala—an extravagant affair that Lexi had initially dreaded but ended up enjoying more than she’d expected. Julian had been his usual, charming self, and for the first time in a long while, Lexi felt like they were in a good place, both as a couple and as a family.“Alexander’s probably asleep by now,” Julian said, slipping off his tuxedo jacket and tossing it onto the nearby chair. “We’ll just check in on him before we—”Lexi’s eyes darted to the side. The house felt too quiet, too still.“Kayla?” she called, her voice tentative. “Kayla, are you here?”There was no answer. She frowned, a small knot of unease settling in her stomach. Kayla had been doing better. She had been better—so why wasn’t she here?Lexi walked farther into the living
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Lexis pov “We’ll find them,” Julian said again, more forcefully this time. “I’m having men sweep the entire area. Stay here. Don’t leave the house.”“No!” I shouted, my voice panicked. “I’m not staying here, Julian. Not without my son.”I was already pulling on my coat, ignoring the icy chill that had settled in the air. I couldn’t just wait. I had to go. I had to be the one to find him.He grabbed my wrist, pulling me back. “Lexi, listen to me.” His voice was steady but laced with concern. “You need to stay calm. If you come with me, we’re going to be able to cover more ground. Trust me.”I didn’t trust anyone in this moment. The fear was too sharp, too overwhelming. But I nodded anyway. He was right about one thing. I needed to stay focused.Julian’s POVThe cold air outside was a relief, but I could see the fear on Lexi’s face as we slid into the car. The engine roared to life, but my mind was running in a hundred directions. I couldn’t focus. All I could think about was the terro
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Lexi’s POVWhen Julian made the turn toward the diner, my heart leapt in my chest. This was it. The lead we needed.I couldn’t let myself get ahead of things. I couldn’t let myself hope—not yet. I focused on breathing, trying to steady my nerves, trying to stay strong. We weren’t there yet.But my mind kept racing. What if we get there and it’s already too late?The car screeched to a stop in front of the diner.I was out of the car before Julian could even park properly, my heart pounding with every step I took toward the entrance. Julian was right behind me, his presence strong, steady, and protective. But the fear that gripped me was stronger.“Stay here,” Julian commanded, pulling me back. “I’ll handle this. Just stay out of sight for a moment.”Julian’s POVI could feel the urgency in Lexi’s movements as we approached the diner, but I had to keep it together. This wasn’t just about rushing in—it was about getting answers.The diner was small, quiet for the time of night. I could
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Lexi’s POVThe barrel of the gun felt like ice against my forehead. My breath hitched, my body frozen in place. My son—my baby—was in her arms, just inches away, and I couldn’t do a damn thing.Alexa’s smirk deepened as she tilted her head. “Not so tough now, are you?” she taunted, pressing the gun harder against my skin.Julian moved, but one of her men cocked a gun in his direction. “Don’t,” Alexa warned, her voice laced with amusement. “I’d hate for this to get messy.”Julian’s jaw clenched. “Let them go, Alexa. This isn’t the way.”Alexa chuckled. “The way?” she echoed mockingly. “You still think there’s a way out of this where you win?” She glanced at Kayla, who was still seated, eerily quiet. “Tell them, Kayla. Tell them how you betrayed them.”Kayla smiled—smiled. “I was only doing what I was told,” she murmured, her voice distant, detached.My stomach twisted. She wasn’t just manipulated—she was gone.“Kayla, please,” I tried, forcing my voice to stay steady. “This isn’t you.
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The Billionaires Pawn Chapter one hundred and twenty-nine : A their amongst us
Julian’s POVI sat in my office, fingers tapping against the mahogany desk as I listened to Henry deliver the news.I barely blinked. Barely reacted.But inside, rage simmered.Betrayal.One of my most trusted men had been stealing from me. Not money—money could be replaced. Gold bars. He thought he was smart, skimming small amounts over time, thinking I wouldn’t notice.I always notice.Henry finished speaking, his expression tense. He knew what was coming next.“Where is he now?” I asked, my voice dangerously calm.“In the basement,” Henry replied. “Tied up. Waiting.”I stood, adjusting the cuffs of my shirt.Lexi chose that moment to walk in, Alexander asleep in her arms. She took one look at my face and frowned.“What’s wrong?”I turned to Henry. “Bring him up.”Henry nodded and left the room.Lexi stepped closer. “Julian?”I exhaled slowly, rolling my shoulders back as I met her gaze. “One of my men stole from me.”Her brows furrowed. “Stole what?”“Gold.”Her lips parted slightl
The Billionaires Pawn Chapter one hundred and twenty-eight: Our little world
Lexi’s POVThe soft sound of cooing filled the penthouse, followed by a tiny, delighted giggle.I smiled, watching Alexander kick his chubby little legs in excitement as Julian hovered over him, murmuring something in that deep, smooth voice of his.It was a rare sight—Julian, the ruthless billionaire, the man who could command a room with just a glance, lying on the plush nursery carpet, completely at the mercy of our son.“You think that’s funny, huh?” Julian smirked, gently tweaking Alexander’s nose.Alexander squealed, his bright blue eyes—so much like his father’s—shining with joy.My heart melted.It was moments like these that made everything worth it.Julian had been so consumed with the funeral, the family drama, and shielding me from their judgment that he hadn’t had much time with our son. But now, back in the sanctuary of our home, he was fully present.And it was beautiful.I leaned against the doorway, just watching.“Are you just going to stand there and admire me, or a
The Billionaires Pawn Chapter one hundred and twenty-seven: Back to Us
Lexi’s POVThe drive back felt longer than it actually was. Maybe because I spent most of it staring out the window, watching the scenery change, feeling the weight of the past few days settle in my bones.Julian sat beside me, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on my thigh—a silent reassurance that he was there. That we were leaving all the whispers, the judgment, the tension behind.Still, it clung to me.I had spent the past few days feeling like an outsider, an intruder in a world that would never truly accept me. The looks, the hushed conversations that stopped the moment I walked in—it was exhausting.I needed to be home.When the city skyline finally came into view, a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding slipped from my lips.Julian noticed.“We’re almost there,” he said, his voice low, comforting.I nodded, leaning my head against the cool glass.His grip on my thigh tightened slightly. “I know you didn’t feel comfortable there. I felt it, Lex. But you don’t have to an
The Billionaires Pawn Chapter one-hundred and twenty-six: No Doubts
The funeral had ended, but people lingered, murmuring, whispering—judging.I had already introduced Lexi to them, made it clear who she was to me, but I knew some of them wouldn’t let it go. These people thrived on gossip, clung to their outdated ideas of status and power.I stood near the doorway, barely listening to Henry talk to one of my mother’s old friends. My patience was wearing thin. I needed to leave.Then I heard it.A sharp voice, laced with condescension, from across the room.“She’s just after his money. That’s all women like her do—trap men like Julian. He was always too naïve when it came to pretty faces.”I froze. My entire body went rigid.“She probably saw the way he lived and decided to get knocked up,” the voice continued, smug and cruel. “What else would a nobody like her be doing with a man like him?”A quiet gasp. Then Lexi’s voice—calm, but firm. “You don’t know a damn thing about me.”My head turned sharply.Across the room, Lexi stood with her arms crossed,
The Billionaires Pawn Chapter one hundred and twenty-five: Leaving memories behind
**Julian’s Pov**The morning of the burial felt cold. Gray clouds filled the sky, creating a sad atmosphere that felt appropriate.People came in and out of the house, speaking softly and wearing black. Some faces were familiar—relatives I saw at family gatherings, ones who sent Holiday cards or called once a year out of duty. Others, I barely recognized.Then, there were those I didn’t want here at all.I stood by the window, watching more cars pull up outside. The air inside the house felt heavy with grief and quiet whispers, but underneath it all, tension lingered.Lexi stood by my side, quiet but supportive. Her fingers lightly touched mine, providing comfort.Henry entered, looking tired. “They’re all here,” he said softly.I nodded. “Let’s get this over with.”Lexi squeezed my hand.We stepped outside together. The backyard was set up for a small ceremony before the burial. Rows of chairs faced a plain wooden casket decorated with white lilies—my mother’s favorite.As I looked a
The Billionaires Pawn One hundred and twenty-four: Demise
**Lexi’s POV** The morning was calm and quiet, but something about it felt off. Julian was at the kitchen table, his fingers mindlessly tapping against the wood as he fixated on his cold coffee. The tension hanging in the air was stifling, laden with an unsaid burden. The last few days had been long, and I knew he was still wrestling with everything that had occurred with Alexa. But there was something more. Something heavier. When his phone rang, it cut through the quiet. He barely looked at the screen before picking up. “Yeah,” he replied, his voice rough. I observed him intently, waiting. Then, I noticed it—the change. The way his body tensed, his knuckles whitening as he clutched the phone tightly. I straightened up. “Julian?” His jaw tightened. Whatever he was hearing wasn’t good. A long silence expanded between us until he finally spoke again. “I understand,” he said, his voice low. “When?” I didn’t realize I was holding my breath until he ended the call. The
The Billionaires Pawn Chapter one hundred and twenty-three: When the dust settles
Lexi’s POV I stared at the clock on the wall, watching the minutes crawl by. Kayla was gone. Not in the way I had once feared, but in a way that finally gave me hope. She had agreed to get help. The night had been long, filled with difficult conversations, broken sobs, and painful acceptance. But in the end, she had listened. She had looked me in the eyes, truly looked at me, and nodded. Julian wasted no time making the necessary arrangements. By dawn, she was in the hands of professionals, taken to a place where she could finally get the help she needed. I exhaled slowly, pressing my fingers against my temple. My body was exhausted, but my mind refused to rest. Julian entered the room, his presence grounding. “She’s settled,” he said. “The doctor says she’s in good hands.” I nodded. “That’s good. That’s… really good.” Alexander stirred in his crib, his small hand curling into a fist. I reached out, brushing my fingers over his soft skin. “She loved him, in her own way,” I murm
The Billionaires Pawn Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-two: Waves of Peace
Lexi’s POVThe barrel of the gun felt like ice against my forehead. My breath hitched, my body frozen in place. My son—my baby—was in her arms, just inches away, and I couldn’t do a damn thing.Alexa’s smirk deepened as she tilted her head. “Not so tough now, are you?” she taunted, pressing the gun harder against my skin.Julian moved, but one of her men cocked a gun in his direction. “Don’t,” Alexa warned, her voice laced with amusement. “I’d hate for this to get messy.”Julian’s jaw clenched. “Let them go, Alexa. This isn’t the way.”Alexa chuckled. “The way?” she echoed mockingly. “You still think there’s a way out of this where you win?” She glanced at Kayla, who was still seated, eerily quiet. “Tell them, Kayla. Tell them how you betrayed them.”Kayla smiled—smiled. “I was only doing what I was told,” she murmured, her voice distant, detached.My stomach twisted. She wasn’t just manipulated—she was gone.“Kayla, please,” I tried, forcing my voice to stay steady. “This isn’t you.
The Billionaires Pawn Chapter one hundred and Twenty: Sour Surprise
Lexi’s POVWhen Julian made the turn toward the diner, my heart leapt in my chest. This was it. The lead we needed.I couldn’t let myself get ahead of things. I couldn’t let myself hope—not yet. I focused on breathing, trying to steady my nerves, trying to stay strong. We weren’t there yet.But my mind kept racing. What if we get there and it’s already too late?The car screeched to a stop in front of the diner.I was out of the car before Julian could even park properly, my heart pounding with every step I took toward the entrance. Julian was right behind me, his presence strong, steady, and protective. But the fear that gripped me was stronger.“Stay here,” Julian commanded, pulling me back. “I’ll handle this. Just stay out of sight for a moment.”Julian’s POVI could feel the urgency in Lexi’s movements as we approached the diner, but I had to keep it together. This wasn’t just about rushing in—it was about getting answers.The diner was small, quiet for the time of night. I could
