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Heartbeat 57
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2024-12-21 08:42:43The weight of James’s proposal still lingered heavily in my mind, even after days of quiet reflection. I had never been one to make decisions lightly, especially when it came to matters of the heart. There was always a part of me that overanalyzed, weighed the options, considered the risks. But as I stood on the precipice of this decision, I couldn’t help but feel like I was looking at my future, standing at a crossroads.
And there was no turning back.It had been a few weeks since James had asked me to marry him, and I had yet to give him an answer. The love I felt for him was undeniable—raw, real, and all-encompassing—but the weight of that love had only grown with time. There were layers to this relationship, layers that weren’t easy to peel back. James wasn’t just the man I loved; he was also the man I was trying to save. And, though the doctors assured us that his health was stable for now, I couldn’t shake the fear that it could all change in the blink of an
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Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 58
It’s funny how life can change in an instant. One moment, you’re stuck in a never-ending storm, fighting against forces that seem determined to break you, and the next, you’re standing on the other side, bathed in the light of victory. The feeling of that victory isn’t always what you expect—sometimes, it’s more relief than celebration, more exhaustion than elation. But that doesn’t make it any less significant. In fact, it makes it feel all the more earned.James had been fighting Derek for months now—months of stress, pressure, late nights, sleepless mornings. Derek’s attacks on his company, his health, and his reputation had come at a relentless pace. Every time James managed to dodge one, another would appear, like an unrelenting tide. It had tested not just his resilience, but mine too. I had watched as the man I loved was forced to face one challenge after another, often standing alone in the eye of the storm. And yet, through it all, I had never once seen him give up
Last Updated : 2024-12-21Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 59
There’s a certain kind of peace that comes when you finally stop fighting the current and start flowing with it. That’s how I felt as I sat across from James, the morning sun streaming through the windows of our favorite café. The world outside seemed to hum with activity, but inside, with him, everything felt still, purposeful. We weren’t just recovering from the chaos of the last few months—we were rebuilding. Together. James reached across the table, his fingers brushing against mine. It was such a simple gesture, yet it carried the weight of everything we had been through. The battles we fought, the victories we claimed, the wounds we healed—they were all woven into that touch. “You’ve been quiet,” he said softly, his eyes searching mine. “What’s on your mind?” I smiled, squeezing his hand gently. “I was just thinking about how far we’ve come. How different this moment feels compared to everything we’ve been through. It’s... nice.” His lips curved into a small smile, the kind
Last Updated : 2024-12-21Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 60
There’s a rare kind of tranquility that settles over you when you know a storm is brewing but hasn’t yet arrived. It was a delicate, precious time—a chance to breathe, reflect, and prepare. That’s how it felt in the weeks following James’s victory over Derek. We had carved out a bubble of peace for ourselves, one we both knew wouldn’t last forever, but one we desperately needed. The morning sun streamed through the windows of our shared office, casting golden light on the scattered papers and whiteboard scribbles that had become the backdrop of our lives. James was pacing, as he often did when deep in thought, while I sat at the desk, reviewing his latest proposal. “This is ambitious,” I said, glancing up at him with a raised brow. He stopped mid-stride, his expression eager. “Good ambitious or bad ambitious?” “Good,” I admitted, setting the papers down. “But ambitious nonetheless. Expanding into international markets is no small feat, especially after everything we’ve been throug
Last Updated : 2024-12-21Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 61
The knock at the door was unexpected. James and I exchanged a glance, the easy rhythm of our Saturday morning interrupted by the sound. He frowned slightly as he rose from the couch, his body language instantly tense. “I wasn’t expecting anyone,” he muttered, striding toward the door. I followed him, a mug of coffee warming my hands, and watched as he pulled the door open. On the other side stood a man who could only be James’s father. The resemblance was striking—same sharp features, piercing eyes, and the imposing presence of someone used to commanding attention. “Father,” James said, his voice tight, a mix of surprise and resentment coloring his tone. “James,” his father replied, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. His gaze swept over the room, landing on me. “And you must be Olivia.” “Yes,” I said cautiously, extending a hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” His handshake was brief, his focus already back on James. “We need to talk.” I could feel the tension radiati
Last Updated : 2024-12-21Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 62
The first time I saw her, it was like stepping into someone else’s memory. Claire was everything I’d imagined James’s ex-fiancée would be: poised, polished, and impossibly beautiful. She walked into his office as if she owned the air around her, her confidence filling every corner of the room. I had come to surprise James with lunch, carrying a bag from his favorite deli, when I saw her standing by his desk. Her laugh was light and familiar, the kind that felt practiced but intimate. “James,” she said, her voice lilting with nostalgia, “it’s been too long.” I froze just outside the doorway, unsure whether to interrupt or retreat. James hadn’t noticed me yet, but I could see the flicker of surprise—and something else—on his face as he responded. “Claire,” he said, standing. “What are you doing here?” “I heard about your success,” she replied, leaning slightly closer to him. “I wanted to congratulate you in person. And, well, I thought it might be nice to catch up.” I stepped into
Last Updated : 2024-12-21Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 63
I always thought I understood pressure. My work in the hospital had taught me how to keep calm under fire, to compartmentalize, and to focus on the task at hand no matter the chaos around me. But nothing could have prepared me for the storm of public scrutiny that came with being James Sterling’s fiancée. The first wave of articles was flattering, almost celebratory. News outlets painted a glowing picture of James’s romantic gesture and our relationship, dubbing me the "woman who tamed the untouchable billionaire." It was surreal to see our faces plastered across magazines and websites, our story dissected by people who didn’t even know us. But as the days went on, the tone began to shift. “Who Is Olivia Harper?” one headline screamed, accompanied by a less-than-flattering photo of me from years ago, looking harried in scrubs. Another article speculated about my "hidden motives," suggesting I was using James for his wealth and power. There were insinuations that our relationship wa
Last Updated : 2024-12-21Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 64
I was sipping my morning coffee, my laptop open on the kitchen island, when the email arrived. At first, I thought it was a routine message, another reminder to submit some overdue paperwork or an update on hospital policies. But as I skimmed the subject line—Director Position for New Research Initiative—my heart skipped a beat. The email detailed an opportunity to lead a groundbreaking medical research project focused on innovative treatment methods for chronic illnesses. The project was funded by a prestigious foundation, promising state-of-the-art facilities, a world-class team, and the chance to make a real impact in the field of medicine. I read the email twice, then a third time, just to be sure I wasn’t imagining it. --- “James!” I called, setting my coffee down with a trembling hand. He appeared in the doorway, still adjusting his tie. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing’s wrong,” I said quickly. “I just… I just got offered a position to lead a new research project.” His expressio
Last Updated : 2024-12-21Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 65
Family dinners had always been a mix of chaos and warmth in my life, but tonight, the tension was as thick as the gravy my mom ladled onto mashed potatoes. I sat at the table with my mom and two sisters, trying to enjoy the meal, but I could feel the weight of their unspoken judgments hanging in the air. “So,” my mom finally began, her voice heavy with that unmistakable tone of concern that only mothers can master. “What’s going on with you and James? Are you really going through with this engagement?” The fork in my hand froze midair. I should have known this was coming. Ever since James’s public announcement, my family had been strangely quiet about the news, which was uncharacteristic for them. My sisters, Rachel and Emily, exchanged glances before turning their attention to me. “Yes, I’m going through with it,” I replied carefully, setting my fork down. “We haven’t set a date yet, but we’re committed to each other.” Mom sighed, and the sound made my chest tighten. “Olivia,
Last Updated : 2024-12-22
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Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 88
There are moments in life when time feels like it stands still—when everything falls into place, and the weight of the past fades into the background, leaving only the present. As I stood in the quiet of our living room, watching Noah play on the floor, I realized that this was one of those moments. The world around us, the worries, the challenges, the sleepless nights, had all brought us here—together, as a family. And I wouldn’t change a thing. James was beside me, a rare moment of stillness between us, the only sound the soft hum of the refrigerator and Noah’s giggles. He had always been the one to take charge, to handle things, to drive forward. But now, watching him sit beside me as a father, I saw the softness in his eyes that hadn’t been there before. The way he looked at Noah, with such love and tenderness, made my heart swell. "You know," he said softly, breaking the silence, "I never imagined this—this life we’ve built, this family. It’s everything I never knew I needed."
Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 87
The sound of baby laughter filled the room, a sound that still had the power to make my heart flutter. Our son, Noah, was sprawled out on the blanket we had set up on the floor, surrounded by colorful toys that I’d picked out, each one carefully chosen with his future in mind. Every moment with him felt like an awakening, a deep-rooted understanding that nothing could matter more than this life we were building. James was sitting across from me, his laptop open, fingers flying across the keys. Even now, after everything we’d been through, after the whirlwind of pregnancy and parenthood, he remained the tireless, driven man I’d always admired. His mind never stopped working, always calculating, always strategizing for the future. But there was a softness to him now, a tenderness that made it clear that no matter how much he worked, Noah and I were always his priority. I watched him for a moment, taking in the way the sunlight filtered through the windows, casting golden hues across t
Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 86
The room was quiet except for the steady beep of the machines and the soft rustle of nurses moving in and out. The air was thick with anticipation, but there was something else in the atmosphere—something undeniable. Something raw. I was here, in this hospital room, about to give birth to the child James and I had been dreaming about for months. The excitement, the fear, the overwhelming love—it all felt like a rush, crashing over me in waves I could barely catch. The contractions had started in the early hours of the morning, slow and spaced out, but now they were coming faster, harder. And I couldn’t stop shaking. James was right by my side, holding my hand, his presence anchoring me to the present. His face was calm, but I knew him better than anyone. I could see the tension in his jaw, the worry in his eyes. He wanted so desperately to ease my pain, to make everything easier for me, but there was nothing he could do but be here with me. And that was enough. His support was all I
Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 85
The moment I found out I was pregnant, everything changed. It wasn’t just the obvious shift—the growing belly, the endless discussions about baby names and nurseries—but something deeper, something I hadn’t expected. It was a part of me, a quiet, underlying uncertainty that started to swell within me. The excitement, of course, was there. The joy of knowing that James and I were about to bring a new life into the world was almost overwhelming. But alongside that joy, there were fears—silent whispers in the back of my mind that I couldn’t ignore, no matter how hard I tried. Would I be a good mom? Could I balance this new responsibility with my career? Would I lose the part of myself that I had worked so hard to build, the part that had always been me—Olivia, the woman who prided herself on independence and strength? As I stood in front of the mirror one night, my hands gently resting on my rounded belly, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the questions pressing against me. I had
Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 84
The first thing I noticed when I woke up that morning was the overwhelming sense of change. The air in our house felt different. It wasn’t just the morning light creeping in through the curtains or the quiet hum of the city outside. It was something else, something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. But as I looked at James, still sleeping beside me, I knew it was real: we were about to become parents. I had always been independent—confident, self-assured, and, if I was being honest, a little bit selfish when it came to my time and my career. But now, my world was shifting. It wasn’t just about me anymore. It wasn’t just about James and me, either. There was a little person coming into our lives, and everything was about to change. I couldn’t deny the excitement, but there was also a healthy dose of fear mixed in. How would we manage the transition? How would we balance our busy careers and a newborn? What kind of parents would we be? I could hear James stir beside me, and I turned
Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 83
I never imagined that the words "You’re pregnant" would hit me like a ton of bricks. And yet, as I sat there staring at the small white stick in my hand, the realization was slowly sinking in, each passing second heavier than the last. I was pregnant. It wasn’t just a fleeting thought or a potential future, but a very real, very present fact. And the truth was, I didn’t know how to feel about it. James was in the other room, finishing up a few things for work. The irony of it all wasn’t lost on me—here I was, trying to process the biggest news of my life, and he was buried under emails and meetings, as if his world wasn’t about to change forever too. I had wanted to tell him in a way that felt special, something we could look back on with joy, but at that moment, I didn’t even know where to start. I took a deep breath, holding the pregnancy test like it was the most fragile thing in the world. After all we had been through together—after the emotional rollercoaster of our relationsh
Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 82
It’s funny how life can turn upside down in an instant, how everything can seem perfect one minute and the next, you're standing in the middle of chaos, trying to pick up the pieces. It wasn’t the kind of test I was expecting, but then again, is anything ever really what you expect? James and I had just started to settle into a rhythm—a rhythm where we balanced work, home life, and everything in between. After a year of marriage, we’d finally reached a place where things felt stable, where the worries that once weighed so heavily on my shoulders didn’t seem as daunting anymore. But the universe had a way of throwing curveballs when you least expected them. It started with a phone call. James was in the middle of a meeting when his phone rang. He glanced at the screen, and his face instantly went from calm to tense. I saw it immediately—his usual confidence slipping away as he stood up abruptly and stepped out of the room. I felt that familiar knot of unease settle in my stomach. So
Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 81
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year already. A whole year since James and I exchanged vows, promised each other forever, and started this journey together as husband and wife. Time moves quickly when you’re constantly busy, and when you’re deeply in love, but looking back, it feels like both a lifetime and a blink of an eye. This first year has been everything I imagined, and more. We’ve built a life together, not just as a couple, but as partners—personally, professionally, and emotionally. We’ve faced our fair share of challenges, but we’ve always emerged stronger. Sometimes, I still pinch myself when I realize that we’re here, living this life together, making decisions as a unit, and navigating all the complexities that come with being in a relationship like ours. I woke up this morning with the sun streaming through the curtains, and the first thought that crossed my mind was how grateful I felt. Grateful for everything we had been through and for everything we still ha
Your Lips to Mine #4: The Billionaire's Heartbeat Heartbeat 80
The flight to our honeymoon destination was nothing short of surreal. We were finally married, finally embarking on this new journey together, and the weight of everything we had experienced up until this point felt lighter than ever. It was as if the world had cleared itself, leaving behind nothing but us, the quiet hum of the plane, and the promise of a fresh start. James had been by my side through everything—every obstacle, every doubt, every tear—and now, we were heading somewhere new, somewhere just for the two of us. No responsibilities. No distractions. Just us, and the life we had ahead of us. When we landed, I could hardly contain my excitement. We were in the Maldives. The moment we stepped off the plane, the warm, tropical air hit me like a wave, and the scent of saltwater and coconut filled my lungs. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting everything in a golden glow, making it feel like we had entered some kind of paradise. The reality of the wedding st
