Semua Bab A Billionaire's Bargain: Bab 11 - Bab 20

59 Bab

11 - The Distance Between Us

Zayn's Pov I hadn't spoken to Araceli in two weeks. Not properly, at least. Not since that weekend at the office. The first week had been the hardest. For her. For me, it was just a matter of discipline sticking to my decision to keep things professional. But for Araceli? I saw it in the way she hesitated before stepping into my office, in the way her fingers curled subtly against her palm when I barely acknowledged her presence. The first few days, she had tried to keep things normal. She greeted me the way she always did, soft, warm, with a quiet confidence. And I had shut her down. Each time she walked in, I gave her nothing but clipped words and dismissive nods. No lingering glances, no unnecessary conversation. Just work. By the end of the first week, I had stripped her of every attempt to maintain our usual flow. The teasing glances? Gone. The subtle smirks when she caught me staring? Erased. It was on the seventh day that I saw the first real crack in her resolve. "M
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-04-18
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12 - I'm Sorry

Araceli's Pov I stood near in front of him, my arms crossed, watching him. Zayn sat in the chair like he had all the time in the world, one leg crossed over the other, his fingers tapping against the armrest. His face was unreadable, his blue eyes locked onto mine as if daring me to look away. His tousled hair and the crisp suit he still wore from work only added to the infuriating arrogance dripping off him. How dare he show his face here? When Tony had informed me that I had a client waiting for me in the private dance lounge, I should have guessed it was Zayn from the huge smile on his face and the fat cash he held. It had been two weeks since he talked to me like I am human. Two weeks since he pushed me away, made me feel like I was nothing to him. The time obviously meant nothing to him. I felt like a fool for hoping he felt something, even in the slightest. I thought we had a moment where it felt like things were changing between us. But then he shut me out. And now, he wa
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-04-28
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13 - Come Get Me

Araceli's Pov I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my phone screen as the payment confirmation from Dr. Michael was displayed on the screen. Half of my mother’s hospital bill was finally settled, thanks to the installmental payment program Doctor Micheal set up for me. It was not everything, but it was something. I let out a slow breath and typed a message, 'Thank you for your patience, Dr. Michael. I'm so grateful for all you do. His reply came almost instantly. Dr. Michael: 'You are doing your best, Araceli. Your mother would be proud of you. Take care of yourself.' I blinked away the sting behind my eyes. Proud? I did not know about that, but I am trying. Just as I placed my phone on the nightstand, a message from David popped up. 'Looking forward to tonight. I will pick you up at seven.' I stared at the screen, my stomach twisting. I had already agreed and I can't back down now. "It's just dinner Araceli, you will be fine." But deep down, something felt off.
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-04-30
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14 - Club Rendezvous

Araceli's Pov I wrapped my arms around my neck, singing loudly to the song blasting from the speaker, my hairbrush serving as a microphone. My voice echoed through the living room as I danced around, picking up clothes and straightening the mess scattered everywhere. My cheeks hurt from smiling too much, my thoughts completely filled with Zayn. I tried to stop, but every time I blinked, his face flashed in my head. The way he looked at me and held me under the rain. I bit my lip, heat creeping up my neck at the memory of his hands wrapped around my body. It has been a week since the whole David situation. Zayn had insisted I take time off work to recover, saying he did not want me anywhere near David for a while. I barely managed to convince him not to fire David and to act like nothing happened. This way, we do not get the whole office talking about us. After putting down my phone, I had a quick shower later and slipped into a short and black polo. Rilly would be here soon, and
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-05-02
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15 - Office Saga

Araceli's PovThe cool night air hit my skin like a punch as we exited the club, the bouncers held the lady firmly, her loud voice still raining curse words on Louis who said nothing, his sole focus on Rilly. The atmosphere was a bit tense and we were all quiet.Zayn walked besides me and Louis walked with Rilly, a reasonable space between them. I looked at my bestfriend, her silence spoke volumes, her face, a mask of confusion and simmering anger. I let out a breath, but said nothing to her as I knew she wouldn't appreciate me hovering around her at this moment. She obviously felt ridiculed.Zayn rubbed his thumb against the back of my palm, I dipped my head in acknowledgement of his silent support.We got to the car park and a gasp escaped Rilly's lips, the woman, had left her mark not just on Louis, but on his expensive car. A long scratch ran across the body of the black Maybach S-Class, marring it's beauty."Man, this lady is crazy." Zayn spoke, his voice low."Good thing she di
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-05-03
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16 - Take Off

Araceli's Pov I stood by the window and watched as a sleek black car pulled up in front of my apartment building, its gleaming surface reflecting the rising sun. I was no longer the nervous wreck I had been last night, my nervousness has been replaced by a flicker of curiosity. My phone buzzed and as expected, It was Zayn. "My driver is parked at the front of your apartment Araceli." "Okay Sir, I will be down in a minute. I grabbed my pink coloured single suitcase and double-checked my purse, a tremor of excitement coursing through my veins. Stepping out of the building, I walked towards the car, heads snapped in my direction, eyes widening in surprise, as I neared the car, even the children couldn't help but gape at the high-end luxury brand. The driver, a young man in a crisp black suit who looked to be in his mid thirties, stood by the door and held it open as I approached. "Miss Araceli?" He asked to confirm, his smile bright and warming. "Yes Sir." I confirmed, a h
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-05-14
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17 - A Night In Miami

Araceli's Pov I sat on an outdoor chair at the balcony of my room, sipping a cup of coffee and watching the beautiful sunrise. I placed the cup down and picked up my phone, the screen lit up as I placed Rilly's number on dial. It rang for a few minutes but she didn't pick her call. 'Hey girl, what is going on?, I need to hear from you b*tch, you better be okay else I will slap you hard across your face and shove a butter knife down Louis' throat.' P.S I left the keys under the fake flower pots for you. Call me. I hit send and watched as the message ticked twice. Rilly hasn't been answering my calls and it's driving me nuts. It was currently almost 7am and I need to be ready by 8am. I walked back to my room, my gaze lingering on the three piece suit I had laid out on the bed, now all I needed to do was shower and get ready. Walking into the bathroom, I first made sure to wash the after taste of coffee from my mouth, before discarding the satin robe I had wore on the bed.
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-14
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18 - Facade

Zayn's Pov My jaw tightened in anger, how dare Freya set up a party without informing me. Her text had cut short my trip in Miami. She has not been active in the life of my kids and I, yet she wants to throw an elaborate party to celebrate our annivasary and the kids. Freya has always been one to put up an act, but this time, I won't allow it. I thought back to the picture of her and another man that was anonymously sent to my phone. The pain of betrayal has lessened, all I feel towards her now is anger and distaste. The silence in the mansion was disturbed by the hard steps of my feet against the ground. My destination was our bedroom, it used to be a place I look forward to every evening coming back from work. Freya's laughter, filtering down from upstairs, grated on my nerves. She was probably talking to one of her girls on phone. I shouldn't feel this way. I should put on a good show for our anniversary party, force a smile as colleagues and friends mingled, endure
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-21
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19 - Anniversary

Freya's Pov I sat on my bed, my nails tapping against the silk sheets as my mind reeled. Something felt off. Zayn had never had a problem celebrating our anniversary before. If anything, he had always been the romantic one, planning extravagant surprises and making sure I had everything I wanted. Yet, tomorrow marked our fifth anniversary, and he had barely acknowledged it. Did he forget? No, that was impossible. He would never forget something that important. I ran my fingers through my hair but immediately smoothed it down, "Don't ruin your hair Freya, you need it looking flawless for tonight's hangout with the girls." Zayn had never raised his voice at me before, never once questioned me. He worshipped the ground I walked on. And yes, I shouldn't have left him in the dark while I made the preparations, but that was hardly a reason for him to act so distant. Canceling the event was not an option. That would be humiliating, and I refused to let anyone think my marriage was anyt
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-26
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20 - Squard.

Araceli's Pov I was startled from my peaceful slumber by the insistent ringing of my phone. I fumbled around with my eyes still closed, finally locating the device on my bedside table. "Hello?" I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep. "Araceli, come on, get up!" Rilly's voice boomed through the receiver. "I am here to pick you up." I groaned. "Rilly, it's like, what, five in the morning?" "It's past 11am, you sleepyhead," Rilly replied. "And I have a truckload of items in my hand. Hurry up." My eyes widened, sleep finally leaving me, "Rilly, is that you? where the hell have you been?" I shouted. I got off my bed, tripping in the process as the duvet formed a knot around my ankle. "Did you just fall?" "No sh*t, Sherlock." I stood to my feet, unwrapping the duvet from my ankle before heading to the door. I twisted the lock, pulled the door open, and there stood by bestfriend with a smile on her face. "Step aside." She shoved me aside, carrying several bags and leavin
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2024-09-02
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