Lahat ng Kabanata ng Billionaire’s Forbidden Cinderella: Kabanata 11 - Kabanata 20

As I closed the door to my bedroom, I allowed myself a single shaky breath. The formal dinner was finally over. Viktor’s words, his smug glances, his possessive touches—they still clung to me like a second skin, leaving me both exhausted and nauseous. I leaned against the door, pressing a hand to my abdomen, feeling a flicker of strength despite the suffocating tension that had filled the evening.But the peace didn’t last long. I heard footsteps approaching, slow and deliberate, before my mother’s voice cut through the quiet.“Irina,” she said, her tone unnervingly calm. “We need to have a word.”She didn’t wait for an invitation. She simply pushed the door open and strode in, her gaze sharp and probing, her mouth set in a thin line. I straightened, forcing myself to look composed, even as my heart began to pound.“Of course, Mother,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral.She shut the door behind her, crossing her arms as she studied me. There was something different in her eyes tonigh

The morning sun streamed through the windows as I sat stiffly in the makeup chair, watching the team my mother had hired flit around me. My face felt caked in powders and creams, and my hair was styled within an inch of its life, fixed in curls that cascaded over my shoulders. I’d barely managed a sip of water since I woke up, but no one seemed to care.Iris, my mother, standing off to the side, scrutinized every detail with a meticulous eye. She wanted this engagement photoshoot to be perfect, something grand enough to secure her alliance with Viktor’s family and put our name back on top. My happiness—my very sanity—had no place in her vision.“Remember, Irina,” she said, her voice cool and distant, “Today isn’t just for you and Viktor. It’s for all of us. Smile like you mean it.”I forced a small nod, keeping my expression blank. She had no idea that each word chipped away at the last of my strength. Four days until the wedding. Four days of being paraded around like a prize to be w

I was pacing my room, a heavy weight pressing on my chest as my mind raced. The events of the past day still clung to me like a fog I couldn’t shake. From the pregnancy test debacle with Greta to Dr. Melnikov’s examination, every moment had been a nerve-racking ordeal. I barely had time to catch my breath before the next threat loomed on the horizon.When I heard a knock on the door, my heart skipped a beat, fearing my mother had returned to put me through some other humiliating test. But when I opened it, a familiar face greeted me. Sophia stood there, her warm brown eyes filled with concern.“Irina,” she whispered, pulling me into a tight hug.I felt my shoulders drop as I hugged her back. “Sophia,” I murmured, the relief flooding through me like a cool breeze.“I heard what happened,” she said, pulling back and studying my face. “Aaron called me… He was worried. He said things have gotten out of hand here.”I let out a shaky breath, swallowing the bitter taste of shame and frustrat

The moment dinner ended, I excused myself, murmuring something about needing to gather my belongings. Iris’ triumphant smirk felt like a dagger twisting in my chest. Viktor’s knowing smile was worse, a silent reminder of the agreement I’d made to keep Greta’s job safe. I could feel Aaron’s eyes on me, filled with worry, but he didn’t speak. He couldn’t—not with Iris and Viktor sitting there, basking in their victory.In my room, I grabbed a small overnight bag and began stuffing it with essentials. My hands trembled as I folded clothes, the enormity of what I was about to do sinking in with each passing second. Aaron knocked softly on the door and stepped inside, closing it quietly behind him.“Are you really going through with this?” His voice was low, strained.“I don’t have a choice, Aaron,” I replied, keeping my eyes on the bag. “You know that.”He walked closer, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You always have a choice, Irina. Don’t let them make you believe otherwise.”I looked u

Two days left. Two days until I am no longer Irina Marchenko but someone else entirely—a wife, a prisoner, a pawn. The thought used to terrify me. Now, I feel nothing. No fight, no rebellion, no hope. If this is my life, then what’s the point of resisting?I woke to the sound of my door creaking open. Mrs. Evelina Loresca, the wedding planner my mother had hired, again strode in like she owned the place. Behind her, two maids carried a flowing white gown, its delicate lace catching the morning light. Evelina clapped her hands sharply.“Up, Irina. We have work to do,” she said.I obeyed without a word, rising from the edge of my bed where I’d been sitting. The maids moved quickly, helping me into the dress. Their hands were cold and impersonal, pulling and pinching until the fabric fit perfectly over my body. My arms hung limp as they adjusted the lace sleeves, and I barely flinched when Evelina tilted my chin to inspect the high collar I had requested.“You chose well,” Evelina said,