แชร์

CHAPTER 20: (IN DUE TIME)

ผู้เขียน: H. Scovia
last update ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2025-08-03 22:25:42

AMY

From the backseat of the tinted SUV I’d rented two days after my flight landed in Chicago, I watched her— walking hand in hand with the little girl, disappearing into the school building like they belonged.

The very image that had torn through me a week ago now stood in flesh, just ahead. I had seen them first on a viral blog post, under a headline that nearly sucked the air from my lungs.

BUSINESS MOGUL AND BILLIONAIRE HITCHED LEGALLY!!!

It was everywhere. Flashing on my screen, nestled between other posts meant for the elite. But this? This wasn’t just another headline.

It was Ivan.

My Ivan. Smiling stiffly in a pressed designer suit with a woman I couldn’t place by his side, an older man and a child.

I had stared at that photo until my fingers grew numb and my phone grew warm. How could this be real? How could he be someone else’s now?

Those eyes of his once looked at me like there was no one else. I didn't think he'd heal from the heartbreak, after everything that had happened
อ่านหนังสือเล่มนี้ต่อได้ฟรี
สแกนรหัสเพื่อดาวน์โหลดแอป
บทที่ถูกล็อก

บทล่าสุด

  • BOUND TO THE CRIPPLED CEO    CHAPTER 22: (THIS ISN'T PART OF THE DEAL)

    IVANThe call to Japan lasted less than an hour. It was quick and efficient— almost too efficient. The merger deal with the logistics and shipping organization had gone smoother than I expected. There were no last-minute hitches, no dragged-out negotiations.By the time I finished reviewing the final legal paperwork, my eyes ached and my neck felt like it had been caught in a vice. The clock read eleven. Another late night spent hunched over contracts and digital documents, making sure I wouldn’t land in any lawsuit traps.I’d just sunk into bed when I remembered the unopened mail from earlier. Groaning, I sat up, reached for my tablet, and skimmed through my inbox.There it was— Valerie’s school.I had used my email during registration, so they copied me directly. It was a simple message: feedback about Valerie’s first day. They wanted to know if her guardian— Danica—was satisfied with the transition.I could’ve waited till morning. But I didn’t want to have to deal with her then. La

  • BOUND TO THE CRIPPLED CEO    CHAPTER 21: (NO NEED FOR THAT)

    DANICAAfter tucking Valerie into bed with her nonstop chatter about how she made two new friends and colored the best butterfly in class, I gently kissed her forehead and pulled the covers to her chin.“Goodnight, sweetheart,” I whispered.She yawned, her lashes fluttering. “Goodnight, mummy. Tell my yellow dress not to miss me.”A small laugh escaped my lips. “I will.”By the time I stepped into my room, the whole place was still and quiet. The kind of stillness that begged for some alone time. There were a few things I hadn’t gotten around to earlier, and tonight felt like the perfect time to get them done.The clothes Ivan had purchased were still untouched, lined up in moderately fancy paper bags, leaning lazily beside the large brown wardrobe. I reached for them one by one and emptied everything on the bed. Silk, cotton, and lace tumbled out in waves, transforming the dull room into a mini runway.My fingers grazed each piece like I was seeing them for the first time and not the

  • BOUND TO THE CRIPPLED CEO    CHAPTER 20: (IN DUE TIME)

    AMYFrom the backseat of the tinted SUV I’d rented two days after my flight landed in Chicago, I watched her— walking hand in hand with the little girl, disappearing into the school building like they belonged.The very image that had torn through me a week ago now stood in flesh, just ahead. I had seen them first on a viral blog post, under a headline that nearly sucked the air from my lungs.BUSINESS MOGUL AND BILLIONAIRE HITCHED LEGALLY!!!It was everywhere. Flashing on my screen, nestled between other posts meant for the elite. But this? This wasn’t just another headline.It was Ivan.My Ivan. Smiling stiffly in a pressed designer suit with a woman I couldn’t place by his side, an older man and a child.I had stared at that photo until my fingers grew numb and my phone grew warm. How could this be real? How could he be someone else’s now?Those eyes of his once looked at me like there was no one else. I didn't think he'd heal from the heartbreak, after everything that had happened

  • BOUND TO THE CRIPPLED CEO    CHAPTER 19: (Eww! That’s gross!)

    DANICAThe morning started with the same soft chaos I had grown used to— hair ribbons missing, toast slightly burned, and Valerie talking non-stop about unicorn dreams and wanting her breakfast shaped like a heart. Despite the chef being around, I preferred to make my baby's breakfast myself.“Sit still, baby. Let me finish your hair.”“But it's too tight,” she whined, wiggling in front of me.I gently tugged her closer, packing her hair into a ponytail. “If you sit still for two minutes, I’ll let you pick two gummies for your lunch box.”“Two?” Her eyes lit up.“Yes.”She clapped excitedly. “Hurray!”Once her hair was finally done, she hopped down to wear the yellow gown she’d picked out herself last night, the same one she’d said—again—was her new favorite. I watched her twirl, the hem of her dress spinning with her.“You look beautiful,” I smiled, crouching to help her slip on her tiny shoes. “Are you ready for your big day?”She nodded with all the enthusiasm in the world. “Yes! B

  • BOUND TO THE CRIPPLED CEO    CHAPTER 18: (FOR NOW)

    DANICAHis words hit like a slap.I blinked. My face burned, but I kept my voice low.“I would appreciate it if you don't speak to me in that manner.” I retorted, between gritted teeth so the sales associate wouldn’t overhear.“I was only stating the obvious,” Ivan replied coolly, a smirk tugging at the edge of his mouth.He strode past me without another glance, his scent lingering—a mix of leather and something rich and expensive. I stared at his back, resisting the childish urge to throw a hanger at it.Instead, I adjusted the hem of my dress and exhaled slowly. Walking behind, the awkward silence stretched between us until he broke it.“You’ll be expected at dinner next weekend. My family’s hosting,” he said, eyes focused ahead. “And you’ll dress accordingly.”My brows creased. “Your family?” That was new. Why hadn't I thought about his family? My in-laws!He nodded once. “You’ll smile when you’re supposed to, nod when spoken to, and make no mention of our agreement. Understood?”

  • BOUND TO THE CRIPPLED CEO    CHAPTER 17: (EXCELLENT IDEA)

    DANICA“What took you so long?” he asked, stopping a few inches from me, so close I could feel the heat radiating from his body. “Uhm... S-sorry if we kept you waiting. I wasn't expecting to see you,” I stammered.“Wait for us in the car John,” his gaze barely flickered to John before settling back on me.As John left the store, a sales lady materialized behind us. Her perfect smile, matching her perfect hair. “Welcome Mr. Clarkson! How may I assist you today?”“She needs a complete wardrobe update,” he declared with an air of finality.“But I have clothes—”“You’ll need appropriate attire for family functions and social events.” His tone left no room for argument. His eyes scanned me quickly, disapproving. “This isn’t it.”The associate's eyes lit up like she had won the lottery. “Of course! Right this way.”“Ivan, really, this isn't necessary—”His lips brushed my ears. “Consider it part of our arrangement. Unless you'd prefer everyone who knows me think you have a thing for rags.”

บทอื่นๆ
สำรวจและอ่านนวนิยายดีๆ ได้ฟรี
เข้าถึงนวนิยายดีๆ จำนวนมากได้ฟรีบนแอป GoodNovel ดาวน์โหลดหนังสือที่คุณชอบและอ่านได้ทุกที่ทุกเวลา
อ่านหนังสือฟรีบนแอป
สแกนรหัสเพื่ออ่านบนแอป
DMCA.com Protection Status