LOGINShare
Chapter Twenty Three
Last Updated:
2025-07-05 19:05:21
Latest chapter
Beneath The Facade Chapter Twenty Eight
Hermione Although I'd rather not ride back home with Aiden, I'm compelled to step into the limousine as the driver holds the door open for me. The sun has dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the sky. However, the clouds gathering in the distance hint at an impending rain, and I don't want to risk getting soaked while waiting for an Uber. Aiden slides in beside me, and Kash starts the car, navigating out of the boutique's neighborhood onto the main road.The silence between Aiden and me is tense. He doesn't acknowledge my obvious irritation from the boutique, instead burying his face in his phone. I attempt to ignore him, but my annoyance simmers just below the surface. Is this his true self? The dismissive comment he made earlier still stings. I feel a pang in my heart, but I harden my gaze, determined to get through this ordeal. The wedding can't come soon enough.As we approach my house, I tell Kash, "I'll get down here." Kash looks at Aiden, seeking h
Beneath The Facade Chapter Twenty Seven
HermioneAiden Mendes spanked me on a live broadcast. I seethe with rage as we exchange goodbyes with Becca and the production crew, making our way to the limo. Thankfully, we're led through a different route, avoiding the swarm of reporters. I doubt I could maintain the facade of fake smiles if I had to navigate through them again. The thought of being besieged by them makes me shudder.Once we're in the limo, Aiden becomes absorbed in his phone, his fingers flying across the screen as he types out messages. Throughout the ride, he doesn't glance my way, and I'm forced to ignore him in return. The playful man I know has vanished, replaced by a tense, focused individual. His jaw is clenched, and his expression is stern.I almost ask him what's caught his attention, but I refrain. After the events of the day – nearly fainting, leaning on him in vulnerability, and being spanked – I'm not eager to prolong our interaction. I just hope I can get through the rest of this charade without
Beneath The Facade Chapter Twenty Six
AidenHermione's clearly not thinking clearly if she thinks I'll let her sit through a 45-minute interview on an empty stomach. She'd been close to fainting out there, and I suspect the flash of cameras overwhelmed her. I'm accustomed to the limelight, but this is a change for Hermione, who's never been extroverted or social. She's more comfortable in her hospital or home, surrounded by medical books or patients. The storm of reporters and cameras must have taken a toll on her, especially without food.I should have checked if she'd eaten before I picked her up. Our interview wasn't scheduled until past ten, so I expected she'd have had time for breakfast. Aaron approaches with an energy drink and nut bars. That will have to do for now. "Sit down," I say calmly, warning simmering beneath my voice."I said I'm good," Hermione replies, taking the bottle water from Aaron and drinking from it. "Let's get the interview done...""Screw the interview, Hermione. I'm rescheduling," I say,
Beneath The Facade Chapter Twenty Five
Hermione The press is waiting as Aiden's driver pulls into the curb. Aiden's hand squeezes mine in a moment of reassurance, and we share a fleeting glance. He releases my hand as quickly as he holds it, before I can yank it off, much to my satisfaction. He signals game on, and I push my aversion to him aside. Aiden's driver opens the door to the dazzling flash of camera lights and a barrage of questions. Aiden handles the situation with aplomb as he reaches into the car to help me out. He looks to be in his element as reporters swarm around us. As I step into the chaotic scene, my distress is apparent, and Aiden plants his palm tenderly on the small of my back, leaning closer to whisper sweet nothings in my ear. My belly shakes with amusement, and I can't help but smile, tilting my head to the side as he whispers: "They can't devour you, baby. I've got you." I don't need his help to take on the press, but I'll play along. I'm an independent lady, and I don't need any man's savi
Beneath The Facade Chapter Twenty Four
Hermione I wake up at exactly five a.m. and run through my mundane routine, despite not having work to attend to this morning. My schedule has been altered to accommodate my arrangement with Aiden. My surgeries have been postponed, while critical ones that can't withstand the new development have been transferred to other professors or rescheduled. I resent how Mom continues to shape my life according to her desires and whims. I've been living under her guidance for years; isn't it time for me to be set free? At 25, I'm old enough to choose my own battles and fight them. Yet, she's content on keeping me under her control.I'm increasingly agitated this morning as I exercise, dreading what lies ahead. I absorb the brief moment of silence surrounding me, the only sounds being my harsh breathing as I push my body to its limits on the treadmill, and the dull hum of the machines in the background. I slow down to a walk, struggling to catch my breath as I hold my waist. I shouldn't ex
Beneath The Facade Chapter Twenty Three
Aiden My desk chair rotates beneath me as I maneuver it to face the direction I want. I drum my fingers on the table surface, a smug smile curving on my mouth as I anticipate Hermione's call. I gave Jephthah clear instructions: don't return unless she receives the flowers I sent and makes sure there are witnesses when he mentions my name as the sender.It's only a month away from our wedding, and Hermione's proving to be a tough nut to crack. I knew winning her heart wouldn't be easy from the start. However, I'm tired of this cat-and-mouse game we're playing. I'm done waiting for her to make up her mind; I'm pursuing her until she gives in. She's clearly attracted to me but fighting it, and I won't let her resist forever.Dad extended the previously set date for the wedding to bid me more time to charm her over. Nonetheless, Hermione's and my schedules don't mesh. Therefore, planning our wedding will require more than just a month. The max given is two months. I can't comprehend wh
You may also like
On My Professor's Bed
Xee write578.9K viewsForced marriage: Dear wife, you can't escape me
Natie 570.1K viewsBogus Billionaire
Shining Riviera775.6K viewsOur Billion-Worth Twins
Velvet Antler593.2K viewsDear CEO, I Want a Divorce
Anney GW2.7K viewsFidelity
Aleatha Romig53 viewsFrom Chains To Crown
demuslimah158 viewsThe Billionaire's Secret: A Nasty Web of Lies
Generis676 views
