๋ก๊ทธ์ธ๊ณต์
Chapter 13
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๋ฐ์ดํธ:
2025-04-14 13:15:41
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CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 14
Xeros' POVI sat in my office, elbows on the polished mahogany desk, fingers steepled as I stared at the faint reflection of myself on the dark screen of my laptop. The image of Charlotte revealing her painting yesterday refused to leave my mind. That tree. Those roots. The sprout. Every brushstroke had spoken to something deeper, something I hadnโt known resided in her. And the way she explained itโฆ calm, assured, like she had carried that truth in her bones all along.I hadnโt expected to be stunned by her again. And yet.A sharp knock at the door broke the silence.โEnter,โ I said, my voice sharper than I intended.My assistant stepped inside, tablet in hand, his tie slightly askew like heโd rushed up the stairs. โSir,โ he said with a nod, โwe found it. The orphanage the children were relocated to. Theyโve been moved to a more remote facility in Newport.โI sat up straighter. โGood. Arrange for me to visit the director this weekend. I want to speak with them personally.โHe hesitate
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-04-14CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 15ย
Emmaโs POV:The phone buzzed just as I was reviewing the final mockups for the DreamNet proposal. I picked it up without checking the caller ID.โHello?โโGood afternoon, Miss Miller.โCame the smooth voice of Mr. Yang, the assistant to DreamNetโs CEO. We had spoken several times over the past few weeks as I tried, persistently, to get my small design studio considered for their major design project.Almost a year ago, I had started a new design studio with a small team : โNefelibataโ, or the one who lives amongst the clouds. Our budget was small, but we had really given our heart and soul to even the smallest piece of work. We poured everything into our projects: sleepless nights, coffee-fueled edits, heated debates over shades and symmetry. But none of that would matter if we couldnโt land a project that got us seen.Our studio needed the contract of a large company to help us rise above, in this highly competitive field. And DreamNet was our shot.My heart hammered in my chest.โY
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-04-14CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 16
Xeros' POV I leaned against the rusted swing set, arms crossed as I watched the children dart across the playground. The crisp autumn air carried their laughter, unlike the fake conversations of boardrooms that I had to witness day after day. I wondered if I would have come back sooner, if I knew about her visiting this place?Before I could examine that thought, movement caught my eye. A toddler, barely two years old, wobbled dangerously near a discarded toy car, his tiny arms flailing as he lost balance. My body moved before my brain registered the danger. I lunged forward just as a blur of yellow fabric shot from my peripheral vision. Charlotte. We collided mid-stride, nearly sandwiching the child between us in our haste. My hands found her waist instinctively, steadying us both as the scent of vanilla and citrus flooded my senses. For a breathless moment, time stilledโher body pressed against mine, her rapid heartbeat thudding through the thin fabric of her dress. "Joy! A
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-04-14CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 17
Xerosโs POV: The rain pelted down harder as we walked hurriedly while trying our best to avoid the puddles, as the winds picked up speed. I glanced at the woman walking beside me from the corner of my eyeโ her arms wrapped around Adam, taking careful steps. Had I judged Charlotte incorrectly? Before our wedding, I had dismissed every thought of getting to know her on the basis of what I already knew and had already seen about her. She was supposed to be an arrogant socialite who was supposed to care only about luxury, events, money, and the next opportunity to shine, right? And as someone who would go to any extent to chase the spotlight. That smile that had been flashing across the television screensโ completely hollow and polished, was nowhere in sight. In my recent memory were flashes of her smiling freely with the children, grinning from ear to ear with happiness. She spoke to the children lovinglyโ not in a pitiful or overly sympathetic and condescending voice, but like she
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-04-15CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 18
Emmaโs POV:Lying stiffly on the narrow bed, I stared at the peeling paint on the ceiling. My thoughts were kicking up a storm louder than the one that had trapped us here for the night.Was this really the same man who had coldly warned me to stay out of his affairs on our first day as a married couple? The one who treated me with such detached indifference, as if our marriage contract required a social distancing clause too! The one who treated me coldly and indifferently always, like he never wanted me to forget about the fact that it was an arranged marriage, with zero emotions involved. The same one who wanted to keep as little contact as possibleโฆ as if we couldn't even be polite to each other and make conversation, unless a third person was in the room, watching us. But today, he appeared out of nowhere at the orphanage. How did he even know I would be here?And how was I supposed to convince myself that it was Xeros, when I had always assumed that he would come with me to fi
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-04-15CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 19
Emma's POV:The moment I stepped through the door of my room, I kicked off my shoes, and my hand immediately went to my bag to pull out my phone. Two days without signal in that remote location had been unexpectedly peacefulโฆ but now it was time to come back to the reality of my life.The screen lit up with notifications: twenty-three missed calls, countless texts, and all of them from one person.Lily ! She's my best friend, my manager, PR consultant and life coach, rolled into one tiny package! She was the only person managing my studio when I wasnโt around, and the one of the main reasons why I could start it in the first place.I hit the call button, wondering if she might be busyโ but she answered before the first ring even ended.โWhere have you been?โ Her voice exploded through the speaker. โYou made me worry sick! You just disappeared on the weekendโ even if you were planning a digital detox or something, you could have told me! I was about to file a missing personโs repor
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-04-19CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 20
Xeros's POVI came home early from the office, which isn't like I usually do. The mansion was quietโtoo quiet. I came early because I wanted to see her. I don't know if this is something I can say to anyone but I was just too eager. I loosened my tie with one hand, my briefcase still in the other, and walked slowly into the main hallway. The faint scent of lemon cleaner lingered in the air, and the floors were spotless, shining like mirrors under the soft lights. Mille must have been here earlier.I glanced toward the living room. The lights were on. A book was resting open on the armrest of the couch, and a half-finished cup of coffee sat cold on the side table. But she wasnโt there.I looked around while trying so hard not to be obvious because I didn't want anyone to see me this way, yet I was still eager to see her. I set the briefcase down beside the couch, staring at the empty seat as a small frown formed on my face."Where is she?" I asked as Millie walked through the door, p
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-04-24CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 21
Xerosโs POVI came home earlier than usual again. I donโt know if itโs because of guilt or worryโor just the need to see her.The mansion was quiet like always, but this time it felt heavier. My steps were slower, more cautious, and my eyes moved quickly around the room.Then I saw her.Charlotte was sitting on the couch in the living room. A blanket wrapped loosely around her shoulders, her legs tucked under her. She looked up the moment she heard me walk in. Her face was pale, eyes tired, and yet she still looked beautiful.I stopped at the edge of the room. I didnโt say anything at first. Neither did she. I didn't know how to start a conversation with her without being awkward about it. I couldnโt stop thinking about the way I found her. She was so scared and that bastard could only think of taking advantage of her! Everything still played over and over in my head as fresh as it could be. I felt angry again, clenching my fists. She opened her mouth to say something, but I held u
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-04-30
์ต์ ์ฑํฐ
CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 25
Xeros's POVI came home early from the office, which isn't like I usually do. The mansion was quietโtoo quiet. I came early because I wanted to see her. I don't know if this is something I can say to anyone but I was just too eager. I loosened my tie with one hand, my briefcase still in the other, and walked slowly into the main hallway. The faint scent of lemon cleaner lingered in the air, and the floors were spotless, shining like mirrors under the soft lights. Mille must have been here earlier.I glanced toward the living room. The lights were on. A book was resting open on the armrest of the couch, and a half-finished cup of coffee sat cold on the side table. But she wasnโt there.I looked around while trying so hard not to be obvious because I didn't want anyone to see me this way, yet I was still eager to see her. I set the briefcase down beside the couch, staring at the empty seat as a small frown formed on my face."Where is she?" I asked as Millie walked through the door, p
CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 24
Xerosโs POVThe auction had already been going on for over an hour when I finally arrived.I didnโt rush. I rarely do. I walked in through the back entrance where security was tighter, nodding at the staff who scrambled like ants to make sure everything was perfect for the VIPs. The woman in a black dress and clipboard bowed slightly as she led me to the private suite upstairs.I sat down on the leather chair, the lights dimmed in the VIP room, but the glass allowed me to see everything on the floor below. My fingers rested on the armrest lazily, and I leaned back. The soft hum of murmurs, clinking glasses, and bidding numbers floated up like smoke. I didnโt care much for jewelry, but my name had to be seen tonight. People needed to know I was watching.On the stage below, a ruby diamond necklace was being shown off. It shimmered under the lights like a thousand red stars. Some rich socialite was showing off her hand, trying to catch the attention of whoever cared. I didnโt.To me, th
CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย CHAPTER 23
Emmaโs POVโIโm really sorry, Xeros,โ I said, tucking a few strands of hair behind my ear. โI wonโt be able to make it tonight. I have a lot of work to finish at the studio.โHe looked disappointed, but he didnโt question it. He just nodded once, his jaw tightening slightly.โItโs alright,โ he said. โThereโll be other auctions.โI gave him a small smile, hoping it looked genuine. But inside, I felt a knot in my chest.I hated lying to him.But I had no choice.If I told him the truthโthat I was going to that auction, that I was the real artist behind the painting they were all fighting forโhe would ask questions. Questions I wasnโt ready to answer. Not yet.So I lied. And I hated how easy it had become.After he left, I stood in front of my full-length mirror, adjusting the mask I had picked out. It was delicate, white with silver lace and tiny crystals that sparkled under the light. It only covered the upper half of my face, but it would be enough.I didnโt want anyone recognizing me
CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 22
Third Personโs POVThe man standing in front of the mirror looked like a wreck. Blood trickled from his nose, staining the tissue he pressed underneath it. His expensive suit was wrinkled, and one of his sleeves had been ripped.Alpfit Corporationโs manager gritted his teeth as he dialed Charlotteโs number. His reflection glared back at him with a mix of shame and fury. The moment the line connected, he snapped.โShe slapped me and that guy broke my goddamn nose!โ he roared, his voice echoing off the tiled bathroom walls.There was a pause, then Charlotteโs voice came through sharp and cold. โSo youโre telling me you canโt even handle a simple meeting? Youโre useless.โโIโ Miss, IโโBut she didnโt let him finish. The call ended with a sharp beep.Charlotte exhaled hard, her jaw tight as she tossed the phone onto the couch. Her heels clicked against the polished marble as she turned away, pacing. Her red dress shimmered with each step she took, but her eyes were like steel.Alex sat at
CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 21
Xerosโs POVI came home earlier than usual again. I donโt know if itโs because of guilt or worryโor just the need to see her.The mansion was quiet like always, but this time it felt heavier. My steps were slower, more cautious, and my eyes moved quickly around the room.Then I saw her.Charlotte was sitting on the couch in the living room. A blanket wrapped loosely around her shoulders, her legs tucked under her. She looked up the moment she heard me walk in. Her face was pale, eyes tired, and yet she still looked beautiful.I stopped at the edge of the room. I didnโt say anything at first. Neither did she. I didn't know how to start a conversation with her without being awkward about it. I couldnโt stop thinking about the way I found her. She was so scared and that bastard could only think of taking advantage of her! Everything still played over and over in my head as fresh as it could be. I felt angry again, clenching my fists. She opened her mouth to say something, but I held u
CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 20
Xeros's POVI came home early from the office, which isn't like I usually do. The mansion was quietโtoo quiet. I came early because I wanted to see her. I don't know if this is something I can say to anyone but I was just too eager. I loosened my tie with one hand, my briefcase still in the other, and walked slowly into the main hallway. The faint scent of lemon cleaner lingered in the air, and the floors were spotless, shining like mirrors under the soft lights. Mille must have been here earlier.I glanced toward the living room. The lights were on. A book was resting open on the armrest of the couch, and a half-finished cup of coffee sat cold on the side table. But she wasnโt there.I looked around while trying so hard not to be obvious because I didn't want anyone to see me this way, yet I was still eager to see her. I set the briefcase down beside the couch, staring at the empty seat as a small frown formed on my face."Where is she?" I asked as Millie walked through the door, p
CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 19
Emma's POV:The moment I stepped through the door of my room, I kicked off my shoes, and my hand immediately went to my bag to pull out my phone. Two days without signal in that remote location had been unexpectedly peacefulโฆ but now it was time to come back to the reality of my life.The screen lit up with notifications: twenty-three missed calls, countless texts, and all of them from one person.Lily ! She's my best friend, my manager, PR consultant and life coach, rolled into one tiny package! She was the only person managing my studio when I wasnโt around, and the one of the main reasons why I could start it in the first place.I hit the call button, wondering if she might be busyโ but she answered before the first ring even ended.โWhere have you been?โ Her voice exploded through the speaker. โYou made me worry sick! You just disappeared on the weekendโ even if you were planning a digital detox or something, you could have told me! I was about to file a missing personโs repor
CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 18
Emmaโs POV:Lying stiffly on the narrow bed, I stared at the peeling paint on the ceiling. My thoughts were kicking up a storm louder than the one that had trapped us here for the night.Was this really the same man who had coldly warned me to stay out of his affairs on our first day as a married couple? The one who treated me with such detached indifference, as if our marriage contract required a social distancing clause too! The one who treated me coldly and indifferently always, like he never wanted me to forget about the fact that it was an arranged marriage, with zero emotions involved. The same one who wanted to keep as little contact as possibleโฆ as if we couldn't even be polite to each other and make conversation, unless a third person was in the room, watching us. But today, he appeared out of nowhere at the orphanage. How did he even know I would be here?And how was I supposed to convince myself that it was Xeros, when I had always assumed that he would come with me to fi
CINDERELLA'S FORCED MARRIAGE WITH SEXY BILLIONAIREย ย ย Chapter 17
Xerosโs POV: The rain pelted down harder as we walked hurriedly while trying our best to avoid the puddles, as the winds picked up speed. I glanced at the woman walking beside me from the corner of my eyeโ her arms wrapped around Adam, taking careful steps. Had I judged Charlotte incorrectly? Before our wedding, I had dismissed every thought of getting to know her on the basis of what I already knew and had already seen about her. She was supposed to be an arrogant socialite who was supposed to care only about luxury, events, money, and the next opportunity to shine, right? And as someone who would go to any extent to chase the spotlight. That smile that had been flashing across the television screensโ completely hollow and polished, was nowhere in sight. In my recent memory were flashes of her smiling freely with the children, grinning from ear to ear with happiness. She spoke to the children lovinglyโ not in a pitiful or overly sympathetic and condescending voice, but like she
