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Chapter 20: Struggle
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2025-02-11 16:33:12
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Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 1: The Facade of Love
(Aurora)Marrying Leon Kingsley was never part of my plan. Then again, nothing in my life had gone as planned. Three years ago, with my familyโs name in ruins and our estate reduced to a hollow shell, Leon โ my childhood friend โ offered me a lifeline: a three-year marriage of convenience. In return, heโd help salvage what little remained of my familyโs legacy.Feelings werenโt part of the deal.Tonight, we were headed to one of Isabella Kingsleyโs infamous family dinners. Leonโs mother excelled at hosting events that showcased wealth and power. This eveningโs guest list included close friends belonging to influential families.The weight of Leonโs hand in mine was a good distraction as we walked into the dining hall filled with guests milling about. My eyes squinted as they immediately fell upon someone standing just by the entrance. Taking small sips from her wine with her eyes glued to Leon was none other than Sophie Montgomery, a polished socialite whoโd been pining for Leon for y
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-11Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 2: Dreams Amid Doubts
(Aurora)The tense back-and-forth between Isebella and me cast a smoldering discomfort over the dining room. I focused on my food and tried to think of things that would keep me distracted from conversations filled with thinly disguised criticisms.โI always thought Claire would be the perfect match for you, Leon,โ Isabella continued, uncaring that Leon had taken my side in front of everyone. Her voice carried the unmistakable edge of a challenge which let me know that Leonโs words had not been particularly appreciated. Her eyes darted between us, gauging our reactions to her words.Leon, ever composed, set down his glass of wine and met his motherโs gaze. โClaire made her choice, Mother. Sheโs married now.โIsabellaโs lips curved into a faint smile that didnโt reach her eyes. โYes, but one canโt help but wonder if circumstances had been different. If perhaps certain... obstacles hadnโt been in the way, things might have turned out as they were meant to.โโClaireโs path is her own,โ L
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-11Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 3: Between Duty and Desire
(Aurora)As soon as I heard the sound of the water running, I crept into the room designated as Leonโs office and looked for the manila folder. I shouldnโt have been snooping, but a certain suspicion that had been gnawing at me for days wouldnโt let go, and I just had to know. I found the manila folder in the first drawer on his desk. My heart sank as I flipped through the pages and noticed a recent transfer to my brotherโs account.I walked up the stairs and into the room in a daze. Leon was standing in the middle, hair dripping water everywhere as he tried to towel dry it. I would have admired the softness in his demeanour if I wasnโt so distracted.โLeon,โ I called out, my voice tight. โWhat is this?โHe glanced over, immediately understanding what Iโd found. โAurora-โโYouโve been giving my brother money?โ I demanded, the hurt in my voice unmistakable.โHe needed help,โ Leon said simply. โI wasnโt going to let him sink.โโThatโs not your responsibility,โ I snapped. โHeโs an adult
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-11Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 4: A Gift for Another
(Aurora)On the night of my birthday, I found myself in an unusually good mood. It was strange, considering the nature of our marriage, but somewhere in the act of pretending to be the perfect couple, a part of me had started to savor the little gestures Leon made to keep up appearances.As the caterers moved in and out of the house, setting assorted dishes on the table, my phone buzzed. The screen lit up with Julieโs name, and I quickly answered, smiling.โAurora!โ Julieโs voice bubbled with excitement on the other end of the line. โGuess what?โโWhat?โ I replied, her enthusiasm infectious.โLeon bought it!โ she exclaimed. โThe necklace youโve been eyeing from our new collection. He was in here yesterday, picked it out himself, and didnโt even blink at the price. He said it was a special occasion.โFor a moment, I couldnโt speak, caught between surprise and a foolish flutter of hope. Leon had remembered. Despite the unspoken boundaries of our relationship, he had gone out of his way
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-11Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 5: Dangerous Undertakings
(Aurora)Late that night, Jenny and I sat across from each other in her cozy apartment, an eclectic blend of modern chic and personal quirksโplush throw pillows, twinkling fairy lights, and scattered books on a bohemian rug. She perched on a floor cushion, leaning against a giant bear plushie, while I sat on a similar polka-dotted mat, a bottle of wine between us. "Okay. Talk to me. What happened between you and Leon?" I sighed, swirling the wine in my glass. โWhere do I even begin?โ I muttered, then unloaded everything as dry as sand paper. Jennyโs dove-gray eyes went wide in disbelief. โNo way. That arrogant bastardโhow dare he do that to you? Does he even realize that without you, heโd be barely half the person he is?โ"Never," I laughed bitterly. "To him, I'm forever the glorified fixerโsomeone to smooth over the messes, with just the right amount of cooing, wooing, and strategizing.""Don't sell yourself short." Jenny wrapped her arms around mine, her warmth grounding me. "You
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-11Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 6: Echoes of the Past
(Aurora)The day passed in a haze of meetings and paperwork. My focus wavered when I overheard two colleagues chatting near the coffee machine.โDid you see Claire and Mr. Kingsley yesterday?โ one of them asked, her tone hushed but brimming with curiosity.โOf course! They checked in together. Honestly, they look so good as a couple,โ the other replied, her voice tinged with admiration.I gripped my mug tighter, forcing myself to stay rooted to the spot. Gossip in the office was nothing new, especially when it came to Leon. Still, hearing Claireโs name stung more than I cared to admit.As if on cue, I ran into them at the front desk later that day. Claire was in the process of checking out, her perfectly manicured fingers resting lightly on the counter. Leon stood beside her, his posture casual but attentive.โLeon,โ I greeted, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me.โAurora,โ he replied, his expression unreadable.Claire turned to me, her lips curving into a practiced sm
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-11Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 7: When The Past Calls
(Aurora)As Jenny and I approached the grand hall where the reunion was being held, excitement bubbled in my chest like fluttering butterflies. It had been nearly three years since Iโd seen or spoken to my old college friendsโsome of them for much longer. Theyโd probably have a barrage of questions for me. The apprehension sent a thrill coursing through my veins.โRemember,โ I turned to Jenny, keeping my tone light but firm, โnot a word about Leon and me. The last thing I need are questions about my โmysterious husband.โโJenny raised a brow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. โFine. But if Claire tries to one-up you, Iโm not promising to stay quiet.โWe stepped into the room, the sound of chatter and laughter washing over us. I scanned the crowd, catching sight of familiar faces, before being momentarily taken back by two striking figures near the entrance.Leon and Claire.They walked in together, drawing every eye in the room. Leon looked impeccable in a tailored navy suit, while Cla
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-11Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 8: Flickering Flame
(Aurora)Owen and I stood face to face, the air between us tense and electric. Masking my apprehension with a neutral smile, I said, "Owen. I didnโt expect to see you here again."I knew this moment was inevitable, but no amount of preparation could have steeled me for the storm in his brown eyes.He chuckled, though there was a slight strain to it. "Likewise. I wanted to talk to you, but I wasnโt sure if youโd even want to see me afterโฆ Well, last time."I hesitated, the memory of his outburst flashing through my mind. Before I could find the right words, Owen sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Look, I owe you an apology. I was out of line. I should have handled things better, and Iโm sorry."His sincerity caught me off guard. I hadnโt expected him to say that. "Thank you for saying that. Butโฆ I wasnโt completely honest with you either. Letโs call it even."A small, relieved smile tugged at his lips. "Fair enough."The tension between us began to ease, replaced by a tentative w
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-11
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Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 20: Struggle
(Aurora)Isabellaโs sharp gaze settled on me, her perfectly manicured nails tapping lightly against the table. Then, with an almost imperceptible smirk, she gestured for me to sit.I took my seat, back straight, head high โ prepared for whatever storm was brewing.โIโve been thinking,โ Isabella began, her voice measured, almost pleasant. โClaire should move in to help care for Leon while he recovers.โThe words were so casually spoken, but their weight landed like a stone in my chest. Before I could respond, she continued, her expression unreadable.โYou and Leon are busy with work, and I know how ambitious you are about your design career.โ A glint of disdain flickered in her eyes before her tone smoothed over, deceptively neutral. โClaire knows Leon so well. This is practically her second home. Sheโll lighten your burden.โAt the far end of the table, Claire took a deliberate sip of her tea before setting her cup down with a smug little smile. โDonโt worry, Aurora. Iโll take good ca
Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 19 Silent resistance
(Aurora)I woke up early, savoring a few quiet moments before the day truly began. The warmth of the shower helped clear my mind, the steam wrapping around me like a temporary escape. I brushed out my hair carefully, tying it back neatly before slipping into a soft blouse and tailored pants. A touch of makeup followed โ not too much, just enough to feel composed. With a deep breath, I steadied myself and stepped out of my room, hoping for a peaceful morning.That hope vanished the moment I entered the dining room. The sharp edge of Isabellaโs voice cut through the morning air, her words laced with frustration. Across from her, Jacob sat rigid, his jaw clenched, his usual calm demeanor strained under the weight of the argument. Claire, seated at the table, kept her head down, quietly eating her breakfast as if willing herself to disappear. Even the staff moved carefully, their footsteps hushed as if trying to avoid drawing attention.I hesitated in the doorway, uncertain whether to ste
Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 18: Fire Shower
(Aurora)The drive to Kingsleyโs residence was tense and silent, the subtle hum of the engine only amplifying the thick, oppressive quiet. The bodyguards didnโt spare me a glance as they moved Leon into the grand estate under Isabellaโs watchful eye. Claire confidently walked in, while I hesitated for a moment before entering through the gate.Jacob, Leonโs father, greeted us warmly. โHow have you been, Aurora? And Leon... what exactly happened?โI recounted what had transpired in the hospital room. With so many people asking, "What happened?" lately, Iโd gotten quite skilled at my stoic facade.Jacob sighed. โIt must be grueling, having to face her like that. Donโt feel bad about the accident. Weโat least Iโdonโt blame you.โI smiled. โWell, a storm is brewing. Sheโs not about to let me off the hook for hurting her only golden boy.โโI just hope she could be more level-headed about this.โ Jacob winced. โIโll handle Isabella. You donโt need to worry about her. Just take care of Leon.
Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 17: Fodder
(Aurora)We rushed back to the hospital room at lightning speed, only to be greeted by a bizarre scene. Claire sat on the floor, her hair disheveled and face contorted in rage, shouting at the top of her lungs. James towered over her, equally furious, while Leon struggledโand failedโto calm the situation.โAurora!โ Leonโs eyes lit up when he saw me. โThank god youโre back!โClaire glared at me like an angry lioness. โKeep your family in check, Aurora! Heโs crazy!โJames spun around, dramatically pointing at Claire before flashing me a lazy grin. โIโm just looking out for you, sis. I walk in, and thereโs Claire, all snuggled up to Leon like a koala on a dying tree. So I step in. And what does she do? Tells me to mind my own business! Seriously? Sheโs been eyeing Leon for ages. Youโve gotta wean the old cat off the catnip. Enough with the yowling, come on!โโWhat did you just say?โ Claire screeched. โShut the trap! You littleโโโClaire, calm downโ I stepped between them. โYou know James
Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 16: Torn
(Aurora)The beeping of the heart monitor and the rustle of papers from Leonโs laptop were the only sounds breaking the silence in the bright hospital room. I worked quietly alongside him, my focus locked on the screen. Then the door suddenly opened with a โswoopโ, shattering the stillness.Claire stepped inside, her heels clicking sharply against the floor as she hurried over to Leonโs bedside.โLeon!โ Her voice was filled with a softness that immediately set me on edge. โWhy didnโt you tell me? Why didnโt you call? Iโve been so worried.โShe reached for his hand, her fingers brushing lightly over the bandages on his arm. There was a tenderness in her touch that made me feel like an intruder in my own skin. It was too intimate, too effortless. The way she ruffled his hair, the warmth in her gazeโit all felt too casual, intimately so. It made my stomach churn.Leon managed a small smile. โIโm fine. Just a little bump, nothing to worry about.โClaireโs face twisted with skepticism. โA
Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 15: No Secrets
(Aurora)The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the room, mixing with the soft beeping of the heart monitor that seemed to echo my every breath. Leon, despite the bandages wrapped around his head and the dark circles under his eyes, was still working. I could hardly believe it.โDo you need help with that?โ I asked, my voice low, as I stood at his side, watching him work despite everything.โIโm fine,โ he replied with a faint smile, though there was a tiredness in his eyes that I hadnโt seen before. โItโs just some emails, nothing I canโt handle.โI shook my head, unable to mask the concern in my eyes. It was the way he refused to rest, as if he couldnโt afford to take a break, like something relentless was always nipping at his heels. Typical Leonโalways determined to fix everything on his own."Okay," I sat down beside him, my fingers briefly brushing his hand. "I just hope youโll lean on me more."a quiet reminder that he didnโt have to face this alone.My phone rang, breaking the
Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 14: A Love Reassured
(Aurora)Time slowed as he crumpled to the ground, the motorcyclist skidding to a stop a few feet away.โLeon!โ I screamed, rushing to his side. My heart pounded wildly as I crouched beside him, scanning for injuries. His face was twisted in pain, but his eyes remained calm.โIโm fine,โ he murmured, his voice strained. โAre you okay?โโMe?โ I choked out, tears blurring my vision. โYouโre the one who got hit!โJenny appeared suddenly, her eyes wide with concern. Kneeling by Leon's side, she gently placed a hand on his arm, her voice trembling slightly. โLeon, are you okay?โShe scolded the motorcyclist harshly while already dialing for an ambulance. โYouโre reckless! Do you even know how to drive?โ Her voice was stern, but her focus remained on Leon, making sure he was conscious and stable.Leon winced as he shifted slightly. โJenny, go easy on him. He looks more terrified than I feel.โโLeon, stop joking,โ I said, my voice trembling. โYou could be seriously hurt.โHis hand found mine,
Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 13: Collision Course
(Aurora)The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as I settled into the chair across from Jenny at our favorite cafรฉ near the company. It had become our unofficial sanctuary โ away from the deadlines, office gossip, and, in my case, Leon.Jenny took a sip of her latte and leaned in, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. โSo,โ she began, her tone casual but laced with curiosity, โdid you hear about the big announcement next week? The companyโs hiring a rising star in jewelry design.โMy mouth opens but then falls shut back down. โIs it Claire?โ I asked with probably a gloomy look plastered all over my face.Jenny winces and her shoulders slump, โSoโฆ you know.โI shrugged, โOf course. I knew she was after something but I thought it was just Leon,โ I scoffed bitterly and shook my head, โTurns out, sheโs after the job as well, and my husband handed it to her, wrapped up in a neat little bow..โJenny gives me one of her sympathetic looks before saying, โBy the way, did something happe
Faking It with the Billionaireย ย ย Chapter 12: Shattered Facades
(Aurora)The restroom was dimly lit, the fluorescent bulbs above buzzing faintly as I scrubbed at the wine stain on my blouse. The crimson blotch clung stubbornly to the fabric, refusing to budge no matter how hard I dabbed. My reflection stared back at me, disheveled and frustrated, the events of the night swirling in my mind like the remnants of wine in a glass.Why had I even agreed to this night out?I tossed the damp paper towel into the trash with more force than necessary, letting out a sigh as I smoothed my blouse as best as I could. It wasnโt perfect, but it would have to do. Gathering my composure, I pushed open the door and stepped out into the hallway.And, of course, Leon was waiting there.He leaned casually against the wall, hands tucked into his pockets, but his posture was anything but relaxed. His expression was a mix of concern and irritation, his brow furrowed as his eyes landed on me.โI was just coming to check on you,โ he started, his tone uncharacteristically s
