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Chapter 20
Last Updated:
2025-02-10 08:53:31
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Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 21
Aliya’s POVThe morning cold embraced me as I squinted at the light slipping through the car window. I wrapped myself tightly in what looked like Nick’s jacket—at least, I supposed it was his. But when I looked around, he was nowhere to be found.“Where did he go?” I murmured, my breath visible in the chilly air.Sitting upright, I wiped the fog from the window, and that’s when I spotted him. He stood at a distance, staring into space, hands clasped behind his back like an inspector deep in thought.Then it hit me. Everything came rushing back—the events of last night flashing through my mind. I turned to the car’s mirror, my reflection staring back at me: ruffled hair and hickeys scattered across my neck.What happened between us wasn’t ordinary—I could feel it. Maybe Nick did like me after all, despite his cocky behavior.A blush crept onto my face as I straightened my clothes and made my way toward him, where he stood at the cliff’s edge.“Good morning.” My voice jolted him from hi
Last Updated : 2025-02-15Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 22
Liam’s POVI couldn’t understand what was happening to me anymore. One minute, I was enjoying a good time with Aliya, and the next… the next was history, I guess, because she hated my guts.Maybe it was for the best. I had lost focus on why I was with her in the first place, and—“Liam De Luca, son of Martin De Luca, can you fucking keep your head in the meeting?” Brooke’s sharp voice shook me out of my thoughts.“Sure, I’m here.” I turned to her with a smile and took a sip from my glass.“No, you’re not. If you were, then you’d have reacted when I said Dad had a breakdown while you were off on your honeymoon with Miss Perfect.” Her voice dripped with venom at the mention of Aliya.“How’s he now?” I asked, rubbing my temples. I wasn’t sure why my father’s breakdown didn’t make me move a muscle—probably because he had what, like five to ten of them a day.“Do you even love Dad anymore, Liam?” Brooke asked, her voice suddenly quieter and her eyes shining with unshed tears.“That’s a dum
Last Updated : 2025-02-15Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 23
Aliya’s POVI stood before the mirror, fixing the hem of my red strapless million-dollar gown, but no matter how much I adjusted it, it still looked crooked to me.Was I still hurting from Nick’s behavior? Yes, I was. But was I planning to let that get the better of me? That was a question I had no answer to.One thing was certain tonight—it may not be between Nick and me, but Philip would finally know who he was dealing with, and I would strip him of every penny I made him have.“Oh my God.”I stared at Brooke through the mirror. She stood by my room’s door, mouth agape and in awe.I had invited her over earlier. I figured it would be nice to have someone around before the gala other than Nick.“You look so beautiful, Aliya,” Brooke remarked as she approached me.I turned to look at her with a grin. “And you look amazing, Brooke.”“Oh, stop it. I only put on this dress because of you. I’m not really into this Cinderella stuff,” Brooke commented, making me chuckle lightly.“I’m sure N
Last Updated : 2025-02-16Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 24
Aliya’s POV“Dear, what’s the matter?” William inquired as he approached us.“Your security here doesn’t know who I am, and I don’t blame him,” I smirked, folding my arms. Ron flinched at the sight of William but remained still.“Mr. William, this woman has no invitation, and I can’t let her in,” Ron stated casually, pointing in my direction.William chuckled lightly before his expression turned cold. “This woman is Miss AVA—the reason you have a job. Get out of the way.”“I—I’m so sorry, Miss AVA! I had no idea. Please forgive me,” Ron stammered, causing Nick to smirk at his trembling body.I offered no more words as William led us into the grand hall where the ceremony was taking place.“Dear, I have to take care of something now. See you later,” he murmured before turning away, leaving me with Nick.“So, Miss AVA, how does it feel running a mega-company while keeping your identity hidden for so long?” Nick questioned as we observed the crowd of elegant men and women.“I love a priv
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 25
Aliya’s POV“Aliya, are you okay?” Nick kept bombarding me with questions as I stared at the red dot aimed at his chest.Horror filled my face, and my hands trembled. Who was this Mr. L, and what did he want with Nick?As if reading my thoughts from wherever the hell he was watching me, another text message came in. “Don’t look so frightened. It’s not like you love him. Besides, I’m aware your marriage is just a show.”My breath hitched as I read the words, my fingers tightening around my phone before I abruptly tossed it into my purse. Gripping the terrace handles, I held on tightly while Nick stared at me in absolute confusion.The rest of the guests had gone back inside for the continuation of the event, but I couldn’t move. My knees quivered, and my vision blurred—not from tears, but from sheer fear—as I scanned my surroundings for any clue.“You’re beginning to scare me, Aliya. Say something,” Nick whispered.I turned to face him, and just like that, the red dot was gone. The bre
Last Updated : 2025-02-21Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 26
Liam’s POV The guests erupted into cheers at the mention of a man’s name—one that commanded so much respect, even without being seen. Yes, I’m that man. But was I going to go up on that stage and risk everything I was trying to accomplish? Hell no. I turned to face Aliya, and the frown on her face spoke volumes. Was there any version of me she actually liked? She seemed to hate both Liam and Nick. I chuckled lightly before speaking. “Didn’t tell me your husband-to-be would be invited,” I teased. She rolled her eyes so hard they nearly disappeared into the back of her head. Her lips began to move, mumbling words I couldn’t hear, but I knew she was cursing me while holding herself back. “I mean, the guy’s literally a ghost like you. You two have a lot in common,” I added, smirking. “Can’t wait to see him.” “Fuck off, Nick! If he’s so great, why don’t you marry him instead? Maybe when you have sex with him, you won’t run off like a little girl in a tutu,” she snapped before
Last Updated : 2025-02-25Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 27
Liam’s POVI stared at the note repeatedly, but it was useless. So I tucked it into my pocket before turning to face Aliya.Her eyes screamed fear as tears continued to roll down.“Nick… w-who would do this to me?” she whispered in a raspy tone.I opened my mouth to speak, but for the first time, I had nothing to say. Whoever did this was insane, and it gave me the creeps as well.She looked up at me with her doll-like emerald eyes, and I felt—what? Pain? Anger? I didn’t know why her fear made me uncomfortable, but it did.“First, let’s get you in bed. Then afterwards, I’ll look into this,” I reassured her, and she nodded in agreement. I guided her into the house and to her bedroom. On a normal day, she wouldn’t let me this close—not after what happened. But it was clear the situation had shaken her up pretty badly.“I’ll be in my room if you need me,” I murmured, opening her bedroom door to leave.“No, wait!” she called out, stopping me in my tracks. “Don’t leave, Nick. I’m scared.”
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Liam’s POV“You know, you should have just stayed at home while I handle this—or rather, gone to work?” I remarked, and she rolled her eyes, paying no heed to my statement.I couldn’t take her to my mansion, and I eagerly wanted to meet this mailwoman. As much as I wanted to keep Aliya out of it, I couldn’t.“What are we doing at a café?” she questioned as I poo pulled over before Rosie’s Café, five miles away from my mansion.“This is where I’m meeting Posh and where we’ll find the answers about who is sending you those threats,” I explained, stepping out of the car, but she stayed rooted to her seat.I stared at her through the windshield as her hands fidgeted between her legs. Moving over to her side of the door, I popped my head through the window.“Coming?” I prompted. It was clear yesterday’s threat still unsettled her, but she wouldn’t let me find a solution on my own.“Yeah, I’m just catching a breath,” she responded with a smile, then stepped out as well.I nodded, entwining
Last Updated : 2025-03-04
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Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 59
Aliya’s POV “William?” I shook my head in disbelief. “That’s impossible. For all I know, you could be making this up just to get me to help you.” “I may be a lot of things, but I would never make up something like this,” Nala said, her tone tinged with disappointment. “Open your mind, Aliya. If no one else has told you this, then let me be the first. You’re too naive. I’m not insane enough to bring this up if I didn’t think I could gather real evidence.” My eyes stung. Was I really naive just because I refused to believe the man I’d known as a second father—though technically a butler—had helped end my mother’s life? No. That was literally impossible. William was a kind soul. He couldn’t have. Nala stood, walked up to me, and held my hands. “Aliya, I swear to you, this is the truth. All you have to do is help me get back into that mansion so I can secure some inheritance for my mother and me, and I’ll help you search for the evidence. Just get Camille out.” I didn’t kn
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 58
Aliya’s POVCuriosity overwhelmed me as I twirled in my seat. Documents lay before me awaiting my signature, but all I could do was fidget—waiting for Nala like my life depended on it. Suddenly, a knock came at the door, jolting me. “Hi, ma’am.” My other assistant who had filled in for Brooke, walked in with a practiced smile. For some reason, Brooke hadn’t come to work for two days now, and I couldn’t reach her either. I had this nagging feeling that something was terribly wrong, though I couldn’t quite place what. “A certain Miss Nala is here to—” “Send her in.” I cut her off quickly, startling her for a brief moment. With a nod, she exited, and seconds later the door opened again, revealing Nala. She offered a faint smile, standing just at the entrance. “Never thought I’d be this eager to talk to you, sis.” “Neither did I,” I replied. “Please, come in.” Nala moved with poise—like the queen she had always forced herself into becoming. Her red heels clicked acros
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 57
Third Person’s POVNala paced the room, then turned abruptly and threw a dart at the wall missing, her target.“Fuck!” she cried out, running a hand through her damp hair.“Let’s do this one last time,” she muttered, stepping back, narrowing her eyes, then aiming again. This time, the dart landed precisely on the spot she wanted—Camille’s forehead.“Bingo!” she cheered.“Let’s see how you make baseless accusations without a brain to think with,” Nala laughed hysterically, picking up the glass of scotch from the table and downing it in one go.She threw herself onto the bed, eyes staring at the unfamiliar ceiling. She had spent two nights already at the Masini Hotel and was beginning to lose her mind.Just two nights ago, she had been seated by the pool at the Van Alen mansion, punching on her cell phone and giggling like a little girl, when Camille stormed in.“What’s so funny?” Camille hovered above her, crossing her arms over her chest.Nala raised her eyes slowly, gazing at her bri
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 56
Liam’s POVThe room smelled of antiseptics and bad news.I sat on the edge of the hospital bed, the thin gown loose against my frame, eyes cast down, and my heart spiraling with each passing second as I waited for the results of my test.This wasn’t what I had planned for today, nor was it where I thought I would be, but here I was, waiting for the results of something I already knew the answer to.The door to the doctor’s office creaked open, and he stepped in. A paper in one hand, a stethoscope hanging from his neck, a lab coat as white as snow, and an expression that couldn’t quite hide itself.He took a seat opposite me, removing his glasses before speaking. “Mr. Liam, the results are in.”I straightened up, looking him in the eye. “And?”Dr. Ken cleared his throat, his eyes darting between me and the paper in his hands. “It’s positive. The tumor has returned. It’s smaller, but this time it’s more severe than the last.”My heart sank the moment he uttered the word positive. I knew
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 55
Liam’s POVEver felt like your lies are beginning to close in on you and there’s no escape? Well, that was exactly the position I found myself in.God knows if Aliya had managed to open that text from Monica before I walked in, it would’ve been catastrophic. Now I stared at her furious face, unsure of what to do.“I can’t do that.” I cleared my throat, taking the phone from her hand.She folded her arms, brows furrowed. “Why, Nick? Unless there’s some truth to what I’m saying.”“There’s no truth to what you’re saying, Aliya. There’s nothing going on between Monica and me,” I said, my voice firm.Aliya let out a dry chuckle. “Unbelievable. I can’t believe how much trust I put in you.”I dropped the phone on the bed, walking toward her gently. I grazed her cheek with the back of my hand, staring into her teary eyes—but I saw more than just tears. I saw disappointment.“Believe me, baby. Monica probably just needs a favor,” I explained, but she shook her head, snapping away from my touch
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 54
Aliya’s POVSo Monica and Nick, huh? Didn’t see that coming.I got into my car and drove home after the long day at the shop, which I was certain I wouldn’t be stepping foot in for a while.Nick had left for his secret adventures with Posh, as usual, and all I could do was nod without complaint. Sometimes it felt like he didn’t trust me enough to let me into his world. I mean, take a look at how I found out my old friend used to be his girlfriend.There was this strange feeling I had when I saw the way they looked at each other. Was it jealousy? Or fear—fear that they hadn’t told me the whole truth about their past.I pulled over and stepped into the house, ready to unwind and melt into the warm blankets waiting on my bed. But my stomach had other plans—I hadn’t eaten anything all day.After a soothing bath, I made my way to the kitchen. Soft jazz drifted through the speakers as I played around with the knives and vegetables.“Might as well make something for Nick, since he always doe
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 53
Third Person’s POVNick stood still, eyes fixated on her, but he didn’t flinch—not even for a second.“What do you think you’re doing?” he asked, furrowing his brows.Monica ignored his question and stepped even closer. Her red lingerie sparkled under the chandelier. Rising on her toes, she placed a soft kiss on Nick’s cheek.“I’m in town because I’ve missed you, Nick,” she murmured, her voice low and seductive. “You know we were never supposed to end our relationship—if not for…”Nick suddenly grabbed her arm. “Don’t you dare say it. That’s supposed to stay between us, remember?”Monica chuckled. “Right. What happens in Peru stays in Peru.”He let go of her arm, and she rubbed the spot slowly before locking eyes with him.“I should be the one you’re with, not her. I was there for you through it all, and now that everything’s going great, you never reached out.”Nick ran a hand through his ruffled hair for what felt like the hundredth time that day. He brushed past her to the mini bar
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 52
Liam’s POVWalking in on your ex-girlfriend hand in hand with your present girlfriend is something you might see in your everyday life—but walking in on your ex-girlfriend, who knows everything about you, standing with your present girlfriend? That feels like the end of a game.“Monica?” I murmured, trying to mask my shock, but it was futile and Aliya noticed instantly.“Liam?” Aliya chuckled. “No, this is Nick, my husband.”“Excuse me, do you two know each other?” she asked, breaking the long, awkward staring contest I was having with Monica.“Uh… Aliya, this is Liam—my ex-boyfriend,” Monica said, turning to Aliya whose smile began to falter.“Ex-boyfriend from way back,” I added quickly, trying to lighten the tension.“Why is she calling you Nick?” Monica questioned, her eyes narrowing as Aliya looked at me for what felt like the fiftieth time today.“That’s because Nick is my actual name,” I said with a forced chuckle, not even sure what I was saying or how I’d explain it later.I
Love, Lies and Billions Chapter 51
Aliya’s POVEver felt like the more you get closer to someone, the more you know them less?Well, that was Nick and me. We had taken things to the next level and it’s been a week now, but he still felt like a stranger to me. Always having errands to run, never letting me know anything about his life—I’ve always been in the shadows, and I still am.Aside from that, he was everything I ever wanted—everything Philip wasn’t. One way or another, I was going to bring down those walls he had built completely.I fastened my hands on the steering wheel as my phone buzzed, jolting me. I took a quick glance at the screen, tapped on it, and focused my attention back on driving.“Hey, baby!” Nick’s voice came through the speakers, and a smile spread across my lips.“You didn’t wake me, and now I didn’t get to stare at your face before you left,” he said.“I know, Nick, I’m sorry. It was an urgent call about my fashion shop, so I just had to step out real quick,” I explained.“Uhh, is everything ok
