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Chapter Nine: A Glimpse of Truth
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2025-04-06 08:46:16
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Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Ten: Almost a Kiss
The city lights of the City of Monterrey twinkled beneath them as Alejandro and Valeria stood side by side on the rooftop terrace. The air was cool, a slight breeze tugging at their clothes as they leaned against the low stone wall, looking out at the skyline. For a moment, everything was silent—just the hum of the city below and the soft rustle of leaves in the wind.But silence, like everything else between them, had become charged with something more.Valeria could feel the weight of Alejandro’s presence beside her. His broad shoulders, his strong scent, the subtle tension in the air whenever their gazes met. She couldn’t ignore it anymore. She couldn’t pretend that the flutter in her chest when their hands brushed was just coincidence, that the warmth that spread through her veins when he smiled was something she could easily shake off.They were supposed to be pretending.This was just a business arrangement. A contract.But why did it feel like everything was slowly unraveling?
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-09Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Eleven: The Ex Returns – Alejandro’s ex fiancée tries to sabotage them.
Lucía’s heels clicked against the marble floor of Herrera Designs headquarters like a warning bell. She strode past the receptionist without a word, her presence as chilling as it was commanding. Today, she wore crimson—a power suit that seemed to bleed authority with every step.The executive boardroom was already buzzing when she entered. Conversations halted. Eyes turned.Alejandro stood at the head of the long table, jaw tight, knuckles white around the edge of the chair. “Lucía.”She smiled sweetly, sliding into a vacant seat. “Good morning, gentlemen.”He narrowed his eyes. “What are you doing here?”“Exercising my rights,” she said, tossing a thick stack of documents onto the table. “As the new owner of twenty-one percent of Herrera Designs.”Gasps echoed.“You’re bluffing,” Alejandro growled.She chuckled, leaning back in her chair. “Check the signatures. I bought your cousin Emiliano’s shares. He needed the cash. I needed leverage. Win-win.”Alejandro’s pulse pounded in his e
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-10Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Twelve: Valeria’s Past Uncovered – A journalist starts sniffing around.
The luxury office of Herrera Designs had never been colder. Alejandro sat behind his desk, unmoving, eyes locked on the email from legal confirming Lucía’s new authority. The woman had played the long game, and she played it well. Twenty-one percent wasn’t enough to oust him outright—but it was enough to cause chaos. He didn’t have time for chaos. Not when he was still fighting to win Valeria back. “Sir,” his assistant said quietly over the intercom. “You have someone waiting in the lobby.” “If it’s Lucía again, tell her I’m busy choking on my pride.” “It’s not her. It’s... Valeria.” Alejandro’s breath caught. He was up and out of the chair before he could think. The elevator ride down felt like a century. When the doors opened, she was there—cool, collected, breathtaking. Her hair was tied back
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-11Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Thirteen: The First Night
The air between them was different now. After the boardroom showdown, after Valeria had exposed Lucía and stood by Alejandro when he needed it most, the lines they had drawn in their fake marriage blurred dangerously. They didn’t speak on the ride home. Words weren’t enough. Their bodies hummed with a tension that had nowhere else to go but forward. Alejandro opened the door to the penthouse and let her walk in first. She didn’t stop. Didn’t hesitate. She went straight to the bedroom, then turned to him, waiting. It was a dare. An invitation. A challenge. He followed her, his heart thundering. For weeks, they’d played the part of husband and wife for the press, for his family, for the company. But tonight, they weren’t acting. Not anymore. He closed the door behind him. Slowly. “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice hoarse, betraying how much he needed her answer to be yes. She nodded. “I don’t want to think. Not tonight.” He crossed the room in three strides and pulle
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-13Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Fourteen: Betrayal
Alejandro didn’t sleep the night Valeria left. He barely blinked. Her absence clung to the air like smoke, curling into every space of the penthouse. The note sat on the counter, a cruel echo of the way she had once entered his life—quiet, precise, and impossible to ignore. By morning, he was at his office, jaw clenched, eyes bloodshot. He buried himself in meetings, emails, design approvals—anything to keep from thinking about the way her skin had felt beneath his fingers. The way she had looked at him right before everything changed. But nothing could keep the memories at bay. Especially not when his assistant walked in holding a thin manila envelope with no return address. “This came for you. Hand-delivered,” she said, setting it on his desk. He stared at it. Something felt off. He opened it slowly. Inside was a single glossy photo—Valeria, younger, standing beside a man Alejandro recognized instantly: Marcos Vargas, CEO of ArqLine, Alejandro’s biggest rival in the architectur
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-15Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Fifteen: The Break
The city blurred past the window of Alejandro’s car, but he wasn’t seeing it. Not really. He was driving without direction, one hand clenched around the steering wheel, the other clutching his phone like it might give him answers. But no message came. No apology. No explanation that would make what she’d done any less unbearable. She had lied. Lied with her silence, with her smile, with every kiss she had given him while hiding the truth about who she really was. And yet—he missed her. The scent of her shampoo still lingered on his pillow. The ghost of her laugh haunted the kitchen, the terrace, the office. And that night—the night they had finally crossed the line—he couldn’t erase the way she had looked at him. Vulnerable. Honest. Like she was handing him her whole heart. So why did it feel like he had never known her at all? Valeria stood in the middle of her studio, arms wrapped tightly around her waist. The air smelled like dust and turpentine, and her last sketch lay unfinis
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-16Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Sixteen: Valeria Leaves
The sun filtered weakly through the lace curtains in the guest room Valeria now called home. Madrid was colder than she remembered, its sharp winds biting through her thin jacket as she ventured out each morning. But it wasn’t the weather that left her chilled—it was the silence. The absence of Alejandro. The absence of everything.She moved like a ghost through her days. Mornings spent at the small design firm where she worked under the alias "Valeria Ríos." Afternoons sketching in quiet parks, where no one knew her name. Evenings curled on a secondhand couch, wrapped in a blanket that couldn’t warm the ache that lived inside her.Everywhere she went, she carried the weight of her decision.Leaving had been the only choice. She knew that. Still, the emptiness that followed was not something she had anticipated.The city was beautiful—artsy cafés, winding cobblestone alleys, ancient cathedrals—but nothing in it called to her. Nothing whispered home.Not the way Alejandro’s voice once
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-19Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Seventeen: Alejandro Breaks Down – Realizes He Actually Loved Her
Alejandro stood in the middle of the massive penthouse, staring out over the glittering skyline of Mexico City. Yet all he saw was her.Valeria.Every inch of his home still whispered her presence, even weeks after she had left. The scent of her favorite vanilla and sandalwood candle still clung faintly to the living room. Her mug—chipped, floral, and completely unlike the rest of his sleek, minimalist kitchenware—remained on the shelf where she’d always kept it. He hadn’t moved it. Couldn’t. As if touching it would confirm she wasn’t coming back.He’d gone through the motions for days. Meetings. Calls. Interviews. He spoke, nodded, even smiled when necessary. But his soul hadn’t followed. It was as though some vital part of him had left the moment she walked away.And no one—not his colleagues, not his board, not even Lucía with her smug little smirks—had been able to reach him.Because Valeria was the only one who ever had.The breaking point came one morning in the most ordinary wa
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-19
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Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Twenty Eight: Wedding Night
The gentle hum of the ocean drifted in through the balcony doors of the honeymoon suite, casting a peaceful lull over the room. The lights were dimmed, the scent of white lilies filled the air, and the bed was adorned with scattered rose petals — a romantic cliché that somehow felt just right.Valeria stood near the window in a silk robe, her heart still fluttering with the echoes of the day's whirlwind. Her fingers brushed the edge of the windowpane as she looked out at the dark horizon. The ceremony had been perfect — dreamy, surreal, and full of so much emotion that she hadn’t stopped smiling since she said “I do.”But now, reality had settled into the stillness. They were married. For real. Not for a contract. Not for image. But for love.Alejandro was in the adjoining room, changing out of his tuxedo, and each second ticked louder in her ears.Was he nervous, too?Would tonight be different now that everything between them was real?She heard the soft knock before he stepped into
Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter 27: Wedding Day Tears
The morning sun filtered through sheer ivory curtains, casting a soft glow over the hotel suite. Valeria sat in front of the mirror, her heart racing as her makeup artist dabbed foundation onto her already pale face. The scent of peonies and jasmine—her chosen bouquet—filled the air, but it did little to soothe the tremor in her chest.This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. Yet, after what happened the night before, everything felt like a lie waiting to explode.She hadn’t slept. Not after Alejandro’s ex, Camila, had shown up at the bachelorette party uninvited, with a smug smile and a folder of photos she threatened to leak.“He’s not who you think he is,” Camila had whispered in Valeria’s ear, just before being escorted out by security. “You’ll regret saying yes.”Valeria had laughed it off at the time, pretending to be unfazed. But all night, her mind spiraled—what if there was truth in Camila’s warning? What if everything she’d started to believe about Alejandro—the
Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Twenty Six: Bachelor/Bachelorette Night Drama
It was supposed to be a fun, carefree night—a night to celebrate the end of the single life, to laugh, dance, and let loose. But nothing with Alejandro Herrera was ever as simple as it seemed.Valeria stood in front of the mirror in her hotel room, eyes flicking to the stunning dress she’d chosen for the bachelorette party. It was daring—deep red, with a plunging neckline and just the right amount of sparkle. She had to admit, it was the kind of dress that made her feel powerful, the kind that made her forget about the mess that had come with the fake engagement, the messy emotions, and all the hidden truths that neither of them had dared to confront.She glanced at the clock. Alejandro was waiting downstairs. There was no turning back.The plan was simple: a night out with her closest friends, with some champagne, dancing, and maybe a little fun that didn’t involve wedding plans. But something inside her told her tonight wasn’t going to go as planned.When she arrived at the venue—a
Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Twenty Five: Wedding Preparations
The countdown had begun.With less than two weeks to the wedding, the Herrera estate buzzed like a beehive. Staff rushed up and down the corridors. Event planners barked instructions. Garment bags flowed in like river currents—white silk, champagne tulle, ivory lace.But amidst the chaos, Valeria stood in the center of it all—dazed, overwhelmed, and holding a piece of pistachio cake between her fingers like it was a life raft."I can't believe this is happening," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the classical quartet rehearsing on the balcony. "I'm marrying Alejandro Herrera. And not as a decoy."Mirabel leaned over the tasting table, popping a chocolate truffle into her mouth. "Babe, you’re marrying the country’s most eligible bachelor. It’s giving Cinderella, but with espresso and legal contracts."Valeria blinked. "Do you hear yourself?""I do. And you should too. You’re glowing.”“I’m sweating.”“From love.”Valeria rolled her eyes, but the warmth spreading through her
Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Twenty Four: A Real Proposal
The waves crashed against the rocks as the sun began its descent behind the Monterrey skyline, casting golden hues across the private balcony where Valeria stood. The breeze tugged at the soft fabric of her cream dress, and for once, she wasn’t thinking about tomorrow. She was lost in the silence… and Alejandro.Behind her, the glass door opened with a soft click.He didn’t speak immediately. Just stood there, watching her, hands tucked into his pockets like he was afraid if he moved too quickly, the moment might vanish.“Why does it feel like the air is holding its breath?” she asked, not turning.Alejandro’s voice was low. “Because it is.”She turned then. He was in a navy blazer, no tie, his shirt undone at the top. There was something different in his posture—unguarded. And something about his eyes… they weren’t the sharp daggers she was used to. They were oceans, stormy and unsure.“I ruined everything,” he said quietly.Her lips parted, but she didn’t interrupt. She let the conf
Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Twenty Three: New Beginnings
Paris – Late AfternoonThe silence in the car was heavy, not uncomfortable but potent—like a string pulled taut between two people who’d hurt each other more deeply than they’d ever intended.Valeria looked out the window, the city blurring past. Paris had never seemed so soft, so forgiving. Or maybe it was her heart, bruised and raw, starting to beat again.Alejandro’s fingers flexed on the steering wheel. He hadn’t taken his eyes off the road, but his voice was low, calm, deliberate.“Why didn’t you tell me about the legal mix-up?” he asked.Valeria’s breath caught.“I wanted to,” she admitted. “But every time I tried, you made it clear I was just a pawn in a business deal. A beautiful, replaceable prop.”Alejandro winced. The words stung because they were true—at least, back then.“I was scared,” she continued. “Scared that if I said something… it would all collapse. That I would lose even the illusion of being wanted by you.”He finally looked at her, just for a second, but it fel
Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Twenty Two: The Truth Shared
Monterrey, Mexico – 10:12 a.m.The sun pierced through the tall windows of Alejandro’s penthouse, casting sharp lines across the polished floors. But nothing about the day felt warm.Valeria stood at the edge of the living room, fingers trembling as she gripped the strap of her bag like a lifeline. Alejandro stood across from her, freshly shaven, suit pressed, but eyes worn with the weight of days lost in solitude.They hadn’t spoken in weeks. Not really. Not beyond that desperate moment on the rooftop when he’d almost kissed her. And now—here they were again, oceans apart in the same room.“I didn’t expect you to actually come,” he said softly, as if speaking too loudly would break whatever fragile thread tethered them.“I wasn’t sure I would,” she replied, voice low. “But... you left a letter. And your driver.”“I didn’t know what else to do.”Her heart gave a painful thud.Alejandro Herrera, the man who once barked commands like they were gospel, now stood there stripped of defense
Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Twenty One: The Grand Gesture
Monterrey, Mexico – 8:04 p.m.Alejandro Herrera had been to countless galas, awards nights, and investor dinners. He had walked red carpets, negotiated million-dollar deals, and delivered speeches in front of hundreds.But nothing — not even the day he took over Herrera & Sons — made his hands sweat the way this evening did.The garden outside Valeria's apartment complex was quiet, lit only by a string of fairy lights he’d personally hung in a mad, last-minute decision. A small table with two chairs sat under a blooming jacaranda tree, lavender petals gently carpeting the stone floor. And in his trembling hand was a velvet box.He checked his watch. 8:05 p.m.She wasn’t answering his calls. Hadn’t for a week. Since the truth about her identity exploded in the media — “Billionaire Heiress Hiding in Plain Sight” — Valeria had vanished.Alejandro had tried everything. He’d driven to her mother’s care facility only to find out she’d paid the remaining bills in full and moved her to a priv
Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Twenty: A Real Wedding
The sun rose over San Miguel de Allende in a golden blaze, casting warm light across the cobblestone streets and colonial buildings. The small town, chosen deliberately by Valeria for its charm and privacy, was still quiet—except for the private hacienda tucked behind flowering bougainvillea and carved wooden gates. Today wasn’t about press. It wasn’t about contracts or damage control. Today was about them. Alejandro stood in front of the tall mirror, adjusting the crisp collar of his white linen shirt. His hands were steady, but his chest was full—of anticipation, of wonder, of something close to joy. He never thought he’d feel this again. Not after the betrayals. Not after the loneliness. But then Valeria happened. And everything had changed. Outside the room, his younger brother Emilio knocked once and stepped in with a grin. “You ready, man?” Alejandro met his reflection in the mirror. For the first time in years, he didn’t see the cold CEO. He saw a man softened by l
