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Chapter Twenty Three: New Beginnings
최신 업데이트:
2025-04-30 03:56:29
Grace Alegria#Romance #HiddenSecrets #Billionaire #SlowBurn
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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
최신 업데이트 : 2025-04-30Married 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
최신 업데이트 : 2025-04-30Married 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
최신 업데이트 : 2025-04-30Married 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
최신 업데이트 : 2025-04-30Married 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
최신 업데이트 : 2025-04-30Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter One: Coffee, Chaos, and the CEO
Monterrey, Mexico – 7:42 a.m.The office of Herrera & Sons was as cold and polished as its CEO — sleek lines, steel accents, and silence sharp enough to cut glass.And into that silence stormed Valeria Mendoza, twenty-six, five-foot-five, soaked in caramel macchiato, and dangerously close to snapping.“¡Maldita sea!” she hissed, dabbing at her blouse with a napkin that was failing its life’s mission.The receptionist flinched. “Señorita Mendoza, are you okay?”Valeria forced a tight smile, clutching her ruined coffee cup. “Fine. Just another glamorous Monday of burning my chest and soul.”She strode toward the elevator, high ponytail swaying, heels clicking with purpose. She had five minutes to get to the top floor and deliver updated design boards to The Ice King himself — Alejandro Herrera.CEO. Architect. Walking thundercloud in a designer suit.Valeria had been Alejandro’s assistant for exactly four weeks. In that time, he had:Learned her name (barely).Criticized her font choice
최신 업데이트 : 2025-04-04Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Two: Playing Pretend in Prada
“You're late.”Alejandro didn’t bother looking at her as she stepped into the sleek black town car waiting by the curb. His eyes remained glued to his phone, thumb flicking through unread emails like they were beneath him.Valeria yanked the door shut and exhaled, annoyed. “You're lucky I agreed to this insane idea at all.”He finally glanced up — crisp suit, sharp jawline, a pair of sunglasses that screamed I don’t do patience.“And yet here you are.”She narrowed her eyes. “Only because you offered to triple my salary. And I need to pay off my mom’s hospital bills.”Alejandro looked at her for a beat longer than necessary, as if trying to read between her words. Then he returned to his phone, voice flat. “You’ll need to smile more.”“I’ll smile when you’re less of a jackass.”He almost smirked. Almost.Inside the Town CarValeria smoothed down her borrowed designer dress — a sleek off-the-shoulder navy number pulled from the firm's PR closet at the last second. She looked like she b
최신 업데이트 : 2025-04-04Married by Mistake, Loved by Design Chapter Three: Dinner with the Devil’s Approval
Valeria stood outside Alejandro’s penthouse door, wine bottle in one hand, nerves twisting her stomach like ribbon. She was dressed in a fitted emerald green dress — conservative enough for a family dinner, but flattering enough to make Alejandro stare. Which she definitely wasn’t hoping for. At all.She exhaled.You can do this. Pretend. Smile. Eat. Lie. Leave.She rang the bell.The door opened instantly, revealing Alejandro — barefoot, in a black button-down rolled up at the sleeves and charcoal trousers. Casual. Sinfully casual.Valeria’s brain took a second to reboot.“You’re late,” he said, voice flat.“You’re not wearing shoes.”His mouth twitched. “You brought wine?”“You said to look convincing. Nothing screams loving fiancée like a good Malbec.”He took the bottle, their fingers brushing briefly. “You look—”Valeria raised a brow. “What?”His eyes lingered a second too long. “Convincing.”She hated how smug it made her feel.Inside the PenthouseThe place was too clean. Mode
최신 업데이트 : 2025-04-04
최신 챕터
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
