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CHAPTER 21

Author: Mhiekyezha
last update Last Updated: 2025-05-13 22:51:23

Selene sat still, her arms wrapped around her legs, her forehead pressed against her knees as if the world might go away if she just made herself small enough.

But the world didn’t go away.

The pain didn’t stop.

And the echo of Duke’s voice still burned in her ears.

"Is everything just for show with you, Selene?"

A sob caught in her throat and clawed its way out before she could stop it. Her shoulders shook. Her nails dug into her arms. Her chest ached from holding in too much—for too long.

He made her feel like nothing.

Like the love she gave him was a performance.

Like the truth she told him was a lie.

And yet, it wasn’t just the words.

It was the way he looked at her.

Like she disgusted him.

Like he regretted touching her.

Her breath stuttered. Her tears came harder now—raw, messy, helpless. The kind of crying you don’t come back from. The kind that empties you.

She cried not just because he hurt her tonight, but because she finally understood:

He never planned to stay.

She had com
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  • THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR   Special Hot Chapter: Paris Honeymoon

    Selene had chosen Paris for their honeymoon, a destination filled with both promise and irony. After all, it was in this city that she had previously attempted to flee Duke. But, with a wedding ring glinting on her finger and her heart fully entwined with his, Paris seemed like the ideal place to begin their new lives together.The hotel suite was everything she had hoped for: luxurious, spacious, and filled with the opulence that only Paris could provide. Despite the opulent surroundings, it was the feeling of being completely alone with the Duke that delighted her. As soon as they arrived, the exhaustion from their whirlwind wedding seemed to hit her all at once. She had never felt so exhausted yet so satisfied.Selene sighed softly as she collapsed onto the bed, sinking into the soft, silk sheets. Her body ached in all the right ways, but her mind swirled with a thousand thoughts. Would their honeymoon live up to the expectations? Would this trip mark a turning point in their relat

  • THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR   CHAPTER 47

    Everyone was busy on the day of Selene and Duke’s wedding. The hacienda buzzed with excitement as final touches were made—floral arrangements perfected, soft music playing in the background, and the golden afternoon sun casting a warm glow across the lush grounds.Though the ceremony was private, attended only by close family and trusted friends, selected members of the press had been invited to discreetly cover the intimate affair. It wasn’t just a wedding—it was a union the public had long speculated about, and now they would finally see it unfold, albeit from a respectful distance.Selene’s bridal party was a graceful, striking sight. Her bridesmaids included Addison, Arriane, and Adeline, along with a few well-known models from the same agency that had launched her career. Jessica, her long-time friend, and Sava ah her makeup artist and confidante, stood with her proudly. So did Alliyah, her beloved cousin, who had flown in just for this special day. Each of them wore shades of b

  • THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR   CHAPTER 46

    Arrival in HawaiiThe warm, humid breeze of Hawaii kissed Selene's skin as she stepped off the plane, but her hands trembled as she held Duke's arm. The tropical sun shone brightly over Lahaina, but inside her chest, a storm of emotion raged—nervousness, longing, hope.They traveled in silence in a private van to Amanda's seaside home. Selene tightened her grip on Duke's hand as they approached the coastline. She had not seen her mother in years, not in person. Only fragmented video calls, silent birthdays, and the ghost of unspoken words had bridged the gap. They faced a decision that could either heal or break them.Amanda was already waiting for them at the gate of the quaint yet elegant home overlooking the ocean, standing still under the shade of a plumeria tree. She was thinner than Selene remembered, but she was still elegant in a simple floral gown that moved gently in the breeze.Amanda's breath caught as soon as she laid eyes on her daughter. The world seemed to come to a ha

  • THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR   CHAPTER 45

    Before heading back to Manila, they stopped by Duke’s office so he could brief his personal secretary, who had just returned from a week-long leave.It was Selene’s first time meeting the woman—and she immediately took note of the short skirt and the unmistakable panty line that appeared every time she walked across the room.She tried to ignore the not-so-subtle glances the secretary threw at Duke whenever she thought Selene wasn’t watching. But the jealousy burned so violently in her chest that by the time they reached Manila, she could hardly speak.What irritated her most was how oblivious Duke seemed about it. Or maybe he just didn’t care.After finishing a pictorial for a toothpaste brand, Selene waited in the lounge area of the studio. Duke was speaking with her manager across the room—and by the looks on their faces, they were arguing again. Some things never change.Minutes later, the two finally approached her, now wearing polite smiles.Duke reached for her hand, silently u

  • THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR   CHAPTER 44

    They arrived early the next day at the OB-Gyne clinic, which was privately owned by a close friend of the Sandovals.They spent the afternoon at the hotel, finalizing the details of their upcoming wedding. Duke even accompanied her to a meeting with some suppliers, refusing to leave her behind.On their way back to the Sandoval Hotel, Selene glanced at Duke just in time to see the name "Ingrid" flash across his phone screen.His jaw clenched slightly before he responded."Yes, honey?" He spoke casually, making Selene's chest tighten. She quickly looked away and gazed out the window.“No, I can’t tonight,” Duke added. “I’ll be there tomorrow morning.”She had no idea what that was about. She did not want to ask either.They fell into a deep silence that was full of things they did not say.Duke looked ahead at the road. She crossed her arms and stared straight ahead, getting more and more angry as time went on.Not even when they got to the elevator and went up to the penthouse did she

  • THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR   CHAPTER 43

    Selene stood by the penthouse's glass doors, her gaze fixed on Duke, who was outside on the balcony. His silhouette was framed by the golden city lights, and the towering skyline behind him cast shadows that danced across the walls.He appeared calm and pensive, like a man with too many thoughts at once.When he finally turned and noticed her staring, Selene quickly looked away, her breath quickening as if she had been caught in a vulnerable moment."Come here," he said, his voice low but full of quiet strength as he extended his hand.She hesitated for a heartbeat before approaching him and slipping her hand into his.He gently drew her closer, wrapping his arm around her, as the city lights cast a warm, amber glow over them."Why were you staring at me?" he asked softly, his gaze scanning her face."N-no reason," she murmured, staring down at their entwined hands."Liar," he said with a faint, teasing smile. "Why are you suppressing your emotions? I’d scream it to the world, Selene.

  • THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR   CHAPTER 42

    "Why, Selene?" His voice was barely above a whisper, hoarse with emotion. "Why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant? Didn’t I have the right to know?"She swallowed hard, trying to find the words, but nothing came. Her throat was dry with regret and hesitation."You don't want me..." she murmured, eyes dropping to the floor."Don't want you?" he echoed, standing abruptly and turning away for a moment before facing her again, his tone rising with disbelief. "Do you really think I brought you to the hacienda because I didn’t want you?"He stepped closer, his gaze locking with hers. “Why do you think I announced our engagement to the entire world even after you left Zambales? What do you think that meant?”"I—I don’t know..." she said, her voice cracking with frustration."You don’t know?" he repeated, pulling away to rub the back of his neck as if trying to keep himself from falling apart.She watched him, her chest tightening as tears threatened to spill."You never gave me a chance t

  • THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR   CHAPTER 41

    “Wouldn’t that interfere with Ms. Arguelles’ current contract if you’re getting married?” asked one reporter, leaning into his microphone, eyes sharp behind wire-rimmed glasses.“Her manager and I are handling the necessary adjustments,” Duke answered coolly, his voice even and unbothered. “Selene has upcoming endorsements where I’ll be her partner. I don’t see the wedding being a problem at all.”“But there are rumors,” another reporter quickly followed up, “that you’ve had a long-term girlfriend in Zambales. Others are saying that you and Selene aren’t actually a real couple.”Andrea stood offstage, cold sweat gathering at her temples as camera flashes burst like fireworks across the conference hall. She wanted to call for a pause, to intervene—but she couldn’t. Not with Duke so in control, and not with Selene sitting frozen beside him.“Once and for all,” Duke said firmly, “whatever happened in Zambales is part of the past. Selene is here with me, and we’re planning our wedding. Th

  • THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR   CHAPTER 40

    Selene stirred awake, her stomach hollow and her body faintly aching from the aftermath of the night before. The air was heavy with the remnants of tension and intimacy, yet Duke’s arm was still lazily slung around her waist, anchoring her in a place she didn’t know how to stay in. His breathing was steady, deep—completely at peace, as if sleep could silence what their words couldn’t.The clock on the wall read noon.Carefully, she lifted his arm off her, the absence of his warmth making her skin prickle. She walked barefoot to the kitchen, the tiles cold against her feet. On the counter sat a half-wrapped sandwich she remembered preparing in a moment of restlessness earlier that morning—untouched. She took a few bites, forcing herself to eat even though every chew felt like gravel in her mouth. Just enough to quiet her stomach. Not enough to still her mind.By the time she returned to the bedroom, she was fully dressed—her silk beige blouse hugged her frame with quiet elegance, tucke

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