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CH.7

Author: Golden Butterfly
last update Last Updated: 2025-07-28 22:18:39

EVANGELINE

The drive into town was a welcome relief from the tension of the house.

Cordelia kept up a steady stream of cheerful chatter, pointing out local landmarks and sharing stories from her childhood. Her genuine warmth was like a balm to my wounded spirit.

"That's where Gael and I used to get ice cream every Sunday after church," she said, pointing to a small parlor with cheerful blue awnings. "He always got vanilla, no matter how many flavors they had. Said he didn't like surprises."

"He hasn't changed much then," I murmured.

Cordelia glanced at me sideways. "Actually, he has. He used to be much more... open. Adventurous, even. He was the one who convinced me to climb the old oak tree in our backyard, even though Mom had forbidden it. He was the one who taught me to ride a bike, who stayed up all night helping me with my school projects."

The picture she painted was so different from the cold, hostile man I knew that it was hard to believe we were talking about the same person.
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  • THE BILLIONAIRE'S RELUCTANT BRIDE    CH.28

    EVANGELINEThe car ride from the airport to our destination was a study in uncomfortable silence, filled with enough tension to power the vehicle.I didn't care and pressed my face to the window, watching the Ravencrest countryside roll by in a blur of emerald and gold.As we approached our destination, we passed a pristine lake that stretched toward distant mountains. The view was so breathtaking it momentarily stole my breath.The landscape of Ravencrest was a stark contrast to the bustling cities of Aldermere. It felt like stepping into another world entirely. Rolling hills covered in lush greenery stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with traditional stone cottages that looked plucked from a storybook. The air here was cleaner, fresher, carrying the crisp scent of mountain flowers and ancient pine trees.By the time we pulled into the driveway, it was nearly nine in the evening. The long journey had taken its toll, and exhaustion weighed heavily on my shoulders.I stepped

  • THE BILLIONAIRE'S RELUCTANT BRIDE    CH.27

    EVANGELINEThe rest of the descent passed while I sat with perfect stillness, every muscle in my body coiled tight with suppressed emotion.My face revealed nothing of the devastation within. Years of social training had taught me to hide pain behind a mask of serene indifference. Beneath the surface, I was drowning in a sea of anguish so deep I wondered if I would ever find my way back.When Sarah finally emerged from the cabin room nearly an hour later, she had transformed back into the picture of professional perfection.Her hair was styled flawlessly once again. Her makeup was pristine. Her uniform was immaculate, nothing had happened.I saw everything she tried to hide. The secret smile that played at the corners of her mouth spoke of conquest. The way she touched her lips absently, she could still feel his kisses lingering there. The flush that colored her skin with the afterglow of passion.She wore her victory with obvious satisfaction, devastating to anyone who knew how to lo

  • THE BILLIONAIRE'S RELUCTANT BRIDE    CH.26

    EVANGELINEHours crawled by in painful silence. The sun climbed higher in the sky, then began its slow descent toward the horizon. It painted the heavens in shades of gold that mocked the darkness in my heart.Sarah brought me lunch on fine china plates: perfectly grilled salmon with herbs, artfully arranged roasted vegetables, a glass of crisp white wine."This looks wonderful." I forced a smile while she set the elegant tray before me."Thank you, Mrs. Dettling. I do hope you enjoy it." Her voice was different now, breathier, with an undertone of satisfaction.There was also a glow about her.I picked at the food mechanically. Each bite required conscious effort to chew. The salmon was perfectly prepared, the vegetables crisp.All of it turned to dust in my mouth.Two hours into the flight, I decided to freshen up in one of the bathroom, which was more spacious than many hotel bathrooms I had seen.The mirror reflected a woman I barely recognized. I looked pale, hollow-eyed, diminis

  • THE BILLIONAIRE'S RELUCTANT BRIDE    CH.25

    EVANGELINE"I'm sorry." The words were barely audible above the engine noise. They came out as a whisper because my throat felt tight with unshed tears.I couldn't look at either of them. My eyes stayed fixed on my hands folded in my lap.But Gael wasn't done with his performance. He turned to Sarah and I watched his expression change instantly."I'll have whiskey." The anger was completely gone, replaced by something that sounded almost seductive. "Top shelf, if you have it."He paused and let his eyes travel deliberately down Sarah's body and back up again.It lingered on her curves in a way that made the air in the cabin feel thick and charged.“Show me private bedrooms. I need somewhere quiet to... handle some business." His voice dropped even lower, becoming intimate and private.The hint was subtle yet clear to anyone paying attention. The words 'handle some business' carried implications that had nothing to do with work calls or paperwork.Sarah's breath caught audibly and her

  • THE BILLIONAIRE'S RELUCTANT BRIDE    CH.24

    EVANGELINEWe followed her on the plane, climbing the small set of stairs that led to the cabin door. Despite feeling awful about everything, I gasped at what I saw inside.The jet was more luxury than I'd ever imagined. It was stepping into a five-star hotel that happened to fly. Cream leather seats were arranged in cozy groups around polished wood tables.Soft lights created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Fresh white flowers sat in crystal vases throughout the cabin their smell filled the air with a delicate fragrance.The carpet muffled our footsteps as we moved deeper into this flying palace. Everything was designed for comfort and luxury. This was how the truly wealthy traveled."The flight to Ravencrest will be about four hours," Sarah explained as she gestured around the cabin. "We have a full kitchen with gourmet food prepared by trained chefs. Entertainment systems with the latest movies and music. And private bedrooms if you want to rest during the flight."Private bedrooms.

  • THE BILLIONAIRE'S RELUCTANT BRIDE    CH.23

    EVANGELINEHis words were like poison that attacked my heart and left me struggling with scattered thoughts. Each word was designed to cause maximum damage.Sometimes we make hasty decisions to please others. We don't realize how harmful these decisions are until it's too late. Until when regret becomes useless.I left the house with a heavy heart. His words still echoed in my ears, replaying like a broken record.For a moment, I considered refusing this trip and going to my Dad's house. But I didn't want to follow my angry impulses and regret it later.Cordelia's insistence that I would have fun and that the change of scenery would help clear my mind made me surrender and accept.The car ride to the private airfield was a study in uncomfortable silence.Gael sat as far from me as possible, his body angled toward the window as if even looking in my direction would contaminate him. The space between us felt like an ocean of coldness.He wore expensive sunglasses despite the overcast da

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