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Chapter 10 - Second Chance
Huling Na-update:
2025-04-04 05:33:51
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The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée Chapter 11 - His Lips To Mine
Panic fluttered in my chest. "But what if... what if I say something wrong? What if she doesn't believe we're engaged?""She will." His confidence was absolute. "Because you'll be wearing this."He slid a small velvet box across the table. I opened it with trembling fingers to reveal a stunning vintage ring, a center diamond surrounded by smaller stones in an intricate platinum setting."As I told you, it was my grandmother's." Damien explained, his tone matter of fact. "My mother will recognize it immediately, which will lend credibility to our engagement."I stared at the ring, afraid to touch it. "It's beautiful..""Try it on."Carefully, I removed the ring from its velvet nest and slipped it onto my left hand. Surprisingly, it fit perfectly, the weight of it unfamiliar but somehow less burdensome than my wedding band had been.Rosa reappeared with breakfast, avocado toast, poached eggs, and fresh fruit for me, and plain steel-cut oatmeal for Damien. The domesticity of sharing brea
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-04The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée Chapter 12 - My Fiancée
"He takes some getting used to," Rosa's voice startled me. I turned to find her clearing the breakfast dishes with efficient movements. "Has he always been so..." I searched for the right word. "Cold?" Rosa supplied, a hint of motherly concern softening her expression. "Damien has had experiences that would freeze anyone's heart. But ice can melt, with the right kind of warmth." Before I could ask what she meant, the elevator chimed, announcing the arrival of someone else. "That'll be Natasha, the stylist." Rosa explained. "I'll show her in." The next two hours were a whirlwind of measurements, fabric swatches, and more clothing than I'd ever seen in one place. Natasha, a razor thin woman with a severe bob and Russian accent, approached dressing me like a military campaign. " No no NO!" she exclaimed, yanking away a blue dress I'd selected. "This is all wrong for your coloring. You are spring palette, not winter!" By noon, I'd acquired more clothing than I'd owned in my entire
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-04The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 13 - Like Her Son
My hand tightened instinctively around Damien's arm as Sophia's penetrating gaze assessed me . I could feel sweat beading at the nape of my neck, threatening to ruin Natasha's careful styling. This woman might be physically frail, but her presence filled the room with commanding energy."It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs Salvatore," I said, my voice steadier than I expected. "Damien has told me so much about you."Sophia's eyebrow arched elegantly. "Has he? That would be a first." She gestured to the chairs across from her. "Sit. Both of you."Damien guided me to my seat with a hand at the small of my back. The touch was light but deliberate, a silent reminder of our practiced intimacy. As he helped me into my chair, his fingers lingered on my shoulder a moment longer than necessary. I glanced up to find him looking at me with an expression I hadn't seen before. Softer, almost fond. For show, of course, but convincingly done."The ring suits you," Sophia said, nodding toward my left h
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-08The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 14 - Quite An Effect
I tensed, knowing this was dangerous territory. Damien's hand squeezed mine imperceptibly. "My mother died of cancer when I was seventeen," I said, the truth easier than fabrication. "My father... passed shortly after. I have a stepmother and two step siblings, but we're not close." "I'm sorry to hear that," Sophia said, genuine sympathy softening her features. "Cancer is a terrible thief." She glanced at Damien, an unspoken acknowledgment of her own diagnosis passing between them. "It is," I agreed quietly. "Though I'm grateful for the time I had with her. She taught me everything important — about art, about life." I swallowed, surprised by the emotion welling up. This wasn't pretense; thinking about my mother always affected me this way. Damien's arm slipped around my shoulders, drawing me closer to his side. The gesture seemed protective, comforting, so unlike the cold man I'd met yesterday. "Angel doesn't speak much about her family," he said, his voice low. "It's painful fo
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-08The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 15 - Endearment
After Sophia was safely ensconced in her town car with her nurse, Damien and I stood on the sidewalk, maintaining our couple's facade until her vehicle disappeared around the corner.The moment it was gone, Damien stepped back, breaking our physical connection. The sudden withdrawal left me feeling oddly bereft."You did well." he said, his tone reverting to its usual businesslike cadence. "The details about carrying you through the rain and bringing you soup when you were sick, good improvisation. Believable without being excessive.""Thank you," I replied, uncertain whether to feel proud or disturbed that I'd become such a convincing liar in the space of twenty-four hours. "Your mother is remarkable.""Yes." A flicker of genuine emotion crossed his face. "She is."Marco appeared with the SUV, holding the door as we slid into the backseat. The privacy partition was already raised, separating us from the driver's compartment."We're heading to the estate now," Damien informed me, re
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-08The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 16 - Deeply In Love
The scale of Damien's estate overwhelmed me. Every hallway seemed to extend into infinity, every room larger than my entire former apartment. Rosa guided us through the main floor, pointing out rooms with casual mentions of priceless artifacts — 'That's the original Monet in the drawing room' and 'The library contains first editions from the sixteenth century' — as if discussing everyday household items.I tried to maintain composure, but my eyes widened at each new revelation. The indoor pool with a retractable glass ceiling. The cinema room with authentic vintage theater seating. The wine cellar that Rosa claimed housed bottles worth more than most homes."And this will be your suite miss." Rosa said, opening double doors to reveal a space larger than George's entire house.A sitting room with plush velvet furniture opened to a bedroom dominated by a canopied king sized bed. Floor to ceiling windows overlooked manicured gardens and the distant shimmer of the lake. The bathroom fe
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-08The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 17 - Surprised
Izzy's eyes narrowed skeptically. "He's never even brought a woman here before. Not once in all the years we've lived here."My surprise must have shown on my face because Izzy grinned triumphantly. "Didn't tell you that, did he? Nonna says he keeps his personal life locked up tighter than the wine cellar.""We're still getting to know each other." I said carefully."Huh...." Izzy circled me slowly, her assessment unnervingly similar to her grandmother's. "You don't look like his type.""And what exactly is his type?" I asked, genuinely curious."Dunno. Models? Businesswomen with scary shoes?" She shrugged. "You seem... normal. Nice, even.""Thank you, I think.""You paint?" she asked suddenly.I blinked at the non sequitur. "Yes, how did you —""You have paint under your fingernails." She pointed to my hands. "Blue, at the cuticles. Hard to get out."I examined my nails, surprised to find traces of ultramarine blue from my last painting session still embedded despite multiple showers
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-08The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 18 - Butterfly
He acknowledged this with a slight nod. "You're welcome to use any of the facilities. The stables, the tennis courts, the gardens, consider them at your disposal."" stables?" I couldn't hide my surprise. "You have horses?""Three. Do you ride?"I laughed softly. "I've never even been near a horse.""I'll teach you, if you wish."The offer caught me off guard. "You'd do that?""Why not?" He refilled my wine glass. "We have six months together. Might as well make them educational."Six months. The reminder of our temporary arrangement sobered me. I was already growing dangerously accustomed to this surreal existence after just one day."I should work on a more convincing backstory for us," I said, steering the conversation to safer ground. "In case your mother asks more specific questions."Damien set down his fork, giving me his full attention. "What did you have in mind?""Details about our relationship. First date, first kiss, when we realized it was serious. The things people usu
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-08
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The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 44 - Support Each Other
As I came down from the high, I became aware of Damien watching me with naked hunger. "I want.... to taste you," I whispered, surprising myself with the admission. His eyes widened fractionally, the only sign of his shock at my requestb. "Angel, you don't have to— " "I want to," I insisted, sliding off the desk to kneel before him. "Show me how.... to please you." For a moment, I thought he might refuse. Then he nodded once, his hand gentle as he guided me. "Start slow," he instructed, his voice strained with restraint. "Use your tongue first." I followed his directions, exploring this new intimacy with curiosity and growing enthusiasm. The taste of him, the weight on my tongue, the way his breath caught when I found a particularly sensitive spot—all of it was intoxicating in its novelty. When I finally took him fully into my mouth, his hand tightened in my hair, not forcing but anchoring himself. "Christ, Angel," he groaned, the rare profanity telling me more about his pleasure
The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 43 - Exploration
I had no answer that wouldn't reveal too much of myself. Instead, I did the only thing that made sense in that moment, I rose on tiptoe and pressed my mouth to his. Unlike our previous kisses, this one began gentle, almost questioning. His lips moved against mine with careful restraint, letting me set the pace. But when I parted my lips in invitation, something snapped in his control. His arms wrapped around me, hauling me against his chest as he deepened the kiss with a hunger that matched my own. I threaded my fingers through his hair, marveling at how soft it felt despite its controlled appearance. He walked me backward until I felt the edge of his desk pressing against my legs, his body caging mine against the solid wood. "Tell me to stop," he murmured against my lips, his voice rough with desire. "If this isn't what you want..." "Don't stop," I breathed. "Please." The plea broke his remaining restraint. He lifted me onto the desk in one fluid motion, stepping between my le
The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 42 - Jealous
The tension between us was unbearable during the ride back to the estate. Damien's declaration, ' You're mine' — echoed in my mind, both thrilling and terrifying me. His hand remained possessively on mine, thumb occasionally brushing my palm in a way that sent shivers up my arm. Neither of us spoke, the silence filled with unresolved questions and unspoken desires. Marco kept his eyes carefully forward, though I caught him glancing at us in the rearview mirror once or twice. I wondered what he thought of this arrangement that had clearly evolved far beyond its original parameters. When we arrived, Damien escorted me inside with his hand on the small of my back, a touch I was becoming familiar with, even dependent on. The mansion felt emptier than usual, with Rosa having taken Izzy to a doctor's appointment in the city. "I'll be in my study," Damien said, his voice formal again as we reached the grand staircase. "Take some time to rest. Today was... eventful." I watched him retr
The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 41 - Belong With Me
The possessive declaration should have triggered every feminist alarm in my body. Later, I'd examine why it had instead sent a thrill of something dangerously close to longing through me. For now, I stood silently beside Damien, aware of every patron and staff member watching the drama unfold.George's hands clenched at his sides. "You think you've won Salvatore. But I know Angel. She needs more than your money and your cold bed." His gaze shifted to me, suddenly gentle. "When you remember what real love feels like Angel, call me."With that parting shot, he stalked out, leaving uncomfortable silence in his wake.Damien's hand returned to my back, his touch steadying. " Are you alright?"I nodded, not trusting my voice yet. The confrontation had left me shaky, caught between anger at George's presumption and confusion over my reaction to Damien's territorial display.Elena approached, her expression a masterpiece of false concern"Oh my god, Angel! That was intense. Are you okay?""F
The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 40 - Possession
"Oh my god!!" Elena squealed once he was out of earshot. "Richard Knight wants to see your work! Do you know how many artists would kill for that chance?" "It's probably just courtesy," I said, slipping the card into my pocket. "Don't be stupid" she chided, linking her arm through mine and leading me toward the staff room. "This is your chance to establish yourself independently. You know, so you're not just Damien Salvatore's arm candy." The barb stung more than it should have. "I'm not arm candy." Elena's expression softened into faux sympathy. "Of course not, honey. But let's be real - your engagement happened awfully fast after your divorce. People talk. Having your own career would shut them up." I disentangled myself from her arm, anger rising at her manipulative concern. "I don't really care what people say about my relationship." "You should," she persisted. "Especially since —" The gallery door chimed, cutting her off. We both turned to see George striding in, d
The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 39 - Painting Again
ANGELINA ~ The gallery had become my sanctuary over the past few weeks - the one place where I could exist as simply Angel, not Damien Salvatore's fiancée. I loved, loved losing myself for hours arranging exhibits, researching artists, and occasionally sketching during quiet moments. Today, I was cataloging a new shipment of sculptures when Elena's excited voice broke my concentration. "Angel! You won't believe who just walked in," she said, practically bouncing with excitement. I looked up from my inventory list to see her barely contained enthusiasm. Despite learning of her betrayal the previous day, I'd forced myself to act normal around her, following Damien's advice to 'keep your enemies closer.' The words still tasted bitter in my mouth each time I smiled at her, but perhaps it was my fault for asking Damien to help her get a job here, after she'd claimed that she'd been fired. "Who?" I asked, feigning interest. "Richard Knight," she whispered dramatically.
The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 38 - A Weakness
She startled, turning to find me watching her. A blush immediately colored her cheeks — the first acknowledgment of last night. "Damien," she said, setting down the brush without having touched the canvas. "I didn't hear you." "Clearly." I entered the room, noting the organized chaos of her supplies, brushes meticulously arranged by size, paints grouped by color family, palette scraped clean in preparation. "You've been here a while." "Just... thinking," she admitted. "About painting? ...Or about last night?" Her blush deepened, but she met my eyes directly. "Both." I appreciated her honesty. It was refreshing after years of dealing with people who calculated every word for maximum advantage. "Regrets?" I asked, keeping my tone neutral. She considered the question, her head tilting slightly. "No" she said finally. "Do you?" "No." The simple exchange cleared some of the tension between us. Angel relaxed visibly, setting aside the brush she'd been clutching like a lifeline. "
The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 37 - Bit Less Grumpy
That, at least, didn't surprise me. What did surprise me was the twist of satisfaction I felt knowing George had betrayed Angel even earlier than she realized. "Keep monitoring the situation," I instructed. "Especially any further contact between Sinclair and Luciano's people. And increase security around Angel, discreetly. If she asks, tell her it's standard procedure." "Of course." Marco hesitated, something unusual for him. "There's a personal matter I feel I should mention." I raised an eyebrow, waiting. "Ms Winters spent the night in your quarters," he said carefully. It wasn't a question, but I answered anyway. "Yes." "That... changes the parameters of your arrangement..?" Leave it to Marco to cut straight to the heart of the issue. "I'm aware." He studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. "I've known you a long time, Damien. Long enough to recognize when you're...invested." "Your point?" I asked, my tone cooling. "Just that Ms. Winters isn't like your usua
The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 36 - Deliberately Sabotaged
I woke before dawn, my body immediately alert to the unfamiliar weight against my chest. Angel slept soundly, her breathing deep and even, one hand curled beneath her chin, the other resting over my heart. Her hair spilled across my pillow, a chaotic tangle of gold in the dim light filtering through the curtains.Last night had crossed a line I'd carefully drawn when proposing our arrangement. Physical intimacy without emotional entanglement — that had been my intention. Yet I'd stopped before taking what she'd clearly been willing to give, because something about Angel Winters made me want to be... better. More careful. More considerate than I had any right or reason to be.Fuck.I eased away from her, careful not to wake her as I slipped from the bed. She stirred, making a small sound of protest before burrowing deeper into the warmth I'd left behind. I stood watching her for a moment, struck by how young she looked in sleep, how vulnerable.The power had come back sometime duri
