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Chapter 7 - Ring
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2025-04-04 05:12:03
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The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée Chapter 8 - Background Information
"Physical boundaries." I began, sipping my scotch. "As I mentioned, some contact will be necessary. Hand-holding, the occasional kiss. You'll need to appear comfortable in my presence, not flinch when I touch you as you did in the car."A blush crept up her neck. "I wasn't flinching. I was just...startled.""Regardless, it can't happen in public." I set my glass down. "We should practice."Her blush deepened. "Practice what?""Physical contact." I moved to sit beside her on the sofa, noting how she tensed but didn't move away. "Your husband. Was he your only serious relationship?"The question clearly took her by surprise. "Yes. We grew up in the same neighborhood. Started dating in college.""And he never consummated your marriage." It wasn't a question; she'd already revealed as much at the restaurant.Her eyes widened. "How did you—""Your stepsister mentioned it. You confirmed it with your reaction." I leaned back, assessing her. "Is physical intimacy a problem for you?""No!" The
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-04The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée Chapter 9 - Engaged To Me Now
My phone chimed with a preliminary report from security. I skimmed it quickly. {Angelina Winters, born in the slums of eastside, mother deceased of cancer five years prior, father suicide shortly after. Married George Sinclair three months ago, divorce filed today. No criminal record, no debt, no suspicious connections. Employed as gallery assistant at Winters Gallery for the past year until today. College education but no remarkable achievements. } Essentially a nobody, exactly what I needed.There was a soft knock at the door to the hallway. I opened it to find Angel standing there, hair wet from the shower, wearing what appeared to be a man's t shirt that came to her knees. My jacket was folded neatly over her arm."I'm sorry to bother you," she said quietly. "I just wanted to return your jacket and... thank you again. For everything."I accepted the jacket, noting that she'd managed to dry it somehow. "You already did. Multiple times. But anyway, you're welcome. Do you need any
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-04The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée Chapter 10 - Second Chance
ANGELINA~I woke disoriented, panicking in unfamiliar surroundings until memory flooded back...George's betrayal, the rain, Damien Salvatore's unexpected proposition. Last night felt like a fever dream, yet the luxurious guest room surrounding me confirmed its reality. The king sized bed with its silken sheets was nothing like the lumpy mattress George and I had shared, and the floor.to ceiling windows revealed a panoramic city view that momentarily stole my breath.My suitcase sat pathetically in the corner, a reminder of everything I'd lost. I hadn't bothered unpacking last night, too emotionally exhausted after my conversation with Damien. His warning echoed in my mind. 'Don't fall in love with me, Angelina.' As if I could possibly develop feelings for someone so cold, so calculating. The arrogance of the man was astounding!!The bathroom attached to my room was larger than the entire apartment I'd lived in before marrying George, all gleaming marble and glass. I stripped off
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-04The 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-08
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The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 47 - Drawn To Her
I nodded. "They're remarkable little butterfly. Especially knowing the personal connection to your mother's work." Her eyes softened at the nickname. "You've been extraordinarily thoughtful. I don't know what to say." "Say you'll accompany me to Tokyo next week," I suggested, the invitation that had been on my mind for days finally finding voice. "I have business there after your exhibition opens. It would be... pleasant to have you along." The formal phrasing made her smile. "Pleasant?" I cleared my throat, unaccustomed to the awkwardness I felt. "Enjoyable. I enjoy your company, Angel." "High praise from Damien Salvatore," she teased gently. "Are you sure your business associates are ready for a fiancée tagging along?" "They'll adapt," I replied dryly. "And there's an arts district I thought you might appreciate. For inspiration." Her smile widened. "So this is a business trip with sightseeing opportunities." "If you prefer to think of it that way." Angel studied me for a m
The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 46 - Significant Difference
Sophia ignored me. "Promise me something, Angel." "Of course" Angel replied without hesitation. "Don't let him retreat when I'm gone. He'll try to shut down, lock everything away." My mother's eyes, so like my own, held a pleading quality I'd rarely seen. "He needs your light more than he knows." Angel's grip on my hand tightened. "I promise," she said softly. The simple exchange, laden with meaning I wasn't prepared to examine, made something twist painfully in my chest. Before I could respond, Sophia's eyes drifted closed, the sedatives finally taking effect. "We should go," I said, gently extracting my hand from hers. "She needs to rest." Outside the hospital, the night air was cool against my face, grounding me after the surreal conversation in my mother's room. Angel remained silent as Marco drove us back to the estate, her hand still in mine, as if she understood I needed the anchor but not the words. It wasn't until we reached the privacy of the mansion that she finally
The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée 45 - Hospital
DAMIEN~The hospital corridor stretched before me, sterile and unforgiving under fluorescent lights. .I'd spent the past three hours watching doctors come and go from my mother's room, their faces carefully neutral while delivering progressively worse news. Angel had remained by my side the entire time, her small hand occasionally finding mine when she sensed my tension rising.Now, as we waited for the latest round of test results, she'd finally succumbed to exhaustion, her head resting against my shoulder as she dozed. I studied her face in repose...the sweep of her lashes against her cheeks, the slight part of her lips as she breathed. The vulnerability she displayed without hesitation continued to baffle me."Mr Salvatore?" I looked up to find Dr Jones approaching, clipboard in hand. Her expression told me everything I needed to know before she spoke a word."I'll wake her," I said quietly, gently rousing Angel with a light touch to her arm.She blinked awake immediately, disor
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.
