The Billionaire's Lie

I wake up with a start, and instantly as if the universe wants me to know that my life would soon be over, the same suffocating dread that had wrapped itself around me the night before comes crashing down on me again like a wave. I have a business meeting today. Another company looking to score a deal with us. I sigh heavily, rolling off the bed. I make my way to the bathroom. A hot shower might melt this dread off my skin at least, I hope. Once I step out, I choose my outfit with care. A custom-tailored cream pantsuit from Elie Saab, its fabric whisper-soft yet commanding in presence, paired with a matching tailored pencil skirt. A Cartier diamond necklace nestles elegantly against my collarbone, and pearl drop earrings. I also chose a pair of Louboutin heels. Hair pulled into a sleek ponytail, lip stick with blush powder on, and I look gorgeous, even with the simplicity of my makeup. I look every inch the heiress and business mogul-in-the-making. If only I felt half as strong

After a long, gruelling day at the office, I finally get home. The moment the front door clicks shut, I exhale a deep, weary sigh. I start up the staircase, desperate for a hot bath, “Rachel!” Mum’s voice calls. I turn as she approaches me “You’re back,” she says warmly, giving me a brief hug. "Yes, Mum. I’m exhausted. I just want to eat and sleep.” “Before you go to bed, sweetheart, there’s something I want to talk to you about.” I groan inwardly. “Okay, Mum.”I retreat to my room and step into yet another hot shower. It feels… therapeutic. The water cascades down my body, but it can’t wash away the thoughts swirling in my head—mostly about Damian. Am I making the right decision with this arrangement? Is this the only way?. Nevertheless, I'm going to pull through this. I always pull through every and any situation or inconvenience. After my shower, I slip into a silk nightgown just as a knock raps on my door. I open up to find Mum standing with a maid carrying a food

I finished up my last bite of pizza and wiped my hands clean on a napkin. My office was quiet, except for the low hum of my laptop fan. My fingers moved swiftly over the keyboard, reciting legal phrases I’d memorized from countless sample contracts.After double-checking every clause, I reached for a sleek black contract folder. I carefully printed the documents, slid them inside the folder, and stapled the final page with a firm press. I stare at the contract lying innocently on my desk. The agreements were standard. Well, almost. Damian's 'public affection' clause stood out like a neon sign. Was this really about keeping up appearances, or was he just planning to amuse himself at my expense? My stomach turned slightly at the thought.I picked up my phone and typed:“I'll be bringing it myself.”The reply came almost immediately.“Cool.”Short. Blunt. Typical Damian.I leaned back in my chair, staring up at the ceiling. I ran the contract over in my head again. The dates. The terms.

Damian is holding a bottle of wine, but he isn’t drinking it. He isn’t even pretending to examine it.He’s staring at me, like he’s marking his territory.Then, slowly, he sets the bottle down.And walks away.Aiden is oblivious to this and he keeps talking.Leaning forward slightly. His tone is softer than it used to be. Almost pleading.I drag my gaze back to him, trying to focus.“Rachel,” he says gently, “would you please give me another chance?”My throat tightens.Because once upon a time, that voice would have made me melt.Once upon a time, I would have leaned forward too.But my mind doesn’t go to sweet memories.It goes to the night I ended things. The way he tried to coerce me into sex. The way he tried to make me feel guilty for saying no.The way he said, “If you really loved me…”I remember how small I felt.How cornered. He didn’t force me physically, but he tried to wear me down emotionally.If he had come earlier… before I met Damian and before the inheritance conditi

I opened my eyes, expecting to hear my alarm blare in about six seconds. Six seconds elapsed. Nothing. Then I remembered. Today is Sunday. I didn't set an alarm for Sundays.I slowly dragged myself off my bed and opened my window, the morning sun peeked through the curtains, painting my bedroom in a golden lining that did little to warm the storm inside me. I sat at my vanity, staring at my reflection. No matter what, I can't stop thinking about Damian and the wedding in a few days. Damian. The name alone made my pulse quicken. Even after signing the contract, even after telling Mum, even after concluding preparations, my stomach coiled whenever I thought of him. What was that?The sound of my phone buzzing snapped me from my thoughts. A message from Damian: “Breakfast at 9. I'll send a driver to come pick you ”Short. Blunt. Commanding. Typical Damian.I looked at the time. 43 minutes past 7.I exhaled and typed back: “I’ll be there.”I go downstairs to mum's room. She's at her v