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22: I’LL BE FINE.
Last Updated:
2024-12-11 23:57:39
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The Billionaire’s Regret 23: WELCOME TO NEW YORK
ELARA’S POV Something felt off the moment I stepped off the plane and into the bustling airport. At first, everything seemed fine. The flight had been smooth, and I managed to get a good nap. Even the massage I had on board was relaxing, meant to prepare me for whatever was to come. But now, I wasn’t so sure it worked. The business-class seat was nice, the meal was impeccable, and the comfort was unmatched. Yet none of it could have prepared me for what I was seeing right now. A woman stood a short distance away, holding a cardboard sign with my name on it and a huge bouquet of flowers in her other hand. It had to be Lesley’s doing. It had to be her. After all, I hadn’t told anyone else about my visit to the city. But another part of me hesitated. Could this be Elliot’s work? My brother wasn’t the type to send flowers or arrange something this grand. Especially when he knew I wanted to keep a low profile until I could leave the city again. I moved closer to get a better look
Last Updated : 2024-12-12The Billionaire’s Regret 24: YOUR REASON TO STAY
ELARA’S POVI walked into the room with my head held high and my shoulders squared. If my suspicions are correct and he was going to fire me, then so be it. But one thing I was going to make clear this time to whoever it is waiting in there is I am not a pushover. And If he wanted me gone, I’d gladly leave, but he wasn’t getting his money back.Lisa knocked twice on the large door standing in front of us. At the end of the hallway, On the second knock, the door swung open to reveal a tall man dressed in a sharp, staff-like uniform. His professional demeanor made my stomach twist.“This is where I’ll leave you,” Lisa said with a tight smile. “Pete here will show you in.”“Hello, ma’am,” Pete said with a polite nod, gesturing for me to follow him.We walked into what appeared to be a private restaurant. My breath hitched as my eyes took in the elegant interiors. The seating arrangements were perfect, and the mix of furniture styles, which would typically clash, came together in perfect
Last Updated : 2024-12-13The Billionaire’s Regret 25: YOU DON'T HAVE A CHOICE
ELARA'S POV “How is this my reason to stay?” I raised a brow as I opened the file, skepticism lacing my tone.It was a picture of me and him, a picture I could sue him for taking without my knowledge, because I had no idea it even existed.Was he stalking me?. “How does a picture of you and whoever you had stalking me serve as a reason for me to stay?” I tilted my head, letting my confusion seep into my voice.“Take out the other file,” he stated flatly, his eyes daring.I did as he said, dropping the picture onto the table. This time, it was a call history a stack of three papers detailing between two people, complete with dates, durations, and everything.But I am sure it had nothing to do with me. I didn’t have the time, or money, to spend that long on phone calls, much less every day.After skimming through the papers, my lips parted in disbelief, but he spoke before I could.“Your company has created a problem for me,” he said, his smirk deepening with an air of mischief.“How
Last Updated : 2024-12-14The Billionaire’s Regret 26: WHAT'S IT GOING TO BE?
ELARA'S POV.“Have you ever sat and asked yourself how your little company, that hasn’t even made it to the top three interior design firms, managed to catch the eye of my company, let alone convince us to consider working with you?” the smirk on his face gets darker with each passing second. “No,” I said, my voice filled with disbelief. But as the words left my mouth, a thought crept in. Could Jenna have pushed the company to him or someone from his company? No, she wouldn’t. She knows I don’t work with New Yorkers or anything that ties me back to New York.Don’t start doubting her.He’s trying to mess with you, Elara.Don’t let him.“We didn’t push our company to you,” I said firmly, my voice hardening as I met his gaze. “And we didn’t even want the job. You kept pushing when we tried to pull out of it after figuring out it was your company.”“It might be true that you didn’t push for it,” he replied smoothly, leaning forward with an unsettling smirk, “but the chief of police and t
Last Updated : 2024-12-14The Billionaire’s Regret 27: CURVE BALLS.
ELARA’S POVA tight knot forms in my throat, making it hard to breathe. Saying no to him feels like signing my name to those legal charges, but I refuse to let him think he’s won. Not now. Not ever.“So…” Nate drawls, leaning back in his chair with that insufferable smirk, waiting for my answer.Curveballs. Always curveballs.If I’d known signing that deal with his company would lead to this mess, I’d have swallowed my pride and asked Elliot for the loan. Hell, I might’ve even let Mr. Harper ruin my company, started over from scratch anything but this.Frustration churns in my chest like a storm. After everything I’ve been through, now I have to deal with this?I let out a long, slow sigh, my chest tight and my head pounding. Turning to face Nate again, I feel my heart racing, as if it’s moments away from exploding. The anger surging through me feels alive, electric. He thinks he can corner me, that his connections will leave me helpless and in jail?As much as I hate to admit it, t
Last Updated : 2024-12-15The Billionaire’s Regret 28: THE CRITICISM
ELARA’S POVA small part of me wants to second guess my decision to go with Nate, but I remind myself why I agreed in the first place: I need him to pay me.Besides, what better opportunity to network and look for bigger investors? It’s the perfect place to gain exposure and advertise my company for free.Killing two birds with one stone.“Remind me why you’re here,” my mother says, frowning as she kneads the pasta dough on the counter.“Because I missed you?” I reply, a smirk tugging at my lips.“One year and nine months,” she says, narrowing her eyes. “You didn’t think to come to New York to see me until now?”“What are you trying to say, sweet mother?” I pout, hoping to divert her attention.“Don’t ‘sweet mother’ me,” she snaps. “I get it New York isn’t your favorite place anymore. Not after that showdown, and your…” She pauses, her tone softening as she adds “You don’t call me, and your text replies are always late and dry,” she continues, her tone growing sharper.I want to say,
Last Updated : 2024-12-15The Billionaire’s Regret 29: MASKS, MASSAGES AND MISERY
ELARA’S POV It was surprising how, for the past three days, my mother hadn’t criticized my work. But deep down, I knew it was coming.“Mom, we’re different people. Your pace and mine are different,” I said, keeping my tone even.“We sure are very different, dear. When was the last time you even did something to that face of yours? Do you even use the skincare routine I made for you?”And then she pulls her signature move. Changing the topic when she didn’t want to hear the truth.“I do just fine,” I said, forcing a smile.She turned her attention back to the pasta, carefully placing it in the pot before washing her hands. But as soon as she was done, she turned back to me, narrowing her eyes as she studied my face.“You don’t, Elara. Because if you did, your skin wouldn’t look like… this. And don’t even get me started on that meal plan I gave you. You’re clearly not following it. If you keep this up, you’ll look forty in a few years” a frown found it self on her. Honestly, you alre
Last Updated : 2024-12-16The Billionaire’s Regret 30: A LONG RIDE
ELARA’S POV NATE: WE DON’T HAVE MUCH TIME. I scoff as I read the message, irritation bubbling up inside me. How typical of Nate to barge into my day without any warning. My fingers fly across the screen as I type out a reply, my frustration seeping into every word. ELARA: You should’ve given me a heads up. I need time to pack! The response comes almost immediately, as if he’d been waiting for it NATE: BE QUICK. WE DON’T HAVE TIME. Something about his demanding tone sets my teeth on edge. He shows up uninvited, changes plans without consulting me, and expects me to follow along like some obedient lackey? He said Saturday, not Friday. And now I’m supposed to drop everything because he’s in a rush? My annoyance sharpens as I glance at the window. Who does he think he is? NATE: YOU DON’T NEED TO PACK MUCH. WE CAN BUY CLOTHES. IF YOU MUST, JUST BRING ESSENTIALS. NATE: IF YOU’RE NOT OUT IN THREE MINUTES, I’M COMING IN. My jaw drops. The audacity. ELARA: YOU WOULDN’T D
Last Updated : 2024-12-17
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The Billionaire’s Regret 179: IS HE WORTH IT?
Silence takes over, and then only thing I can hear is my beating heart and the sound of cars, passing through the streets. “I checked into the guys,” he said quietly breaking the silence. “It seemed they got the wrong house. And… well, they aren’t any threat. In the end, it was just like you predicted.” I couldn’t utter a single word. Only stared — like something had gotten hold of my tongue and refused to let go. “I guess my mess-ups were worse than I thought,” he let out a chuckle, but it came out hollow. Sad. His face didn’t show much, but his eyes… his eyes gave him away. “I’m sorry for the inconveniences I’ve caused. I know there are a lot of them,” he continued. “There isn’t anything I can do to make it up to you… right?” I swallowed a lump I didn’t even know was there. My mouth had gone dry. I was out of words. Heck could even think of anything to say “Nate…” “No. El, you don’t have to say anything. I understand.” But you don’t’ I wanted to say but I couldn’t.
The Billionaire’s Regret 178: THERE'S A MISUNDERSTANDING
ELARA’S POV He stood there like everything was fine. I didn’t know what made me angrier: the fact that he was still smiling after what he did, or the fact that a part of me still reacted to him. Still felt something when I saw that smile. I wanted to turn around. I wanted to walk right past him and pretend he didn’t exist. But I couldn’t. Not this time. I stepped closer, heels clicking against the pavement like warning shots. He straightened up when he saw me coming, and I swear, he had the audacity to look relieved. Relieved! I stopped just short of him, eyes locked onto his. “El,” he waved. “Why are you here, Nate?” I snapped. “Did your minions tell you I found the tail you sent to follow me, and now you’re doing it yourself, or what?” “Minions?” “Don’t play dumb with me, Nate. I know you sent that guard or whatever to tail me,” I spat, running my hand through my hair with zero care who might be watching. “I don’t know why I keep thinking you’ll ever change.” “
The Billionaire’s Regret 177: YOU’RE NOT MY CONCISE
ELARA’S POV Nico’s words struck something in me. I hated that he was right. Hated it even more that I couldn’t argue back. But can I really blame him? I let this happen. Asher said he was told to keep an eye on Mrs. Hales. Only one person would call me that. Nate. Mimi called him my husband too. Of course it was him. Who else would have the money, the reach, or the nerve? He said he was changing. Said he wanted to be better. And after Mimi called me, and told me what he did… a little part of me wanted believe that he was maybe changing. But then he does this? Hiring someone to follow me without saying a word? He’s going back to doing that again. Acting like he knows what’s best for me. “Asher, right?” I ask calmly, even though my chest feels like it’s twisting in on itself. He nods, eyes down, clearly uncomfortable. “You can go.” I hand him his ID card. “What do you mean he can go?” Nico snaps, cutting through the moment like a blade. His fists are clenched. He look
The Billionaire’s Regret 176: YOU MIGHT BE IN DANGER.
ELARA’S POV “Why were you following us?” Nico barked, tightening his grip around the stranger’s throat. The man shoved at Nico’s arm, trying to break free, but before he could get a good grip, Nico slammed him back against the wall again. His fist connected with the guy’s jaw, knocking the sunglasses clean off his face. Even though he was muscular, the man looked young. Maybe nineteen, maybe even younger. “I. Was. Not. Following you!” he spat, trying to wriggle out of Nico’s hold, but Nico was stronger and his grip firm. “Who sent you?” Nico growled, jaw tight as the man’s face began turning red. “Call the cops, El,” Nico ordered, My hands fumbled with my bag as I scrambled for my phone, nerves making my fingers clumsy. “Wait!" i pause,"Please, it’s not what you think,” he forced out, voice tight. Nico’s grip didn’t waver. His arm locked the guy in place, pinning him hard against the wall. He opened his mouth again, tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. “Please,” he
The Billionaire’s Regret 175: I WASN'T BEING PARANOID.
ELARA’S POVI simply stared at him, no words coming out.I was still trying to process why he was here. Now, of all times — after being gone for what felt like forever. It had been months, and the last time we saw each other, we didn’t exactly part on good terms.At least, that’s how I remembered it.“It’s been a while, El,” he said, his smirk widening as he lowered himself into the chair across from mine. He pushed a cup across the table. “Have the coffee. It’s just the way you like it in june- full of ice, lots of milk, and extra whipped cream.”My gaze dropped to the cup in front of me. It was sweating lightly, the ice already beginning to melt. As tempting as it looked, I didn’t take a sip. Instead, I reached out and moved it to the side of my desk.“Thank you for the coffee,” I said, forcing a small smile.“It’s been a while, Nico. Where have you been?” I asked, keeping my tone neutral.He leaned back in his chair, one arm slung casually over the side. “Well, you know… business h
The Billionaire’s Regret 174: BECAUSE I LOVED HIM.
ELARA’S POV His words were all I could think about when I got to the office. I’m going to change, El. It played in my head like a broken record. But was that really possible? Nate? Change? Those two can’t be in the same sentence. It was a little hard to believe. No! scratch that it was very hard to believe. Nathaniel Hale never changed for anyone. He expected the world to adjust to him, not the other way around. I knew that because I had done exactly that for him… over and over again. I gave up a lot back then. Things I once loved. Things that made me me. Like my regular visits to *** the After my father passed, I stopped going not because I wanted to, but because Nate never liked me going there. Said it was too far out of the city. And when his new circle of friends started whispering in his ear, questioning why I kept going… well, it became easier for him if I just stopped. And so I did. Let’s not even talk about how I had to reduce my work hours, put dreams on
The Billionaire’s Regret 173 : PLEASE BE CAREFUL
ELARA’S POV When I woke up, the first thing I did was glance out the window. I don’t know why I cared, but… his car was still there. Something fluttered in my chest relief? No. No, it couldn’t be that. After getting ready and filling Milla’s bowl, I made a second cup of coffee. For Nate. He spent the whole night in his car. I never asked him to, but still making him coffee wasn’t a big deal, right? Just… basic decency. Pouring it into a mug, I grabbed my bag and double checked the locks on my door. Maybe triple-checked. Just in case. Before I headed out. “Good morning,” he said, rolling down his window. He looked terrible. Dark circles sagged under his eyes, his shirt was wrinkled like he’d been dragged through the night. His hair stuck up like he’d run his hands through it too many times. Guilt twisted my stomach. It must’ve been hell, sitting out here all night. “Coffee,” I said, handing him the mug. “Thanks.” His lips curled into a half smile as he
The Billionaire’s Regret 172: MAYBE I’M A FOOL
NATE'S POV Every part of me wanted to stay. Fight a little harder. Maybe if I had, she would’ve let me? Maybe. But she made her choice. And the last thing I ever want to do is make her uncomfortable in her own home. She’s mad at me — she has every right to be. Hell, I don’t deserve a damn thing from her. I messed up. When I had her, I took her for granted, thinking it was the only way to protect her. But I thought wrong. I should’ve known better. I should’ve been better. I’ve been screwing things up for a long time now. But this time, I swear I’m going to be different. Elara doesn’t need me bulldozing my way back into her life. My eyes flick to her house. The lights are still on. She’s no longer standing at the window. It’s been a little while since I sent the texts, She hasn’t replied but she read them. And for now... that’s enough. At least she knows she’s not alone. Even if she doesn’t want me close. Even if she can't trust me yet. When she s
The Billionaire’s Regret 171: I’LL CHANGE
ELARA’S POV He takes a breath, trying to reel in his temper. “If I leave, we leave. I’m not going unless you come with me. I can’t imagine you staying here all alone and no security” he states with finality in his tone. We? that just didn’t rub me the right way, he can’t come in here and demand that I leave with him. I arch a brow. “We? There is no we, Nathaniel. There never will be.” He messed up the ‘we’. Now there can never be one not again. He can’t be reliable, and I don’t think I can trust that he won’t try anything. It might all start with him staying over. Then he’d probably decide to make this an every night thing. Or come up with reason to stay close. I know Nate and this is how it starts with him. Then, I’d probably start making excuses for him. Then I might let my guard down. And I can’t let that happen. I still have the scars he left me with even though I’ve been shoving them far away, trying my best to forget they’re there. I can feel them. I remembe
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