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40: A CHANCE TO EXPLAIN EVERYTHING
Last Updated:
2024-12-25 23:54:28
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The Billionaire’s Regret 41: SOMETHING IS OFF
ELARA’S POV “Nico,” I call softly as I approach him, my heart pounding in my chest. I try to gather my thoughts, but they scatter like leaves in the wind. He lets his arrow fly with precision, the sharp sound of the bowstring breaking the silence. The arrow hits its target dead center before he finally turns to look at me. “Hi,” I say awkwardly, shifting from one foot to the other. “Elara,” he replies, his tone cool and distant. The way he says my name sends an uneasy chill down my spine. Something is definitely wrong, and I know exactly why. I can’t blame him for feeling this way. He knew about my divorce. Then, after almost two years of me being single he suddenly hears that I’m back with my ex husband. No explanations from me. If I were in his shoes, I’d be distant too. “Good morning,” he says after a moment, offering a polite but guarded smile. He pulls another arrow from his quiver, handling it with ease. I watch him closely, taking cautious steps to stand nearby but care
Last Updated : 2024-12-26The Billionaire’s Regret 42: YOU’RE OVERREACTING
ELARA’S POV I gasp, my heart racing as I’m pinned against the wall. My eyes meet a pair of stormy grey ones, narrowed and filled with something dark. There are dark circles under his eyes, his face looking strained, like he hasn’t slept in days.“Let go,” I snap, struggling against his grip.His hold is firm, and his towering figure makes me feel smaller than I’d like.his breath warm against my cheek as he steps closer.“Why?” he whispers, his voice low and dripping with sarcasm. “Is this uncomfortable?”I roll my eyes, frustration building in my chest as I try to push him away. “Of course it’s uncomfortable! What the hell is wrong with you?”His eyes narrow, something dangerous flickering in their depths. He leans in, his voice low but filled with anger. “Didn’t seem to bother you when you let Nicholas trail his filthy hands all over you.”My stomach drops. “Are you serious right now?”He ignores my words, his jaw clenched tightly. “Because from where I was standing, it looked lik
Last Updated : 2024-12-27The Billionaire’s Regret 43: WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME?
ELARA’S POV“Let’s go,” Nate orders, his gaze snapping back to me with a look that screams impatience.Before I can even ask what’s happening, he grabs my hand and starts dragging me along. I stumble a little, trying to keep up. I have no idea where he’s taking me or why he’s in such a rush, but it’s clear this isn’t the way back to the house.“Where are you taking me?” I snap, planting my feet firmly on the ground, refusing to move another step.He stops abruptly and turns to face me, his eyes narrowing.“We’re going to get you some clothes,” he says, his tone clipped. “Something that doesn’t turn heads.”I follow his gaze as it drops to my chest, and it hits me, I’m still in Flavia’s black sports bra and tight yoga leggings. Heat rushes to my face as I fold my arms over my chest.His eyes linger far too long, and I can practically feel him devouring me with his stare.“Hey!” I snap, snapping my fingers in front of his face. “Eyes up here.”His head jerks up, and a small smirk tugs
Last Updated : 2024-12-28The Billionaire’s Regret 44: WHO IS VALENTINA
ELARA’S POV The ride to the mall passed in a blur. Nate didn’t try to make any conversation, and neither did I. The silence between us felt heavy, but I didn’t mind it. Sometimes, silence was easier than whatever this… thing between us was. When we got to the parking lot, Nate stepped out of the car first. He circled around, opening my door for me. I stared at him for a second, surprised. Even though I knew he was probably doing it for the sake of appearances, because of the company we have it still felt nice. As I stepped out of the car, a gust of cool wind hit my skin, making me shiver. Goosebumps rose on my arms as the chill seeped through my clothes. I was still in my sports bra and leggings, and Nate had claimed he had the “perfect outfit” for me, but here I am, looking like I just walked out of the gym. So much for— Before I could finish my thought, I felt soft fabric being draped over my shoulders. A familiar scent hit me as I looked down to see a blue button up shirt
Last Updated : 2024-12-29The Billionaire’s Regret 45: YOU ARE NOT OKAY
ELARA’S POV “What’s going on?” Nate’s voice breaks through the chaos. I’m too embarrassed to raise my head and face anyone. My face burns, and I can already feel the weight of everyone’s stares. “Are you okay, love?” Nate rushes to my side, crouching down to my level. If I didn’t know he was acting, I might have believed he genuinely cared. But I know better than to fall for the illusion. “Are you hurt?” he asks, his voice firm yet soft as he carefully helps me sit up. “I’m fine,” I lie, biting back the sharp pain shooting through my hand. The way everyone is looking at me is unbearable. The last thing I want is to make a bigger scene. Even though it’s just us, a few of the staff are already busy picking up the fallen rack and putting it back in place. “Are you sure?” Nate presses, his hands resting gently on my shoulders as he examines me. “Yes,” I snap, but the edge in my voice does little to convince him. “You don’t look fine to me,” he says, standing and offerin
Last Updated : 2024-12-30The Billionaire’s Regret 46: LETS GO HAUNTING
ELARA’S POVValentina.The name hits me like a ton of bricks.Could she really be the same Valentina they were talking about at the mall?I glance at Nate, who suddenly looks a little tense. His shoulders stiffen ever so slightly as Farrah practically gushes over the new arrival.“Hello, Nate,” Valentina says, her voice smooth and saccharine, a smile dripping with seductive charm plastered across her face.It doesn’t take a genius to figure out her intentions. The way she tilts her head just so, her piercing green eyes lingering on him a moment too long—it’s painfully obvious. She’s up to something.“Valentina,” Nate replies, his voice even and steady, but there’s a chill to it. No warmth, no enthusiasm.I try to read his expression, to find some hint of how he feels about her presence. But his face remains frustratingly neutral, as though this is just another mundane encounter.He ushers me and the others to our seats around the table, his behavior cool and collected.As brunch begin
Last Updated : 2024-12-31The Billionaire’s Regret 47
ELARA’S POV“What are you trying to say, Mrs. Bellini?” I asked, chuckling nervously. I hoped she’d clarify what she meant because her words left me uneasy.“Oh, you silly girl,” she said with a warm laugh. “I know everything.”Her words sent another knot twisting in my stomach. Everything? My mind went blank. What exactly did she know?“Martino told me about you and Nate how you had a little separation but are now back together . I know it might feel uncomfortable with Valentina here, but I can assure you, Nate only has eyes for you.”“He does?” I mumbled. That was all I could manage to say. I didn’t understand where this conversation was heading, but I’m not surprised.“You two seem so lovely together,” she continued with a fond smile as we walk further. “I’ve known Nate since he was just a boy. During the time you were apart, he never said much when he stopped by, but I could see it in his eyes, he was a mess.”He didn’t seem like a mess to me in those weekly magazines and blogs he
Last Updated : 2025-01-01The Billionaire’s Regret 48: THE PAINTING.
ELARA’S POVI glanced at the shopping bags again, my brow furrowing. Maybe the staff mixed my things with someone else’s.I’ll check them later.For now, I grabbed my phone from the dresser. This time, it was fully charged.The flood of texts and missed calls made me hesitate. What else should I expect when I hadn’t touched my phone since yesterday?I skimmed through the messages. There were a few from Mom.MOM: What kind of meeting is on a Friday afternoon? You left all your stuff behind!MOM: This has to be a joke, Elara.I rolled my eyes, smiling at her usual tone.There were more from this morning.MOM: When you’re done in Jersey, come back and get your luggage. It’s crowding my house.That one made me laugh.MOM: Even though you were in a hurry, I hope you didn’t forget your pills.Pills… oh, no.I bolted to my bag and let out a sigh of relief. I had them, but I hadn’t taken a single dose since arriving at the villa. I was supposed to take them twice a day, but my phone reminders
Last Updated : 2025-01-02
Latest chapter
The Billionaire’s Regret 181: NOT ON MY WATCH.
ELARA’S POV “New architect?” “Yes.” “Congratulations,” I say, my voice pitched a little too high. “Thanks el” “I’m going to show, him around the apartments, so he could get some insight on the place- you should come along” “I’m afraid I can’t today, i need to find new, lamps and vases and I have somethings to take care of” I leave without, waiting for a response. The thought of nico being the new, artichet felt a little odd but I don’t think much of it. ***** The first store I went to had nothing I wanted, The second is worse. By the time I’m walking into the third vintage shop, the sky has turned a dark, angry grey. I hadn’t even noticed how long I’d been searching how long I’ve been trying to distract myself from the fact that Nico is likely going to start working with me. But I don’t have time to dwell on it. The sharp slaps of rain start just as I’m walking back to my car. Within seconds, I’m soaked. Water trails down my back, my pants cling to my legs, and my shoes s
The Billionaire’s Regret 181: NEW ARCHITECT
ELARA’S POVThe drive to the site is quiet, no music, no calls. Just the hum of the engine and the slow, sharp creep of the headache pulsing behind my eyes.“You’re late,” Kyle greets me the second I step inside, his usual frown in place. “Again.”I almost smile. His grumbling’s basically part of our routine now.We don’t even have a fixed schedule for my visits here, but he complains every time, and I let him. Maybe because I find it a little amusing. Maybe because he hasn’t been around much lately, thanks to the whole architect mess. These days, it’s mostly me and the new designer… or Rob.“Good morning to you too, Kyle.”“It’s twelve in the afternoon.”“It’s all the same, Kyle.” I roll my eyes with a small smile.“The items you ordered were already delivered.”“Already? I thought they weren’t coming until twelve-thirty?”“Well, they turned out to be efficient and punctual—unlike somebody else.”“Somebody else has other jobs to handle, you know.” I follow him through the entryway.T
The Billionaire’s Regret 180: I'M FINE
ELARA’S POVIt’s been a week since I last saw Nate— or heard from him.It’s nothing new. We’ve gone years without talking before.So going a week without his appearance should not feel like this.It's not new to me, plus all the times I've seen him, I couldn’t stand being around him; I always end up getting mad at him for the stupid things he does. but its not his first time going MIABut this time… this time feels different.Maybe it’s because of how we left things.After all he said, I knew I was wrong for once, but then again, I was frozen in place. His words echoing in my head, repeating like a broken recordI couldn’t shut off. I couldn’t stop.And I couldn’t even bring myself to text him.Or call.Or try to clear things up.It was like my whole body locked up.I couldn’t.I just couldn’t.And for the rest of the week I culd even search up his name on my contacts.“El?”Elliot’s voice cut through the silence, snapping me out of my haze.“Yes?” I blink, sitting a little straight
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
