Home / Romance / The Billionaire’s Regret / 75: I WANT TO RESPECT YOUR DECISION

Share

75: I WANT TO RESPECT YOUR DECISION

last update Last Updated: 2025-01-22 19:36:32

ELARA’S POV

For the past two hours, Mom hasn’t said a word about Nate.

Heck, she hasn’t said much to me at all, and I’m dying to know what’s going through her head.

I thought we were in a good place the last time I was here, I thought we’d moved past all the tension, but clearly, we’re back at square one.

Each time I’ve tried to start a conversation, she’s blatantly ignored me, focusing on her cooking like it’s the most important task in the world.

And honestly, I knew better than to push her. Mom wasn’t the type to hold back when she wanted to speak her mind. If she was staying quiet, it meant she was either thinking deeply or waiting for me to crack.

Fine. I’d wait for the right moment.

“Can you just say it already?” I huffed, dropping my fork onto my plate.

The weight of her silence had been suffocating, and the occasional stares she threw my way were only making it worse.

Mom glanced up at me but didn’t say a word.

“Mom, seriously,” I pressed, the guilt gnawi
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter
Comments (1)
goodnovel comment avatar
Claretta Mongore
we are at chapter 76 when will the story start ?
VIEW ALL COMMENTS

Related chapters

  • The Billionaire’s Regret    76: A LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD ME...

    NATE’S POV“Nate, honey!”The high- pitched voice of Valentina cut through the air, sharp enough to give me a headache.I don’t even know why James thought the men’s club would be a good place to discuss business. when we have pests like Valentina running around it. I glanced up from my phone and immediately regretted it. She was the last person I wanted to see. let alone talk to.“How have you been, baby?” she asked, her overdone smirk stretching across lips coated in way too much lipstick. She slid onto the stool next to me like she belonged there.“Hello, Valentina,” I said evenly, keeping my irritation in check.Ever since I made it clear to her that whatever “thing” she thought we had was over, she’s been on a mission to irritate me. It’s like she lives for my reactions, but I’ve never given her the satisfaction.“A little birdie told me you’ve been looking for me,” she said with a tilt of her head, casually grabbing the untouched tequila the bartender had set in front of me.I

    Last Updated : 2025-01-23
  • The Billionaire’s Regret    77: FOCUS

    NATE’S POVThe door to the building pushed open, and my head snapped toward it.Elara walked in, looking entirely different from the last time I saw her. Gone was the oversized T-shirt that left just enough to the imagination to drive me crazy. She’d always been a sucker for lounging around like that, and it never failed to draw a reaction from me, back when we were married. but yesterday, I’d had no right to touch her, no right to do anything but stare and keep my hands to myself.I hated that. I still hate it.She looked at me as she walked in, her heels clicking against the floor of the empty building. She wasn’t dressed casually this time, she looked every bit professional. A black pantsuit hugged her frame perfectly, her hair pulled back in a neat bun that made her look sharp and put together.She was beautiful. Scratch that- she was stunning. She could wear anything and still take my breath away.Even though her expression was all business, there was something about the way she

    Last Updated : 2025-01-24
  • The Billionaire’s Regret    78: WOW ME

    NATE'S POV"Do you have any colours in mind for the main offices?"Her voice broke through my thoughts as we stood in the middle of the large, empty conference room.I shrugged at her question, trying to look casual, even though I felt completely out of my depth. I wasn't supposed to be the one handling this. The FM team was meant to be here, going over every tiny detail with her.Honestly, I didn’t care what colours they used in this office, I don’t know anything about the employees working here, let alone what colours would look good in their office. The real reason I was here had nothing to do with renovations."You know what?" I said before she could suggest more ideas, knowing anything she came up with would be perfect. She always had an eye for detail, and there was no point pretending I'd object to her decisions.She stopped walking and turned to face me, a small frown creasing her forehead. "What?""You can freestyle," I said, watching her expression closely. "The colors, the

    Last Updated : 2025-01-24
  • The Billionaire’s Regret    79: STEPPING STONE

    ELARA'S POV After signing the contract, Nate and I walked out of the conference room together.“One more thing,” he said, his tone serious. “We have eyes watching everywhere. You need to be careful. Do you still have the ring?”“Yes,” I replied softly.The ring was in my bag. I had taken it off when I got home after our last meeting. For some reason, I’d kept it close instead of mailing it back to him since he forgot to take it back last time. Maybe it was a silly hope that I’d see him again and return it in person.Honestly, I should’ve just sent him a text like a normal person and mailed it back, but for some reason, I didn’t. I couldn’t even explain why. and I don't think I want to try. “I think you should wear it… at all times, if possible,” he continued. “We can’t let the reporters find something to make a fuss about.” His tone was polite, so I simply nodded without saying anything.With that, we walked side by side out of the building. The car he’d sent to pick me up earlier w

    Last Updated : 2025-01-25
  • The Billionaire’s Regret    80: LIFE HAD OTHER PLANS.

    ELARA'S POV When I got home, the house was eerily quiet. Mom wasn’t around; she’d told me earlier she’d be busy all day. The silence was comforting at first, but it quickly became suffocating as my thoughts drifted to Nate’s office renovations. He’d told me to “do whatever I wanted” with the project, but the supposed freedom felt more like a trap. I preferred when clients had clear ideas. it gave me a framework to work with. Now, with this blank canvas, I felt lost. By the time evening rolled around, I decided to set aside my work and focus on the night ahead. I stood in front of my closet, staring at the rows of clothes, but nothing seemed to fit the image I had in my head. Everything felt too casual, too bland, or just... wrong. After rummaging through every corner, I admitted defeat and turned to a desperate option: Mom’s closet. She hated anyone touching her things, but her wardrobe was far better suited for events like this. Most of her dresses didn’t fit me properly

    Last Updated : 2025-01-25
  • The Billionaire’s Regret    81: ITS NOT YOUR GOLD I’M DIGGING

    ELARA’S POV Standing before me was none other than Camille, Nate’s cousin. Her lips curled into a disgusted sneer, the kind that could make anyone feel out of place. She looked as impeccable as ever, her designer gown clinging to her like it had been custom made just for her. But her expression, the same one she always wore when she looked at me it hadn’t changed one bit. Not even after all these years since I’d last seen her. To this day, I don’t know why she dislikes me so much. Maybe it’s jealousy, maybe it’s just her nature. Either way, I couldn’t care less. Whatever her reason is, it doesn’t matter to me now. “Oh, it’s you,” she said, her tone dripping with disdain. “Still trying to play dress-up, I see.” I forced myself to remain calm, my face an unreadable mask. I refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing me react. “Excuse me,” I said evenly, stepping aside to continue on my way. But Camille wasn’t done. “Couldn’t find another rich man to mooch off, so you came c

    Last Updated : 2025-01-26
  • The Billionaire’s Regret    82: I’M AT HER MERCY

    ELARA’S POV This has to be a joke. Maybe it’s just an act. I can’t believe it. He sounded sincere when he said it, but it can’t be. If I were truly the best thing that ever happened to him, then two years ago, he wouldn’t have treated me like trash. But he’s been nothing but caring tonight, a voice in my head whispers. No. It’s all an act for the public’s eyes. Then again, there wasn’t anyone watching when he opened the car door for me. No audience in my mom’s house when he saved me from getting injured. I need to stop thinking about this. My legs feel wobbly, like they could give out at any moment. I force myself to walk quickly, desperate to escape the balcony and clear my head. “Elara?” A voice calls from the top of the stairs, making me freeze mid step. I snap my head toward the sound. Shit. Did I make a sound? Did he know I was eavesdropping? “Uh— hey,” I manage, waving awkwardly. Nate’s already descending the stairs, his gaze fixed on me. “Is everyt

    Last Updated : 2025-01-27
  • The Billionaire’s Regret    83: THE BEST THING

    ELARA’S POV We both stand outside in silence, waiting for the limo to pull up. The cold night air creeps into my skin, making me shiver slightly. I fold my arms over my chest, trying to warm myself, but it doesn’t help much. Not even a second later, I feel something heavy and warm draped over my shoulders. The familiar scent of his cologne fills my senses. It’s expensive, musky, and uncomfortably familiar. “You don’t have to—” “It’s cold out here,” Nate cuts me off, his tone leaving no room for argument. The limo comes to a halt in front of us before I can protest further. Once again, Nate opens the door for me without saying a word. His manners tonight are throwing me off balance. Why is he being a gentleman? Why is he acting like the old Nate I used to know? I don’t like this. I slide into the car, keeping my gaze away from his. The ride back is quiet. Unbearably quiet. Both of us seem lost in our thoughts. Well, mostly me. His words from earlier replay in my mind o

    Last Updated : 2025-01-28

Latest chapter

  • 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

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status