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Chapter Fifty Two : We were friends.
publish date:
2026-07-26 08:15:58
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The Reluctant Daddy CEO Chapter Fifty Two : We were friends.
NICHOLAS. I had to move away from her.I would have ruined things even further."So," she started, "why were you working out this late?""I couldn't sleep," I admitted.I could already read the question in her eyes.Why?I rubbed my knuckles before answering."My dad and I don't talk every day, and he's never been this mad at me. Knowing he's still angry... knowing he doesn't even want to talk to me..." I exhaled. "The thoughts just won't stop."She nodded in understanding."We don't like disappointing the people we love.""I wish he'd found out under different circumstances.""He'll come around," she said softly. "He loves you."I ran my tongue over my bottom lip."He's taking his sweet time."I turned to her and caught her staring at me again.Was she feeling what I was feeling?I couldn't possibly ask."Do you want to stay and work out?" I smirked. "I'm going to make my protein shake."She groaned dramatically."You'll never let me live this down."I tapped a finger against my chi
The Reluctant Daddy CEO Chapter Fifty One : Does running count?
ASHLEY. A fully clothed Nicholas Bianchi was dangerous. But a shirtless one with sweat dripping down his chest was a fucking hazard. I definitely forgot how to breathe for the first five seconds. And I couldn't stop staring as he moved from one equipment to another. The treadmill and the weight rack were the only things I recognized. The light defined every muscle on his chest. The way his biceps flexed as he lifted the weights. This was all shades of wrong. He was my boss. Technically a friend. "Is this a friend thing to do, Miss Walker?" he whispered closer to my ear and I shivered. I was so lost in my head that I didn't realize that he was walking over here. My cheeks felt warm. "Hi." He leaned against the door and smiled. "Hey." I looked past him and fixated my gaze on an unfamiliar equipment. I needed to focus. "What are you doing standing here, snooping on me?" he smirked. I cleared my throat. "Well... you know." He shook his head, amused. "I don't know." "I
The Reluctant Daddy CEO Chapter Fifty : How to un-like a guy.
ASHLEY. There are times in life when you wish you can read someone's mind. In my life, I wish I could read a certain Adonis mind. One minute, he was staring at me so intently, the next he came up with an excuse about Lucy. "Where could she go?" he asked after I told him she likes playing hide and seek. I shrugged, still mad he managed to change the topic so easily. "Anywhere." He cleared his throat. "I will go and find her." I only nodded before settling into one of the chairs. I like him. I couldn't lie to myself anymore. Will it be unrequited? I wished he could like me back... but only in the world where pigs could fly. He doesn't do relationships. But he kissed me because he wanted to. That should count as something. Then he asked us to be friends. "Found her," I heard his voice and turned around in my seat. I hummed in response as he sat across me. He tried putting her in high chair but she let out a cry everytime. He let out a chuckle. "Guess she wan
The Reluctant Daddy CEO Chapter Forty Nine : Thank you principessa.
NICHOLAS. I slept with someone again. Slept as in sharing a bed with someone. Not the other meaning of 'slept'.It wasn't Ashley... Somehow, I had already memorized the feel of her against me after just one night.This person was smaller... tinier.I slowly opened my eyes, already preparing to adjust to the sunlight. But all I saw was the pale moonlight spilling across my face.I followed the trail of my hand and was shocked. I remembered Ashley offering to help me with my work. Me taking the drug and falling asleep. I didn't remember this.My first thought was to push her away. I wasn't ready for this type of connection. But a strange feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. Seeing her tiny hands spread out on my chest. I felt so good... like a dad. After acting like she didn't exist for a long time, she still trusted me.I didn't have the heart to stand up from the bed so I wouldn't wake her up. I simply stayed there, gently running a hand through her soft hair.It was just
The Reluctant Daddy CEO Chapter Forty Eight : It was only a matter of time.
ASHLEY. Some things didn't feel right. Not the extra-comfy bed, not the extra-soft pillow. I slowly opened my eyes, squinting to adjust to the sunlight. From the darker curtains, I knew I wasn't in my room. I pressed my hand on the pillow to steady myself. Instead of softness, I was met with a hard surface.I quickly glanced down and gasped. My eyes trailed to where my hand was touching. I did something stupid. I screamed... loud. His fucking abs. That's what I was touching. His eyes fluttered open and I jolted away from him. Falling to the floor in the process. His laughter followed me, it sounded hoarse.I stayed on the floor and covered my face with my hands. Our bodies were entangled. I could still feel sparks jolting round my body from his touch.I fucking slept in his room. Worse, I slept on him."Are you going to stay on the floor, forever?" he asked. How did I even look?My hair was probably sticking in every direction. Did I drool when I was sleeping? I was sl
The Reluctant Daddy CEO Chapter Forty Seven : Friends?
NICHOLAS. I just stared at her. I knew I could trust her but I was embarrassed to admit the truth."I want to share. I trust you," I replied.She beamed at me. "I trust you, too."Her words made me smile. It made me feel something. Before I could say anything, I sneezed again.I could feel a headache building, and my nose was getting stuffy.I knew what was coming next after the symptoms.Fever..."I was scared it was going to turn out like this. A child born out of wedlock in my family is considered a bastard. They receive only partial inheritance... and the list goes on.."She nodded in understanding. "What are you going to do?""Luciana’s mother doesn't want her. I will keep her," I replied. She looked shocked. "Did she say why? Maybe you can convince her otherwise.""Her mind is made up.""I am sorry."I chuckled but it came out like a throaty laugh. "For what?"She shrugged. "I don’t know."I hummed while massaging my temples. Concern flashed in her eyes. "How do you feel?"
The Reluctant Daddy CEO Chapter Four: First day.
ASHLEY."Lend me your blue shirt, Maya. It would go well with my black skirt tomorrow," I said after swallowing the food in my mouth."Sure. Still can't believe you're going to be working with my crush up close." She squealed.I rolled my eyes at her. She's one of his fans."It’s nothing special."
The Reluctant Daddy CEO Change Three : Nicholas Bianchi.
NICHOLAS.I sipped my coffee while staring at my PR team. "Another scandal, Mr. Bianchi?" the lady said.She's in her mid thirties, and age has never been a problem. I could guess I wasn't her type.I smirked. "She’s single."She scoffed. "The third one in a week. Your public image isn't looking g
The Reluctant Daddy CEO Chapter Two : Mommy Issues
ASHLEY. I walked out of the organization as my phone rang again. Incessant this time so I couldn't ignore it. 'What do you want this time, mom?' I said the last part with so much venom.Not like the woman deserved any good from me.'That’s no way to greet your mom, daughter. Or should I say step-
The Reluctant Daddy CEO Chapter One : The Interview
© 2026 Aridah. All rights reserved. This work is protected by copyright. No part of this story may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without permission from the author.Author’s Note ✨Welcome to The Reluctant Daddy CEO.This is a slow-burn romance built on tension, vulnerabili
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