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Chapter Seventy-Four — Aftermath
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2025-03-25 18:07:32
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Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter Seventy-Five — Loose Ends
The meeting was scheduled for midnight—a fitting hour for the events to come.Adrian stood just outside the desolate rail yard, with the cold air biting at his skin. The city, usually bustling with sirens and lights, felt a world away in this desolate spot. There were no honking horns, no bright neon—just the faint buzz of power lines above and the muted creaks of metal in the darkness. The stillness had an oppressive weight to it, a palpable tension that settled in his bones.Inside the warehouse, Marcus Delano awaited him, likely sweating through his expensive suit while clinging to the hope that he could somehow negotiate his way out of this. He had always been a survivor, a man who had spent his life striking the right deals and aligning with influential people—until tonight.Connor approached, phone pressed to his ear, wearing a mix of boredom and amusement. “Gwen’s tapped his burner. He has no backup, no last-minute saviors. Looks like he’s really that foolish.”Adrian took a sl
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-26Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter Seventy-Six — Smoke and Ashes
By the time they returned to the penthouse, the city outside was uncomfortably silent. This was the heavy stillness that followed destruction, a chilling quiet that lingered after a storm passed, leaving people hesitant to step outside and witness what had been left standing. The usual sounds of life—honking cars, far-off sirens, and the faint buzz of late-night activity—had vanished, replaced by an unsettling calm, as if the world itself was holding its breath.Leila stood at the enormous windows, arms tightly wrapped around herself, gazing at the skyline that had once felt untouchable. Now, all she could perceive were echoes of the past—ruins.Adrian leaned against the doorframe, exhaustion radiating off him in waves. Connor and Luca had left hours earlier, disappearing into the dark to ensure their actions remained hidden. Gwen's voice crackled through the speakerphone on the counter, relaying the latest updates and confirming that news of Delano's betrayal was spreading rapidly th
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-26Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter Seventy-Seven—Crossroads
The morning crept in hesitantly, unsure of whether it was truly welcome. Dull gray light filtered through the sheer curtains of the penthouse, casting lifeless streaks across the marble floors. The air felt eerily still, like a story waiting for its final chapter, creating a sense of anticipation rather than peace—the calm before the storm.Leila sat on the edge of the bed, fully dressed with her bag packed and waiting by the door. She hadn’t slept; the pressure against her ribs made sure of that.Adrian, lying still behind her, hadn’t managed to sleep either. She sensed the tension resonating through him, the tightness in his body revealing his restlessness. Both of them caught in the same storm, but facing it in different ways.Finally, after what seemed like ages, his voice pierced through the silence.“You don’t have to go.”His words were rough, hoarse with exhaustion and something close to pleading.Leila shut her eyes, gripping the sheets tightly beneath her hands.“I do.”She
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-26Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter Seventy-Eight - In the Silence
Time moved slowly for Leila, presenting a pace she hadn’t experienced before.Her life had been dominated by chaos and high-stakes decisions for so long. Now, in the calm refuge of Gwen’s apartment, the days felt easy and untroubled, free from the war she had distanced herself from.Leila hadn’t realized how much her former life had robbed her until she found herself waking up to the cheerful sounds of birdsong outside instead of muffled arguments, and to the scent of freshly brewed coffee rather than gunpowder and whiskey. There were no guards stationed outside, no tension saturating the environment, nor secretive plans being whispered like currency.It was simply… life.Ordinary life.On her second morning, she found herself in Gwen’s cozy kitchen, barefoot and wrapped in an oversized sweater that Gwen had tossed to her the night before. The loose sleeves enveloped her hands, and the fabric was soft from years of use. Sipping her coffee, she grimaced at the burnt flavor but held ont
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-27Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter Seventy-Nine — Breaking the Cycle
Adrian couldn’t truly sleep.The night slipped by in restless fragments—flashes of the dark ceiling, the distant hum of the city, and the steady ticking of the hallway clock. Every now and then, his eyes would close, only to fly open moments later as his mind refused to rest. His body ached from exhaustion, but his thoughts wouldn't quiet down.The apartment felt stifling in her absence.He found himself on the balcony before sunrise, clenching a half-full, cooling cup of coffee. The bitter scent mixed with the cool morning air, but he barely noticed it. His eyes remained fixed on the horizon as if he were waiting for Leila to emerge from the shadows and return to his life.But she didn’t. Of course, she wouldn’t.He was tired of waiting.Connor stepped out from the guest room, rubbing his face and then noticing Adrian's silhouette in the early light. He sighed and sat in a chair beside him.“When are you going to stop torturing yourself?” Connor asked, his voice rough with sleep.Adr
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-27Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter Eighty—Returning Home
The sun had just begun to rise over the city skyline when Leila stepped out of the elevator, her heart racing wildly in her chest.She tightened her grip on her bag strap as she gazed at the penthouse door, taking shallow breaths. She had imagined this moment countless times—what she would say, how Adrian would respond, and whether she’d even lose her nerve before making it this far. But now, standing there, her mind went blank.The key still worked.Of course, it did.The gentle click of the lock echoed through the silence as she pushed the door open. A wave of nostalgia washed over her—the scent of cedarwood and coffee, the soft buzz of the city through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the posh minimalism of a space that had once felt so enormous.Everything appeared unchanged.And yet, it felt different.Leila lingered in the doorway, her feet refusing to move further inside. The penthouse remained perfectly ordered, yet there was an emptiness to it now, a stillness that hadn’t been
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-27Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter Eighty-One—Yours, Always
When they finally shifted from the couch, the sun had already risen, casting golden rays across the floor. Yet, it didn’t matter to either of them. The outside world could fade away—at that moment, the only thing that truly mattered was the serene space they had created together. A space that felt untouched by time, pain, or the remnants of their past. Leila let out a slow breath, shifting just enough to rest her cheek against Adrian’s chest. The rhythmic flow of his breathing provided a sense of stability she hadn’t known she was craving. She briefly closed her eyes, inhaling his scent—familiar and hers, something she thought she had lost forever. “I forgot what this felt like,” she whispered. “Being here. With you.” Adrian fingers traced gentle, featherlight patterns along her spine, his touch light, as if fearing that anything stronger might disrupt their fragile balance. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this,” he replied, his voice equally soft. Looking up at hi
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-28Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter Eighty-Two—Almost Normal
As Leila drifted toward consciousness, the first sensation she noticed was a comforting warmth from the body beside her. Adrian had his arm loosely draped over her waist, his grip loose but possessive even in sleep as if he couldn’t bear to part with her. His deep, steady breaths provided a soothing rhythm, the gentle rise and fall of his chest against her back adding to the soothness.For a moment, she remained still with her eyes closed, letting herself absorb the stillness. There were no sounds of gunfire, no hushed threats, and no war looming just outside the door.Just peace.It felt strangely unfamiliar.Leila repositioned herself, stretching her legs to shake off the confusion of waking up in a moment of calm rather than chaos. Her movement made Adrian to stir and instead of releasing her, he tightened his hold, pulling her even closer.“Don’t move,” he murmured against her skin in a thick sleepy, husky voice.She smiled, absentmindedly tracing her fingers along his forearm.
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-29
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Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Nine – The World, and Ours
After The DischargeThey left the hospital on a crisp Tuesday morning, the kind where the sky looked freshly blue, and the air tinged with the scent of rain, brick, and the first hints of greenery breaking through the earth. While spring hadn’t fully arrived, its presence was felt—curling at the edges of the winter cold, whispering promises in the wind. The world was on the brink of renewal, and so, it appeared, were they.Leila stood just outside the hospital room, holding Elias snugly against her chest in the soft wrap she and Adrian had diligently practiced tying for weeks. The fabric enveloped him securely, holding his tiny body close to her heartbeat. He was so light that she could almost forget he was there—until she felt his warmth against her, the gentle rise and fall of his breath, and the occasional flutter of his tiny fingers brushing against her ribs like a fleeting dream.In her mind, she had imagined being overwhelmed with fear as she left the clinical environment filled
Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Eight– A Name Yet to be Spoken
On a quiet Thursday afternoon, they prepared the hospital bag, the kind of day that felt like the breath held between seasons. Sunlight streamed through the nursery windows in fractured, amber beams, creating dynamic patterns on the light walls and wooden floor. The room carried a faint lavender fragrance from the sachets she'd tucked into the dresser drawers, blending harmoniously with the soft scent of baby powder and an essence of comfort.Leila perched on the edge of the rocker, carefully folding tiny onesies with trembling fingers. A persistent ache in her back felt like a pressure that came and went like the tide, making her pause frequently—not just to stretch, but to breathe deeply, to steadying herself against the looming arrival.“Almost there,” Adrian said, crouching beside the open suitcase. He handed her a pair of impossibly small white socks with pale blue trim, and the sight of them sent a new wave of emotion through her chest.She smiled, though her heart felt too tig
Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Seven – The Weight of Light
LeilaThe first real morning of spring arrived quietly, with a hush so tender it made her ache.The sunlight streamed in through the kitchen windows in rich, golden beams, draping the stone countertops like honey flowing from above. It flowed across the hardwood floors they had chosen together months earlier, every board selected after deliberation and laughter. Now, those very floors gleamed under the morning light, imbued with memories. The windows were cracked open just enough to let in the refreshing morning breeze, carrying the scents of moist earth, budding flowers, and something vibrantly green.Leila stood barefoot at the cooker, wrapped in one of Adrian’s old flannel shirts with sleeves rolled up past her elbows. She stirred a pot of oatmeal slowly, savoring the slower pace. Her body felt differently now—more balanced, a daily reminder of their shared journey. She moved with a newfound grace, as if the earth itself had become a part of her. Every step was intentional, each br
Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Six – In The Quiet That Follows
AdrianHe woke before the sun breached the horizon.The brownstone was enveloped in a stillness that felt almost sacred. Outside, the city seemed to hang in that fleeting, fragile moment between night and day—a time when the world itself hesitated to breathe. Shadows stretched across the ceiling, and the silence felt heavy, like the calm that follows a storm after it has finally burned itself out.Adrian didn't move at first. He remained still beneath the blanket, one arm cradling Leila's as she curled against him, her head resting just above his heart. Her breath came slow and even, rising and falling with the rhythm of sleep, one hand splayed softly over the steady thrum of his chest like she was anchoring herself to his steady pulse.He closed his eyes and absorbed the moment.Not just the sensation of her presence or the warmth of the sheets, but the simple, unassuming peace that accompanied it. A tranquility that didn’t seek recognition but merely existed. For the first time in
Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Five — When Familiar Comes Home
Gwen's Arrival Gwen arrived on a cloud-covered afternoon, when the world seemed to hold its breath. Leila stood on the sacred-feeling brownstone steps, her pale wool scarf wrapped around her, her coat partially zipped over her gently rounded stomach. The air was infused with the scent of wet stone and lavender, faint traces of the cleaning oil lingering around the house's edges.When the cab arrived, Leila remained still, watching Gwen emerge, carrying a worn canvas bag. Gwen's thin coat appeared more appropriate for warmer weather, and her hair was pulled up in a messy knot, strands flying loose in the breeze.They exchanged silent glances across the distance for a moment.Then Gwen dropped the bag and bounded up the stairs in two swift strides.Leila stepped forward just in time to catch her, and they embraced—tight and sudden, yet utterly right. Gwen's arms wrapped around Leila's back, her breath hitching against Leila's shoulder."You look like spring," Gwen murmured, her voice t
Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Four — The Spaces We Fill
Few days later, they navigated the renovated brownstone as if they were gliding through the pages of a story they'd once only dared to imagine.The floors, once scattered with splinters and gaps, had been replaced with reclaimed wood that hummed gracefully beneath their feet. The staircase—rebuilt, sanded, and stained—no longer creaked under their weight but instead welcomed them into their newly crafted existence. Each room exuded the lingering aroma of fresh paint, pine wood polish, and lavender oil—an unusual yet soothing blend that lingered in the air like a cherished memory.Leila paused in the entryway, running her fingers along the newly fitted doorframe. Her other hand rested on the slight curve of her belly, subtly hidden under her sweater but undeniable to her. She watched as Adrian moved through the living room, skillfully opening the windows to let in the gentle spring breeze.She smiled slightly. “It feels like it’s alive.”Adrian looked back at her, his gaze softening. “
Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Three — What we're Building
LeilaThe nausea didn't creep in-- it slammed into her suddenly, like a crashing wave.One moment, she was on the gallery floor, crouched in a patch of warm light, her hands buried in fabric samples she'd been collecting over the past week. She had midnight blue for the reading nook and a muted rose she hoped would work in the nursery—gentle and grounding. This task felt reassuring, providing a rare sense of control amidst the chaos.Then, without warning, everything shifted.The room spun violently, causing her stomach to turn with it. Her hands slipped off the pile of swatches, and she barely managed to get to her feet and rush to the bathroom, gripping the doorframe for support as her heart raced. She felt clammy and disoriented, as if her own body had betrayed her.Nausea struck in relentless waves while she leaned over the sink, gripping the cold porcelain and breathing shallowly through her nose. Her reflection revealed pale skin and heavy, shadowed eyes.By the time Adrian arri
Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Two: Told in Gentle Light
Pregnancy RevealLeila dialed Gwen from the gallery, her fingers quivering slightly as she made the call.The space was empty that morning, still resonating with the echoes of laughter and footsteps from the other night’s opening. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, creating long, golden lines on the smooth concrete floor. Her latest collection adorned the walls—images that felt like fragments of her heart captured in ink and shadow. Yet none of these works, not even the proudest or most vulnerable work she'd hung there, compared to what she felt within her now.Gwen picked up on the third ring, her voice thick with sleep and that familiar, dry-edged affection.“Hello?” came the croaky murmur.“I didn’t wake you, did I?” Leila asked, slowly pacing between two canvases. She paused in front of one featuring Adrian at the lake, wind tousling his hair and vulnerability etched in every feature. It was one of the few photos she had been unable to let go of.“You did,” Gwen replied w
Trapped with a Ruthless Billionaire Chapter One Hundred Twenty-One-Laying the Foundation
----LeilaThat morning, their conversation was sparse—not due to avoidance or a lack of topics, but because the weight of what had just shifted between them made words feel.....too small.Silence wrapped around them like a comforting blanket—not chilly or distant, but respectful. It felt as if speaking too soon might shatter the delicate truth lingering between them.Leila retreated to the window seat, captivated by the view even though she barely noticed it. She curled her knees beneath her, a throw blanket resting on her legs, while an untouched cup of tea—over-steeped and cold—sat on the windowsill. Thirst was not her concern; she wasn’t even sure what she felt. Just that something within her was in flux, rearranging.Across the room, Adrian quietly moved around the kitchen, the sounds of a mug clinking, water boiling, and his soft footsteps creating a soothing background. He didn’t press her with questions or attempt to fill the silence, but every so often, she sensed his gaze on
