CHAPTER ELEVEN—SANTIAGO RUSSO

I stormed up to my room, gripping Luca’s phone like a lifeline. I slammed the door shut behind me and sank onto the bed, my fingers moving swiftly as I dialed my mother’s number. The phone rang twice before she answered. “Mr. Russo?” I exhaled, pressing a hand to my eyes. I suddenly had the urge to cry, but I held back.. “Mom, it's me. Ariadne.” She gasped. “How are you, sweetheart? I’ve been worried.” A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Worried? Are you really? I was under the impression that you were okay with selling me off to the devil.” My mother sighed. “Ariadne, please let's not throw blame right now.” “Well, what do you expect me to do, Mum? The asshole took my damn phone! He’s a controlling, arrogant asshole, and you just handed me over like I was some kind of bargaining chip.” “Ariadne,” my mother said gently, but firmly. “It’s our tradition. It’s the way things have always been. You knew this would happen.” “I didn't know I would be given out to a ruthless, cold bastar

CHAPTER TWELVE —UNWANTED ATTRACTION

I think I lost my ability to breathe. Or think. Or conjure a word. Or any basic human necessity. Santiago’s words lingered in the air, heavy and catatonic:Tell me something, Ariadne… Do you ever wonder what would’ve happened if you had? If circumstances were changed and I was the one you would be walking down the aisle to meet and vow your undying love to? Tell me.I finally opened my mouth, but still no words came out. What was I even supposed to say to that? I could barely process being forced into marriage with Luca, and now his nephew was throwing this into the mix?“What? Cat got your tongue?” Santiago mused, watching my reaction with amusement.“I—” cleared my throat as I tried to put on a brave face, my mind racing. “I actually don't —”“Oh, don't tell me you've never thought about it. Not even once,” He was towards me as he said those words and I kept staggering back for reasons I didn't know. This guy made me flustered and not in a good way. Seeing my reaction, he smirked.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN — VOWS

The D–day arrived faster than I anticipated. One moment, I was picking out a wedding dress with Luca watching me like something to be devoured, and the next, I was standing in front of a mirror, fully dressed in white, and at the mercy of the makeup artists dolling me up. In less than an hour, I would be walking down the aisle to a man I still claimed to despise. The dress fit me perfectly. Lace sleeves graced my arms, delicate embroidery wrapping around my torso before cascading into layers of soft tulle. A veil, sheer and ethereal, was pinned into my hair, completing the picture of the perfect bride. Except I didn’t feel perfect. I felt trapped. A soft knock on the door made me jump slightly. Then my mother entered, eyes misty with emotion. “So, Ari, my dear. You look stunning.” I didn’t bother to reply. Just stared at my reflection, trying to find some semblance of the girl I used to be—the one who had dreams that didn’t involve marrying a billionaire out of duty. She was go

CHAPTER FOURTEEN — TEASES AND ATTRACTIONS

I woke up with a start, the coolness of the sheets against my skin sending a shock through my body. Oh, holy… I was naked! Completely naked. My heart raced as my mind scrambled to piece together what had happened.Where was I? How had I ended up here?The last thing I remembered was having fun dancing at my wedding, and then… nothing. Did I do something? And where the hell was Luca?My eyes frantically darted around the unfamiliar room. The walls were dark, luxurious, and ornate. Whose bedroom was this? The luxurious space felt too grand, too personal for me to be here. My pulse quickened, and I froze, a sick feeling crawling up my throat.Oh, my God ! Had I been kidnapped? Or had Luca decided he didn't want me and pimped me out? No. The thought made my stomach twist. There was no way. He couldn’t have. And why couldn’t I remember anything past the wedding. I couldn’t remember… my eyes darted down to the sheets, and I quickly checked the bed. No blood. No sign of anything that would

CHAPTER FIFTEEN—CONFESSIONS

The next morning, I woke to the sound of birds chirping outside the window, the soft light filtering through the blinds. I groaned, rubbing her eyes as I tried to shake off the remnants of sleep. The warmth from the car ride was still lingering, but my mind was filled with memories of the previous day. I had managed to get through the dinner with Luca’s family, and despite my initial discomfort, I felt... different. It wasn’t the kind of ease I’d expected, but maybe it was a start.Rolling out of bed, I stretched my arms over my head, letting the cool air of the room settle on my skin. Today was going to be a good day, I could feel it. As I made my way to the bathroom, I caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. My hair was mussed, but aside from that, I looked well rested. My eyes lingered on my reflection a bit longer than usual. A frown crept its way to my face.What was I doing? What had I gotten herself into?I immediately shook the thoughts away, splashing cold water on my fac

Todos los capítulos de THE RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE'S BRIDE : Capítulo 11 - Capítulo 15

CHAPTER ELEVEN—SANTIAGO RUSSO

CHAPTER TWELVE —UNWANTED ATTRACTION

CHAPTER THIRTEEN — VOWS

CHAPTER FOURTEEN — TEASES AND ATTRACTIONS

CHAPTER FIFTEEN—CONFESSIONS