บททั้งหมดของ The Billionaire's Pawn : บทที่ 11 - บทที่ 20

The Painting IncidentNaomi's POVWith the exception of my brush's gentle rasp across the canvas, the studio was silent. Bold and forceful, the colors swirled together in violent, chaotic strokes of black and red. Every movement of my hand served as a release and a conduit for the feelings churning within me. But the harsh, deliberate tap on the door broke the haven I had found in my work. "Naomi." My hold on the brush tightened as Roman's rich voice reverberated through the wood. I hoped he would go, so I didn't respond. Rather, the door creaked open, and he was there, his presence like a storm cloud filling the room. "I didn't say you could come in,” I said, without looking back. Roman stepped closer, his footsteps resonating on the hardwood floor, and shut the door behind him. "You haven't been avoiding me." "Have I?" With a bland voice, I continued without stopping. "I didn't notice that." "Enough." His voice sliced like a whip through the atmosphere. "Turn and look

Shadows of His PastNaomi's POVThe silence was more deafening than the storm I knew was coming, and the tension in the air was oppressive. Roman's massive frame created lengthy shadows on the strewn canvases and brushes as he stood in the doorway of my art studio. The room felt colder and smaller than it already was as his steely eyes penetrated through me.You have a habit of invading spaces that aren't yours." With a strong and arrogant tone, I remarked. Even though my heart was racing, I kept my uneasiness from him, which usually gnawed at me when we were together.Roman took a while to reply. Rather, he allowed his eyes to wander over my incomplete work, a whirl of gloomy, disorganized brushstrokes that reflected the chaos within me. A little, derisive smirk twisted his lips. “What a mess,” he finally said. “Is this supposed to mean something?”It's called expression." I yelled. "Something that you wouldn't understand."His shiny shoes clicked on the floor as he stepped purposefu

Whispers of Betrayal Naomi's POV As I walked back toward my room, Roman's final words reverberated in my head, and the hallway felt colder than normal. "Be careful what you wish for." It was a promise rather than a warning. His secrets were like a fortress I could never enter, and his walls were impenetrable. However, I had held onto the hope that perhaps, just maybe, there was something inside him that wished to let me in. I couldn't go because of that flimsy hope, which forced me to put up with the never-ending struggle between his icy haughtiness and the infrequent glimmers of humanity he let to show. Faint voices, however, floated through the slightly open door as I passed the study. My breath caught in my throat as I hesitated. “You’re sure about this?” a deep voice said. I recognized it as Victor’s, Roman’s closest confidant and business partner. "Yes," Roman said in a tight voice. "It's the only way to proceed." I leaned against the wall just outside the door, d

The Great Escape Naomi's POVThe ominous silence that pervaded the mansion only deepened my determination. As I stood in my room, holding the hurriedly packed duffle bag, my breath caught. Every heartbeat echoed like a drum as my heart hammered in my chest, urging me to move faster. All I knew was that I had to go, but I had no idea where I was heading. The message I had written, a brief but tragic farewell that would undoubtedly shatter Roman's heart, was resting on the nightstand. I made an effort to ignore the shame I felt in my chest. This was about saving myself, not about hurting him. “I can’t stay here anymore. I can’t keep fighting a battle I’ll never win.”I shook my head and wiped away the tears that threatened to make me second-guess myself. I couldn't allow myself to falter. Roman had made it clear time and time again that his walls were impenetrable, his past a fortress I was never meant to enter. I opened the door with a gentle squeak and looked into the dark

Enter Elijah Grant Naomi's POV I couldn't completely shake the specter of Roman that hovered in the back of my mind. It was frustrating because of his piercing gaze, the gravity of his words, and his oppressive hold on me. But, I dismissed it and returned to the painting before me. The woman breaking free from her chains stared back at me with fierce determination, a reflection of everything I wanted to be. I was startled and distracted by a knock at the door. I scowled. I wasn't expecting anyone. I put down the brush and carefully made my way to the door. Through the peephole, I caught a glimpse of a tall man wearing a smart navy suit, his hands tucked into his pockets. His angular features and assured demeanor shouted dominance and strength. My heart skipped a beat. Roman? No, this man was different; he had smoother features and a less oppressive, yet commanding, presence. I cracked open the door. "May I help you?" "Naomi," he said in a polished, silky voice. "Elija