Semua Bab Nelson de Vedra: The Outcast Billionaire: Bab 101 - Bab 110

My eyes fell on our clasped hands—mine and Diego's.“I’ll do the laundry! Your soft hands might get scratched,” he blurted, hastily stuffing the towel into his pocket.I shook my head with a faint smile. “Suit yourself,” I muttered as I opened the door.“Thanks, Diego,” I added softly before shutting it behind me and running toward the shop.The rain poured relentlessly. I glanced back—Diego’s car was still in the same spot.“Rainy morning, Vianna May!” Damian called out cheerfully.“Good morning, Damian,” I replied with a smile. “Any updates about Gino?” I asked as I closed my umbrella and placed it on the stand.“Still nothing. I’m getting worried about that kid.”“Don’t stress too much.” Gently patting his shoulder.“Good morning,” came a sweet voice behind us. We turned at the same time.“Roselyn, good morning,” I said, returning her smile. “Damian, this is Roselyn—our new workmate.”“Hello, Damian,” Roselyn greeted politely.“We’ll head inside now,” I said. “Come on, Roselyn. I’l

YEAR 2009 (continued) My quiet reflection was interrupted by laughter echoing from the pool. Some of my classmates, members of the school’s swimming team, were splashing and playing, full of energy. Among them was Diego, my classmate and secret crush. He was the one reason I could still find a smile despite everything. Just seeing his handsome face, flushed slightly from the sun and exertion, brought me joy. Especially when he’d glance in my direction, those fleeting moments warmed my heart. After class, I always lingered around the pool—to watch him from afar, unnoticed. I stole one last look at Diego before standing up and walking away, carrying the image of his face with me, along with a faint smile on my lips. I walked home slowly. If I had anywhere else to go, I wouldn’t even think of going back to that house. But I didn’t. My grandmother hated us, too. If my grandfather were still alive, he would’ve taken me in with open arms. Unfortunately, he was long gone, and I was lef

"You shouldn’t have come back, Diego. You shouldn’t have stirred up those painful memories."I looked like a fool, pouring out all my pain to the cold bathroom wall in front of me. I didn’t even mind the freezing water continuing to fall over my body, soaking me through.“Vianna May, what on earth are you doing?!”Mom suddenly appeared. She turned off the shower and held my shoulders, turning me around to face her. My eyes met the sorrow in hers.“I know it hurts to remember the past. It hurts me, too, sweetheart, because I’m the reason we ended up in that situation. I was foolish… blinded by a love that was already wrong!”“I’m sorry, Mom… because of me, those memories came rushing back again,” I said, eyes downcast.“It’s not your fault. We both knew this day would come. Sooner or later, we’d be forced to face those painful memories—no matter how hard we try to forget.”She smiled, but her eyes still shimmered with unshed tears.“What matters now is that we’re no longer the same peo

The car gradually slowed down until it finally came to a stop. Romeo cursed under his breath, pounding the steering wheel again and again.“Are you insane? Why did you take off your seatbelt?!” He threw another punch at the wheel, eyes blazing with fury as he glared at me.“Yes! I am insane—driven mad trying to understand you!”I immediately stepped out and slammed the door behind me. My strides were long, desperate to get away from him. I didn’t care that the road was dimly lit.I just needed space to breathe. To let my heart rest—this heart that aches because of Romeo.I love him. But I no longer understand him. I don’t even know what’s going on with him.I walked faster. In my rush, I twisted my ankle, but I ignored the pain. I slipped off my heels and kept going, occasionally glancing behind me in hopes a taxi or tricycle might pass. Nothing.I’d gone quite far. Fatigue and fear were starting to creep in. The road was empty. My shoes and clutch were heavy in my hands, and my dre

I could still hear Romeo’s angry shouts as I jumped out the window. A cry tore from my throat when my back landed on something hard at the top of the garbage pile below.Despite the searing pain from the cuts and bruises, I forced myself to move. Eyes shut tight, I crawled away from the heap of trash.Tears, snot, and sweat mixed on my face, and I tasted the metallic tang of blood in my mouth. I sobbed uncontrollably, barely able to stand, but still, I pushed myself to walk.I wanted to run to the café and ask for help, but I didn’t want to drag my friends into this. Worse, Romeo might catch up with me if I dared go near the building.I walked away without looking back, ignoring the stabbing pain in my body. A crazy laugh escaped me when I spotted a taxi approaching.“Sir, please... police station!” I begged breathlessly as I scrambled inside. The driver didn’t ask questions; he drove off immediately.I cried harder, burying my face in my trembling hands. He stayed silent, eyes occasi