Semua Bab The Billionaire’s Broken Secretary : Bab 51 - Bab 60

~Nella~The happiness we shared around that dinner table last night felt like something out of a dream — a fragile, glistening moment I never wanted to end. For the first time in months, I felt weightless. Like life was finally giving me a breather.After Payson broke the news — that Mom didn’t have cancer — we cried, laughed, toasted, and danced barefoot in the kitchen until midnight. I hadn’t seen Mom glow like that in ages. The air felt lighter in our home, as though hope had swept through every corner and cleaned out the fear.Later that night, I FaceTimed Ashley. Her scream nearly pierced my eardrums when I told her. She practically shook her phone with joy. I knew if she hadn’t had that international conference in India, she’d have shown up at our doorstep the next morning with balloons, cake, and her entire skincare fridge in tow.After ending the call with her — and another with Ethan, who had been worried too — I laid back on my bed, staring at the ceiling, a smile still tugg

~Nella~“What are you doing here, Nella?” Gray asked, his voice laced with shock.Was that even a real question? Wow.I turned around immediately, ready to walk away, to run if I had to. But before I could step out of the apartment, a familiar voice stopped me cold.“Nella, wait! Please!”Ashley’s mum. The last person I wanted to see. Not because I was angry—but because I was utterly disappointed. I didn’t even know how to look her in the eye. I felt too ashamed—for her, for myself, for everything.Still, I turned slowly.“I’m so sorry,” she began, voice trembling. “I—I don’t even know what to say. I know this is humiliating and… Please, Ashley must never find out about this.”She was wrapped in nothing but a blanket. Gray stood behind her, half-naked, a pair of shorts hanging low on his hips. It was more than awkward. It was degrading.“It’s fine,” I said quickly. “I promise I won’t tell her. But I really need to leave now.”“Nella, please. Forgive me. I swear on my daughter’s life,

~Nella~I was finally dressed, and my makeup was as subtle as I’d hoped—but the result was magical. I looked like an angel. Soft, golden tones kissed my skin, and for the first time, I truly understood the hype about professional makeup. It wasn’t just about colour—it was artistry, and it made me feel like I’d just stepped out of a dream.My reflection in the full-length mirror stole my breath. The gold dress hugged my figure like it was sewn onto my skin, and the sparkle of the custom-crafted jewelry glinted under the soft bedroom lights. My heels added a final touch of power and grace. Tonight, I was everything I’d ever imagined a woman like me could be—confident, elegant, untouchable.A message popped up: Your ride is here to pick you up whenever you’re ready.When I walked down to the living room, mom and Payson gasped—and then screamed.“I need to take a video. You look… like a goddess!” Payson gushed, already lifting her phone to capture the moment.She filmed me from head to to

~Nella~The silence was suffocating.Ashley didn’t speak. She didn’t blink. She just stood there—frozen in the doorway, her eyes wide, glassy with disbelief. Her face had gone pale, like she was staring at something that shattered her inside.I opened my mouth, desperate to say something—anything—but the words tangled in my throat.Ethan slowly pulled away from me, the realisation of what just happened flooding his face with guilt.“Ashley…” I finally managed, my voice cracking. It sounded like a whisper strangled by panic.But it was already too late.She had turned around and was walking away—fast.I ran after her, my heart pounding like a war drum, my chest tightening with every breath. Ethan followed closely behind. We reached the middle of the living room when I caught up to her, grabbing her hand with trembling fingers.“Ashley, wait—please…” I gasped, breathless. “I can explain—”“Get your hands off me!” she snapped, her voice sharp enough to slice me open. She yanked her hand

~Nella~“And who the hell are you?” Eva hissed, her voice dripping with venom.“That’s my girlfriend,” Gray shot back, his tone low and seething with anger. “And this had better be the last time you ever lay a hand on her.”Eva turned to me with a twisted smirk. “So, you do have a man?” Then, back to Gray. “What a shame. Your precious girlfriend is trying to seduce mine. She’s literally throwing herself at Roy.”My heart pounded, but Roy’s voice cut through the tension.“Come off it, Eva. You have no right to my private life, okay? Stop with the drama.”Gray gripped my hand tightly and tried to pull me away, but I yanked my arm free.“What the hell are you doing here, Gray?” I snapped, the sting of embarrassment burning in my chest.He stared at me, confused and hurt. “What do you mean what’s wrong with me? Babe—”“This is my work space!” I shot back, my voice sharp and trembling. “Why would you show up like this? What were you thinking?”Eva let out a mocking laugh. “Wow. Can’t belie