Semua Bab Contract Marriage With My Billionaire-Ex: Bab 21 - Bab 30

ArabellaI asked Gabriel to stop the car two blocks away from my workplace. I couldn't risk making an appearance at work in a car worth my entire lifetime expenses. My nosy coworkers would ask questions to which I had no answers.Getting out of the car, I sprinted to the office building. Despite taking the ride, it didn't beat the fact that I was late. Inside the elevator, I couldn't shake off the tension that wracked my nerves. An image of Steph's fuming face crossed my mind leaving me lightheaded.She had obviously been holding back her anger when she called earlier and now that I was late, she'd skin me alive. Somehow, this was Adrian's fault. Was it?Honestly, I'd forgotten about the meeting – about work. It had been a while since I experienced a tranquility that stemmed from all my problems being solved. I could finally sleep without worrying about bills, debts, and whatnot. So, when I hit the ridiculously comfortable bed, my mind was shut to every other thing.But still, Adrian

ArabellaBeads of sweat formed on my forehead as I reread the message Adrian had sent.Dinner at his Grandma's.I had a lot to say. He couldn’t just make this decision out of the blue. But then again, I’d signed up for this. With that in mind, I settled for a simple "Okay."My stomach twisted. Of all people, his grandmother had to be Hallie. The same Hallie I’d bonded with at the hospital, the one I’d shared genuine, blissful moments with – none of which included being married to her grandson.What the hell was I supposed to say to her? How was I supposed to spin a love story that didn’t exist?All I wanted to do was shove my fist into Adrian's face for stepping into my life again and setting me up for this charade.I gritted my teeth. God, I hate him.My hands were so clammy my phone nearly slipped. Before I could spiral further, Susan’s voice cut through my thoughts.“You okay? You look like you’re about to pass out.”I blinked, shaking my head slightly as my eyes met with her inqui

ArabellaHallie's house was exactly how I'd imagined it would be. Warm and cozy. It had a homely feel that could make anyone forget themselves once inside. "Look who's here!" Gabby announced behind us, startling me a bit. I glanced at Adrian who was already staring down at me, a hint of amusement in his eyes.I quickly looked away, eyes falling on the heads that turned our way. My breath caught. Three pairs of eyes were glued to us, each staring from Adrian to me, inquisitively.Gabby strolled past us and dropped on one of the chairs while another lady, petite, pretty, and around my age or less, rose from hers with a grin."Adrian! Oh my goodness!" She squealed, hurrying toward us. As she got closer, I felt a sharp nudge, her shoulder bumping into mine a little too forcefully as she threw herself into his arms.Oh...I took a small step back, blinking.Adrian, however, hadn't missed the shove. He steadied me with a hand on the small of my back before returning her hug with a distant

Adrian"Sit down, Adrian," Grandma said as the door clicked shut. She strolled from her desk to the cabinet where she poured herself a glass of water.For a second, I didn't move. I watched her, keenly, trying to make out what was going on in her head.She had been acting unlike herself since Bella and I walked into the house. As much as I didn't want to care, her reaction unsettled me. Hallie Davidson, despite being a cautious woman, should've been thrown off seeing Bella with me.But she wasn't, and it was strange, dreadful, yet interesting.I shifted and sat on the chair where Bella had sat.Grandma turned to me, watching me over the rim of the glass. "I asked your uncle to drop the Valencia deal since he and Stefan are bent on screwing things up"My brows shot up briefly. I didn't expect her to start speaking about business right away — more reason I had to be cautious."So?""I want you to handle it. The deal will benefit us greatly" She said, walking back to the desk. "Find a wa

ArabellaI was anxious as I paced about, my phone against my ear. This was the third time I was dialing Adrian's number.I needed his help. No, I needed my money.From the corner of my eyes, I caught Javier smirking at Ruth, who had taken a seat on a stool in the corner of the room. She was glaring back, unimpressed that he was smoking right in her living room.He was perched on one of the armchairs, his legs in the air like he owned the world. It had taken a lot of pleas for him to give me some time. He had come prepared to forcefully take me with him.My stomach sank at the thought that that might happen if Adrian didn't...Adrian's voice cut through my thoughts, calm and amused. "Didn't think you'd ever call me. That too three times"Relief washed over me. I never thought hearing his voice would make me feel this way but here I was."Adrian, can you send the money we'd spoken about, now?" I said in a low voice into the phone, glancing back cautiously only to spot one of the hefty m