All Chapters of Contract Marriage With My Billionaire-Ex: Chapter 41 - Chapter 47

ArabellaAfter passing through many rounds of security, the car came to a halt before an exquisite building, which, according to Adrian's briefing on our way, was a galleria belonging to the Duponts.The exterior was simple yet elegant, with wide glass panels and neatly trimmed hedges lining the entrance.The thud of the car door as Adrian stepped out snapped me out of my thoughts, and before I could do the same, he beat me to it, opening the door for me.He stretched his hand in a gentlemanly gesture, and I blinked, lifting my head to stare at him. The soft lighting in the background highlighted the green of his eyes — they looked warmer and, as much as I hated to admit, pretty.I envied that lighting could influence the shade of his eye color, and whichever shade they were, it made him sexy. Not just his eyes but him. He was wearing a dark suit, but he exuded effortless charm, as always.He tilted his head, and I looked away, reluctantly placing my hand against his palm.As soon as

ArabellaI pretended to admire the endless sketch of paintings and sculptures as I sipped champagne, my eyes skimming over brush strokes and sculptures I knew nothing about.Adrian was gone with Lucien, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the occasional polite smile to passing strangers.I still felt the warmth of his hand on my waist, the possessive grip, and the way it tightened each time Lucien pushed his buttons, especially when he asked me to choose the paintings I loved.His grip had tightened like he was trying to ground himself. He seemed particularly possessive during that moment, and my stupid heart had been fluttering at his gestures.My mind replayed the way he'd introduced me — his wife. It was supposed to be an act, just a role to play, but there had been something in his voice that made it feel...real.He wasn't even supposed to introduce me as his wife to anyone tonight, but I guess he had his reasons. I was probably thinking about it too much.Shaking my head, I mov

ArabellaThe ride home was quiet, heavy with silence. I stared out the window, blinking back tears as Nathan's venomous kept echoing in my head.Sloppy seconds.My stomach twisted.When we got home, I didn't wait for the car to come to a complete halt. I jumped out, my heels clicking sharply against the walkway as I hurried into the house.I moved like the words he'd thrown at me were chasing me. My eyes stung with tears but I kept willing them back. I wouldn't cry. Not for him. He wasn't worth it."Ara," Adrian's voice cut through my thoughts, his footsteps steady behind me.I'd gotten to my door already, twisting the doorknob."Bella." His voice was firmer this time, but I ignored him, stepping inside and pushing the door shut. Only, it didn't close.My heart dropped when I realized his hand was on it, stopping it from shutting."Please," I whispered, my voice cracking. "Just... just leave me alone."He didn't move. The door remained half-open, his presence looming over me."Look at