All Chapters of The Billionaire's Woman: Diane & Luca: Chapter 11 - Chapter 19

DianeBy the time I finally pulled into the underground parking lot of my office building, it was already 10:28 a.m.I checked the mirror. My lipstick was still in place, but the slight shine on my forehead told me I was already stressed—and the day hadn’t even properly started.I stepped out of the car, straightened my black pencil skirt, and slung my bag over my shoulder.As soon as I reached the private elevator that led directly to my floor, the doors opened and Jane stepped out, her arms folded and her usual playful smile in place.“You’re twenty-eight minutes late,” she said, holding a paper cup of coffee in one hand and a folder in the other.“And yet, the building still stands,” I replied dryly, walking past her into the elevator.She followed me in, passing me the coffee. “Black, no sugar, just the way you like your lies.”I shot her a look but took the coffee anyway. “What’s the mood? I’m guessing no one’s happy.”“They’re smiling like they’ve just won the lottery. But it’s

LucaI sat at the head of the long mahogany table that stretched across the room, hands clasped in front of me as I listened to the stockholders give accounts of the hotels’ progress in the last quarter and our most recent expansion.Files opened in front of them, and the leather chairs caught the afternoon sun, which streaked in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, framing the skyline while they each politely offered their opinions.Even though I already knew how this would end, I still allowed them to speak freely.Finally, the discussions died down and I leaned forward, my silver cufflinks glinting under the sunlight.“Gentlemen,” I started, my voice calm but strong. “Our third quarter revenue rose by twelve percent. Belluci Hotels is not only steady—it’s leading the market.”A low murmur of approval traveled through the room.One of the stockholders cleared his throat. “If I may, Sir…”I gave him a nod that he should continue.“And the Riviera expansion? There are whispers of de

Diane“Fuck!”I knew a curse word shouldn't be the first thing I should be uttering on waking up, but the terrible feeling I woke up with needed to be described in a language.“What the hell…” I muttered under my breath, holding my head like that was going to stop the pain that threatened to split it open.My body ached all over, maybe from the discomfort of sleeping on the couch.I lifted myself into a sitting position, gathering my strength as I made my way to the kitchen for a glass of water.But the water didn't help with the headache or the body ache. So, I gave up and decided to go get my daughter ready for school.I opened her door gently and my face lit up into a smile the moment I saw her curled up in her bed, her doll clutched to her tiny chest like it was offering her some sort of comfort.“Anika?” I called gently, walking to her bed. “Anika?”“Hmm?” She responded sleepily.“Wake up, baby,” I said, shaking her gently. “Let's get you ready for school.”“I don't wanna go to

LucaI watched the doctor as he looked through the device in his hand, possibly going through her records.I didn’t know what he saw that made him look up at me for a second, then back at the tablet, a slight frown on his face. While I was afraid of my lie being caught, I held my stance, waiting for him to speak.“Mr. Belluci,” he started gently. “As you know, your wife’s body has been fragile since the surgery…”“Wait. Surgery?” I snapped before I could stop myself. My chest tightened and my hands curled into fists beside me.The doctor looked up from the tablet with a calm face. “You shouldn't be surprised. You're her husband.”I exhaled silently, but didn't say anything.He cleared his throat, straightening his white coat. “She’s undergone surgery before. Nothing immediately life threatening, but it did leave her body more…vulnerable during recovery periods. Around this time of the year, her system tends to weaken and the aftereffects tend to resurface.”My jaw tightened.Surgery?

DianeFirst, it was the smell.The sterile smell of antiseptic was the first thing that filled my lungs, and the heavy weight on my chest that made it feel like every breath I took was dragging itself out of me.Slowly, I forced myself to take control of my eyelids and opened them, but I shut them again as the blinding white ceiling hit my eyes.For a moment, I couldn't move. My head felt heavy and the faint beeping sound somewhere close only confused me more.Where was I?I shifted slightly, and that was when I felt the sheets beneath me—they weren't mine. The faint sterile smell in the air and the quiet hums of the machines could only mean I was in one place.A hospital.My lids felt heavy, but I forced them open as my gaze moved slowly across the room, taking in everything and piecing them together. The IV line tugged against my skin and I panicked for a second before the memories came rushing back.The fever. The dizziness. The pains around my abdomen. My body giving up on me.And