All Chapters of The Billionaire’s Contract Bride: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Valentine's PovThe chatter of paparazzi had been behind us now, but the echoes remained in my mind, harsh and relentless. I slouched, holding onto the handle of Oliver's chair with one hand and the strap of my duffel bag with the other as though it were my last lifeline. Rain pounded down on us, soaking through my clothes, my shoes squelching at every nervous stride. My heart pounding—not from the run, but from the humiliation and fear that clung to me like a bad rash.Oliver didn't speak. He didn't ask me a thing. He just looked back every now and then, big-eyed and puzzled, but completely trusting me. That trust weighed more than whatever I was lugging.We zigzagged through narrow streets until we emerged onto a broad road. My eyes wandered around and settled at last on a bus shelter. I guided us there, and as soon as I sat down on the hard, cold bench, my body doubled up. My chest tightened, and before I could get myself ready, the sobs came—loud, ugly, uncontrollable.I turned aw

Valentine's POVThe hum of the fluorescent light in the bathroom was the only sound accompanied by the frantic pounding of my heart. I was standing in front of the mirror, with hands still wet from washing, staring at my own reflection without even realizing. My phone was in my hand, the screen lit up with a trending news. What I didn't expect to see was my face in the post. What the fuck? Adrian made the post. He did it. He really did it. I blinked, wondering if I was seeing it right. But no, the words were there, unapologetic and clear, on display for the world:"Married to the most incredible woman. Our journey hasn't always been typical, but it's ours. Here's to love, persistence, and seeing it through together."God! I traced the actual post and it led me to Adrians profile. He had 2.5 million followers and this as his first post. So why exactly were they following him? I can never understand the impact money has.I stared down at the picture and I didn't even remember when it w

Adrian's POVThe drive home was eerily silent, but not the awkward kind. Valentine leaned on my shoulder, her breathing slow and steady, her body warm beside me. The driver kept his eyes fixed on the road ahead, keeping a distance from our personal space. For so long, I let myself imagine a world where this was not making things difficult. Where we could go home and watch a movie on the couch. Where she could sleep beside me without worrying about who was watching.She was not speaking, and neither was I. But her hand rested near mine on the chair, and that was sufficient.And then suddenly, my phone rang. I moved carefully, not wishing to bump into her. The screen lit up.Message from: FatherCome see me, now. Alone.I read the message again. Why did he emphasise on coming alone. The word brought all the warning signs to mind. My dad hardly ever messaged me directly. Messages concerning him always passed through his secretary, or his assistant, or through staff members within the fam

Chapter 37Valentine's POVMy thumb hovered against the screen. One click. That was it. One click and I would know whether the future I had picked up in both hands was already slipping from my fingers. Adrian stood there silently, his hand still wrapped around mine as though he could ground me in this second. As though he could freeze time, as though he could stop me.I clicked on it and the email opened with an appropriate heading: "From the Office of Academic Standards and Integrity." My gut was already twisted. I read over the first few lines for catchphrases, something that would enable me to steel myself for the blow that I expected to receive."Having given careful consideration to evidence submitted and under investigation into the facts surrounding your academic performance and honesty, the university has decided to suspend you academically pending the investigation."Suspended, not expelled seemed good. But that single word had been crushing me like an anvil on my chest. I

CHAPTER 33 Adrian's POVThe chaos erupted before I even had a chance to realize what was happening. For one second, I did nothing. I was frozen in shock, watching the people throwing themselves on the car and sherking , madness swirling around me and I had it coming. "Is she pregnant?!" "Was this an NDA marriage?""When did you marry and why? She has nothing to give"I rolled the car window up so fast it rattled, jaw locked so tight I was afraid my teeth would break. Reporters ran forward like sharks on the scent of blood. Cameras slapped against the glass, microphones shoved at me, and their chattering voices blended into one deafening cacophony."Go, I growled at the driver. "Push through if you have to. Just go."He didn't need me to talk twice to get the message. We started to creep forward, taking small movements but with clear intent. The car jolted a bit as some camera-wielding people refused to get out of our path, slapping at the hood like tantrum-throwing psychopaths. I