All Chapters of The Billionaire Regret After My Goodbye: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

By the time everything was tidied up, I finally made my way to the dining room and sat at the table.The breakfast Kane had arranged was delicate, refined—each dish plated like a piece of art. Even my dulled appetite stirred slightly in response.Kane… The domineering, sharp-tongued man who'd left me physically and emotionally wrecked last night. And yet, looking at this carefully prepared meal, I realized something: maybe he wasn't all bad.I noticed the subtle differences between his plate and mine—adjustments that matched my dietary preferences.Things I'd mentioned in passing. He remembered.Three years. I was bound to him for three whole years. I couldn't stay in resistance mode forever.Maybe… maybe I should try to think of him as a boyfriend. At least in name, if not in heart.It would make everything easier to accept than constantly reminding myself this was just a transaction.And what would I even say if someone caught us together? That he bought me?I drank the last sip of

Aria's POVWhen I looked up, Chad was standing right in front of me. Less than half a meter away.The sunlight poured in behind him at a slant, casting a soft golden halo around his figure. He looked exactly as I remembered. Maybe even better."Chad?" My voice trembled ever so slightly.He took two steps forward, stopping just short of me, his eyes lit up with a mix of disbelief and joy. "Aria! I'm back!"He opened his arms, like he was about to hug me—but the gesture froze midway, suspended awkwardly in the air.Maybe it was the look on my face. The years of bottled-up emotion—his absence, my waiting, the heartbreak I never dared to speak of—they all rushed to my throat at once, and I couldn't move."Long time no see," I managed to whisper, barely audible. I didn't step forward. I didn't lift my arms. I just stood there, brittle as a straw in the wind.He didn't push it. Slowly, silently, his arms dropped."You… back for work?" I asked, shifting my gaze to avoid his eyes.I focused i

Aria's POVThe moment his lips touched my body, my head tilted back instinctively, and a soft, shameful moan slipped past my throat.He loved me like this—helpless, obedient, lost in the pleasure he gave. I had known this for a long time. I had also long since learned how this body could please its "owner."When his tongue slid between my body, I bit down reflexively, trying to stifle the sounds I wasn't supposed to make.But he didn't like that.Two fingers trailed up my trembling body and stopped at my mouth. He gently pried my lips apart, giving himself full access—and I surrendered completely.There was no more pretending.Before long, he was fully on top of me, panting, his sweat falling hot and heavy against my bare skin."I'm done," he murmured, voice husky. "Your turn."The light above us flickered and spun across the ceiling, casting warped shadows as if the room itself couldn't stay still.And yet, in the middle of that chaos, my mind wandered back to the hospital—to everyth

Aria's POVIn the elevator, just before the doors closed, Baron recorded my fingerprint. "This is the private elevator for the top floor. Only those with clearance can use it."The mirrored walls reflected my face—pale, vacant, lost.Beside me, Baron spoke in his usual calm tone. "Officially, you'll be listed as my assistant. But in reality, you'll be working closely with Mr. Wolfe. Keep in mind—he doesn't take sugar in his coffee, but always have two packets with you just in case. All files must be labeled and categorized precisely..."I forced myself to focus, to push away the whispers and glares that haunted my mind. "Understood. I'll do my best."Baron glanced at me, then gave a small nod. "This is your office. Mr. Wolfe's office is right next door."I turned, looking at the closed door. A chill crept through me.He didn't put me here for convenience. He put me here for control.He's a damn predator.Baron didn't seem to notice my unease. He opened the door and gestured to a stack

Aria's POVThree Days LaterI hadn't slept properly in three days. Not a full night, not even a decent nap.Every moment had been consumed by those reports—twenty-four files, each denser than the last.But I did it. I memorized every word, every figure, every case study until I could recite them in my sleep.And today, when the assessment ended, I caught it—a flicker of surprise in Baron's usually stoic eyes. That one expression made all the sleepless nights worth it."Congratulations," he said with a rare nod. "You passed the review. I'll send the next phase of your work to your inbox. Be sure to check it."I nearly squealed with relief. "Yes! I mean—thank you. I'll give it everything I've got."For the first time in a long while, I felt… capable. Like I belonged.No favors, no shortcuts, no one pulling strings. I had earned this.But my triumph lasted all of five minutes before a familiar voice chilled the air around me."Well, well. Looks like my kitten passed her evaluation."I st