All Chapters of Betrayed and Reclaimed: A Billionaire’s Redemption: Chapter 11 - Chapter 18

Days turned into weeks, and with each passing day, the silent understanding between Nia and Damien grew into something deeper, something that neither of them could deny. Their once-cold arrangement was shifting into an intimacy that neither of them had planned for.Damien had been away at a meeting, but when he returned that evening, he found her reading a book in the cozy living room, the soft lamplight casting a warm glow over her skin. She looked up at him, her lips parting slightly as their eyes met.He crossed the room in long strides, his hand reaching out to tuck her hair behind her ear. “Did you miss me, Nia?” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down her spine.She swallowed, her heart racing. “Maybe.”He chuckled, his thumb brushing against her jaw. “Just maybe?”Before she could answer, his mouth was on hers, his kiss slow and possessive, coaxing a soft gasp from her lips. He deepened it, his tongue sweeping inside to taste her, making her melt against him

Nia walked through the glimmering rows of dresses in the high-end boutique, her mind replaying Damien’s soft, commanding voice from the call that morning.“Wear something beautiful tonight, Nia. I want to see you glow.”The thought of that made her cheeks warm. She ran her hand over the sleek blue fabric of a fitted dress on the mannequin, imagining how it would cling to her curves.Just as she reached to take the dress, a familiar voice sliced through her thoughts.“Well, well… what a coincidence.”Nia’s hand froze. She turned to see Mira standing there, her lips curved in a sweet, venomous smile. Mira reached past her and took the dress right from her hand.“This color looks perfect on me,” she said, her eyes glittering. “Don’t you think?”Nia raised a brow, her lips curling into a sardonic smile. “Now this is the real you, huh, Mira?”Mira’s smile grew wider, her eyes narrowing just a fraction. “I’m a good actress, right?”“You’re great,” Nia said, her voice low and dry. “You’ve go

The night air crackled with an electric anticipation as they arrived at the grand event. The ballroom was a vision of luxury—opulent chandeliers showering the room with a golden glow, crystal glasses clinking in delicate symphony. Nia felt the weight of the night on her shoulders, her red gown a shimmering beacon as she moved among the sea of refined faces.Damien had been at her side, his presence as steady and reassuring as the warmth of the lights. But a sudden call had him excusing himself. “Just a moment, honey,” he said with a gentle smile, his lips brushing her temple. “I won’t be long.”She nodded, her pulse stilling at his touch, and watched him slip away. Alone now, she took a slow breath, weaving her way through the crowd, her eyes tracing the sparkle of jewels and the sway of silken dresses.This was Damien’s world, not hers. And she had never felt so out of place and yet so determined to belong.Then a familiar voice sliced through her thoughts.“Nia? Is that you?” Mira’s

Nia watched as the crowd’s attention shifted away from Mira’s trembling form and Caleb’s hollow eyes. The echo of their downfall was almost poetic—like a long-awaited melody finally reaching its crescendo.For years, she had carried the weight of their lies on her shoulders. She had been humiliated, ridiculed, and left alone. But tonight, she was no longer the woman they had broken. She was the woman who had survived—and won.A smile, soft and triumphant, curled her lips as she turned to Damien. Her heart felt light, unburdened for the first time in years. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.Damien’s eyes searched her face, tender and sure. “For what?” he asked, a gentle smile touching the corners of his mouth.“For standing by me,” she said, her hand tightening around his. “For believing in me when no one else would.”He cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing away a tear that slipped free. “You’ve always been strong,” he said, his voice low and filled with admirat