Semua Bab I Slapped My Fiancé—Then Married His Billionaire Nemesis: Bab 41 - Bab 50

I was about to say no, thanks, we’re not that kind of married, but his voice had that corporate don’t-argue undertone.I got in the car. ‘Thanks. Appreciate it.’He just hummed, barely a sound, already turning the key.We made it to the next block before he added, like it was some offhand comment, ‘It’s no trouble.’I glanced over.That chiselled, unreadable side profile gave nothing away. Same as before.From the moment we walked out with that marriage certificate, he hadn’t shown a single flicker.No awkward laughs, no nervous tics.Just the same ice-cold poise he probably used to fire underperforming staff.It weirdly helped.The more he treated this marriage like a business transaction, the easier it was to breathe.No romantic pressure. No messy feelings.Just… clean lines and clear boundaries.Then he said, still eyes on the road, &l

I remembered that night at the Laurent party, how he dropped everything the moment I needed to leave.He cancelled the whole party and personally drove me to the hospital.And that coat. He’d wrapped it around me like I was something worth saving.Rhys would’ve let me pass out on the marble floor and asked someone to mop around me.So yeah. Ashton Laurent was a lot of things. But ‘just some guy’ wasn’t one of them.‘He treats me well,’ I said again, louder this time. ‘Aunt Louisa, I’ve found something better. You don’t need to worry about me anymore.’Louisa’s eyes filled up again. ‘I don’t even know what to say. Rhys was never meant for you, I see that now. He’s the one who lost out.’I glanced pointedly at the box on the table. ‘Aunt Louisa…’She let out a resigned sigh. ‘I get it. Whatever bond you and Rhys had, it’s over. That old keepsake means nothing now. I’ll go get it for you.’I watched her climb the stairs, slow and hunched like the weight of family disappointment was dragg

Ashton watched Mira snap photos of the marriage certificate.When she mentioned Yvaine, he had the dumbest thought: I want to show someone too.That’s how he ended up calling Cassian Langford.‘Drinks tonight. The Rookery. Nine.’At 9.02 p.m., Cassian was there in their usual private room, already half a bottle deep and bitching.‘You ghost me yesterday, drag me out tonight, and now we’re just... sitting? Mate, what’s the deal? And where’s the rest of the crew?’Ashton barely opened his mouth when Cassian suggested, ‘Should I call in a couple waiters to play Omaha or something? This is tragic.’‘Go ahead.’Two waiters came in and shuffled cards.Ashton sat to Cassian’s left, casually placing his right hand on the table.Right in Cassian’s line of sight.The ring wasn’t just visible—it practically screamed.Cassian squinted. ‘What the hell’s that on your hand?’‘A ring. Just got it today. Haven’t resized it yet.’Cassian tossed back his drink. ‘Who gave you a ring?’‘My wife.’‘Your—wa

I stayed late at Nyx Collective.Midnight late.Everyone else had bailed hours ago, but I was still at my desk, hunched over my laptop.Technically, I was working.Realistically? I was hiding.From Ashton.From the terrifying possibility that he might suggest we consummate our brand-new, totally normal, definitely not weird marriage with a roll in the hay.Because I was scared I’d say yes without blinking.Or worse—what if I was the one to bring it up?Sure, we were legally husband and wife now.But the only time we’d actually slept together, I’d been blackout drunk and didn’t even know his name.Still, from the fragments I did remember, he’d been... insane. Stupidly good.The kind of good that ruins porn for you.Like, knew what to do with his lips and hands and tongue and you-know-what good.And okay, yes, my libido wanted an encore.A sober one.But the rest of me was terrified I’d come on too strong, act like some unhinged nympho, and scare him off.I mean, I did rip his shirt tha

Rhys’s head whipped up. ‘That’s not on us. I didn’t cancel the wedding. Nor did I say I wouldn’t marry her. She’s the one who ran off and got married.’Clive swore. ‘Sure. But the bit where you were screwing your ex-girlfriend while still engaged to Mirabelle, that part wasn’t private. Everyone thinks she left because you cheated.’Rhys’s mouth stayed shut this time.Fine, maybe he had been a bit hasty in getting back together with Catherine.But he’d figured Mirabelle would throw a fit, shed some tears.He didn’t think she’d actually leave.Clive leaned back. ‘The engagement’s off. Fine. But we’re not taking the fall for this.’Rhys looked up, hopeful. ‘What does that mean?’‘We shift the story. Say she cheated first. Say she couldn’t wait, jumped ship, married the first man who winked at her. You’re the loyal one. The victim.’‘I… I thought you liked her.’Clive glared at his son. ‘I did, but I like my reputation intact and my investments protected more.’Rhys licked his lips. ‘You