Semua Bab I Slapped My Fiancé—Then Married His Billionaire Nemesis: Bab 71 - Bab 80

I walked in a minute later, tipsy, still giggling at some dumb meme Yvaine had just sent me.Something about a guy trying to deep-throat a corn dog and nearly dying for it—quality content.I didn’t think Ashton would still be awake.Definitely didn’t think he’d be sitting dead centre in the living room like some kind of final boss, staring straight at the door.Our eyes met.Shit.My grin froze.I snapped the phone shut too hard and wobbled sideways, pressing my fingers to my temples.‘Drank way too much,’ I mumbled. ‘Gonna crash. Nightttt...’I staggered like my knees had melted, clinging to the bannister like it owed me rent.Giving him a wide berth, I dragged my feet up the stairs, feeling his stare right up my spine.Don’t look back.Don’t trip.Don’t break character.The second I made it to the bedroom, I shut the door behind me like I’d just outrun a serial killer.I jumped straight into the shower and let the water blast me.‘Damn it.’ I thudded my forehead against the ceramic

Ashton’s jaw clenched so hard I thought he might chip a molar.One of his hands twitched, like he was dying to grab me, but playing it cool.I stared at him.He stared back.Neither of us blinked.It was a Mexican standoff, except no one had a gun.The lights had dimmed—had they always been that low?His stupid smart home probably detected horniness and adjusted the mood lighting.I could feel my own heartbeat pounding in my ears, chest pressed to his.He wasn’t saying a word.Neither was I.Both were waiting for the other to make a move first.Pride’s a bitch like that.Then—fine. I cracked first.I shut my eyes, leaned in, lips inches from his, breath ghosting across his skin—His phone rang.I jerked back.Sat up ramrod straight. ‘Um, your phone.’He exhaled like he wanted to strangle someone. ‘Ignore it.’It rang again.And again.He stabbed the screen to hang up, but whoever it was had octopus fingers.The call came back instantly.I glimpsed the name—Cassian Langford.‘Might wan

Verdict: she wasn’t.I gave her a sheepish smile, cheeks burning like I’d swallowed a radiator.I thought I’d been subtle.Apparently not.Octavia laughed, a silvery sound. ‘You thought Ash and I were a thing, didn’t you?’I groaned. ‘Yeah… I might’ve read that whole situation completely wrong. Sorry, that was just me being dumb.’She grinned. ‘Don’t worry, you’re not the first woman to assume that. But trust me—he’s all yours. Ash and I are related.’‘You are?’ I tried to recollect if I’d detected any resemblance in their features, but came up empty; after all, didn’t all beautiful people sort of look alike?‘I’m a distant cousin on his mum’s side. We weren’t close growing up, only started reconnecting a few years ago.’So Dominic Everett had been chatting shit?Or maybe I’d messed up the name?Was there another actress he’d been gossiping about?Before I could untangle that mess, Octavia continued, ‘It’s obvious he really likes you. I’m happy for him, honestly. Took him long enough

Ashton watched her bolt into the house, all flailing limbs and flushed cheeks.He let out a short, low laugh.Then he turned to Gino still hovering by the car door. ‘Next time, don’t drive so bloody fast.’The driver nodded. ‘Yes, boss.’He didn’t argue the obvious—that Ashton was usually the one barking at him to step on it.He valued his job, and his kneecaps.Ashton walked into the house, loosening his tie as he went.The living room was quiet.Mirabelle was already upstairs.Probably in her bedroom.Probably thinking about the kiss.He was.Ashton took the stairs two at a time.Would her door be locked?Would she open it if he knocked?His mind was already undressing her again—he hadn’t even taken off her shoes earlier, and the thought was driving him insane.He quickened his pace, rounded the corner—His phone buzzed.Ashton froze mid-step, jaw tightening.He yanked the phone out of his pocket, saw the name flash on the screen, then glanced back at her door.Then down at the ragi

I didn’t even glance at her.Just kept shovelling spicy chicken over rice into my mouth.Serenna dropped herself into the seat opposite mine and dumped her shopping bags onto the floor.She huffed. ‘Not gonna talk? Last time we saw each other, you slapped me and ripped out a chunk of my hair. It still hasn’t grown back, by the way. You’ve got some nerve not showing up to apologise. Now you’re blanking me like I don’t exist. Ever heard of basic manners?’‘Manners? You’re the one who sat down without an invitation, is currently spraying spit all over my jerk chicken, and occupying a seat an actual paying customer might want. So unless you’re planning to order something, eat it, and shut up, I suggest you find the nearest exit and flounce right back out.’Her mouth opened, then closed.She choked on her own comeback for a second, probably trying to decide if she should scream or sulk.Then her face lit up with petty delight.‘I just figured you might want some company,’ she said, voice s