All Chapters of The Billionaire's Borrowed Bride : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

I stayed quiet in the car as Leandro drove us away from the house, my hands resting neatly on my lap but my fingers couldn’t keep still. I kept brushing them over the fabric of my skirt, more out of habit than anything else. Honestly, we didn’t have to go far just to talk about whatever it was he wanted to tell me. But maybe he didn’t want someone to overhear. Or maybe… he just wanted to drag me out here so I’d start overthinking like I am right now. "Are you hungry?" he asked suddenly, glancing at me for a split second before his eyes returned to the road. I quickly shook my head. "No. I’m still full. Rafael ordered way too much food earlier," I replied, trying to keep my tone even, as if my heart wasn’t a little restless in my chest. He gave a small nod, lips pressed into a line. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught him shifting slightly, like he was holding back something. He looked at me a few more times, but each time, he seemed to decide against speaking. Typical Leandro, me

Days passed again before I received another call from Leandro's company, this time for my contract signing. I could feel the nerves in my chest because this was going to be a first for me. Something I once only dreamed of and now, it was slowly sinking in that I was about to start working for the very company I used to admire from afar.My fingers trembled slightly as I held the phone to my ear. Even after the call ended, I stood still, phone resting in my palm, my mind racing. This is real. This is happening. I held on tightly to Leandro's words, his promise that I was being given this opportunity because I deserved it. But even then, the anxiety in my chest didn't go away. A thousand what-ifs crowded my thoughts. What if I mess this up? What if they change their minds?"Just remember—you're going there to reach your dreams, not to pick a fight with that Luciana and Madam Celestine." Trina reminded me.Her words grounded me. I smiled and nodded, her voice cutting through the clutter

Several days passed, and I began my work peacefully at the De Luca company. At first, adjusting was tough because the environment was so different. The people I encountered always had perfect posture, moved quickly, and seemed to be constantly chasing deadlines. Their expressions were mostly serious, their conversations brisk, and everything about the place screamed efficiency and professionalism. It was a far cry from the cozy, laid-back vibe I was used to. I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed during those first few days. The constant hum of the office, the clicking of keyboards, the hurried footsteps, the quiet murmur of meetings happening behind closed doors, it was all so new to me. I would catch myself staring out the window, taking in the city skyline to calm my nerves. But despite all that, I was slowly getting used to it, slowly feeling like I belonged. As a new jewelry designer in the Creative Design Department, I was part of a small but solid team composed of senior desig

“Is that Rafael’s car?” Leandro asked once he finally parked his own vehicle at the side of the road. I swallowed hard and could only nod before turning to him to say my thanks. My pulse felt uneven, and it was hard to tell if it was from the sudden stop or from the sight of that very familiar black car ahead. “Thank you, Sir… I mean, Leandro, for bringing me home,” I said, forcing a smile even though there was this unexplainable tension pressing down on my chest. My voice came out softer than I expected, almost careful, like I didn’t want to disturb the air between us. I unbuckled my seatbelt and got out first, the faint click of the latch sounding louder in the quiet street. The moment I stepped out, the cool night air hit me, that mix of asphalt, faint exhaust fumes, and the earthy scent of leaves from a nearby tree. It should have been calming, but with my nerves, it only made my heartbeat louder in my ears. The street was mostly silent except for the occasional distant hum o

I thought the brothers were going to argue again, but thankfully, Leandro simply decided to leave and let Rafael and me be. Rafael led me toward the bar he had mentioned earlier, and even though I had no idea why he suddenly chose this place to celebrate, I didn’t bother asking. Besides, this was my chance and my first-ever opportunity to experience walking into a place like this. Something inside me was both curious and excited, like a kid about to step into a candy store for the first time. The moment we stepped inside, my feet froze as if glued to the spot. My jaw slightly dropped without me realizing it. I had imagined bars from movies, dimly lit spaces, cramped with people and filled with smoke but this wasn’t just a bar. This was like a luxury hotel lobby turned into a party venue. Sleek marble floors reflecting flickers of colored lights, polished brass details on the walls, and velvet-lined couches arranged around low, and glossy tables. Everything sparkled, from the cry