All Chapters of Betrayed by Ex, Married to Billionaire : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

“Mrs. Arken, perhaps you should stand… over there.” The voice was smooth, polite—too polite. Aruna paused mid-step, her fingers tightening slightly around the stem of her glass. The chandelier above reflected in her eyes, bright and cold. “Over there?” she repeated calmly. The woman speaking—Madam Viola Hastings—tilted her head with a practiced smile. “Yes. This area is usually reserved for founding families.” Around them, conversation softened. Not stopped—just lowered. Listening. Leonard stood a few steps away, deep in discussion with two councilmen. He had not noticed yet. Aruna exhaled once. “Interesting,” she said lightly. “And which founding family do you belong to?” Viola’s smile stiffened. “The Hastings.” Aruna nodded. “Ah. Third generation. Textile industry. Declared bankruptcy once, revived by merger.” A flicker of surprise crossed Viola’s eyes. “I did my homework,” Aruna added softly. Viola recovered quickly. “Still, tradition is tradition.” Aruna took a slow s

“Are you sure about this?” Leonard’s voice cut through the quiet meeting room as Aruna placed the last document on the table. She didn’t look at him right away. Instead, she straightened the stack of papers calmly, as if his doubt was nothing more than background noise. “Yes,” Aruna replied. “Very sure.” Leonard leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. His sharp eyes never left her face. “This project will draw attention,” he said. “Both good and bad.” Aruna finally met his gaze. “Everything worth doing does.” Silence stretched between them. Leonard exhaled slowly. “You realize this isn’t just a ‘small idea’ anymore. If it works, it will disrupt at least three existing supply chains.” “That’s the point,” Aruna said. “They underestimate small movements. That’s where impact is born.” Leonard’s eyes narrowed—not in anger, but assessment. “You’re talking like someone who’s been here for years,” he said. Aruna smiled faintly. “I’ve been underestimated my whole life.” Leonard sto

“Don’t misunderstand.” Leonard’s voice cut through the quiet morning air as soon as Aruna stepped into the study. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating shelves of books and framed awards—symbols of power, discipline, and control. Aruna stopped near the door, her hand still resting on the handle. “I wasn’t misunderstanding anything,” she replied calmly. “I was observing.” Leonard turned from the desk, closing the folder in his hands. “Observation without boundaries leads to assumptions. And assumptions are dangerous.” Aruna walked in, heels echoing softly against the marble floor. “Then let’s be clear,” she said. “Because ambiguity is more dangerous than assumptions.” Leonard studied her for a moment, then gestured toward the sofa. “Sit.” She did—but this time, her posture was straight, guarded, alert. Leonard didn’t sit. He remained standing, hands clasped behind his back like a man preparing for negotiation rather than conversation. “Our marriage,” he bega

“Don’t.” Leonard’s voice was low and sharp, stopping Aruna’s steps mid-stride. She froze in the doorway of his study, one hand still resting on the doorframe. The room was dimly lit, the glow from the desk lamp casting long shadows across stacks of documents and an open laptop. “I was just bringing you some tea,” Aruna said quietly, lifting the porcelain cup in her hand. “You’ve been working since dawn.” Leonard didn’t look up. “Leave it on the table,” he replied flatly. Aruna hesitated, then walked in and set the cup down carefully. The faint clink echoed louder than it should have. “You haven’t slept again,” she said. Leonard finally lifted his eyes. They were calm, sharp, and distant—like glass. “That’s none of your concern.” The words landed heavier than expected. Aruna straightened. “I’m your wife.” Leonard closed the file in front of him with a soft thud. “You’re my contractual partner,” he corrected. “Don’t confuse the two.” Silence filled the room. Aruna inhaled

“Good night.” Leonard’s voice was low, restrained, carrying no warmth as he loosened his cufflinks near the bedroom door. Aruna paused mid-step. “Good night,” she replied after a brief hesitation. The door closed softly behind him. Click. The sound echoed louder than it should have. Aruna stood alone in the dimly lit bedroom, her fingers still clutching the edge of her robe. The room was vast—too vast for silence, too elegant for comfort. The crystal lamp on the nightstand cast a pale glow across the bed they did not share. She exhaled slowly. So this is what it feels like, she thought. Being surrounded by everything… yet having nothing. She walked toward the window, pulling the curtains aside. Outside, City A glittered endlessly—cars moving like veins of light, buildings standing tall and indifferent. Leonard’s world never slept. But tonight, it felt painfully quiet. --- Earlier that evening. “Is something wrong?” Aruna had asked the question softly during dinner, watc