All Chapters of The Billionaire’s Fake Bride : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Lucien’s POVThis was something Lucien dreaded the most—digging up information about his brother’s death. It was too painful to keep reliving the fact that his only brother, his only sibling, was gone.“The brakes weren’t tampered with by accident. Not mechanically, at least,” Marcus said, his voice low and precise from the passenger seat.Lucien’s hands tightened around the steering wheel. The city lights flickered across his tight face as he absorbed the words. So someone staged it. Someone knew exactly when Zane would be on that road.Marcus continued, flipping through his notes.“The setup was meticulous. Timing, angle, positioning… it wasn’t sloppy. Whoever did this knew what they were doing. And they wanted it to look like an accident.” His expression stayed firm. “Possibly hired a professional.”“And the Wards?” Lucien asked, his tone flat with bitterness.“Nothing concrete,” Marcus admitted. “Rumors, loose connections, but nothing that ties them directly. I’ve dug deep, cross-c

Celine's POVTheir laughter drifted through the thin walls of the old orphanage—soft, high-pitched, bubbling with the kind of joy only children could make. It carried down the hallway and wrapped around me as I sat on the wooden dock behind the building, letting the sound wash over the heaviness in my chest.They were going through the bags I’d brought—new clothes, food, little things they never asked for but always deserved. I’d used Lucien’s Amex without blinking. A small part of me knew I should feel guilty… or anxious… or at least brace myself for whatever consequences would come.But when I pictured their happy faces, all I could think was:Whatever it costs, I’ll take it.The boards creaked as Ryan El lowered herself beside me. The evening breeze skimmed the water, her eyes carried both gratitude and exhaustion.“Thank you, Celine,” she said quietly. “You brought light… more than you know.”I swallowed hard. “I wish it were enough.”Her gaze drifted to the small figure curled in

Celine’s POVThe garden was quiet, the sun still low and casting a pale gold across the rows of fruit trees. I pulled on a pair of gloves and knelt beneath a heavy branch, careful not to bruise the ripe plums.For some reason, I had woken before the rest of the house. I wanted to see which fruits were ready for harvest before Matilda woke up—a way to feel useful in a place that still didn’t feel like mine.I clipped a few plums and set them gently in my basket, my mind elsewhere.The memory of Mila sleeping in my arms gnawed at me.I can’t just stand by, I thought. I have to do something for them.The soft rustle of a long skirt on gravel made me look up. Matilda walked through the garden, arms crossed, wearing a small, curious smile.“You’re up early,” she said gently.I managed a smile, though it didn’t quite reach my eyes.“Good morning, Matilda. I thought… maybe I could help.”Her eyes softened as she stepped closer. “That’s thoughtful of you. You’re… diligent. I like that.”Warmt

Celine’s POV Ava’s words still hung between us, sharp enough to slice skin. For a moment, the hallway went painfully quiet.The kind of silence that makes you suddenly aware of your own heartbeat. I blinked, stunned by how relentless she was.As I stared at her face, something inside me snapped.“Wow,” I breathed, forcing a laugh that tasted like metal. “You really don’t get tired, do you?”Ava leaned her shoulder against the wall, smugness dripping off her like perfume.“I’m just saying what everyone else is already thinking.”“Everyone else?” I repeated. “Or just your crazy ass?”She pouted mockingly, then clicked her tongue.“Oh, Celeste… don’t worry. I’m sure Lucien has a very patient heart. He always knew how to juggle more than one thing at a time.”My stomach twisted—her eyes lit up at the subtle reaction.“But that’s why I’m here,” she continued, stepping closer.“To remind him you’re not worth the risk. You’re not worth the reputation he worked so hard for.”She lifted her p

Celine's POV Lucien held my hand as we walked down the stairs, while having a conversation I could not hear a single word of, on his phone due to my heart rate. Everyone was already in the sitting room, maids scurried about working, Matilda sat at the edge of the room on a couch overlooking every activity going on. With Elara next to Matilda. “Good morning Sir, ma’am.” Lily greeted with a kind smile. Lucien nodded as we reached the bottom of the stairs. Turning everyone’s attention to us, it was so exhilarating how we felt like movie worthy couples. Instinctively I held Lucien's arm with my free hand like he was my anchor.“Hi Lily.” I smiled at her. Lucien greeted his mom who smiled warily, then got back to his call. “Well well, Celeste, you look extraordinarily cared for this morning.” Elara giggled winking at me. I bit back the big smile as my cheek reddened at the memory of what happened this morning. That kiss. Our first real kiss. “Your breakfast is ready.” Lily said. I lo