All Chapters of The Billionaire's Insignificant Wife : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

"You're defending her. Making excuses for her. Questioning decisions you made yourself. You've fallen in love with your contract wife.""I haven't—""Daniel." Margaret's voice was soft but firm. "I'm your mother. I know you better than anyone. And I see the way you look at Alina. The way you hesitate every time you have to enforce consequences. This isn't about Junior anymore. This is about your feelings for her."Daniel couldn't answer. Because there was a part of him—a part he refused to acknowledge—that knew Margaret was right."But you can't love her," Margaret continued, stepping closer. "Because she's not the right woman for you. Clarissa is. Clarissa is from an appropriate family, with matching status, with the same background.""Clarissa left me five years ago.""Because she was young and confused. But now she's mature. Ready to be a wife and mother." Margaret touched Daniel's arm. "You need to let go of Alina. For the good of everyone—including yourself."Daniel stared at the

On the sixth day after the gala dinner, Alina woke to the sound of conversation in the corridor—familiar but unpleasant.Clarissa."...already very excited for today. I'll start with the morning routine, taking Junior to school, then picking him up..."Margaret's voice responded with warm approval. "Good. Consistency is key. The more time you spend with him, the faster he'll adjust."The sound of high heels passed Alina's bedroom door—Clarissa and Margaret walking toward the stairs, probably going down for breakfast with Junior.Alina sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the door with an empty feeling in her chest.This was starting now. The mandated bonding time Daniel had outlined last night before he left.After Alina signed the prenuptial agreement, Daniel had outlined the new schedule with clinical precision—like drafting a business plan.Starting today, Clarissa would take over Junior's morning routine. She would come at seven for breakfast together, take Junior to school at e

At one in the afternoon, Daniel came home.Alina heard the sound of his car—the familiar Bentley Continental—entering the yard. Heard the car door close. Heard the sound of Daniel's dress shoes on the marble floor, confident and firm as usual.But this time there was no excited flutter in Alina's chest. No foolish hope that maybe—Daniel came home early to see her.No desire to go downstairs immediately. To greet Daniel at the door with a smile even though he rarely returned it. To ask if he'd eaten even though Daniel rarely answered. To take his jacket even though Daniel usually went straight to the study without glancing.Alina knew Daniel came home for Clarissa and Junior.She didn't expect Daniel would come home at lunch hour. Because usually he only returned at seven or eight in the evening, sometimes later.From her room, Alina could hear faint sounds downstairs.The sound of Junior calling Daniel in an excited tone. Happy."Papa! Papa's home!"Then Clarissa's voice—light, musica

Day seven.Alina woke with a body that felt heavy. Not just physically tired—but a fatigue that seeped into her bones, permeated her soul, making every movement feel like swimming through mud.She stared at the bedroom ceiling that was becoming familiar with emptiness. No more foolish hope that this morning would be different. No more fantasy that Daniel would knock on the door and say sorry.Because Daniel Blackwood never apologized.The sound of footsteps in the corridor—a rhythm Alina had memorized. Clarissa's high heels clicking on marble, followed by Margaret's voice giving instructions about Junior's breakfast menu, about the boy's speech therapy schedule, about everything as if Alina had never existed."Junior, sweetheart, today we're going to the park after school. Mama already ordered a special picnic basket for you!" Clarissa's voice sounded cheerful—too cheerful, performative."Junior wants Mama Alina to come," Junior's small voice was soft, almost inaudible.A brief silenc

Twelve fifteen.Alina stood in front of the window, staring at the mansion gate with an irregularly beating heart. Her eyes didn't blink, looking toward the gate. Waiting for the car that usually picked up Junior to return.But Junior, who should have been home fifteen minutes ago, was still not visible. The black SUV that usually picked him up still hadn't appeared 'Where is he?' Alina thought. 'Is Junior okay?'Alina remembered Mrs. Helen's words this morning about Junior's condition. She was worried something bad had happened to that child. Then Alina remembered Clarissa's words this morning in the corridor, a voice deliberately raised so Alina could hear from behind the door.'Junior, sweetheart, after school we're going to the park, okay? Mama already ordered a special picnic basket!'The park.Alina took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Junior is fine. He's just at the park with... his mother."Those words felt like poison on Alina's tongue.But maybe this was for the b