Lahat ng Kabanata ng FAKING IT WITH THE BILLIONAIRE : Kabanata 21 - Kabanata 30

The wedding day started with rain.Not a drizzle, a full thunderstorm that rattled the windows and flooded the estate gardens where the ceremony was supposed to happen."It's a sign," Maria said, looking out at the downpour."It's weather, Mom.""In Italy, rain on your wedding day means fertility and good fortune.""We're in Westchester, not Italy."Sophie appeared with contingency plans. "We move everything inside. The main hall can hold a hundred people easily. I'll have the staff rearrange.....""Wait." Alex walked to the window. "The rain's supposed to stop at two. The ceremony's at four. We might be okay.""And if it doesn't stop?" Izzy asked."Then we get married in the rain.""Alex—""I'm serious. Lila designed those gardens. I want to get married there, rain or shine."Maria clutched her rosary. "You'll ruin the dress.""The dress is replaceable. This moment isn't."At noon, the rain slowed. By one-thirty, it stopped completely. By three, the sun broke through the clouds."See

Two months after the wedding, the foundation officially launched Lila's Legacy Fund.They'd selected fifty recipients from three hundred applications. Full scholarships, living expenses, mental health support, everything needed to succeed.The press conference was packed. Alex stood at the podium, Izzy beside him."Two years ago, I lost my wife to suicide," he began. "For a long time, I thought the best way to honor her was to bury myself in work. To make the foundation bigger, better, and more successful. But that's not what Lila would've wanted."He pulled out a photo. Lila is at a community center, surrounded by kids."She wanted impact. Real, measurable change in people's lives. So today, we're launching something she would've loved. Fifty scholarships for people who've struggled with mental health and want to help others do the same."The reporters took notes. Cameras flashed."This isn't about me or the foundation's reputation. It's about giving people a second chance. Because e

At twenty-four weeks, complications started.Izzy's blood pressure spiked during a routine checkup. The doctor ordered bed rest immediately."For how long?" Izzy asked."Until delivery. Or until your blood pressure stabilizes.""That's four months.""It's necessary. Pre-eclampsia is serious. We need to monitor you closely."Alex drove her home in silence. When they got to the apartment, he helped her into bed like she was made of glass."I can walk, Alex.""The doctor said bed rest.""Bed rest doesn't mean invalid."But he was already pulling out his laptop, rearranging his schedule, and canceling meetings."What are you doing?" Izzy asked."Working from home. You need someone here.""I have Sophie, Julian, your entire staff—""I'm staying.""Alex—""This isn't negotiable."They stared at each other.Finally, Izzy said, "Okay. But if you hover, I'm kicking you out.""Noted."---Bed rest was torture.Izzy watched from the bedroom as Alex took calls, reviewed documents, and managed the

Morning came with the usual routine.Nurses checking vitals. Breakfast. The blood pressure cuff should be used every two hours. Alex texted at 7 AM: *How did you sleep?*Izzy typed: *Fine.*Deleted it.Typed: *We need to talk.*Deleted that too.Finally: *Okay. You?**Not great. Can I come by this morning?**You don't have to ask permission.**After last night, I wasn't sure.**Please come. I'm sorry about last night.**Nothing to apologize for. See you in an hour.*---Alex arrived with coffee. He looked like he hadn't slept."You look terrible," Izzy said."So do you.""I'm growing as a human. What's your excuse?"He sat down. "Spent half the night trying to figure out what I did wrong.""Alex—""Let me finish. I know my family is complicated. I know Vivienne can be difficult. But I need you to trust me when I say Cameron is not a reliable source.""I know that.""Do you? Because last night it felt like you were already believing him.""I don't know what to believe. That's the probl

Cameron agreed to meet at a coffee shop near the hospital.Alex didn't like it. "He could be recording this. Using it against us later.""So we're careful about what we say," Izzy said from the wheelchair the nurse insisted she use for the brief outing. Her doctor had reluctantly approved one hour away from the hospital. "But we need to know what he wants.""I know what he wants. To hurt you.""Maybe. Or maybe someone's using him the same way he tried to use me."Sophie came with them. "Extra witness," she said. "And I don't trust him not to try something."The coffee shop was quiet, a mid-afternoon lull. Cameron was already there, sitting at a corner table. He stood when they approached."Izzy. You didn't have to***""Sit down," Alex said coldly.Cameron sat. Izzy wheeled herself to the table. Sophie and Alex flanked her."Thank you for meeting," Cameron started."Cut the pleasantries," Sophie said. "Tell us who's paying you."Cameron blinked. "No one's paying me.""Bullshit," Alex s