Tempting The Billioanire のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 11 - チャプター 20

Emily's POVThe rest of dinner passed in a blur of congratulations and questions I barely knew how to answer."When's the wedding?""How did he propose the first time?""Have you set a date?""Where will you live?"Alexander handled it all smoothly, his hand never leaving mine, his answers perfectly crafted to sound romantic while revealing nothing real."We're thinking of a small ceremony soon," he said. "When you know, you know. Why wait?"My mother was practically glowing. This was everything she had ever wanted—her daughter marrying someone important, someone wealthy. Never mind that just yesterday she had been disappointed in me.I caught my father watching us carefully a few times, his expression thoughtful. Unlike my mother, he wasn't completely buying the fairy tale. But he wasn't questioning it either. The Frost name carried too much weight.After dessert, I excused myself to use the bathroom. I just needed a moment aw

Emily's POVI spent the rest of that day exploring the penthouse, trying to wrap my head around the fact that this was now my home. Temporary home, I reminded myself. Just for six months.The kitchen was filled with appliances I didn't know how to use. The living room had a TV that took up half the wall. There was a gym on the second floor, a library, even a wine cellar.Louis and I had dreamed of having a two-bedroom apartment someday. Alexander had a wine cellar.By evening, I was exhausted from unpacking and overthinking everything. I was about to order takeout when Alexander appeared in the kitchen doorway."I'm making dinner," he said. "You're welcome to join me. Or not. Your choice."I stared at him. "You cook?""Why do you sound so surprised?""I just... I assumed someone like you would have a private chef or something."Alexander smiled slightly. "I do. But she has the night off. And I happen to enjoy cooking. It helps me think."

Emily's POVWe walked back to the table hand in hand, and I could feel Marcus's eyes tracking our every movement. Alexander pulled out my chair again, his hand lingering on my shoulder as I sat down."Everything alright?" Marcus asked, taking a sip of his wine."Perfect," Alexander said smoothly, sitting beside me. His hand immediately found mine on the table, our fingers interlacing in a way that looked completely natural now.Marcus studied us for a moment, then smiled. "You know, I think I owe you both an apology. I've been skeptical, but watching you together tonight... I can see this is real.""Thank you," I said, hoping my relief didn't show too clearly."In fact," Marcus continued, "I'd like to make a toast." He raised his glass. "To Alexander and Emily. May your marriage be filled with honesty, trust, and genuine love."The way he emphasized those words felt like another test. But we raised our glasses and clinked them against his."To

Emily's POVI threw on jeans and a sweater in record time, my hands shaking as I pulled my hair into a messy ponytail. By the time I got downstairs, Alexander was already at the door, his phone pressed to his ear."I don't care what it costs, kill the story... No, I need it gone completely... Fine, set up the meeting. I'll be there in fifteen minutes."He hung up and looked at me. "Ready?"I nodded, and we rushed to the garage. This time, Alexander drove the Audi, taking the turns through the empty Los Angeles streets faster than was probably safe."Who leaked it?" I asked, gripping the door handle."I don't know yet. But I have my suspicions." His jaw was clenched so tight I could see the muscle jumping. "Marcus has been sniffing around. Or it could be someone from your family.""My family wouldn't—" I stopped. Would they? Karen certainly would if she thought it would hurt me."Your sister seemed pretty angry at dinner the other night," Alexander said, echoing my thoughts. "And she t

Emily's POVI woke up the next morning to find Alexander already gone. There was a note on the kitchen counter in his neat handwriting."Had to handle some business at the office. Stylist will be here at 2 PM to help you prepare for tonight. Wear the blue dress. - A"The blue dress. I went to the closet and found it—a stunning midnight blue gown that probably cost more than my car used to. Tonight was Robert Hartley's dinner. The night that would determine if our rushed marriage had been worth it.I spent the morning trying to distract myself. I attempted to read, tried to watch TV, even considered going for a walk. But the paparazzi camped outside the building made that impossible.This was my life now. Trapped in a gilded cage.At exactly 2 PM, the doorbell rang. A woman in her fifties with sharp eyes and an immaculate black suit stood there, flanked by two assistants carrying garment bags and makeup cases."Mrs. Frost, I'm Diane. Mr. Frost hired me to prepare you for this evening."