All Chapters of The Billionaire’s Pretend Wife : Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

9 Chapters

Where It All Began

Arielle My chest tightened the moment I realized what I had just done. “Ari, how did this happen?” My close friend Tiffany was stunned. “Babe, are you okay?” she asked, looking at me after checking her car. My lips couldn't process the words. Regret crawled up my throat. Why did I want to go to the party in the first place? Why did everything happen so fast? Too fast. I stood there, staring at the broken left headlight of the other person’s car ahead of us. It felt unreal, like a movie scene unfolding in slow motion. I tried imagining every possible way this situation could turn out fine, but I found none. I knew I was done for. Tiffany’s eyes softened as she stepped closer. “It’s okay, Ari, no worries. Mine’s just a scratch. I’ll have it fixed.” She pulled me into a hug. I nodded miserably and waited, already imagining the amount of yelling I would have to face next. The next thing we heard was a car door opening. I swallowed hard. Tiffany stood close beside

Last Updated : 2026-02-10

The Offer

Arielle I slept off that night with a heavy heart. What I did to Tiffany’s car kept replaying in my mind, how I ruined it, all because I wanted to attend a stupid party. And that man. The one who demanded I buy him a new car. I didn’t know if I’d ever see him again. I hoped I never would. Tiffany had already left before I woke up. When I pulled the curtains open, the silence felt odd, like the neighborhood had already emptied into their various workplaces. Her car was gone too. One glance at the clock made my heart drop. Past 10 a.m. I jerked to my feet, threw on clothes, and rushed out. Mrs. Cynthia didn’t joke with her classes. She was strict enough to make half a department carry her course over, and that was why other departments stopped borrowing it. But despite all that, she was good to me. She even granted twenty minutes extra for latecomers because we begged her. The twenty minutes I was already exceeding. By the time I reached the lecture hall, breathless, sweat

Last Updated : 2026-02-10

One Last Trial

ArielleI kept replaying his words in my mind, his deal, his conditions, his threat. My thoughts screamed no. Which I had told him. People like him didn’t care about anyone’s well-being. They only cared about themselves. Just like my mother.Miss Sylvia walked him out minutes after I escaped his presence. She kept staring at me from across the diner, the way she always did, sharp, judgmental, and mean. I ignored her. I tied my apron and forced my shaking hands to steady as I attended to customers.Tessa leaned in behind me. “Looks like you’re in trouble.”“I’ve always been in trouble,” I muttered and walked away before she asked questions I didn’t want to answer.A new customer came in, so I plastered on the smile Miss Sylvia insisted we use. “Good day, sir. Welcome to Sunny’s Diner. What would you like to order?” “Two mid-sized cheeseburgers for me and my girl. And two milkshakes with chicken nuggets.”I didn’t recognize him at first under the face cap until he looked up. It was B

Last Updated : 2026-02-10

My Mistake

Arielle I had never been this worried in my entire life, not even over my pet, much less a total stranger. I didn’t even realize I was still at work until Tessa yelled my name as she prepared to leave. I snapped out of my thoughts immediately. I grabbed the card from the table and slipped it into my pocket. It didn’t mean I was changing my mind. Ever. I rushed to join her. I pulled down the curtains, turned off the lights, and locked the door behind us. Then we began walking home together. Her place wasn’t far from mine. As we walked, the question slipped out before I could stop myself. “Tessa…” My voice was calm but abrupt. “What would you do if a man forces you to marry him?” The question came out childishly. She stared at me before answering. “Okay… if I like him, I don’t see anything wrong with it. But if I don’t, I’d probably run away to somewhere he’d never find me. Ever.” She shrugged. I exhaled quietly. “Why do you ask? Who are we talking about?” she pressed. My hea

Last Updated : 2026-02-10

Last Deal

Arielle For the first time in my life, I was taking a huge risk. The one that could either change me for good or destroy everything I had left. I stole one last glance at Tiffany and inhaled deeply, letting the breath sink into my chest. I had dialed the number. My pulse throbbed beneath my fingertips as the line rang, but instead of connecting, it cut off completely. I didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed. “Try again,” Tiffany urged. So I did. Her eyes locked with mine, and then. He picked. “Hello.” A shiver slid down my spine. “H–Hello. Hi.” My voice cracked. Tiffany moved closer, gently squeezing my hands because of my wound. “Hello, who am I speaking with? This is Joel White, his manager. Mr. Darius is in a meeting.” Relief hit me like cold water. “Oh, I’ll call later.” Tiffany blinked at me, clueless. “Please wait, may I get a name?” “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll just call you later.” I tried to end the call as fast as I could. “Alright. Hope to h

Last Updated : 2026-02-10

Pizza Night

Arielle I knew it sounded ridiculous, selfish, even, but I needed to be sure. I needed to know I wasn’t stepping into something I’d regret for the rest of my life. His expression whispered warnings, but I refused to let them sink into me. He sighed, heavy and raw. I matched his breath, not to mock him, but because my nerves were stretched thin. “Fine. Deal.” He stretched out his hand for a shake, but I hesitated. “Not yet.” My heart thudded like a warning drum as his breath brushed my face. He exhaled sharply through his nose. “Why? I’m agreeing to your deal, what now?" I lifted my chin, summoning what little courage I had left. “I still need to think about it.” I scratched the back of my hair, embarrassed by my own trembling voice. His jaw hardened, fury simmering beneath the surface. “What is there to think about?” He dragged a hand down his face, slowly. “This is a big step for me,” I answered firmly. “A delicate one. I need to be careful. I’ll get back to you in

Last Updated : 2026-02-10

First Time At My Place

Arielle It happened so fast. I shouldn’t have looked back. If I didn’t, he wouldn’t have seen me. If I had just kept walking. I accepted that it was my mistake. My very stupid mistake. “Where are you taking me?” I asked, my voice small but sharp with suspicion. He stopped walking and turned slightly. “Where do you stay?” He asked. Of all the questions he could ask me, that was what he chose? “I’m sorry, what?” I leaned closer, pretending not to hear what he just said because there was no way. “I want to drop you off”. He smiled. My heart skipped when he turned fully toward me. A smile tugged at his lips, and his dimples appeared. I didn’t notice he had that until now. It was mesmerizing. “I’m sorry, but I can walk. You don’t need to help me”. I said, trying to sound brave. Honestly, I could not walk back there. It looked so dark. “You’re gonna be my wife soon, we might as well get started now”. We continued walking and he still didn’t let go of my hand. My brows

Last Updated : 2026-02-11

He’s Everywhere Now

Arielle I got out as fast as my legs could move. My chest felt tight, and my thoughts were everywhere. I realized that it was my jacket I forgot in his car. I found his car easily, silently parked out front. I wondered if he even left at all. I had never been outside during this time. It was past midnight. 2 a.m. His eyes matched mine slowly as I approached his window. I knocked gently, and he rolled it down slowly, almost lazily. “Hey”. His voice, sarcastic but funny “I’m sorry, I left my jacket”. I brought out my hand, requesting it. My jacket was lying right there on the passenger’s seat. “It’s right there”. I said, nodding toward it. “Yeah, but I also wanted to ask you something”. He said. “Why didn’t you let us meet at Sylvia’s place?” I paused for a moment and took a step back. That name cut deep. I hadn’t forgotten what she did to me. “What do you–I don’t understand what you’re saying”. I stuttered. “A guy there told me she chased you out a few days ago. Sai

Last Updated : 2026-02-12

Space Between Waking And Wanting

Arielle I floated in darkness. I didn’t know where I was or what had happened. It all felt distant, as if I were underwater. All I was hearing was my mom’s voice, calling me for help. The more she called, the more the fear filled my chest. The sound grew sharper and louder. Then her voice boomed through everything. “Arielle!” “Mom, go away. I don’t want to see you ever again!” My voice echoed violently. Then I opened my eyes, observing the place. White walls, bright light and soft sheets. And as my vision cleared, the first person I saw was him. Darius. He was seated beside me, holding my hands. “Arielle, are you okay?” He seemed concerned. I didn’t answer, I simply looked around, taking everything in. The clothes I had on weren’t mine. My head felt so heavy. I knew I was going to land at the hospital after the brutal beating I faced from Amber. I tried removing my hand slowly from his, then his eyes marched towards mine. “How are you feeling?” He asked calmly. Like he

Last Updated : 2026-02-12

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