All Chapters of Bound By A Billion-Dollar Lie: Chapter 151 - Chapter 160

Anastasia's POVI had no idea what Nikolai said to Gerald, but the transformation in the man's demeanor spoke volumes. The predatory confidence that had radiated from him moments before had evaporated, replaced by something I couldn't describe but he looked really scared.He passed by me and wouldn't even look in my direction for the rest of the night, his gaze fixed on the floor or the walls or anywhere that wasn't me. The few times I glanced his way, I caught him flinching, his hands trembling around his champagne flute. He refused to engage with anyone, retreating into a shell of silence that seemed almost theatrical in its completeness.What had Nikolai done to him? The question burned in my mind, demanding an answer that I knew I wouldn't get.I was still lost in thought, trying to piece together the fragments of what might have transpired, when I felt familiar arms wrap around my waist from behind. Warm lips pressed against my ear, and I melted into the embrace without thinking.

Nikolai's POVThe hours slipped away unnoticed while Anastasia and I talked. She'd insisted on staying awake, on keeping me company and refusing to let me retreat into the silence I'd been craving. Her persistence was maddening and endearing in equal measure, a reminder of why I'd fallen for her in the first place.Eventually, exhaustion won and she drifted off in my arms, her head resting against my chest, her breathing slow and even. The tension that had gripped her features throughout the evening softened, replaced by the peaceful expression of someone who felt safe.I carried her up to the bedroom, laying her down on the mattress with more care than I'd ever shown anyone. She murmured something in her sleep, a soft sound that might have been my name, and it felt really nice to have heard that. Reaching out to me even in her sleep.I didn't leave immediately, instead I sat on the edge of the bed, watched her sleep, my mind churning with thoughts I couldn't seem to quiet. The night

Anastasia's POVWaking up to an empty bed wasn't what I was expecting. My hand reached out instinctively, searching for the warmth that should have been there but I got greeted by the cold sheets. He was gone for probably an hour or twoI sat up, my heart already racing. The room was quiet, too quiet, a knot formed in my stomach as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed."Nikolai?" My voice echoed through the empty room, unanswered.I moved through the house quickly, checking every room from the kitchen, living room, and study. Each empty space I searched through made my chest tighten a little more. When I was done checking the whole house and now certain that he wasn't home, I got instantly scared.My fingers trembled as I grabbed my phone and dialed his number. It rang once, twice, three times. Then voicemail. I tried again and again. Each unanswered call sent a fresh wave of worry crashing through me.I couldn't sit still, I paced the living room, my mind racing with possibiliti

Anastasia's POV The anger still burned beneath my skin, hot and unrelenting and for every time I thought about Nikolai sneaking off to confront Leona without telling me, fresh fury bubbled up. He'd left me alone, terrified, with no idea if he was safe or if he'd done something reckless. The fear of not knowing about his safety had twisted into frustration, and the frustration had settled into a cold, stubborn silence. I'd been avoiding him for most of the morning, staying in different rooms, pretending to be busy with things that didn't matter. He seemed to understand, keeping his distance and giving me space but the house was small, and eventually, our paths had to cross. I walked through the living room, then the hallway, my feet carrying me toward the kitchen. The smell hit me first, it smelled of something rich and savory, herbs and garlic and warmth that wrapped around me like a blanket. I frowned, confused. We hadn't ordered food and there were no deliveries scheduled. I rou

Nikolai's POVThe room was dark except for the faint glow of the moon steaming through the curtains. I sat on the edge of the bed, watching Anastasia sleep. Her face was peaceful, her breathing slow and even. She looked so peaceful sleeping like this, like all the weight of the world was lifted from her shoulders.My chest ached the moment everything she'd told me earlier replayed in my mind. The years of sacrifice, endless cycle of hope and disappointment. The way her family had used her, drained her, and left her to clean up their messes. She'd finally drawn a line, finally decided to let go and I'd promised to respect that.But now, sitting here in the darkness, I felt inadequate. I want to do more for her, fix everything and make all her pain disappear.Instead, I feel like I am causing her more problems. The scandal. The pictures and how my name had been dragged through the mud. None of it was her fault, but she was caught in the middle of it anyway.I ran a hand through my hair,