All Chapters of THE BILLIONAIRE'S STAND-IN BRIDE: Chapter 1 - Chapter 5

Aria's POV“What exactly have you done for our family, Aria? You're nothing but a useless daughter!” The woman I called my mother yelled, throwing her shoes at me which I ducked immediately.“It's my fault that we're falling into jeopardy?” I asked in disbelief and she scoffed, turning to me.“The company is falling apart and you're asking me whose fault it is? Who has been running the company because apparently, you can do it better?” She asked, visibly fuming and I let out a scoff of amusement.“Take it easy, Mom, we don't want you getting a heart attack,” Romeo said to my mom as he shot me a glare and I threw my hands in the air.“This is just unfair. Too unfair. You and I know that the only reason this company is failing and on the verge of bankruptcy is because Romeo handled it!” I muttered, crossing my hands over my chest. “Romeo squandered the company's money on his stupid girlfriend, who left him, and all I did was try to save the company from failing. Now it's my fault? Why n

Aria's POVI barged into the office and my father turned to me in alarm, his eyes widening when he saw me fuming as I stood by the door.“Really? All that melancholic talk was all pretense? You just wanted to use me to get what you want?” I asked, my heart squeezing in anger and he let out a chuckle as he placed his phone down.“It's not what you think—”“Tell me then! Tell me what it is! I'm just a dumb child? I'm just a vessel to be used? You don't even care if I die?” I questioned, feeling betrayed and hurt and he scoffed, crossing his arms.“Isn't it your responsibility to help the family get back on its feet?” He asked and I looked at him in disbelief.“My responsibility? Was it my fault that you fell because you were reckless?” I questioned and he glared at me.My eyes fell to the contract on the table and I made my way to it as I grabbed the paper before he could stop me.“What are you doing? Drop that down this instant!” He yelled as he tried to grab me but I immediately stepp

Aria POVMy eyes followed the slow movement of his fingers as he undid another button on his shirt. The fabric parted further, revealing more of the intricate black ink tattoo that snaked across his collarbone and disappeared beneath the material. My mouth went dry. This was my husband. Legally. And he was looking at me like I was both a puzzle and a problem he wanted to break.“Sleep in your bed?” I repeated, my voice steadier than I felt. “I don’t think so.”Romanov’s lips curved into a smirk that didn’t reach his eyes. “It wasn’t a request, Aria. You’re staying where I can see you. Consider it… insurance.”He shrugged off his shirt completely, tossing it over the back of a leather chair. I tried not to stare, but it was impossible. His body was sculpted like a weapon—broad shoulders, defined abs, and scars that told stories I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear. One jagged line ran along his left side, another near his ribs. This man didn’t just run businesses. He survived things most peo