All Chapters of The Billionaire CEO wants me back But No More Second Chances: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Marie's POV I yanked my hand free, stepping back until I bumped into Mark's solid chest. "Don't," I hissed, my voice sharper than I intended, my cheeks burning with a mix of embarrassment and panic. What was he doing here? Why was he here? Mark's arm immediately wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" he demanded with burning eyes as he glared at Andrea. "You don't just grab my girlfriend and call her your wife. Who are you?" Andrea didn't flinch. He chuckled, that deep, rich sound I remembered too well, the one that used to make my knees weak. He turned his gaze back to me, ignoring Mark completely, like he wasn't even there. "Marie," he said softly, his voice dripping with that same charm that had hooked me two years ago. "You have no idea how long I've searched for you. We have a lot to discuss. This little game of hide and seek has gone on long enough." I swallowed hard, my mind reeling. Two years. It felt like yesterday and a

Andrea's POV "I'm only here because you said you had something important to tell me. That's it. Nothing more."I couldn't help the chuckle that escaped. God, she was beautiful when she was defensive. It reminded me of our third night together, when she'd argued with me over dinner before ending up in my lap. "Fair enough. Come on, let's sit." I placed a gentle hand on the small of her back to guide her inside. She tensed under my touch but didn't pull away immediately. I pulled out a chair for her at the low table, then waited until she sat before taking my own seat across from her.A discreet knock came from the attendant I'd pre-arranged. "Tea for two," I ordered smoothly. "Earl Grey for her, black for me. And some pastries if you have them." The man nodded and vanished. I turned back to Marie, taking a deep breath to steady the rush of emotions hitting me. Seeing her this close, after years of empty beds and relentless searching, made the words I needed to say feel heavier."Ma

Marie's POV There was nothing worse than waking up late on a Monday morning, than waking up with a hangover. I wasn't one to drown my problems in alcohol. But after the pretty eventful weekend I'd had, it was only fair that I had something to comfort me last night before I began the week. And I sought this comfort in over four bottles of cheap wine. My head was banging. The alarm on my phone that lay somewhere in my room was still blaring out loud. I wanted nothing more than to slide my duvet over my head, close my eyes and go back to sleep. But first, I'd need to turn off the alarm, which meant I still had to get out of bed either way. When I couldn't bear the ringing anymore, I got out and begun searching for my phone. I finally found the noisy thing under my shoe rack. I have a penchant for keeping my phone far away from me whenever I drink. I never want to wake up from a drunk fit and find out I'd sent a message to someone I shouldn't be texting or posted some video on t

Andrea's POVAs the door clicked shut, I remained on my feet for a while, staring at where she'd been standing just seconds ago. Her perfume still lingered in the air and I inhaled deeply, trying to breath in as much of it as I could. It smelled like something floral, with a hint of vanilla underneath. Something similar to the scent I'd woken up to every morning on that cruise, tangled in sheets that smelled like her. Like us. I'd spent two years trying to forget that smell. Two years telling myself it was just business, a contract and a means to an end.Seeing her again that night at the gala made me realize how terrible a liar I was. And I realized that beyond pleasing my family, I still wanted her. Just for myself. I pulled my sleeves down, grabbed another folder from my drawer, and schooled my features into something cold and professional, before walking out of my office.I had a new company to run.***The conference room was buzzing with nervous energy when I walked in. Conve

Marie's POV"Andrea Forrester? The same Andrea who..." Mark began, stopping mid-sentence and clenching his fist.He looked ready to punch a wall."Yes," I replied calmly. "There had been some rumors about the company being in some financial trouble. Apparently, the CEO sold his shares, automatically transferring ownership of Crestlife to Andrea. We were informed officially this morning.""Wow.""There's more," I sighed, folding my arms across my chest. Mark looked at me with raised brows. "He offered me a promotion.""Already?" He scoffed. "He really does move quick...""He asked me to be his personal assistant," I continued, ignoring his sarcastic tone. "It'd literally be a dream come true. Higher pay, more benefits and access to top industry figures. Hard work, yes, but the perks that come with it make every bit of that work worth it.""Well, congratulations on your promotion.""I didn't take it."That stopped Mark in his tracks and he fixed his gaze on me. "I couldn't," I contin