Cherreads

Betrothed to a Billionaire

Tomisin_Osarz
--- Ariana was rooted to the floor outside of Anthony’s door her heart raced in her chest, like something was preparing to break apart her ribs. She had not wanted to come to a halt, much less listen in on the conversation that was unfolding before her. But the sound of laughter that came from Rachel was not new to her ears which suddenly had her face the direction of the voice like a pupet. “…you’re so bad, Anthony,” Rachel whispered sexily. “I never lie to you,” Anthony countered sullenly then suddenly grew smarmy, “I’m only bad with you.” Reaching out Ariana braced her back against the wall and her mind whirled round with confusion. Glancing around the corner she stopped breathing as she saw them. Rachel resting on Anthony laps, having her hand resting on Anthony’s arm. He leered at her, and from even his bearing suggest that he wanted something more than friendship from her. “She has not realized it yet?” Rachel asked me in low tones as if Shareen was a hopeless case. Anthony chuckled. “He realized Ariana was smart, as well as trusting in his team. That’s her weakness.” Such words are a shock for Ariana as if someone slapped her. [His fists clenched.]His hands shook, and for a moment she considered; she felt that nausea could overcome herself. Trust. That was what she had delivered to them – what she considered they deserved. And now? Now they were laughing about it, about her . She wanted to rush into the room and meet them eye to eye, look them into the eyes and scold them for every single angry word that rises within her chest. But she didn’t move. Not yet. She held a strap of her bag so tightly her hands became gloved. Indeed, she retreated sensibly, her breathing becoming light. It was not so strange they did not notice her go ; of course they did not. Why would they, if they reckoned she did not know any better? And when she came to the door of the house, shutting herself out on the cold evening, when the wind caressed her cheek like a slate, then in her soul something leaped. The heartbreak was still there, but it was buried beneath a wave of something new,rage. But she paused and with her head held high she walked away leaving her legs give away from her. The frosty night’s darkness embraced her when she tripped outside, onto the campus and grass., but the freezing air was no match for the icy sensation in her chest. She began to ponder vigorously various questions, accusations and processes of retaliation in her mind. But she didn’t see the car. This blaring of the horn was too late. There was the pathetic squealing of brakes and a moment of unbearable agony that filled her from head to toe. The world staggered, and the last thing Ariana could make out before everything went black was the night sky above her. Everything went black. ---
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The Duke’s Bargain

“What did you say?” Félix asked. She repeated, “Name your price.” “What is that supposed to mean?” His voice had tapered off with an unreadable emotion that got her weak in her knees, but she held out her chin. “Didn't you once offer to pay me off? Now, make me an offer I cannot refuse. Otherwise, I will go in there"—she gestured toward the Ball—"and make everyone think you dragged me out here to take advantage of me. I know exactly what that would do to your reputation.” “Say. That. Again,” Félix said through gritted teeth as he inched closer to her. ====================== She hadn’t meant to upset him or, worse, blackmail him. She didn’t even know who he was; she only knew he looked important because of how regally he stood in the moonlit dark. Estella was the baron of Cleverdale’s youngest, born into a hard life and always kept on her toes. Her stepsisters hated her. The baroness loathed her. And her father, the only one she called family, shattered her heart when he sold her to Viscount Alistair Ravensdale to cover up his misdeeds. The night of Lady Agatha’s ball, she seized her chance and ran straight into … Duke Félix of Chateaûbriant. In the dark, he mistook her for Princess Coralie, his fiancée, and kissed her. When the moon revealed her face, something about her stuck with him. He couldn’t shake the image of her running wildly or how she smelled like white lotus with hardcore roots. But when she threatened his reputation, he refused to play along. She returned to her world of cruel sisters and an unwanted engagement. What she hadn’t prepared for was the Duke arriving at her doorstep, making two outrageous claims. One. He was the Duke of Chateaûbriant. And two. She had stolen something valuable from him that night. What had she stolen without knowing it? Or worse, what could he possibly demand as repayment? ✯Like it? Add to Library!
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