Betrayed by My Billionaire

the city and the responsibilities that seemed to weigh on him like a burden. Lila had jumped at the chance, hopin

r had caressed her face, and the dim lighting gave the scene an almost surreal charm. Derek had prepared a simple but r

is glass of white wine, his ey

e lingering reserve she sensed in him. It was as if he was playing a role,

in the back of her mind whispered that this "

terrace, a phone in his hand, his brow furrowed. His tone was low, almost in

She knew she shouldn't liste

," he said sharply. "This i

Lila felt a wave of unease rise within her. Who was on the other

ersation. Derek had frozen, his gaze settling on

" he whispered befor

ying to keep her voice light, even

know how it is." He offered her a sm

hat it was true, but a part of her couldn't h

he beach, cooking a light lunch, and even preparing a bubble bath for her in the afternoon. But despite his best

couch, a blanket wrapped around t

n softly, "you se

s her, a deep crease marking

mething were b

ing fire in the fireplace. "It's noth

rying to get his attention. "You kn

t his silence

all asleep. Her thoughts were swirling, and the worry that had been brewing inside her for weeks

she saw the

e usually used. This model was older, worn, almost

the unlock button. To her surprise, there was no code. T

caught his attentio

onversation. The messages were short, often cryp

talk. What you're

got it. Stay

la? She doesn't

Clara, and what were they talking a

screen and put the phone back in its place before going back t

relaxed, as if the night had erased his tensions. But Lila no longer saw the same man. Every smile, eve

d suddenly, brea

her, a smile on

asking the question that was bur

his body stiffen slightly. "Cl

he said, trying to ke

oided looking her in the eye. "An o

nd this lie, however small, was driving a wedge

Derek did his best to show her attention, but Lila could sense that he wa

ch. Derek was hiding something from her, and even though she didn't kno