2024-05-08 23:40:14
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CHOSEN AS THE TRILLIONAIRE'S HEIR FINALLY PUBLIC
When Ellis finally asked her officially to be his girlfriend, of course she accepted. She had no doubt now that he had feelings for her. And even though she was rejected before, she didn't want to hold a grudge, or try to get revenge. She was giving their love a chance to prosper. Their favorite thing was spending lazy weekends together. They would linger in Zoey's bed late into the morning, cuddling and talking about everything and nothing. Zoey loved the way Ellis played with her hair. Ellis adored Zoey's infectious giggles. In the kitchen, they would make extravagant breakfasts together. Zoey would whip up perfect omelets and Ellis would create beautiful fruit salads. All the while they would dance and sing terribly to music played on Ellis's vintage record player.The afternoons would be spent on the couch watching old movies or reading books side-by-side. Such simple domesticity made them both incredibly happy. Just being together felt like coming home.As weeks went on, their l
CHOSEN AS THE TRILLIONAIRE'S HEIR FINALLY PUBLIC
When Ellis finally asked her officially to be his girlfriend, of course she accepted. She had no doubt now that he had feelings for her. And even though she was rejected before, she didn't want to hold a grudge, or try to get revenge. She was giving their love a chance to prosper. Their favorite thing was spending lazy weekends together. They would linger in Zoey's bed late into the morning, cuddling and talking about everything and nothing. Zoey loved the way Ellis played with her hair. Ellis adored Zoey's infectious giggles. In the kitchen, they would make extravagant breakfasts together. Zoey would whip up perfect omelets and Ellis would create beautiful fruit salads. All the while they would dance and sing terribly to music played on Ellis's vintage record player.The afternoons would be spent on the couch watching old movies or reading books side-by-side. Such simple domesticity made them both incredibly happy. Just being together felt like coming home.As weeks went on, their l
CHOSEN AS THE TRILLIONAIRE'S HEIR HOLIDAY TOGETHER
As winter's chill set in, they started looking forward to their first holiday season as a couple. They spent hours decorating the apartments with twinkling lights and stringing up mistletoe even if it was too early. Every festive activity sparked playful kisses and tight embraces. Ellis did not want something elaborate, he just wanted to spend time with Zoey in that period. To him, she was the reason why he celebrated at all. For Thanksgiving, they decided to host a big dinner party for their close family and friends only. They worked for days preparing all the mouth-watering dishes. Ellis stuffed the plump turkey while Zoey taste-tested the creamy mashed potatoes and green bean casserole.When Christmas arrived, Zoey joined the Royale family for the celebration. The Royale living room was warm with mouth-watering smells and the cheerful conversation of loved ones around. Between bites of pie and sips of hot cider, friends and family smiled as they watched the young couple gaze adori
CHOSEN AS THE TRILLIONAIRE'S HEIR AN UNKNOWN STALKER
Ellis smiled as he looked across the cafe table at Zoey. They were out on one of their numerous beautiful dates. Her eyes were bright with laughter as she recounted an amusing story from her day at work. He loved the way her cheeks flushed when she got animated talking about something she was passionate about. As Zoey paused to take a sip of her latte, Ellis quickly opened his phone and took a photo of her. She made a face at him as she caught him in the act, but he just grinned wider. He loved capturing little moments like this with her, freezing beautiful instants in time.He turned his phone around and showed it to Zoey. She smiled and shook her head at his cheesiness, but he could see she was charmed. Little did they know, someone else's eyes were also on them. Somewhere among the other tables, a figure sat alone, the glow from their computer screen casting an eerie light over their features. The person was pretending to type meanwhile there was a small camera attached to the sys
CHOSEN AS THE TRILLIONAIRE'S HEIR FOLLOWED TO THE THEATER
The stalker watched in silence as Ellis got in his car and drove off toward what the stalker could guess was Zoey's apartment where the couple spent most evenings together. Leaving a discreet distance between Ellis, the watcher followed for a while and when the direction was confirmed, the person stopped following them, and took a detour to avoid being seen.Ellis and Zoey ended up going to watch a movie. Ellis rented out a private theater so they could enjoy it alone. The cinema was one of the few in the city that had private viewing rooms like these made mostly for couples, or just those who wanted privacy. It was a quiet evening after a long workweek for both of them. Zoey had her head resting on Ellis's chest, his arms wrapped around her. Though the film was an action movie Ellis had been wanting to see, he found his attention kept drifting away from the explosive scenes on the screen. He was acutely aware of the rhythm of Zoey's breathing, her warm weight against him, and the fa
CHOSEN AS THE TRILLIONAIRE'S HEIR A BAD DECISION
Ellis was about to use his cultivation skills to detect if there was anybody's aura around there, when a wait staff of the theater came in to offer them some drinks and snacks. Ellis and Zoey immediately assumed that the creak she had heard was from the movement of the wait staff coming close to their door. The watcher let out the shallowest of breaths, their body still poised statue-still. They could have kicked themselves for their carelessness. They got too close, too reckless in their desire to observe. If Ellis and Zoey had actually discovered the watcher there, well, the consequences could have been catastrophic, derailing everything. No, in the future they would have to be even more cautious and circumspect.The intruder was hidden in the darkness behind the door, and while they were distracted as the server dropped their drinks and snacks, the intruder walked out with their head bent, and a hoodie covering their face. About an hour later, they finished the movie and went home,
CHOSEN AS THE TRILLIONAIRE'S HEIR NEW RULES
Unable to tear their eyes away from the warm, inviting scene inside, the watcher reached for the door handle without consciously deciding to go through with it. But at the last second, a small shred of self-restraint stopped their hand. They realized how insane it would be to actually intrude on Ellis and Zoey's lives in such a reckless way, with neither a plan nor rationale to justify it.The watcher's mind raced, senses suddenly hyper-alert to the sounds and movements around them on the sidewalk. What if someone noticed them lingering here staring through the window like a deranged stalker? The thought of being seen, having to explain themselves, flooded the watcher with panicked adrenaline.With a harsh indrawn breath, they backed away from the bar's entrance and turned to melt into the crowd heading down the street. The fantasy of upending the watcher's twisted little world had nearly overwhelmed their rational judgment, but they managed to pull back from that brink. At least for
CHOSEN AS THE TRILLIONAIRE'S HEIR EMILY RETURNS
The rumble of an approaching bus jolted Emily out of her self-made vigil. Disappointment pricked at her. Zoey was usually here earlier. She adjusted the strap of her purse, the worn leather cool against her clammy hand. Doubt gnawed at her. Maybe doing this was a bad idea. But the memory of Zoey's radiant face, the joy in her eyes when she spoke of Ellis, fueled Emily's resolve. She wouldn't let Zoey enjoy all that when she was here.A sleek black car, not the familiar bus, rounded the corner and slowed to a stop next to Emily. Emily felt a jolt of panic go through her as she recognized Zoey peering out the passenger window. Panic clawed at her throat. She had not planned for this conversation to be done outside. But the lie, carefully constructed over weeks, sitting heavily on her tongue, demanding release. Emily had found out where Zoey usually came to this particular shop to have breakfast most days, or to order breakfast to go when she was late for work. This was the only chance s
Latest Chapter
THE FINALE
The bell above the door jingled merrily as Ellis pushed it open, cradling his newborn son Derek in his arms. Zoey watched them both, her face glowing with joy and fatigue after the difficult labor. After the tumultuous path that had led him here - the battles with rivals, the crushing workload, the periods of self-doubt - he had truly found peace at last. His company was thriving, his beautiful wife was by his side, and now they had brought new life into the world. As he gazed down at Derek's tiny, scrunched-up face, Ellis felt a surge of fierce, protective love unlike anything he had experienced before. "Welcome, little man," Ellis murmured, leaning down to kiss his son's head. The click of stiletto heels on hardwood announced the arrival of Amelia, Ellis's indispensable executive assistant. Her usual brisk demeanor melted into a warm smile as she caught sight of the family. "Congratulations, you two," she said, placing a gentle hand on Derek's back. "He's absolutely precious." Zo
FORGIVEN
Emily nodded, finally finding her voice after reining in her tears. "Thank you, truly. I don't even know what to say beyond how grateful I am that you're both willing to start taking steps toward forgiveness," She paused, swallowing hard against the lump in her throat."I hurt you both in such an unfair, selfish way and I'll regret that forever. You didn't deserve that at all," Emily went on, her eyes glistening with sincerity. "But I hope I can show you both through my sustained actions and personal growth that I'm not that toxic, jealous person anymore who let obsession cloud my judgment so severely."Zoey gave her a sad smile, her eyes still holding remnants of past hurt. "It's going to take time, Emily. A lot of time. You have to understand how profoundly your lies and manipulation destabilized my relationship with Ellis.""I know," Emily replied solemnly. "And I don't expect your forgiveness or renewed trust to come easily at all. I'll need to prove myself over and over again. I'
A STEP FORWARD
As she drove away, Emily couldn't help but let the tears flow freely. She cried for the hurt she had caused and the potential permanent damage she may have done to their relationship. She cried at the thought of Ellis's disappointed look when he realized she had tried to take advantage of him and his vulnerability during his close breakup with Zoey. And she cried over the self-loathing and remorse she felt for letting herself become such an ugly, selfish person for a period of time due to her unhealthy jealousy.Deep down, Emily realized she may have permanently burned the bridge of friendship with Ellis and her based on her actions. While she desperately hoped she could prove herself changing through therapy and personal growth, the possibility that their close bond of trust could never be salvaged was very real. And she would have to live with that heavy burden knowing she had brought it all upon herself. Over the next several weeks, the silence and distance from Ellis and Zoey was
SHE SEEKS FORGIVENESS
Emily paced back and forth nervously in her living room. Tomorrow was Ellis and Zoey's first anniversary and she had finally decided it was time to come clean and apologize for the lies and manipulation she had put them through around the time of their dating some time ago. She knew that they may not listen to her, but she had found love with someone, and she was trying to turn a new leaf for him. She wanted him to see that she was serious about changing her spiteful character, and hoped to show her love for him that way. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. This was the right thing to do, regardless of how awkward or uncomfortable it might be. Ellis and Zoey deserved the truth and a sincere apology from her after everything that had happened.Emily thought back to how it had all started over a year earlier. She had been harboring feelings for Ellis, long before he had started dating Zoey. But thinkingback, she knew that she never truly loved Ellis. She had just been aft
DEFEATED THE EVIL
Meanwhile, in Ellis’ mind, he was in a chamber he didn’t recognise, standing alone. He looked around but he couldn’t find a way out of the place. There were no walls, no windows, no lower basement entrance. He tried touching the walls to see if there was a secret passage, but nothing happened. He called out several times, but got no response. He didn’t know what to do, and though he vaguely knew that it was a dream, he still felt a little weird, like it was actually happening. After several failed attempts to escape the weird chamber, he sat on the floor and began to meditate.He tried to reach for his aura deep within him, to see if it could somehow lead him out of there. He could feel the Qi, but it was not obeying his command. It was like it was locked down somehow. But he didn’t give up, he remained in a meditative pose, and calmed himself down till his heart rate slowed considerably. While in that state, he heard a voice. “Congratulations, you passed the test. I made the right c
HONEYMOON
For their honeymoon, Zoey was ecstatic when Ellis took her to the Maldives. She had always wanted to visit there. And not just that, Ellis had also purchased a private island in Zoey’s name, so she could always come there at any time. He planned to have a beach villa built there later so they could use it as a vacation spot, but for the time being, just a log cabin had been erected. The log cabin had modern amenities, like a hot tub, kitchen with up to date appliances, running water, a standby generator, etc. But it also had rustic features like a real fireplace with a chimney, an outdoor grill pit, a cleared out campsite, and a small lake instead of a swimming pool.The place was beautiful. They spent their first night there in bed all day, then they slept till afternoon. After waking, their meal had already been prepared by the local chef Ellis had hired. He didn’t want Zoey stressed out during the honeymoon, she would only cook if she chose to. Hehad so many activities planned for
WEDDING
As the months ticked by, everything slowly started falling into place. Zoey's dress was altered to perfection. The venue was booked and the menu tasting was complete — they selected a seasonal tasting menu with locally-sourced ingredients. The cake was a delicious vanilla sponge with tart lemon curd filling and a Swiss meringue buttercream frosting. One of Zoey's favorite touches was Gemma's idea to have a "coffee bar" at the reception with gourmet coffee drinks, flavored syrups and delicious accompaniments like biscotti and cannoli. She knew their guests would appreciate a delicious caffeinated pick-me-up after dancing the night away.In the last few weeks leading up to the wedding, Zoey was a bundle of nervous excitement. She tried her best to get enough rest and stay hydrated, knowing she needed to be in top form for the biggest day of her life. Ellis, on the other hand, seemed to take everything in stride. His calm, steady presence was invaluable for keeping Zoey grounded when she
PROPOSAL
Ellis took a deep breath as he looked across the candlelit table at Zoey. Her eyes sparkled in the flickering light and her dark hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders. After so much time together, he knew this was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He reached across the table and took her hand in his. "Zoey, we've been through so much together these past several months. You've supported me every step of the way as I took on the challenging role of CEO at Royale Company. You're my partner, my best friend, my everything. I know some people may find it too soon, or some may say that you’re after my money. But I know in my heart that what we have is real. " He paused, his heart pounding in his chest as he got on one knee, and brought out a custom made diamond ring that cost a hundred million dollars. Zoey gasped. "I don't want to imagine my life without you by my side. Zoey, will you marry me?"Zoey's eyes went wide and she brought her hands up to cover her mou
IN JAIL
George, for his part, saw his gilded life come crashing down in what felt like an incomprehensible nightmare. Gone were the bravado, the vainglorious sense of entitlement, the belief that he could indulge in whatever impulse struck him without consequence. His charmed existence had been brutally ripped away, replaced by the sullen, emasculating confines of a jail cell and the prospect of an incarceration looming ahead. Just like his brother, Marcus. Stripped of his identity, his wealth, and the support system that enabled his wanton ways, all George was left with was to reckon with his shattered sense of self. None of his party friends even visited, or tried to help him. He thought they would have his back, but now his eyes had cleared.His thoughts often drifted to Lisa, the wife whose unconditional love he had so wantonly discarded in pursuit of shallow gratification. Was it truly worth sacrificing everything — his marriage, his family, his father's pride and the staggering family f