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2024-10-29 19:42:56Philippe and I had a sense of understanding after he told me about his past. For the first time, I felt as if I understood the events that shaped this strange man. Despite everything he had put me through with his plans, a new empathy formed within me. Philippe was not the manipulator I had thought he was. Underneath was a wounded soul waiting for a connection, similar to me.
I took a long sip from my mug, enjoying the rich flavor. The future stayed uncertain, yet relationships had grown here Philippe looked more approachable.
Across from me, he carefully put his cup. "Tell me, Adam, how have you been adjusting to your lessons abroad? No doubt the program offers unique challenges."
I nodded thoughtfully. "Challenging, but great preparation for university next year. My scientific studies, particularly, en
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Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson CHAPTER 22
As I walked through the top academy's mirrored hallways, I kept my eyes forward and my back straight. There were whispers and smirks following my every move, though, no matter how much confidence I put on.The story of how badly Jean beat me had spread like wildfire. I went from being a cocky new student to a weak pretender in an instant, making everyone laugh. Their rude looks and comments made me feel like taking off my mask was the only way to protect myself.Stress could not be stopped during the boring school days without sheer grit. But when I was by myself at night, I felt terrible shame and anger. I had to do something to get back the respect and honor I had lost. Giving in to their disdain was not acceptable.One late night, when I was bored and pacing my fancy room in anger, I had an idea. Physical strength could demand respect where mere position failed. And I knew just who to ask for hardcore training - Egon, the aggressive brute who had
Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson CHAPTER 23
Over the next few days, fighting became my single focus as I trained intensely for a rematch against Egon. I barely glanced at my old phone, ignoring Philippe's check-ins about Gram's health as well as his vague texts. I also strongly ignored Agatha's questions when I constantly went to train. My sessions with Egon entered a stage where I drove myself past the point of exhaustion each time. Nothing felt hard enough - I added punishing cardio and agility drills outside of our planned strength training. My body rebelled with aches and fatigue, but I pushed even further. Redemption against Egon occupied my every waking thought. I had to be better prepared this time and show that our first bout was a fluke. Only a total win in a rematch would satisfy the competitive flame I had stoked within myself.My body had become a weapon forged from pure desperation, the soul within consumed by a single driving purpose - to force the respect of others through dominance. Pride and rage-fueled me lon
Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson CHAPTER 24
Despite my dramatic exit from the karate studio, I found myself drawn back a few days later. As much as I hated admitting it, getting some sort of training was better than moping around doing nothing. And with Egon as the instructor, I knew the class wouldn't involve silly kid stuff. I slipped in just as the evening session was starting, avoiding eye contact with Egon up front. The rest of the students gave me curious looks but said nothing as I took an open spot at the back. Egon raised an eyebrow when he noticed me but made no comment. "Let's begin," he simply said, before leading the class through an intense warm-up routine. I pushed myself to keep up with the others, not wanting to show weakness. The lesson covered basic punching and blocking techniques. I focused on copying the moves precisely, forgetting my surroundings. The repetitive motions were oddly soothing.Afterward, I lingered while the other students filtered out. Egon walked over, arms crossed. "You planning on ma
Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson CHAPTER 25
Back at the sleek modern apartment, I wearily dumped my gym bag by the polished door and kicked off my shoes. The glow of electronic screens and downtown lights streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the dark valley below. I headed straight for the gleaming kitchen, fishing a sports drink from the fully-stocked stainless steel fridge. Gulping it down, I allowed the cold liquid to rehydrate my drained body. Intense karate training always left me ravenous.Rummaging through cupboards produced a stash of protein bars. I eagerly tore one open and took a huge bite, ignoring manners. I had built lean muscle over weeks of exercise, but my appetite seemed bottomless now. Leaning against the black granite counters, I quickly wolfed down another bar, the sweetness hitting my starved taste buds perfectly. A third fruity bar swiftly followed. Only after devouring half the box did I finally feel sated enough to slow my intake.Wiping sticky hands on my sweatpants, I headed to my l
Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson CHAPTER 26
The next morning I came carefully from my suite, unsure what to expect after last night's tense standoff with Agatha. Part of me wondered if she had already left in anger at my defiance.But the smell of fresh coffee drew me toward the kitchen. There I found Agatha sitting casually at the counter, scanning news headlines on her tablet as if nothing were wrong.She glanced up as I entered, one perfect eyebrow raised. "There are fresh croissants if you'd like some," she said kindly as if we were merely polite roommates.I paused, caught off guard by the way she behaved after our fight just last night. Agatha's composure gave no hints, and I fought to get straight."Uh, sure thanks," I managed, moving slowly to the counter piled high with flaky golden cakes. My hunger defeated nervousness as I snagged one and took a bite. Still warm, and delicious.Agatha smiled smugly over her coffee cup at my obvious pleasure. "I had them brought from the best bakery in the city. Only the best, of cour
Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson CHAPTER 27
Keeping distance proved impossible in the sleek apartment. Dominic remained a constant energetic presence over the next few days, telling me colorful stories whenever we crossed paths, despite my obvious lack of interestI would give nice smiles while walking away as soon as possible. Yet Dominic seemed totally unfazed by my reserved attitude, only calling for me to join next time. Agatha watched these conversations with subtle enjoyment that set me on edge.At night I lay awake listening to their muffled words through the wall, unable to escape the sense I was the butt of some unspoken joke between the two. Dominic's deep booming laugh particularly irritated me.On the third night, my patience ran out. I sat on the couch trying to distract myself with a school book, even though the words blurred without meaning.Heavy footsteps announced Dominic's approach before his hulking body suddenly filled the space beside me. I flinched involuntarily at the closeness. He gave no sign of notici
Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson CHAPTER 28
The next evening I sat pretending to watch TV, muscles wound tight as a spring. Dominic had gone out to some dinner commitment blessedly solo, leaving me momentarily unbothered.Agatha got into the living room and casually muted the noise before resting on the sofa's armrest. I braced for her latest plan, but she simply studied me in silence instead, absently twirling a lock of my hair.After an endless tense moment, she spoke up calmly. "You know, jealousy really doesn't suit you." I raised my head. "What? I'm not jealous," I remarked unconvincingly. My ears burned under her stare.Agatha just smiled. "Please, I see the way you look miserable lately. Afraid you're no longer the center of my attention?" She asked the question lightly, but her eyes were piercing.I chose my answer carefully. "I just don't care for whatever weird game you two are playing with me, that's all." She tilted her head. "Game? I promise you, Dominic and I are very in love. Isn't it only normal to show affect
Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson CHAPTER 29
The rhythmic thump of the punching bag soothed my frantic mind. Sweat stung my eyes, a welcome distraction from the constant performance that was my life. Focused silence calmed my constant anxiety. Straightforward punches and kicks were a comfort - no tricks, just sweat and discipline. For a few hours, I forgot the daily charade.But pretending around Egon returned quickly. "Hey Paul," he'd call out casually, breaking my normalcy.Paul. Each time he said it, my nerves throbbed. Patience vanished, though I knew Egon didn't get it. I wanted to scream - I wasn't Paul, never would be. Just an unknown imposter trapped in this torture."Where's the fire, huh? You've been going at it like you're about to fight Tyson himself." Egon chuckled, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me."Just blowing off some steam," I mumbled, trying to maintain the facade. But the pressure was building. every forced interaction felt like another brick added to the wall of lies that threatened to crush me."Tha
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- Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson
CHAPTER 31
I stared up at the ceiling, How long had it been now since that fateful Christmas dinner where this whole charade began? Four months? Five? The days and weeks had blurred together into a hazy torrent of deception and performance. Back then, posing as the unconscious Paul for a single evening had seemed like an adventure - a crazy but harmless way to earn some quick cash. Just one night of playacting among strangers, and then back to sweet normalcy. I never imagined how catastrophically wrong things could go. How that single impulsive decision would warp my life into a waking nightmare.Now here I was, trapped indefinitely in the role of an entitled aristocrat halfway across the world. Forced every moment to speak, walk, and think as Paul Auclair. My own identity buried so deep even I struggled to find it in the rare quiet moments like this. I wondered sometimes how the real Paul was faring lost in the darkness of his own mind. Did some part of him sense my clumsy attempts to imper
- Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson
CHAPTER 30
When Agatha finally paused for breath, I looked up. "I won't do it anymore," I stated bluntly, the words surprising me with their calm finality.Agatha blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Won't do what, darling?" I met her gaze with new steadiness. "Pretend to be Paul. Lie to Dominic, to everyone. I'm done." The decision filled me with courage. For the first time in ages, I felt free.Agatha stared, then burst into laughter. "Done? You foolish boy, as if you have any say in the matter." Her voice hardened. "You will do exactly as I tell you."I shook my head calmly. "No. Find someone else for your schemes. I'm leaving." I spoke simply, but certainty resonated through me. Agatha's eyes narrowed sharply. "Let's make one thing clear - you have no say in this arrangement.” she said, “Your only role is to obey." I shook my head, weariness giving way to anger. "No, I'm done with your stupid games. Find some other lackey."Agatha stepped closer. "You ignorant fool. Do you really think
- Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson
CHAPTER 29
The rhythmic thump of the punching bag soothed my frantic mind. Sweat stung my eyes, a welcome distraction from the constant performance that was my life. Focused silence calmed my constant anxiety. Straightforward punches and kicks were a comfort - no tricks, just sweat and discipline. For a few hours, I forgot the daily charade.But pretending around Egon returned quickly. "Hey Paul," he'd call out casually, breaking my normalcy.Paul. Each time he said it, my nerves throbbed. Patience vanished, though I knew Egon didn't get it. I wanted to scream - I wasn't Paul, never would be. Just an unknown imposter trapped in this torture."Where's the fire, huh? You've been going at it like you're about to fight Tyson himself." Egon chuckled, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me."Just blowing off some steam," I mumbled, trying to maintain the facade. But the pressure was building. every forced interaction felt like another brick added to the wall of lies that threatened to crush me."Tha
- Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson
CHAPTER 28
The next evening I sat pretending to watch TV, muscles wound tight as a spring. Dominic had gone out to some dinner commitment blessedly solo, leaving me momentarily unbothered.Agatha got into the living room and casually muted the noise before resting on the sofa's armrest. I braced for her latest plan, but she simply studied me in silence instead, absently twirling a lock of my hair.After an endless tense moment, she spoke up calmly. "You know, jealousy really doesn't suit you." I raised my head. "What? I'm not jealous," I remarked unconvincingly. My ears burned under her stare.Agatha just smiled. "Please, I see the way you look miserable lately. Afraid you're no longer the center of my attention?" She asked the question lightly, but her eyes were piercing.I chose my answer carefully. "I just don't care for whatever weird game you two are playing with me, that's all." She tilted her head. "Game? I promise you, Dominic and I are very in love. Isn't it only normal to show affect
- Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson
CHAPTER 27
Keeping distance proved impossible in the sleek apartment. Dominic remained a constant energetic presence over the next few days, telling me colorful stories whenever we crossed paths, despite my obvious lack of interestI would give nice smiles while walking away as soon as possible. Yet Dominic seemed totally unfazed by my reserved attitude, only calling for me to join next time. Agatha watched these conversations with subtle enjoyment that set me on edge.At night I lay awake listening to their muffled words through the wall, unable to escape the sense I was the butt of some unspoken joke between the two. Dominic's deep booming laugh particularly irritated me.On the third night, my patience ran out. I sat on the couch trying to distract myself with a school book, even though the words blurred without meaning.Heavy footsteps announced Dominic's approach before his hulking body suddenly filled the space beside me. I flinched involuntarily at the closeness. He gave no sign of notici
- Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson
CHAPTER 26
The next morning I came carefully from my suite, unsure what to expect after last night's tense standoff with Agatha. Part of me wondered if she had already left in anger at my defiance.But the smell of fresh coffee drew me toward the kitchen. There I found Agatha sitting casually at the counter, scanning news headlines on her tablet as if nothing were wrong.She glanced up as I entered, one perfect eyebrow raised. "There are fresh croissants if you'd like some," she said kindly as if we were merely polite roommates.I paused, caught off guard by the way she behaved after our fight just last night. Agatha's composure gave no hints, and I fought to get straight."Uh, sure thanks," I managed, moving slowly to the counter piled high with flaky golden cakes. My hunger defeated nervousness as I snagged one and took a bite. Still warm, and delicious.Agatha smiled smugly over her coffee cup at my obvious pleasure. "I had them brought from the best bakery in the city. Only the best, of cour
- Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson
CHAPTER 25
Back at the sleek modern apartment, I wearily dumped my gym bag by the polished door and kicked off my shoes. The glow of electronic screens and downtown lights streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the dark valley below. I headed straight for the gleaming kitchen, fishing a sports drink from the fully-stocked stainless steel fridge. Gulping it down, I allowed the cold liquid to rehydrate my drained body. Intense karate training always left me ravenous.Rummaging through cupboards produced a stash of protein bars. I eagerly tore one open and took a huge bite, ignoring manners. I had built lean muscle over weeks of exercise, but my appetite seemed bottomless now. Leaning against the black granite counters, I quickly wolfed down another bar, the sweetness hitting my starved taste buds perfectly. A third fruity bar swiftly followed. Only after devouring half the box did I finally feel sated enough to slow my intake.Wiping sticky hands on my sweatpants, I headed to my l
- Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson
CHAPTER 24
Despite my dramatic exit from the karate studio, I found myself drawn back a few days later. As much as I hated admitting it, getting some sort of training was better than moping around doing nothing. And with Egon as the instructor, I knew the class wouldn't involve silly kid stuff. I slipped in just as the evening session was starting, avoiding eye contact with Egon up front. The rest of the students gave me curious looks but said nothing as I took an open spot at the back. Egon raised an eyebrow when he noticed me but made no comment. "Let's begin," he simply said, before leading the class through an intense warm-up routine. I pushed myself to keep up with the others, not wanting to show weakness. The lesson covered basic punching and blocking techniques. I focused on copying the moves precisely, forgetting my surroundings. The repetitive motions were oddly soothing.Afterward, I lingered while the other students filtered out. Egon walked over, arms crossed. "You planning on ma
- Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson
CHAPTER 23
Over the next few days, fighting became my single focus as I trained intensely for a rematch against Egon. I barely glanced at my old phone, ignoring Philippe's check-ins about Gram's health as well as his vague texts. I also strongly ignored Agatha's questions when I constantly went to train. My sessions with Egon entered a stage where I drove myself past the point of exhaustion each time. Nothing felt hard enough - I added punishing cardio and agility drills outside of our planned strength training. My body rebelled with aches and fatigue, but I pushed even further. Redemption against Egon occupied my every waking thought. I had to be better prepared this time and show that our first bout was a fluke. Only a total win in a rematch would satisfy the competitive flame I had stoked within myself.My body had become a weapon forged from pure desperation, the soul within consumed by a single driving purpose - to force the respect of others through dominance. Pride and rage-fueled me lon
