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The Beautiful Billionaire 43
ESTELLE Linden had good taste in gowns. My mind went wondering how many women he dressed up for a party. The white long sleeves floor-length gown had a deep v-cut and thigh-high slit but still looked sophisticated and elegant. He even complemented it with a Serpenti diamond necklace that matched the earrings from a famous jewelry brand. My makeup was light except for my Star statement red lipstick. I wore my hair down in loose curls. I caught him gazing at me from head to toe. Thanks to the Spanx, and even without, my baby bump wasn’t noticeable. I was scared he would notice it when I was naked. “Did I pass your standard, dear sir?” I looked at myself again in the mirror before turning to him. He remained at the door, but judging by the look in his eyes, he seemed satisfied. And did I mention he looked so good in a tux? “You’re stunning. The word stunning doesn’t even fit to describe you tonight.” I took steps close to him, and he took my hand and kissed it. “You clean up pret
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LINDEN Shit! Of all the places, why should I have to run in with my ex here? My brothers knew what she did to me and how it changed my view of relationships. And yet, here I was, trying to play nice to her when she didn’t deserve it. “Babe—” I turned to my right, but Estelle wasn’t beside me anymore. I was supposed to introduce her to Skyla, so my ex would know she didn’t break me, that I had moved on and had a great life. But she was gone. “I should go and find my girlfriend.” “Oh, the brunette? I think I saw her go to the powder room.” She smiled. “See you later, Gabe.” I just nodded before I left her. “Where are you going?” Beck asked me, gripping me around my arm. “I’m checking Estelle.” “In the restroom.” He looked at the sign at the corner. “Yeah. The ladies room, Beck.” I suddenly became irrationally pissed off. “Estelle isn’t there. She went to the entrance. I talked to her for a bit. And what the fuck are you doing talking to that bitch?” “It’s a common courtes
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ESTELLEMy heart was in my throat to find Linden outside my bedroom. Maybe this was how it felt when someone caught you lying or in an awkward compromising position. His eyes went to my hands, tying my robe.Breathless, I asked, “What are you doing here?”“You’re not answering my call. You’re not replying to my messages. What’s going on?”“Call me if you need anything,” Dr. Chesca said.“I will. I’ll walk you out.”“No need, dear. Micah will bring my things to the car.”“Thank you.” I turned to Micah, and she nodded.“Hello, ma’am.” Shit. “I’m Gabe Linden.” He offered his hand.“Hi. I’m Dr. Chesca.” My doctor delightfully shook his hand.“Is Estelle okay?” he asked quickly. His expression changed, filled with worry.“Yeah. I came to check her up. She’s complaining of lower abdominal pain. Nothing a mild analgesic can’t help.”“I’m relieved. Thank you, doctor.” Linden nodded in understanding, but I still saw mixed emotions in his eyes.There was a moment when you wished you could stop
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LINDEN “It is always like this every weekend?” Estelle asked, a little overwhelmed. I stopped in front of the fridge. “When the gangs are around, yeah.” She went to the window of my father’s kitchen with a smile on her face. I took her here this morning since I felt like this was the safest place for her. When I sent a group chat last night, I wasn’t expecting everyone would come. Even Moses was present. I brought another batch of beers to the backyard. Estelle had a tray of desserts. “You shouldn’t let a lady carry, asshole.” “Language.” It was my father scolding Sax. “Sorry, Pops.” He took the tray from Estelle. “I pass for the dessert. I think I had never been stuffed in my life. The brisket was so good. The best I ever had.” Moses complimenting my father made him even blush. “Thank you. It’s a technique made with a good amount of time and attention. Just like a relationship, it needs good nurturing.” I didn’t miss how my father stole a glance in my direction. “I agree. I
The Beautiful Billionaire 47
ESTELLEThe shoot for the upcoming campaign started. We took models of different colors, sizes, races, and gender because I always believed in diversity, that women and trans were beautiful and had a place in this world.I had lunch with Willa, Micah, and my mom during the break. Willa was so friendly and got along with Mom pretty quickly.When we came back to the gallery, they already started for the last part. “Darling, can I borrow my daughter?”“Of course, Mrs. Moore.”“Just Deirdre, darling. I would look too old by Mrs. Moore.” Of course, she was joking.“Where are we going?” I asked as she dragged me out of the gallery.“Once the shoot is done, the staff will return to the office. I really love the new collections. I can already see them sold out.”“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Mom. I wish the launch would go smoothly. I don’t want surprises and disasters. The only surprise I want is how the customers and fans positively react to the products they love.”We entered the we
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LINDEN “What?” Estelle noticed the look in my eyes and the uneasiness in my action. “Will you move in with me?” Well, that was unexpected. I did not want her to stay in my house because of our security issue. My problem with Jasper wouldn’t end soon, but even so, I still wanted Estelle to be in our home, to wake up next to her, to sleep beside her, and see her smile before I closed my eyes. I wasn’t just subtle. “You want me to—” “Move in with me. You know, taking a big step.” I didn’t know why I suddenly felt nervous. What more if I asked her to marry me? I might collapse while proposing. “Oh.” There was that mix of amusement and joy dancing in her eyes that my not-so-subtle invitation had a chance. “I know we’ve been staying under the same roof, but I don’t want you to get the idea that you’re staying with me because of the security problem. No, this time is different. I’m talking about our relationship. And I know we’ve just been—” “Stop.” She pressed a finger on my lips. “St
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ESTELLE I hadn’t heard from Linden in hours, and he didn’t pick up my call. I started to get worried, but I would know if something had changed in his plans. I was still curious about how Hanslo could possibly help him from prison. I may know nothing about how things work in Osmium, but just the tensions and his sleepless nights, I had a feeling what was going on was bigger than Jasper’s missing. I went home to my house quickly when I felt a little more tired than before. “Do you need anything?” Qamar asked. “I’m good, thanks.” “I already booked a movers company. They can have your things in two days.” “Thank you, Micah.” I blew a huge breath as I went to my closet to change from my work clothes. “I feel like I can sleep the whole day.” “Where is she?” I quickly covered myself with my unbuttoned shirt when I heard Linden’s stern voice asking for me. I felt butterflies in my stomach. I couldn’t believe I still felt when we’d been dating for almost three months now. “Why are y
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LINDEN “Wow. You’re gonna be a father?” Willa hugged me so tight. “I can’t wait to be an aunt. And dang, you and Estelle will have cute mini Estelle and Gabe.” “Thanks.” My word— a single lifeless word came out of my mouth since I left Estelle, and it didn’t miss from everyone’s kin ears. “Why so glum, Gabriel Rembrandt?” “What’s wrong, son?” Moses asked. I looked at Moses. “You seem not surprised?” “I’ve known it in a while now.” My eyes narrowed. “And you did not tell me? Why?” “It’s not my secret to tell. And I warned you. Haven’t I told you to stop moping and do something before you regret it? And I even told you your life would drastically change, but having a child didn’t come to your mind.” “You two had a fight,” Quinn said. I called him out from his team because I needed him when I met who had Jasper. “Yeah. I was furious. She was about to marry that piece of—” I still had that shiver every time I remembered Weston. It sickened me. “While she has my child.” The words
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