Heaven or Hell: Loving My Twisted Billionaire novel Chapter 12

Heaven or Hell: Loving My Twisted Billionaire

Chapter 12

Hannah’s POV

Why was she telling me this? Did she want me to find him? The

thought made my heart beat faster, though I couldn’t say why.

I thought about my dream, about the perfect version of Finn who had

loved me since childhood. Then I thought about the real Finn-

damaged, dangerous, but capable of surprising gentleness. The two

images blurred together in my mind, confusing me even more.

“This is just physical attraction,” I whispered to myself. “He’s

handsome. Anyone would react the same way.”

I left the sitting room, telling myself I should return to my room to

process everything Victoria had just told me. Two hundred thousand

dollars would help Peter tremendously, even if I didn’t get pregnant.

But why the sudden generosity? What had changed?

Yet my feet seemed to have a mind of their own, carrying me down the corridor that led toward the garden. Despite my rational thoughts pulling me toward solitude, some magnetic force drew me outside.

I made my way through the mansion’s grand corridors, following the

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path that led to the garden. As I stepped outside, the Sterling estate

garden revealed itself in all its splendor.

Neat hedges cut into a maze filled one side of the garden. Beautiful

stone statues stood among colorful flower beds. Small fountains bubbled quietly, making peaceful water sounds. Flowers of every color grew in tidy rows, filling the air with sweet smells. Everything looked perfect, like a picture from a magazine rather than a real place where

people relaxed.

The garden’s beauty was undeniable, yet somehow it felt too perfect, too controlled – much like the Sterling family itself.

Finding an ornate stone bench partially hidden by a flowering trellis, I sat down and closed my eyes. The gentle warmth of the morning sun on my face offered a moment of peace that contrasted sharply with the tension of the past few days. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to forget why I was here – the contract, Peter’s illness, the money.

I glanced around the vast garden, searching for any sign of Finn, but he was nowhere to be seen. A strange disappointment settled in my chest, surprising me with its intensity. I hadn’t realized how much I’d been looking forward to seeing him again, despite everything.

My phone’s sudden ring shattered the tranquility. The screen displayed Peter’s name, and a knot formed in my stomach.

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“Hello?” I answered, trying to sound casual.

“Hannah, where are you?” Peter’s voice sounded strained, almost

accusatory. “I came by last night and you weren’t home. Dad said you

hadn’t called.”

I hadn’t prepared for this. In my rush to accept Victoria’s offer, I’d

forgotten to create a cover story for my absence.

“I’m… I’m taking a small trip with some friends,” I lied, hating how

easily the falsehood came to my lips. “Just for a few days. I needed a

break.”

“Oh, I understand. You’ve been working so hard, taking care of Dad

and me.” He coughed weakly, the sound making my heart clench

despite everything. “I’m sorry to be such a burden. This useless body

of mine only brings trouble to others.”

“Don’t say that, Peter. You’re not a burden,” I said automatically, guilt

washing over me. “I’m working on getting the money for your

treatment. I promise.”

“Really?” His voice perked up immediately. “How? Did you find

something from your family’s estate?”

The question struck me as odd, especially given how many times I’d

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told him everything was gone. “No, nothing like that. Just… a

temporary job opportunity.”

“Where are you exactly?” he pressed. “Who are you with?”

Before I could answer, I sensed movement behind me. Turning

around, I saw Finn standing several yards away. My breath caught in

my throat. Unlike yesterday by the pool, he wasn’t using his cane,

though his movements were careful and deliberate. Dark sunglasses

hid his eyes, his expression unreadable. Despite his blindness, there

was nothing helpless about him – he radiated power and control.

“I have to go,” I told Peter quickly. “My friend just arrived. I’ll call you

later.”

I ended the call and watched as Finn moved toward me with uncanny

precision, following the sound of my voice. His tall figure cut an impressive silhouette against the vibrant garden backdrop, his stride

purposeful despite his careful pace.

“Is this all for him?” Finn asked without preamble, his voice cutting

through the garden’s serenity. “It’s all to save him?”

I felt the blood drain from my face. “You heard.”

Finn stopped a few feet away from me. “Is he the one who told you to

Chapter 12

do this?”

“No!” I stood up quickly. “Peter doesn’t know anything about this. He

just thinks I’m away with friends.”

“But you’re doing this for him.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yes,” I admitted. “His father took me in when I had nothing. He gave

me a home, helped me find a job. Peter needs specialized treatment

in Boston, and it costs more money than they have.”

“So you volunteered to be his girlfriend, too?” Finn’s voice was

dangerously quiet.

“I didn’t agree to that,” I explained. “He asked me, but I couldn’t say

yes. That’s why I feel guilty. I can’t give him what he wants, but I can

try to help save his life.”

Finn let out a derisive snort.

“What’s so funny?” I asked, suddenly feeling like I was missing

something crucial.

“I’m laughing at how stupid you are, helping someone count the

money after they’ve sold you out.”

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“What?” I blinked in confusion. “Peter wouldn’t–he’s not like that.”

“If you were dying,” Finn pressed, his voice sharp, “would you drag

someone you cared about down with you? Make them be your

boyfriend?”

I opened my mouth to respond, but found I couldn’t. The question

hung in the air between us.

“So you won’t be his girlfriend, but you’ll have sex with a stranger for

money?” Finn’s tone was clinical, almost curious.

I swallowed hard. “Being with Peter would be a lie. This–with you–is

a transaction. It’s honest, at least.”

Finn’s mouth curved into a cold smile that sent shivers down my

spine. “A transaction. Is that what it is?”

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Heaven or Hell: Loving My Twisted Billionaire

Chapter 13