The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride (Elara and Victor) novel Chapter 18

Hidden Depths

+25 BONUS

Hidden Depths

Elara’s fingers trembled slightly as she dialed Tessa’s number. After everything that had happened, she desperately needed to hear her best friend’s voice. The phone rang twice before Tessa’s familiar, cheerful tone filled the silence.

“Elara! Oh my god, where have you been? I’ve been worried sick!” Tessa’s voice was a mix of relief and concern.

Elara took a deep breath. “Tessa, I’m sorry. So much has happened. I don’t even know where to start.”

“Start from the beginning, honey. I’m all cars,” Tessa encouraged, her voice softening.

Over the next hour, Elara poured out everything–fainting, waking up in Damian’s bed, the confrontation with his mother, and the revelation about Daniel Regars. Tessa listened patiently, only interrupting occasionally to ask for clarification..

“Wow, Elara,” Tessa breathed when Elara finally finished. That’s… a lot to process. Are you okay?”

Elara sighed, sinking back into the pillows. “Honestly? I don’t know. Everything’s happening so fast, and I feel like I’m losing control.”

“Hey, don’t talk like that,” Tessa said firmly. “You’re one of the strongest people I know. You’ve faced worse and come out on top.”

“Have I, though?” Elara asked, her voice small. “I lost my job, Tessa. And now Daniel’s back, threatening everything I’ve worked for.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. When Tessa spoke again, her voice was filled with warmth. “Listen to me, Elara. You’re not alone in this. You’ve got me, and… well, it sounds like you might have Damian, too.”

Elara scoffed. “I think I need to tell you something about Damian,” she said.

“Your husband?” Tessa asked.

“Yes, my husband. Everything between us is based on a contract. A loveless marriage with no strings attached.” She paused before adding, “You know the news about me?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Damian offered me a way out to clear my name in exchange for marrying him so he could secure his grandfather’s inheritance.”

“Oh, my god!” Tessa screamed over the phone. “Are you serious? You mean everything between you and Damian isn’t real?”

“Yes,” Elara replied. She had thought she’d explain everything in person, but telling her on the phone wasn’t so bad either. “He made it clear that everything between us is just for show.”

“You should have told me about this,” Tessa complained. “I thought I was your best friend.”

“I’m sorry. Everything happened so fast.”

“It’s okay. I know him as a cold fellow. I once met him at a party.” She paused. “My father introduced us, but due to his cold attitude, I was forced to back off. He wasn’t the kind of man you should get involved with.”

“It’s just a year–long marriage contract,” Elara whispered softly. “I should be able to put up with his coldness.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you needed me the most,” Tessa said. Elara could sense the guilt in her tone. She knew she must be blaming herself. “I’m such a bad friend.”

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Hidden Depths

“You’re not,” Elara reassured her. “Everything will be over soon.‘

Really?” Tessa asked. “This time, I promise not to let you deal with it alone.”

“Yes,” Elara whispered, wiping away a stray tear. “Tessa, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“That’s what best friends are for,” Tessa said warmly. “Now, about this Daniel situation…”

They spent the next half hour strategizing. Tessa suggested documenting everything, just in case they needed legal evidence later. She also promised to do some digging of her own into Daniel’s recent activities.

As their conversation came to an end, Elara felt a sense of relief wash over her. She wasn’t alone. She had Tessa, and maybe… just maybe, she had Damian too.

T

“Get some rest, Elara,” Tessa said softly. “And remember, you’re stronger than you think. You’ve got this.”

“Thank you. I will.‘

“I’ll be coming over to check on you,” Tessa added. “Send me the address.”

“Okay. I can’t wait to see you, darling.”

“Me too. I can’t wait to hug and kiss you, Elara.”

After saying goodbye, Elara immediately sent the address to her before setting her phone aside and closing her

eyes.

Her mind suddenly flashed back to the kiss, to the gentle way Damian had helped her to bed. She pushed the thoughts away. ‘It doesn’t matter. This is a business arrangement, nothing more,‘ she whispered to herself.

Damian closed the door to his bedroom, leaving Elara behind. His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions as he made his way to his study, where Jack was waiting. He paused outside the door, taking a deep breath to compose himself before entering.

Jack was lounging in one of the leather armchairs, but sat up straighter as Damian walked in. “So,” Jack said, a hint of amusement in his voice, “care to explain what’s going on?”

Damian sighed, pouring himself a glass of scotch before settling into the chair opposite Jack. “It’s complicated,” he muttered, taking a sip of his drink.

“She just told me about Daniel Regars,” Damian began, his jaw clenching at the name. “He was her bully in school, and now he’s the one behind that anonymous post.

Jack’s eyebrows shot up. “Daniel Regars? As in, the Regars family? This is bigger than we thought, Damian.”

“I know,” Damian nodded grimly. “And there’s more. Elara lost her job. That’s why she agreed to this arrangement in the first place.”

Jack whistled low. “Poor girl.” He paused, studying Damian’s face carefully. “But that’s not all that’s bothering you, is it?”

Damian remained silent for a long moment, twirling the scotch in his glass. Finally, he spoke. “I kissed her, Jack.

“What the heck! Really?”

Damian’s gaze met Jack’s. “I felt something. Something I’ve never felt before.”