The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 185

Aveline

Sunlight filtering through unfamiliar curtains was my first clue that I wasn't in my own bed. The second was the warm, masculine scent enveloping me, and the third was the solid presence beside me that definitely wasn't my usual collection of pillows.

*Oh God. Last night.*

The memories came flooding back in vivid detail—the wine, the moonlight, my complete abandonment of every rational thought I'd ever had. The way I'd practically thrown myself at Orion, the things I'd said, the way I'd...

I buried my face in the pillow, feeling heat creep up my neck. What had possessed me to be so aggressive, so demanding? And how had he managed to keep up with my apparently insatiable appetite for... everything?

But as I lay there in the early morning quiet, I realized something that should have terrified me but didn't: I wasn't panicking about waking up next to him. Instead, there was this warm, contented feeling spreading through my chest, like puzzle pieces finally clicking into place.

I turned carefully to look at Orion, still deep in sleep. His face was relaxed, younger somehow without the intensity he usually carried. His dark hair was thoroughly disheveled—my fault, I remembered with another flush of embarrassment—and there was something almost vulnerable about the way he'd burrowed into the pillow.

*He was incredible last night,* I thought, unable to suppress a smile. *He definitely earned some extra sleep.*

That's when I noticed the marks on his neck—clear evidence of my complete loss of control. I must have been... enthusiastic... during particularly intense moments. The sight of those bite marks made my face burn with mortification.

*I need to get out of here before he wakes up and starts teasing me about my wild woman routine.*

I slipped out of bed as quietly as possible, gathering my scattered clothes. Each piece brought back another memory that made me want to hide under a rock. But as I dressed, I caught sight of my reflection in his mirror and paused. I looked... different. There was something in my eyes that hadn't been there before, a confidence that felt new and powerful.

I had a company to run. A legacy to rebuild. A completely different life waiting for me.

But before I could start that new chapter, I needed to properly close the old one.

As I reached the bedroom door, something made me pause. I looked back at Orion, still sleeping peacefully, and felt an overwhelming wave of tenderness. Without thinking, I crept back to the bed and pressed the softest kiss to his cheek, breathing in his scent one more time before forcing myself to leave.

An hour later, I was sitting across from Diana Foster, placing my formal resignation letter on her pristine desk. Diana had been the director of Riverside Academy for fifteen years, and her silver hair and wire-rimmed glasses gave her the air of someone who'd seen everything the world of early childhood education had to offer.

"Aveline, this is completely unexpected," Diana said, scanning the letter with obvious dismay. "You're one of our most gifted teachers. The children adore you, and honestly, you've made such a difference with little Ryan Blackwell—"

"Thank you," I interrupted gently. "Diana, I can't express how grateful I am for the opportunity you gave me here. But there's been a significant development in my family situation. I need to take over operations of my family's business."

Diana leaned back in her chair, processing this information. "Family business? I had no idea you came from an entrepreneurial background."

"It's complicated. But I simply can't manage both responsibilities effectively." I met her eyes directly. "I want to ensure a smooth transition for my students, of course."

"While I'm devastated to lose you," Diana said finally, "I have to respect your commitment to family responsibility. You're handling this with remarkable grace."

After finishing the paperwork with Diana, I headed to the teachers' lounge to collect my personal belongings. The moment I walked in, I could feel the shift in atmosphere.

Conversations stopped, heads turned, and I could practically taste the anticipation in the air.

Olivia Barlowe was holding court near the coffee machine, her perfectly styled blonde hair catching the fluorescent lights.

"Well, well," Olivia said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Look who's decided to grace us with her presence one last time."

Sarah and Linda flanked her like eager backup singers, their expressions bright with the anticipation of witnessing my downfall.

I continued packing my personal items—a coffee mug, some professional books, a small plant—while they circled closer.

"So sudden," Sarah said with theatrical sympathy. "Though I suppose we all saw this coming."

"Did we?" I asked mildly, not looking up from wrapping my mug.

"Oh, come now, Aveline," Linda said with barely concealed glee. "We're all adults here. Everyone knew about your... situation... with that Blackwell man. And when men like that get bored..."

"They move on to fresher entertainment," Olivia finished with satisfaction. "I'm just surprised it took this long. Though I suppose having his child in your class gave you certain... advantages."

I carefully placed my wrapped mug in the box and straightened up to face them. I knew exactly what type of people I was dealing with—the kind who fed on others' misfortune and couldn't stand to see anyone rise above their station.

"You know what?" I said, picking up my box with deliberate calm. "I really appreciate your concern for my welfare. It shows such... character."

Olivia's eyes narrowed, sensing that this wasn't going as planned.

"But I think there's been some confusion about my situation." I smiled sweetly. "I'm not leaving because any man lost interest in me. I'm leaving because I've acquired Hartwell Industries and I'll be serving as the company's new CEO."

The silence lasted exactly three seconds before Olivia let out a harsh laugh.

"Oh, how clever of you!" she said, her voice dripping with venom. "You managed to snag yourself a half-dead, worthless piece of garbage company! What a brilliant career move!"

Sarah jumped in eagerly. "I heard about that place—isn't it basically bankrupt? Hasn't made a profit in years?"

"Please," Linda added with a sneer. "You're probably calling yourself 'CEO' of some pathetic little operation worth maybe a few hundred thousand if you're lucky. What's next, 'President' of a lemonade stand?"

"This is just another one of your desperate attempts to make yourself sound important," Olivia continued, her voice getting shriller. "Playing dress-up as a businesswoman when everyone knows you're just—"

"Just what?" I interrupted, my voice sharp enough to cut glass. "Please, Olivia, enlighten me. What exactly do I know I am?"

She faltered for a moment, clearly not expecting me to push back so directly.

"You're right about one thing though," I continued, my tone becoming conversational again. "Hartwell Industries was a half-dead, worthless piece of garbage. Was being the operative phrase." My smile turned predatory. "It won't be anymore. Not under my leadership."