I Became the Billionaire's Fake Lover to Get My Revenge
Chapter 31: The Best Gift

Chapter 31: The Best Gift

Anna’s heavy eyelids fluttered open, and she instinctively tried to turn over, only to flinch as a deep, unfamiliar soreness in her lower back sent a sharp jolt through her body. A soft groan of discomfort escaped her lips.

For the first time since waking up in this hospital room, she had actually slept soundly—peacefully, even—free from the relentless nightmares that usually haunted her.

But as the reason for such restful sleep rushed back to her, warmth flooded her cheeks, turning them a deep shade of crimson. Her heart pounded, wild and erratic, like a caged bird suddenly desperate for freedom.

Last night had been... magical. Almost unreal.

But it had happened.

I slept with him... I slept with William Stark.

The realization jolted her upright, and as she moved, a light spring breeze drifted in through the open window, teasing over her bare skin.

Only then did she fully register her nakedness, sending another wave of heat surging through her body. She clutched the blanket, hastily wrapping it around her shoulders.

"You slept quite a lot," William’s voice reached her ears, smooth yet unexpectedly lighthearted. "I was about to leave, but I’m glad you woke up before I could."

Startled, Anna turned to face him, her lips parting, though the words stumbled clumsily on her tongue. "Y-you’re l-leaving?"

William chuckled, his gaze glinting with amusement as he settled down at the foot of the bed. "Why? Do you want us to repeat what we did last night?"

The teasing lilt in his voice sent another surge of warmth to her cheeks. Her pulse roared in her ears.

"N-no!" she stammered again, but then inwardly scolded herself for acting so embarrassingly shy. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to meet his gaze. "I mean... I just didn’t expect you to leave so soon."

William smiled, his fingers tracing slow, soothing circles over her feet beneath the blanket. "I have a few meetings today, so I have to leave. And you," he paused, letting out a quiet groan of frustration, "need to start getting ready as well."

Anna blinked, confusion flickering across her face. "Pardon?" Her brows shot up. "Getting ready for what?"

"Paris, of course," he reminded her, his voice losing its earlier warmth. "Have you already forgotten? Your flight is tonight."

"Oh..."

The realization hit her like a sudden gust of wind. With everything that had happened yesterday, she had completely forgotten about her flight. And now, faced with the reality of it, she could hardly believe that the moment had finally come.

"Anna," William sighed, drawing her attention back to him. His tone had softened, smoothing away the lingering tension in her shoulders. "I know this won’t be easy for you. But it’ll be worth it, I promise. And... since I won’t be able to visit you while you’re away, is there anything you want me to do before you leave? One wish—anything you ask for, I’ll make it happen."

Anna hesitated, uncertainty knotting in her chest. How much more could she possibly ask for? This man had already given her so much—his protection, his status, his wealth, his body... And now, even after all of that, he was still offering her more.

Could she really be that shameless?

Yet, despite the turmoil swirling inside her, two desires flickered through her mind. But after careful contemplation, she settled on the one thing that could never be replaced.

"I..." she started carefully, her thumbs peeling one another again. "There is something I want, but I am not sure if it is possible to get it now."

William’s brows shot up in curiosity. "What is it?"

"It’s something left by my late father... and I really want it back."

***

"Alright, Ms. Dumas," Daniel said as he helped Anna out of the car, his grip steady yet gentle. "Watch your step—the pavement’s still slick from the rain."

Anna nodded, tightening her hold on his arm as he guided her toward the ramp.

This was it. She was about to leave the country, stepping away from everything familiar, only to return as someone entirely different.

Her chest tightened painfully at the distant echo of an overhead announcement, calling for the departure of a flight. Of course, William had arranged a private jet for her—his meticulous planning ensured she wouldn’t have to endure the stress of a crowded airport. And yet, despite the luxury, the unease twisting in her stomach refused to subside.

He hadn’t come to see her off.

He said he was busy. She understood that. But it still stung.

I should have known, Anna thought as Daniel helped her ascend the ramp, each step feeling heavier than the last. The way he held me... the way he made me forget, even for a moment... He knew this would be the last time for a while. And somehow, it felt as if he was making sure I wouldn’t forget him.

She sighed, stepping into the cabin of the private plane. The air inside was slightly stale, carrying the faint scent of polished leather and expensive cologne. It was warmer here, the dull roar of the airport muffled by thick walls, yet still, peace evaded her.

"Ms. Dumas!"

Anna flinched at the sudden, chipper voice.

Violet, the ever-energetic assistant, beamed at her. "You look rather pale! Are you feeling alright?"

Anna shook her head, as if she could physically dislodge the anxiety clawing at her insides. "I’m fine. Just not used to flying."

"Oh, don’t worry," Violet reassured her with a bright smile. "Mr. Stark only hires the most skilled pilots. Rest assured, this will be a smooth and pleasant journey."

She helped Anna settle into her seat, while Daniel let out a small sigh, raking his fingers through his hair. "Well, I guess this is it. Have a safe flight."

"Thank you, Daniel," Anna said warmly, offering him a smile she hoped conveyed her sincerity. "For everything."

His ears turned a faint shade of pink as he tugged at the hem of his jacket with both hands. "Goodness, you make it sound like we’re never going to see each other again. Don’t worry—we’ll meet again soon. Time flies."

"I really hope so," she whispered, the wistfulness in her voice betraying the smile that still lingered on her lips.

Once Daniel left, Violet slid into the seat beside Anna and placed something large and unexpectedly heavy onto her lap. "Here," she said, her tone carrying a note of excitement. "Mr. Stark told me to give you this."

Anna’s fingers brushed over the familiar texture of worn leather, her brows furrowing in curiosity—until realization struck like a bolt of lightning. "Wait... could this be—?"

Violet nodded, a knowing glimmer in her eyes. "Yes. Mr. Stark said he bribed one of the maids to retrieve it from the storage room. He thought you might feel a little better having it back."

A soft gasp left Anna’s lips, her throat tightening with emotion as a brilliant smile stretched across her face. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she clutched the leather folder to her chest, inhaling the aged, comforting scent of something long lost but finally returned.

Thank you, Will. This is the best gift I could have ever received.

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