Loved by Two Billionaires

CHAPTER FIVE: “Into His World”

(Madelyn’s POV)

I should’ve known what I was getting myself into. When you start playing with fire, you don't get the opportunity to complain when it starts to burn.

Liam and I had become... a thing. A very public and glamorous thing. One minute we were just texting each other; the next, I was riding in his Lamborghini, laughing at his jokes.

We had walked into restaurants and public places together. I noticed people whispering behind our shoulders.

It happened so fast. But that was just how Liam liked to do things. He loved it fast, flashy, and expensive.

The first time he took me shopping, I didn’t even have to ask. We were walking through the mall, and I stopped for a second to admire a pair of red stilettos behind the glass. He noticed it and said,

“You like them?”

I shrugged my shoulders and replied.

“They look nice…”

In a span of five minutes, a salesgirl was packing them in a box for me.

I tried to refuse, because that's how this whole thing works. “Liam, that’s not necessary.”

He smiled, holding my hand. “Don’t ruin the fun, Maddie.”

Maddie….

That was the name he gave me. No one else calls me that, and I guess I liked it and hated it at the same time.

He showered me with luxury dresses, jewellery, dinners, and even trips to places I never imagined I’d ever see. To Paris, Dubai, Santorini. I was living the kind of life you only see on TV shows.

It was hard to believe, because every time I looked in the mirror, I saw the truth. I saw who I truly am.

The girl who used to walk to work under the burning sun, counting the pennies in her purse, crying over bills and rent money.

The only difference now was that she wore expensive jewellery and smiled like she belonged, even if she didn't.

Liam thought he was winning me over. But little did he know that I was playing a long game. There were moments when he made me forget that fact.

One night, we were at his beach house, alone. It was just the two of us. There was a bottle of wine, and scented candles lit the room. I could hear the sound of waves crashing outside.

He told me stories about his childhood, about growing up with everything life could offer, but still feeling empty, and about how I had that spark he was yearning for. I listened to him quietly. I felt a little bit guilty now.

“Sometimes,” he said softly, “I just need someone who could see the real me. Instead of the reputation and the money.”

I stared at him then. His jaw tightened as he spoke. I could see a hint of sadness in his eyes.

For a second, I felt like I should come clean. Tell him the entire truth. I also didn’t see the real him, but the opportunities and comfort he brings. I was playing all these games for the money.

But instead, I just smiled at him. “I see you, Liam,” I said, and for some reason, he believed me.

Our relationship had become a part of my routine at this point. I was enjoying the boat cruises, the business dinners, and private jet rides.

I have learnt to blend into his world. The women in it were classy, while the men were arrogant. The smiles were wide, the accents… fluent, but worst of all, they watched each other like hawks.

Liam, in his own way, made sure I never felt out of place. He would hold me close to him in public. He would introduce me to people as his girl. He would whisper compliments to me in a way that other women could hear and feel envious.

One evening, at a gala, an older woman pulled me aside. I didn’t know who she was, but I could tell through her jewellery that she moved with Liam’s family circles.

“Be careful, dear,” she said with a polite smile. “Boys like Liam don’t get married to girls like you. They only play around, and then they move on.”

I laughed it off, but her words struck a nerve.

That night, when Liam dropped me off at my apartment, I didn’t invite him in, and he looked surprised.

“Something wrong?” he asked.

“I’m just tired,” I lied.

He kissed my forehead before leaving. Guilt stabbed me in the gut at that moment.

The next morning, Liam had a bunch of gifts delivered to my apartment. Luxury designer bags, expensive perfumes, beautiful dresses that were still tagged. Apparently, my mood yesterday had him on his toes.

I told myself this was all part of the plan. I wasn’t going to get attached to him. I was just securing my financial comfort and building my freedom. But still, sometimes, I find myself smiling at his texts like an i***t. That alone scared me more than being broke ever did.

Because falling for him would mean losing control. I promised myself I’d never do that again.

This weekend, he took me to his family’s estate for a small gathering. The mansion was the true definition of old money. The chandeliers as tall as trees. The marble floors whispered pure wealth.

He held my hand the entire time, introducing me to people who looked at me like I was a stray cat in a diamond collar. But he didn’t even care. In my opinion, it like he enjoyed the scandal of it all.

Later, as we stood by the balcony overlooking the gardens, he said, “You know these people don’t like you, right?”

“I noticed,” I said in a chilly voice.

He smiled. “Good. That means you’re interesting.”

I laughed and shook my head. “You’re crazy.”

“Yes,” he said, stepping closer to me. “Because you’re the one who drives me crazy.”

His lips met mine before I knew what was happening. For that exact moment, I forgot about everything. The plan and everything, I forgot the act I was putting up.

I pulled away from him quickly, his breath hitched, and he whispered. “Don’t run from me, Maddie...”

I forced myself to smile. “I’m not running.”

But deep down, I knew I would. It was only a matter of time.

That night, as we lay in bed together, I stared at the ceiling. He was fast asleep, and I was listening to his slow, steady breathing. He looked peaceful while sleeping, and innocent to all the chaos he was causing inside my head.

At this moment, I thought I would feel powerful or proud of the fact that I had reeled in a big fish, but instead, I felt trapped.

I felt emptier than ever.

I set those thoughts aside, telling myself I still had more to gain from him. I still have a lot of things to learn from living in his world.

So, I closed my eyes, kissed his shoulder, and whispered a lie into the dark.

“I’m happy.”