Chapter 3

3.

“What about any theme park? Universal Studios?”

He shook his head again.

“Oh my god!” she exclaimed, covering her mouth dramatically. “The billionaire heir to the Thorne empire… has never been to a theme park?” She huffed. “Alright. Looks like I’ll have to be your tour guide today.”

The comments flew across the screen:

“Just Googled him. This isn’t just any billionaire, this is old money Manhattan ??”

“Who stole my rich boyfriend???”

“Forbidden Love: CEO x Influencer? This is a Wattpad novel come to life”

I sneered at the two of them on the screen.

Orion had been involved in his family’s business since his sophomore year of college, as rigid and stern as a puritan. I once invited him to Disney in Orlando.

He simply handed me a lifetime VIP pass. “It’s too noisy. Not our style.”

It wasn’t that he’d never been. He just never wanted to go with me.

I screen-recorded the video, saved it, and closed the app.

Just then, an email notification popped up.

“Nora, your visa has been approved.” It was from Professor Evans.

The sick feeling in my stomach vanished instantly.

“Thank you, Professor. I’ll handle everything on my end.”

The next morning, I was still half-asleep when the mattress dipped beside me.

“Nora.” A warm hand wrapped around my waist.

I smelled his scent―faint sandalwood mixed with a cloyingly sweet women's perfume. Chanel No. 5. It was nauseating.

“You’re awake?” Orion pulled me closer. “It’s me.”

I turned over. There was an obvious red mark on his collarbone, next to a smudge of lipstick he hadn't wiped off.

His body was warm, and his hand started to roam, pushing up the hem of my pajamas.

“Orion.” I frowned, pushing his hand away.

“…Sorry.” He let go, his expression instantly becoming proper again as the lust in his eyes faded. “What do you want for breakfast? French toast?”

“I was up all night writing a paper. I just want to sleep.” I turned my back to him.

“Alright.”

I sighed as I watched him leave the bedroom.

When I woke up again, Orion was gone. He’d left an iMessage:

“Urgent business on the West Coast. Be gone for a few days.”