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Chapter 101
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2025-01-21 22:58:04
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A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 102
MAEI walked out of the bathroom without a towel. I mean, why would I need one? I was alone, or so I thought. The music playing from my speaker filled the room, "Get You" by Daniel Caesar and Kali Uchis. I swayed my hips, humming along to the song, enjoying how peaceful life felt for once. Being naked really made me feel happy and comforting. It felt nice, just being in my own space with no one bothering me.Then I turned around, mid-dance, and froze.There he was.Ethan. Freaking Ethan. Standing there like this was his room, his eyes as wide as mine. My brain short-circuited for a second before it all hit me. I was standing there, completely naked, in front of him. My scream was practically louder than the music playing in the room.“WHAT THE HELL?!” I yelled, scrambling for something, anything, to cover myself. My eyes darted around the room in a panic, looking for a towel, but of course, there wasn’t one. Because why would I have thought to grab one? I did the only thing I could
Last Updated : 2025-01-21A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 1
I was hiding again in the pantry for the third time that day. If mum called me again to ask where I put the soy sauce, I would curl into a ball and disappear. Things were easier before, when dad was still in charge. The restaurant scene was his shmuck anyway, but then he got sick and now we were failing, woefully.My watch flashed, signaling the end of my five-minute hiatus. That was how long I could stay in there without getting bothered. To prove my point, the door handle twisted above my head. When the door did not budge, a voice called out.“Ehh... Mae, is that you? I need to get some flour, we’ve run out.”I sighed, rose from the floor, and unlocked the door. Lisa’s round face came into view. She smiled kindly at me, before hurrying into the pantry. As I walked back to the kitchen, the sound of clanging pots and knives on chop boards grew louder. My mum was yelling at José in Italian again.I was glad I only had to wait tables; a day in the kitchen with my mother would kill me.W
Last Updated : 2024-05-21A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 2
“We don’t have any choice mum. If I can just convince him-““I don’t think YOU should go. I can talk to him man to man.” Miles cut me. I rolled my eyes.“Having three lonely hairs growing out of your chin does not make you a man, Miles.” “I’d like to see you grow them.” he muttered, and I rolled my eyes again.I had spent two days! Two whole freaking days trying to convince mum and Miles that a visit with our new Landlord was due, and an extra day to learn all I could about Mr. Ethan Crowe from the info Miles had grudgingly provided.“I bet most of the shops that have considered going, have been to his office already. I’m going today, okay. No debates, we just have to try, we can’t wait till we get thrown out or have to tell dad about this.” I finished. That was enough to stop their debating.It had been unanimous. There was no need to tell dad about the situation until we were sure there was nothing we could do to stop the destruction of our home and business. I would rather we never
Last Updated : 2024-05-21A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 3
I still wasn’t certain if my eyes were playing a trick on me. It was him, looking at me with contempt. The same haughty pride that was burned in my memory. It occurred to me that I had entered into the wrong office, and now I was going to get kicked out and I would not be meeting Mr. Crowe again. But I recalled telling the secretary that I wanted to meet with Ethan Crowe, why did she check this office then? Was this possibly another inner sanctum reception desk?She apologized profusely and made a feeble attempt to pull me out, but my feet were frozen to the floor. Being regarded under his chilling gaze made me feel excitement and the humiliation he had inspired in me two years ago. It was bizarre how my body remembered every detail like it had only been a few seconds ago. Speak godammit, I urged myself.“I need to speak with Mr. Ethan Crowe. I promise I won’t take much of his time.” My voice came out like I had sand stuck in my throat. I saw an emotion flash through his eyes but it d
Last Updated : 2024-05-21A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 4
The car behind me honked loudly, startling me. I pushed a limb out from the window and waved apologetically before I cornered the street to the restaurant. I still could not believe what I had agreed to. The whole day felt like a bad fever dream, One I wished I could wake up from quickly. Miles noticed me first when I walked in. One look at my face and his face fell. He then dragged into Dad’s office and left me to fetch our mum. I had less than five minutes to get my shit together. I had good news, I should be happy with the news I carried, I should look excited to deliver my news.When my mother walked in looking worried, I had gained some form of comportment. A flurry of Italian left her lips as she flooded me with questions.“It’s okay, mamma.” I told her, soothingly. I gave an account of my journey up to Ethan’s office and finding out there was a younger Ethan on seat, hiding the blush that came to my face when I told her I’d met him before . I sighed in relief when she did not p
Last Updated : 2024-05-21A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 5
We visited Ethan’s family home a week after the contract was signed and tucked away safely. His home was magnificent, it was unbelievable that he had been raised within these very walls.As the butler led my family and I, to where his family waited in the living room. I mentally prepared myself for the task ahead, ignoring my mother’s oohs and aahh’s as we walked. I had four people to deceive; my father, who had insisted on coming even though he needed to be resting, Ethan’s parents and his grandfather. My dad had somewhat accepted that I had been dating Ethan for almost two years with mum’s knowledge, and blessing. I could tell she did not like lying to dad but the situation called for it. Our whole lives were at stake.When we reached the living room, Ethan was the first person I noticed. His hand cradled a glass as he stared intently into the fireplace. My throat dried at the sight of him, he was simply the bestlooking man on earth. Too bad, he was also the most arrogant. His mothe
Last Updated : 2024-05-21A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 6
Dad held his peace until we went through the front door.“This is too much, “ He proclaimed as he marched to the living room, the rest of us following solemnly behind him. We waited in silence as he took his place on his recliner and began struggling with his shoes. Frustrated, He cursed when they remained unyielding. Before Miles could step in, mum was at his side, slipping them off.“A month?! “ He continued, “That is ... absurd -is this what I have been reduced to in my house? My daughter meets a man, dates him in MY restaurant, and I only learn about it a MONTH to her wedding?” his accent came out stronger when he was getting worked up . We needed to makesure he didn’t get more agitated, or a coughing fit would be next.“I didn’t think my relationship with Ethan was serious at first. That’s why I never mentioned it papa.” I looked to my mother for help.“Paolo, you need to calm down. See, this is why I didn’t mention anything about the dating. I know you’ll act like he’s trying t
Last Updated : 2024-06-07A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 7
I was over an hour late. I grabbed a ticket wristband from the main entrance of the theme floral garden, and hurried to the location he’d given me directions to. All around me, beautiful butterflies swarmed, flitting from flower to flower, their colorful wings catching the light from the sun. The garden provided a sense of serenity and comfort. If I knew about this garden when I was vulnerable after my dad’s health issues started, I bet I would have come here, instead of going to the club where I met Ethan. Speak of the devil and there he is, I thought as I meandered through the secluded parts of the Garden. The closer I got to him, the more the sound of activity faded. My heart skipped in my chest when I saw that he was watching me walk towards him. He was focused on every step I took, like he controlled it, I could barely hear the clacking of my shoes above the sound of my heart. He took one last drag of the cigar cradled in between two long dexterous fingers, and moved away from th
Last Updated : 2024-06-09
Latest chapter
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 102
MAEI walked out of the bathroom without a towel. I mean, why would I need one? I was alone, or so I thought. The music playing from my speaker filled the room, "Get You" by Daniel Caesar and Kali Uchis. I swayed my hips, humming along to the song, enjoying how peaceful life felt for once. Being naked really made me feel happy and comforting. It felt nice, just being in my own space with no one bothering me.Then I turned around, mid-dance, and froze.There he was.Ethan. Freaking Ethan. Standing there like this was his room, his eyes as wide as mine. My brain short-circuited for a second before it all hit me. I was standing there, completely naked, in front of him. My scream was practically louder than the music playing in the room.“WHAT THE HELL?!” I yelled, scrambling for something, anything, to cover myself. My eyes darted around the room in a panic, looking for a towel, but of course, there wasn’t one. Because why would I have thought to grab one? I did the only thing I could
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 101
ETHAN I watched Mae storm out of the kitchen, angrily. You could definitely tell by her angry foot steps and the huffing sounds she kept making.She didn’t even glance at me, not once. The coldness in her attitude was enough to make me feel like the worst person alive. It was weird, she also looked cute when she was either angry, sad, frustrated…. She was just cute. But then, I’d messed up big time, yeah, I knew that. But I had my reasons. I needed to talk to Ava alone, and I didn’t want Mae there. It was already hard enough trying to sort out whatever… marriage of ours was. I wasn't sure how I felt anymore. Everything was confusing.And having both of them in the same place? It was like a disaster waiting to happen. Still, Mae’s reaction? It stung more than I wanted to admit. I didn't think she'd be this mad, I thought she'd at least understand that I had a reason.I always had a reason for everything, for getting married to her, for talking to Ava. For everything.Last night was
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 100
MAEThe car ride was already awkward enough without Ava opening her mouth, but of course, she couldn’t keep her little mouth shut. She leaned forward slightly, her voice had a hint of fake concern, more like mock concern.“So, Ethan,” she began, “how have you been holding up after, you know, the photo?” I tensed in my seat, my hands gripping my bag a little too hard. She didn’t even bother looking at me when she said it, like I wasn’t even there. I mean I was cool with her ignoring me but bringing that up was crossing the line. Probably because I suspected she was responsible for releasing the photo.Ethan’s hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel, but his voice was calm when he answered. “I’m fine, Ava. You should probably be asking Mae how she's holding up. She is the one being bombarded by stupid people online.” Her eyes flicked to me in the rearview mirror, and I caught the way she rolled them before quickly looking away. She didn’t say anything after that, though, whi
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 99
MAEThe sound of her voice made my stomach twist. I turned my head, and there she was. Ava, walking toward us in a short red dress so tight I wondered how she was even breathing. It was a hot dress but I wasn't going to ever compliment her.Her dress matched her red heels and her fake smile was plastered across her face like she’d faked her smile countless times. My face twisted into a scowl as I watched her walk towards us, weirdly in slow motion, or maybe it was my eyes.Of all the people we could run into tonight, it had to be her.Ethan noticed her too. He straightened a little in his chair, his expression unreadable. She stopped at our table, her smile somehow widening as she greeted him first, completely ignoring me at first, like I was invisible. “Ethan,” she started, her voice sugary sweet, annoying the fuck out of me. “It’s been so long. How have you been?”I swallowed the urge to roll my eyes. She was acting like I wasn’t even here, which was honestly fine because I didn’t
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 98
MAEI woke up the next morning to the soft light spilling through the curtains. For a moment, I blinked at the ceiling, trying to remember what had happened the night before.My thoughts were still fuzzy when I shuffled into the kitchen, hair tousled, wearing an oversized sweater and socks that didn't stop the cold. I was greeted by the sight of a half naked Ethan already there, leaning casually against the counter with a coffee mug in hand. His dark hair was still damp, and he looked far too put together for this early hour. “Morning,” he said, his voice smooth and weirdly comforting. How can someone look and sound so hot without even trying?“Morning,” I mumbled back, heading straight for the coffee pot. After everything that had happened yesterday, I needed coffee.“Don’t forget, we’ve got our date today.”I froze mid-sip, the coffee suddenly too hot on my tongue. I didn't expect that he'd actually follow his grandfather's advice. He’d said it so casually, as though it was the m
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 97
MAE I hesitated for a second, standing awkwardly by the door, still being stared at by Ethan and his grandfather. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to be here or not. What if Ethan didn't take me with him because he didn't want me to be here?Oh fuck. What if this was like a private thing?Ethan's grandpa, lying back against the pillows, suddenly smiled at me. He looked okay. He didn't look like someone who had collapsed a few minutes ago."Come on in, Mae," he said warmly. He gestured to the chair by his bed. "Come sit. You're not just gonna stand there all day, are you?"I stood frozen for just a moment longer than I'd planned. I glanced over at Ethan, who was sitting by his grandfather.I swallowed hard, trying not to seem as nervous as I felt, then walked over to the chair. Ethan's Grandpa scared me, mostly because of what I'd seen about him online. I mean he was chill but also scary."Thank you," I murmured as I sat down, clasping my hands tightly in my lap. My heart was thudding
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 96
MAEMy fingers trembled as I stared at the email again, the words blurring through the tears falling down my cheeks. This could not be happening.My chest felt tight, like I couldn’t breathe, and my head pounded. Who would do this? How did they even get the contract? My vision blurred, and my knees felt weak and it felt like I'd fall. Oh God.Before I could fully process what I was seeing, Ethan’s hand shot out and snatched my phone from me. “Hey!” I yelled, but my voice came out shaky. I reached for it, but he stepped back, holding it out of my reach. His eyes scanned the screen quickly, his face hardening as he read the email.“Mae…” His voice was soft and then, before I could say anything, he pulled me into his arms and hugged me tightly. I froze for a second, caught off guard, but then the situation hit me again. I sobbed into his shirt, my hands clutching it tightly.“Hey, it’s okay,” he murmured, his voice low. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”“Ethan…” I choked out, my voice muffled
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 95
MAE My eyes flew open. I blinked hard, staring up at the ceiling. The entire room was dark and very quiet.The room was too quiet. And... wait. How did I even get here? The last thing I remembered was sitting on the couch with Ethan while he answered calls, trying to stop the news from spreading.I must have dozed off. But how did I end up in bed? Ethan wouldn’t have carried me. Would he? Maybe he woke me to get to the bedroom but I can't remember because of how sleepy I was.I sat up slowly, the pounding in my head making me wince. The glow of the moon outside the window made me realize it was late, really late.I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, my toes touching the floor lightly. Ugh. My body felt heavy, and my head pounded seriously.Fuck. This is what days without proper sleep and feeding causes. I dragged myself to the bathroom, pausing by the huge mirror above the sink. I turned on the faucet and splashed cold water on my face, hoping it would stop my pounding headache
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 94
MAEEthan’s eyes locked in mine as I entered the living room. He hung up on the other person on the line as I approached. His face was masked with the same unreadable expression, the “business mode” expression. I usually find it hot but at the moment, it made my stomach turn. This wasn't business, but us or what is left of us hanging by a tiny thread.“Mae,” he started. His voice was steady and cautious as though I was a fragile object he didn't know how to handle. I didn't answer immediately. I stood there halfway in the room, between the couch opposite me where he was standing by the side. His hair strands were slightly out of place, a few falling down his forehead almost touching his orbs, his shirt which seemed he had just picked out from the wardrobe without any thoughts, was wrinkled, and his trousers were wrinkled in a way that seemed he had clutched at it out of frustration. Good, at least he wasn't entirely unbothered by all this.I'd be frustrated too. This was supposed to
