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Chapter 17
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2024-06-19 07:06:41Related chapters
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 18
A driver was outside the door early the next morning just as Ethan promised, but so were a few reporters. I don’t know if they were there of their own accord or if Ethan had dropped an anonymous tip. Either way they were outside when I left the house, and they took several photos of me in my red waistcoat and matching pleated skirt before the driver opened the car door. Contrary to Ethan’s believe I had good looking clothes, I had spent the most part of my high school, making outfits I dreamt I could wear to a fashion school.I greeted the driver politely just as I slipped into the back seat. Only when he had turned , gotten into his side of the car and pulled away from my home, did he answer me,“Good morning miss Ricci. My name is Gideon and I was instructed to take you wherever you need.” He finished looking at me in the rearview mirror.“It’s nice to meet you, Gideon.”“Would you like some recommendations? I’ve driven lots of celebrities to fashion stores before I started wor
Last Updated : 2024-06-19A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 19
“…so I told her that if she wanted Anchovy’s in her salad, she could just fucking buy em instead of screaming like a toddler. Let’s just say the whole dinner went smoothly after that.”I doubled over, laughing my head off. Wynona was the easiest person to be around.“Did you get the contract after that?”“What do you think?” she smirked as she pulled a blue sequined dress from a hanger and pressed to her body. So far, we had hit three stores.“What do you think about this one?”“I think it takes away from you, rather than compliment your tone.” Since she learned that I was passionate about fashion, she would constantly ask my opinion.“You don’t let people walk over you especially now that you’ll soon be Mrs. Crowe. They didn’t get their reputation from being softies. The black or the green?”“Black’s better, but we can do better.”“Just find a dress for me!”I lay the dress in my hand gently on the lounge. “I think your color should be purple. “ I rooted around for deep colo
Last Updated : 2024-06-20A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 20
I was disappointed by Ethan’s reaction to my dress when he picked me up in the evening. He took a hard look at me and then frowned as if my very presence was going to ruin his entire evening. I mean I didn’t expect him to fall head over heels in love with me, but the dress…It deserved a little bit of attention. I would have settled for a backhanded compliment too but none was forthcoming. He remained silent the entire drive, making me more nervous.When the driver stepped out to open the door for us, he spoke for the first time.“They will be more than a dozen eyes on us tonight. There won’t be any cameras on the inside so we can relax a little. But people will be watching. A few of them will report to my grandfather by dawn tomorrow.We have to give them a good show.”“Nice pep talk. I don’t feel nervous anymore.” I answered, sarcastically.“Then it’s a good thing we’re not here to please you.”He got out first, and then extended a hand to me in the car. Here goes nothing, I si
Last Updated : 2024-06-20A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 21
Ethan leaned back in his seat while I remained frozen in mine.“Ethan.” She said coolly. “Can we talk?”“I’m occupied right now”“Surely, you can make time for an ‘old friend’, just a few minutes.” He watched her quietly like he was considering it, and then to my dismay, he stood up. I felt the spindly claws of jealousy wrapping its fingers around me.“I’ll be back, beautiful. “ He told me, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. Ava’s eyes darkened at the gesture but she said nothing.I watched them walk away before I realized how alone I was at the gala. I was grateful the room was dark around me, so no one could see me or my embarrassed face. I emptied my glass of wine and looked around for Cartwright and Wynona. I could not find them anywhere on the floor. That was just great.Maybe they were hidden among the other dancers. As I contemplated leaving the comfort of my chair in search of them, a waiter approached me with a bottle and fresh glass in his hand.“Gift from Mr E
Last Updated : 2024-06-21A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 22
He wasn’t joking about taking me home. We pulled into the drive of a house secluded in the forest, while I watched in amazement. I was staring wide eyed at the dark building when he stepped out and rounded to my side of the car.“Can you walk, Mae.” Of course, I could. I might have enjoyed the ride in the wheelchair at the hospital but it did not mean my legs were incapable of movement.I stepped out, still wearing my dress from the gala, my heels were in Ethan’s hand. After he closed the door to his car, he watched me take a few steps to the marble doors of his home. The first steps were easy, but then the world slipped under my feet and in a split second, I was falling forward. My hands shot out to catch my weight.I never made contact with the floor because I was swept up by Ethan and crushed into his hard chest. I sighed in relief. That could have been a nasty fall.“Thanks.” I muttered, calculating my path again.He let out an exasperated sigh before he lifted me, bridal sty
Last Updated : 2024-06-22A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 23
While I’m sitting there sipping the rest of my soup slowly, A young woman walks in, in shorts and a baggy shirt. She paused when she saw me sitting by the counter.“Oh hi! I’m sorry, I heard the car leave, so I assumed it was both of you.” “Are you Gladice?” I asked cautiously. She gave me a toothy grin.“No, that’s my mum. I help out here a few times, to take the load off her. I’m Cecelia.” She extended a hand towards me, which I shook lightly. “how’s the soup? The boss said you were feeling under the weather last night.”That was an understatement, I could not recall a good chunk of the evening. This brought me to a question I had been avoiding, something I was too shy to ask Ethan.“Did you…help me out of my clothes last night?” “Oh no, we came this morning. I guess your fiancé did.”Of course. Or maybe I changed myself but didn’t remember it.“Miss Ricci.” An older woman announced as she walked into the kitchen, a small duster in her hand. She shared similar feature with Cec
Last Updated : 2024-06-23A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 24
His eyebrows drew together in a scowl as he took in the sight.“Ethan! I would say ‘what a surprise’ but it really isn’t anymore. You seem to materialize whenever Mae’s in the house.”I looked down at my cleavage spilling out of the ill-fitting dress, hoping my red cheeks were properly hidden. He cleared his throat.“Some tsked in disapproval. “Your grandfather needs to take a break. Sometimes I feel likeEvelyn’s enabling his actions.”“I’ll look into that.”He took a final look at me before he made his way up the stairs, unaware of the four pairs of eyes that tracked his exit. I gave the women, Emma and Olivia the stink eye. Fake marriage or not, Ethan was off the market, they did not need to stare at another woman’s husband like that.“He’s absolutely smitten with her,” Grace told the girls with a grin “He’s constantly looking for a reason to be here, whenever she’s around.”They looked disappointed by the information and I tried to overlook the delight their reactions stir
Last Updated : 2024-06-24A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 25
I followed Ethan’s advice but instead of the brooch he suggested, I went with a large veil covered in small cream colored flower details that went perfectly with the dress. By the end of the evening Grace was dabbing at her eyes, pure joy written on her face. I found myself sharing in her excitement too. I was getting married.Several times I would catch myself admiring the full look in the mirror, and picturing whatEthan’s face would be like if he saw me. As soon as I noticed, I would shut the thought down. The lines between reality and out pretend marriage was blurring quickly. “It’s becoming harder to keep my hands off you”. I looked around guiltily like I suspected everyone could see my thoughts written on my faceWith my dress packed up for the reveal for my parents, I left to find Gideon to take me home. I found two men standing outside his car when I got to him.“Goodday, Miss Ricci.” The dark skinned man said, stretching a calloused hand to me. “My name is Hakeem, and thi
Last Updated : 2024-06-24
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A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 88
“What are you doing, Jace?” My voice trembled with fear. Jace ignored my question, his eyes locked into mine. I struggled to be free from his grip but he was stronger. “Stay still, I'm not doing anything to you Mae. I just want to hold you.” “You can hold me but not in this inappropriate manner. I have a husband.”“A husband that has his Ex lurking around. You deserve better.”“Better? What do you mean?” I averted my gaze. This conversation was about to go southwards. A conversation I’d love to avoid.He let go of me and took three steps backwards, his hands in the air in a surrendering gesture. “By better, I surely don't mean me, of course.” He chuckled. “I had you there, didn't I? I'm sorry if my actions caught you off guard, I wanted to check something.”“And what is that?”“To see if you fit in my hands perfectly. You didn't, because of your tiny figure. I like my girls taller and thicker.”“Jace!”“Sorry.”“You are fucking, Psychopath.” I giggled. “Well, that sounds familia
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 87
“You don't have to act like this, Mae”“Really? Please tell me how to act, Ethan. Tell me.” I pinched my brows tightly as I sighed deeply, “Mae, I'm sorry. Alright. I shouldn't have danced with her or even said anything to her.” I explained while walking behind her. She had her back against me the entire time I spoke. Her long strides led her to the door. Mae twisted the knob and pulled open the door, “Leave my room.” She demanded. Her hand was on her hip and the other was on the knob. I have never seen Mae this mad.Why did I let Ava get to me? Why did I even dance with her tonight? She let me know and now, her actions want to ruin my marriage? Not happening. I lo...like Mae and I'm not letting her go no matter what. Moving from the spot where I stood rooted in shock, I took three steps closer to her, “Mae—”“Leave,”I sighed in defeat and proceeded to leave. Nothing will make her change her mind once it has been made.I heard her scoff as my legs began to move. “Of course.”I
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 86
Ethan had his eyes on me the entire night throughout the remaining ceremony process. He watched me like a sniper watching his victim, ready to pull the cock and fire the shot of questions probably piled up in his mind. I pretended not to notice his little sighs, the way his hands twitch and involuntarily ball up into a fist. He would release it whenever he caught himself. I wanted to wrap my hands around him, to take his sweet scent but the anger was greater than my feelings. Ethan has been nothing but kind to me except for the few times he has been a dick. He is a good man, the little voice in my head reminded me. He doesn't deserve this mental torture. I pushed back the thought and went on with my night till the event was over and we went back home.The door of the car swung open with a little bit of force as I was impatient to wait for him to open the door even though he was already there. The door grazed past his knees and I heard him cuss under his breath. Climbing down from
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 85
The sound from her cheek, as my hand landed on it with full force, resounded around us, piercing through the solemn music playing in the background. How can she be so desperate? First a picture, now a kiss? I couldn't take it anymore. The music paused abruptly, a pause that turned all eyes in our direction. Soon, whispers and gasps swallowed the silence from the crowd watching us.Ava held her cheek in disbelief, her widened eyes locked into mine and I returned it with a fierce gaze. She should know not to mess with me. Ava has been on my nerves ever since I entered Ethan’s life but all this has to stop. I hope this will put her in her place.“Did you just slap me?” She confronted as though she just realized what had happened.“I did,” I responded in agreement. “ It seemed you were drunk, that was meant to sober you up. How are you feeling?”“How dare you?!” She shrieked. I shook my head slightly in scorn, “Exactly. The same damn question I asked myself. Why are you so desperate to
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 84
My whole body froze as my name slipped out of his beautiful lips in public. It was unexpected and I didn't know how to react but to sit tight and smile.He caught me off guard with that one. My heart raced with joy, warmth spread through my body as I stared at him on stage.He stood tall like a Greek god dressed in a perfectly tailored maroon colored suit that seemed to almost match the color of my gown. I blush inwardly at the thought of it.His usually stoic demeanor has somehow softened as his eyes stayed glued to mine during his speech.Ethan paused after a long address to the crowd, his voice softened and he began to address his grandfather directly.“Grandfather, you have always told me that success isn't making money. It's about making a difference. It's about creating something that will outlive us. And I want to make this promise to you tonight. I will do everything in my power to honor what you have built. I will always carry forward the values you have imbued in me—- integr
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 83
“Ava is in the banquet,”“How do you know?” She asked again, her face furrowed.“Cartwright sent a text to inform me about it,” I explained.Mae scoffed, “Great, just great,” She relaxed her face, stretching out the slight crease on her makeup and a tight smile that disappeared almost immediately. “ A good start to ruin my evening.” She murmured.“Are you cold?” I asked concerned about her bare back being exposed to the chilly air of the evening.“Are you bothered?” She fired back, although her voice was low, the irritation was evident.“You know I'm not. Let's go.” I instructed, pointing to the door. She lifted the hem of her gown off the floor and proceeded to walk out of the living room into the garage. I followed behind a guide to watch her steps. As we got to the garage, we entered the BMW Vantablack car and drove off in the direction of the event.As we arrived, a valet rushed forward to collect the keys and I handed it over to him. After he drove off, I curved my hand gesturing
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 82
“How is Mae?” My grandfather's voice resounded in the glass walls of the office.“The news broke her but she is good now, I hope,” I explained to the old man who stared at me blankly. No emotion on his face.“What are you going to do about Ava?”“Errmm—- I…” I started but of course, he interrupted like always.“You don't know how to handle the issue? How am I supposed to hand over my company to you when you can't even handle a minor case like this?”“I will handle it. Relax and have faith in me.” I cajoled.“Relax? You want me to relax.” He scoffed cynically. “Because of whatever silly relationship you had with that girl—who was up to no good, my company is about to fall apart and you want me to relax? You haven't even given me a grandchild!.” He snapped.“Grandfather.”He sighed deeply, “The handover ceremony will be a good solution.” He pinched his brows and released it, stretching his thumbs opposite ways to the end of his brows. “Prepare for the banquet and make sure you appear ha
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 81
“Why did you marry me if you were still in love with her? I never wanted all these. You took advantage of my family's situation because you knew I was vulnerable at that time. Now I watch you write my story while I'm forced to read a version of myself I don't know.”“Mae!” Ethan cried out, “please just listen to me. “I can explain.”“Don't you understand, Ethan? Your explanation will not change the fact that you fucked her and lied in my face about it. How could I have been so stupid to believe you? Handling issues?” I scoffed, “ More like handling her in bed. I don't even know why I am so angry about this. This is nothing but an arranged marriage, you can have sex with whomever you choose. Now, please open the door.“You got it all wrong, Mae”“Huh?”“Whatever you saw was from years ago. Ava and I are done, thoroughly done.” He explained. “I don't know why she posted an old private picture of us kissing or what she was aiming at us but please me when I say, I don't have feelings for
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 80
You know that feeling when your life is falling apart and you have no one to talk to about it? That is how I feel. Maybe I shouldn't have accepted his proposal, I should have found another way to raid his plans, why did I do it? Maybe because I wanted to be close to him.My decision has led me to this life-crumbling end. Was it worth it? I don't think it is anymore. I wish I could talk to Father about this but he does not even know about our relationship and Mother's advice won't be soul-lifting.My throat tightened as I struggled to breathe. I tapped on Jace’s seat and he glanced at me through the mirror.“Pull over,” I demanded.“But….”“Jace, please.” I insisted, my voice low with misery.He sighed and steered to the roadside meant for parking. As the car stopped, I pushed open the door with hesitation and walked out. Jace ran after me but I asked him to give me some privacy. Although he was quite persuasive at first but gave up later.The dimly lit road seemed empty as I walked on
