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Chapter 88
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2024-12-20 20:08:57Related chapters
A 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 : 2024-06-09A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 8
I made a mental note to call Grace later as I headed downstairs for coffee. The way our conversation ended felt stilted to say the least and I prayed she didn’t feel offended. It wasn’t a matter of not wanting to spend time with her, far from it. She seemed like a fun, caring person, but it felt off to go dress shopping or cake tasting with a woman I was practically scamming. I bet it would have been so much easier if the rest of Ethan’s family were total douches like him. Plus, this was a job of sorts. I had no intentions of leaving my responsibilities in the restaurant to play family with Ethan, whenever they demanded.Miles came into the living room just as I reached the landing. Together we trudged to the kitchen to begin our routine. Mornings for both of us went like this. I would be down the kitchen around the time he returned from his jog, and we’d seat and catchup, before he would leave to get ready for school, and me, for work. I was glad dad’s illness hadn’t taken that away
Last Updated : 2024-06-10
Latest chapter
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
