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2024-11-11 23:42:59Related chapters
A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Old days
Old days.Those days when she would watch him look at a certain woman like she hung the moon and stars. Whenever they went to functions together, and he spotted her, his eyes would follow her across the room. Gianna remembered thinking Mason would never get over Olivia. How could he? Olivia was the kind of woman who made heads turn and conversations die mid-sentence. She knew her power and wielded it like a weapon, especially when Gianna and Mason started living as a couple. It always made Guanna feel like an awkward understudy in someone else's love story.But things changed. Slowly and beautifully, Gianna and Mason fell in love and things were going great…Or at least, that's what Gianna thought until that moment when she was standing on her own doorstep, staring at Olivia's composed face where Mason's should be; the face of the one who used to be in similar shoes as hers. She donned a cream satin blouse and tailored pants, red lips curved in that signature smile that used to make
Last Updated : 2024-11-11A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract A Mission Must Not Fail
Later that night, the housekeeper helped Olivia settle down in one of the guest rooms. Meanwhile, Mason and Gianna were back in their bedroom. “Don't look at me like that,” she caught Mason's expression. “Like I've lost my mind. Maybe I have.”“You didn't have to do that.”“What was I supposed to do? Tell the woman with bruises on her arms to go get lynched somewhere else?” She stared straight up at Mason whose height was busy towering over her near the door. “That would make me feel so much better about myself,” she added with sarcasm.Mason's fingers found her chin and tilted her face up to his. “I don't want you putting yourself in these positions.”“You think I'm doing this for her? It’s for us, baby.”She then covered his hand with hers, keeping it pressed against her cheek. “I know it's weird, and this isn't how I pictured this day going either. But maybe this mine be a test, you know?”“What test?”“To prove we're really past all that old drama as we say. That she's just not
Last Updated : 2024-11-13A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract A Mission Must Fail
The creaking of the bed frame suddenly came to a halt and Mason's hands froze on her hips; they both listened.“What was that?” Gianna whispered first.Mason pushed off her. “Stay here,” he commanded lowly, already shifting to the edge of the mattress to pick up his robe.Gianna wanted to protest being left behind, but he was already sliding to his feet and cinching the knot at his waist.She watched Mason go towards the door with an almost preternatural silence, pulling it open just far enough to stick his head through and survey whatever lay beyond. No further sounds seemed to have followed the initial scream they’d heard. Gianna also put something on and followed cautiously behind him.Right at the foot of the staircase, they found Olivia lying limp in a scrap of black linen that barely qualified as clothing. There was also a flip-flop lying several steps up, its mate nowhere in sight.Mason and Gianna exchanged a quick glance before he descended first, kneeling beside Olivia.“O
Last Updated : 2024-11-14A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Next Morning
“I've completed the examination. She sustained several hairline fractures from the fall and would need complete bed rest to heal properly.”Gianna's stomach clenched.“How long?” Mason asked.“The minimum recovery time will be around three weeks,” Reynold answered. She won't be able to move around without assistance. I'll arrange for a wheelchair to be delivered today. As for medications…”He pulled out his prescription pad. “I'll send over pain management prescriptions and anti-inflammatories.”Gianna didn’t wait to hear more. She turned sharply and strode towards their bedroom as the sound of the doctor's continuing instructions faded behind her, but ‘three weeks’ pounded in her head.Mason found her there minutes later, after seeing the doctor out. She was standing by their window, arms still wrapped around herself.“I shouldn't have let her stay,” Gianna said. Her voice was tight with regret. She turned to face Mason. “Just look what's happened in just the space of a few hours.
Last Updated : 2024-11-16A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Schemes
“I did exactly as you wanted. Now you need to uphold your end and send over those documents like you promised,” said Dr. Reynolds in disgruntlement. Olivia rolled her eyes as she cradled the phone against her ear. “Don't yell in my ear. I'll send them over when I'm ready, but I'm not going to leak them.”A humorless scoff echoed down the line. “You're such a cunning woman.”“It’s good you know exactly who you're dealing with then,” Olivia said coyly before ending the call and tossing her phone down on the mattress beside her, and then she eyed the wheelchair positioned pointedly in the corner. Last night, when Mason and Gianna were trying to get a doctor to examine her, Olivia thought her lies were going to be exposed. But luckily for her, Mason instructed Gianna to call Reynolds instead. She was well aware of Reynolds’ shady history when he worked for her father.He dealt in black market pharmaceutical supplies and falsifying documents, so that information came in handy when it ca
Last Updated : 2024-11-17A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Caught in the act
Mason appeared in the kitchen doorway. “And why are you still here? I already arranged a place for you to stay safely,” he told Olivia, now realizing the wheelchair by the side of the rooms“And weren't your hips broken?”Olivia visibly faltered under his scrutiny, groping for an excuse.“W…well, Reynolds must have been a bit mistaken cause I tried moving around a bit and saw that I could get some mobility back. I can’t stand for long periods though, because the pain is still too much. I was also going to leave after making something to eat…but I guess I’ll leave now….”Olivia strode with a pronounced limp back towards the wheelchair and carefully sat.“Actually I think she should stay here for a few more days.”Olivia smirked at Gianna’s words.Mason, however, looked bewildered by his wife's declaration.“She doesn't have to. I've already made arrangements at a private care facility for her recovery.”Gianna turned an imploring look on her husband.“Would it really hurt if she staye
Last Updated : 2024-11-17A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Intentions
A giddy thrill of excitement bubbled up in Gianna's chest whilst rifling through her closet for the perfect outfit for her night out with Mason. Tonight would be all about her and her lovely husband, as well as the banishing of any seeds of doubt sown by Olivia's poisonous words.She wore a bright yellow cocktail dress that hugged her curves enticingly and Gianna took her time with her makeup and hair. She wanted to look absolutely stunning. By the time she stepped out of their bedroom, she was practically glowing.Downstairs, he was already waiting by the front door and his smoldering gaze raked over her figure appreciatively as she approached him.“You look ravishing,” he murmured huskily, taking her hand and brushing a featherlight kiss across her knuckles. “Shall we, m’lady?”Gianna felt herself flush with pleased pride under his ardent regard. She allowed him to lead her outside and straight to the awaiting car. Mason opened the passenger door for her with a flourish before circ
Last Updated : 2024-11-18A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Intentions (2)
He was already straightening his tie when he heard the rustling behind him that made the corner of his mouth quirk upwards. Through the mirror, Mason watched Gianna shift around sleepily on the bed with a contented murmur, before her whiskey-warm eyes fluttered open. “Morning, baby girl,”Gianna responded with a drowsy smile, gradually becoming more alert as she realized he was already preparing for his day. “You're up early,” she remarked, sitting up and yawning. She tossed the covers aside and crawled across the mattress towards him on her hands and knees.Mason felt his breath hitch ever so slightly at the overtly feline movement, his eyes darkening with appreciation as it roamed the length of her body in that flimsy thing she was wearing.She let her arms encircle his waist from behind, and she molded herself against his back with a soft hum.“What time is it?” she asked, face nuzzled against him.“Just after ten.”She let out a quiet snort of amusement as she pressed her cheek
Last Updated : 2024-11-20
Latest chapter
A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Day’s Surprise
Cufflinks clicked; wristwatch secured firmly around his wrist. He turned from the mirror, grabbed his office bag, and headed out of the door. Downstairs. The scent of coffee welcomed him before reaching the door of the staircase, as well as the sound of Gianna humming from the kitchen. She stood at the counter, hair swept into a messy bun, wearing one of his t-shirts that drowned her small frame. Her hips swayed slightly as she moved between the coffee maker and stove, where something sizzled in a pan. “Don't burn whatever that is,” he teased, making her turn around.“Morning?” She sang.Gianna raised the spatula she was holding like a weapon.“I'm making that egg white omelet thing you like. Though I might have killed it.”Mason walked over to where she was, smiling warmly.“Save it for some other morning,” he said, then reached past her to turn off the burner. “I'll grab something at the office.”Gianna pouted playfully at the nearly burnt egg, then shifted her face into a grin j
A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Friends In Need
Glass shattered. In Gianna's chest. It wasn’t from pain, but from joy pulsing in her body. She called Mason, and watched the phone ring, all the while thinking she was going to spill the beans too soon. A secret this big felt like trying to hold sunshine in her palms.“Hey, beautiful. Called you earlier.”Her heart did another odd little skip. “I must have missed it when I was helping Sonia at the store.”“Just called to tell you I won't be home tonight.”“No?”“Sonia's got this massive project deadline. She needs an extra pair of hands, maybe extra eyes too. So we might pull an all-nighter.”“At the store?” Mason asked.“No, we're heading to her place. She's got all the materials there.”“I could stop by on my way home. Maybe bring you both dinner?”“Aww, thank you love.”“Alright. See you soon,” he said, “I love you.”“I love you too.” Those words, at least, were pure truth.The call ended, and Gianna let out a breath that felt like she'd been holding it since the doctor first sai
A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Unexpected News
Colin flicked through the portfolio on his tablet. "So, Mr. Caldwell, what are your thoughts on our talent pool?”Colin's mouth quirked a bit as he zoomed in on one particular headshot. “Let's be honest here, Morton. Half of these profiles read like badly written dating app bios.” He turned the tablet around, displaying a black-and-white photo. “This one, for instance. ‘Born to command the stage’, yet his only credited role is as Tree Number Three in a community theater production of Macbeth.”The man's smile flickered but held still. “Ah, yes, well, Marcus is still developing his portfolio, but his raw talent—“Colin slid the tablet back to himself. “It’s about as raw as sushi that's been blowtorched. Listen, I'm not here to invest in potential. I'm here to invest in proven marketability. Though I have to admit that your photography team does excellent work.”“Perhaps we could focus on some of our more established talents? Page twelve has—““Already there,” Colin interrupted Morto
A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Back in the day
“Are you lost?” Gianna asked, and when the boy nodded slowly, she pursed her lips slightly.She reached out slowly, telegraphing her movement before gently patting his shoulder. “Hey, it's going to be okay. Would you like to come with me? We can go to the police station, and they'll help us find your parents.”Tommy took a half-step back with uncertainty.“Mom says not to go with strangers.”Gianna smiled, nodding approvingly. “And she's absolutely right. But right now, you're out here alone, and it's not safe.”She then pulled out her phone to show it to him. “Look, I can call the police right now, and you can talk to them yourself. Would that make you feel better?”He considered this with his small face scrunched in thought. “Can...you show me your badge first?”“My badge?”“Like the police have. To prove you're good.”Gianna stifled a chuckle. “I'm not a police officer, but I have my driver's license. That's like a badge that says I'm allowed to drive. Would you like to see it?”
A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract On Darkened Streets
Click, clack, went Olivia’s heels as she approached. She was dressed in a peach colored gown whose length was barely past her ass. When she spotted Mason where he sat ahead, she smiled predatorily and twiddled her fingers in a coy wave at him. She slid into the seat opposite Mason.“Cool spot,” she purred as she crossed her legs. Now, her dark eyes swept the conspicuously deserted space which looked like some sort of cafe, but it had been emptied of anyone save them.“Without wasting my time, how much do you want?” Mason asked icily.Her eyes twitched subtly, amusement playing at the corners of her mouth. “For what?”“To shut your mouth."Oh?" She leaned forward and rested elbows on the table.“So we're going to stick to keeping secrets?” She whispered.Mason kept his srare arctic and unmoved. The muscle in his jaw ticked visibly.“Don't do that,” Olivia chided, as if scolding a child. “All cold shell on the outside, but we both know how warm you are underneath.”Her tongue darted
A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Shopwork
“A tale of forbidden love and ancient curses,'" Gianna read aloud from the dust jacket as she wrinkled her nose. And then she cleaned the book before wedging it between two equally dramatic-looking tomes on the mahogany shelf:Gianna shifted her weight on the rolling ladder.The next book in her stack had a more promising premise— something about time-traveling archaeologists. “Now this seems interesting,” she murmured, adding it to her mental might-actually-read list before finding it a home in the sci-fi section.Dust motes continued to dance around in the afternoon light streaming through the tall windows, to give the whole scene a dreamy quality. The scent of old paper and leather bindings mixed with the cinnamon-apple candle Sonia had lit earlier.Speaking of Sonia... Gianna shot a glare towards her best friend's office. Sonia had called Gianna on the phone that morning, claiming she wanted to take her on a treat. Gianna was also eager for the date because she thought it woul
A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Dilemma
THUD.Mason forcefully slammed his fist into the punching bag. The impact reverberated through his wrapped knuckles like an echo of the chaos in his mind.‘Tell her,’ came a voice in his head.THUD. THUD.‘Keep your mouth shut,’ said another voice.CRACK.The bag swung wildly as he continued jabbing; sweat dripped from his chin, dropping down to the rug under his feet. He could see his own reflection in the wall-length mirror, with chest heaving, muscles coiling tight and face twisting in a grimace.He looked exactly like what he was: a man being eaten alive by his own secrets. The bag took another punishment as he drove his right fist into it. The chain rattled overhead like mocking laughter.‘Don't tell her, and let Olivia hold the sword over both your heads. Let her play puppet master until she gets bored or cruel or both,’ the voice in his head warned again.“Fuck!” Mason bellowed from his lungs as he landed a last hook. The bag swung back at him like a pendulum of judgment, and h
A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract A Hit Near Home
“You're Martha Winters, right?”The old woman's fingers stilled on the counter, her eyes tracking Gianna's hand like a cat watching a mouse hole. “Yes…. Is there some problem?”Digging a hand into her handbag, Gianna replied, “Not exactly…”She then took out a piece of paper and placed it in front of the woman. “I received a package recently. The sender used this phone number, which, according to my sources, belongs to you.”Martha regarded Gianna more skeptically now, patting her dress pockets for her reading glasses. She wiped the glasses with her dress before putting them on. As soon as the rims were on her nose, she bent forward to examine the paper.Gianna studied the woman's face intently the whole time. Could this woman be closely related to Finn? And if not Finn, the imposter? Gianna tried grasping onto too many things at the same time.Martha straightened, pushing her glasses up into her silver hair.“I think there must be some kind of mistake. I haven't sent any packages t
A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Crazy Dealings
“You're a crazy woman, Olivia,” Mason answered with disgust. “You need psychiatric help. And this is your last warning to stay away from me.”A soft, malicious laugh trickled through the phone. "“Or what? I'll tell your precious Gianna that her dear husband spent the night at my place. How do you think she'll take that news?”Mason's hand clenched around the phone until his knuckles nearly blanched white. The pressure in his chest built until he thought his ribs might crack from containing it. His jaw worked silently as he stared straight ahead through the windshield, watching a pair of sparrows dart past the morning sky with an almost painful intensity. Seconds stretched like pulled taffy. His left eye twitched—once, twice.The silence must have made Olivia nervous because her voice came again, softer this time and almost conciliatory. “I will keep this a secret on one condition.”“Don't run from me….Don't refuse me. Let me prove my love for you. I’ll prove I'm better. I can show
