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The Party (II)
Last Updated:
2024-10-17 23:10:41Related chapters
A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract No hurdles
The pounding rain faded to white noise as Gianna lost herself in the taste and feel of Mason. His hands rose to the back of her neck to keep her closer to himself. His other hand slipped around her waist; his touch was systematically dismantling every wall she'd ever built.Her fingers remained shy on his shirt, but when things began to heat up even further, she reached up to his neck, using the leverage to change the angle of the kiss and deepen it until she was dizzy with the need for oxygen and the intoxicating flavor of expensive scotch on Mason's tongue.Teeth clashed, noses bumped, and at one point Gianna was pretty sure she accidentally elbowed Mason in the ribs. But none of that mattered, not when he was kissing her like she was water in the desert, air in the vacuum of space, the answer to every question he'd never thought to ask.When they finally broke apart, Gianna stared into Mason's eyes with both wonder and dawning horror. What just happened? This wasn't part of the pla
Last Updated : 2024-10-18A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Illusions
The morning sun streamed through the gauzy curtains, painting the room in a soft, golden glow. Gianna woke up this morning, surprisingly happier than she’d been in a long time. She spent extra time getting dressed and dolling herself up before Mason awakened. When was the last time she genuinely wanted to feel pretty for someone?However, Mason didn’t seem to be reacting to her in the way she expected. He was acting as if nothing happened last night. He barely spared her a glance and was focused entirely on nursing his hangover and barking orders into his phone.At first, she thought he just didn’t notice and then made more l attempts at catching his eye, to the extent her antics started to feel desperate and embarrassingly obvious. She would ‘accidentally’ drop things near him or hum tunelessly as she tidied up messes that didn’t exist.She then overheard a conversation between Mason and their driver.“I drove last night?”“No, sir. I picked you and Madam up in the other car. Don't y
Last Updated : 2024-10-18A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract A Feel Of the Edge
Evelyn's lip curled in instant dissatisfaction and disgust on seeing the girl. She didn’t even last as long as the others had done. The girl approached the car, her mouth already opening to give some excuse for her failure to do as asked, but Evelyn silenced her with a cold look. The power window purred down just enough for her to thrust a thick envelope through the opening.“Your services are no longer required. I’m sure you remember the terms of our agreement regarding discretion?”The girl nodded frantically, snatching the envelope and scurrying off into the night without a backward glance.Evelyn exited the car and headed into the mansion afterward. The staff greeted deferentially as she swept through the grand foyer.The annoyance Colin felt was barely invisible when she came to him where he was sitting at his home bar.“What the hell is the meaning of that?” he immediately snarled, because, of course, it was only one person who would have the audacity.“When are you going to sto
Last Updated : 2024-10-21A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract The Snail Wrangler
THE SNAIL WRANGLERIt was a young girl, she saw. Around sixteen or younger. She could have been older. It was really hard to tell with kids these days.A smile bloomed on the girl's face when she recognized Gianna."Oh—“ she exclaimed.Gianna was aware almost everyone in town knew of her arrival with Mason and so she saved the girl a couple more exclamations by smiling warmly at her.“I can’t believe I’m seeing you right now! Hear a lot,” she said excitedly.“I'm Lily,” the girl continued, bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet.“It’d be an honor to shake your hand but…” She then held up her hands. Her palms were caked with dark soil. “My hands are dirty.”It was then that Gianna noticed the basket hanging from Lily's arm, where there were several more snails in various states of retreat into their shells.Her curiosity must have shown on her face because Lily launched into an explanation without prompting.“It's for the snail farm,” she said, gesturing towards a distant corner of
Last Updated : 2024-10-21A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Ominous
It initially looked like Lily might argue further. But then something in Gianna's expression must have stopped her, because the girl's face softened.“I guess. Thanks for the advice, Mrs. Caldwell.”The use of her married name was like a splash of cold water, reminding Gianna of the vast gulf between her current reality and the world this young girl inhabited.Gianna gestured towards a patch of leafy ground they hadn't yet explored. “I bet there are more snails over there.”They then set off across the field, and the school building began to loom larger in the distance. Gianna noticed a figure hunched over on a bench in one of the game courts up ahead. She wouldn’t have been so curious had there been any other soul loitering around the surroundings at the time.“Who's that over there?”Lily looked in the same direction.“Oh, that's Patt. He likes to hang out there sometimes,” she explained as they both began to walk towards the court.As they got closer, Gianna could see that Patt was
Last Updated : 2024-10-22A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Pro Bono
A minute twitch after twitch Arthur Caldwell's fingers moved like that of aspen leaves in a gentle breeze. A nurs was in his room monitoring his vitals when she noticed the movements. She quickly went and alerted the doctors, soon specialists sat together to pore o his test results and brain scans.He was out of the coma but was still ir vegetative state.Evelyn arrived hours later, having alre heard the news. She settled into the c beside Arthur's bed and simply stared her husband's face. His eyes were ope now, but vacant like windows to an en house.The doctors had told her he was not aware of anything going on around him, but she still spoke to him.“I see you've decided to rejoin the land of the living.”As expected, there was no reaction, just irises staring up at nothing.“You really ought to make up your mind. Either shuffle off this mortal coil with some dignity or wake up and clean up the mess you've left behind.Honestly, I don't know which would be worse at this point.”The
Last Updated : 2024-10-22A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Orchestra?
The only figure standing in a space that should have been teeming with literary enthusiasts was Darrel. He’d arrived at the venue for the book fair, but it was empty.He was still thinking of how unbelievable this was when Sonia also arrived. He was standing close to a table with a fist pressed over it as he stared at his phone. As always, he looked handsome. But that was beside the point, what were they the only two people in attendance?“Darrel,” Sonia called his attention as she began walking to where he stood, also looking around.“Is this...are we in the right place?”He turned on seeing her. He smiled, although a bit upset.“Hi,” he said.“Hey,” she responded, “Where’s everyone though?”“I’m sorry, I just found out they changed the venue at the last minute. They made an announcement but I must have missed it.”Sonia felt the blood drain from her face when she realized what was going on. She knew exactly why the venue had changed, and it was her fault.Three days ago, she’d drunk
Last Updated : 2024-10-23A Million-Dollar Marriage: A Story Of Heart Over Contract Joy Ride
He returned his drink to the tray, then joined her in swimming around for a while. They both circled back to the shallow end afterward.Sonia mused, eyeing him over the rim of her glass, “You don't strike me as much of a swimmer.”Darrel’s chuckle was soundless.“What gave it away?”“Oh, I don't know. Maybe because I found your techniques a bit odd.”He feigned offense but still smiled.“I'll have you know I'm an excellent swimmer.”“Mmm, I bet you are,” she replied.“You know, I always thought you were a bit standoffish. It's nice to see this side of you,” Sonia added.Darrel shrugged, “I get that a lot. My sister's always complaining that I'm boring.”“Trust me, boring is the last word I'd use to describe you.”As they continued to chat, the sun slowly dipped towards the horizon. Sonia was happy her ridiculous plan had worked out. She made a mental note to also thank Daisy for unknowingly providing this opportunity. Who knew that a little meddling and a whole lot of luck could lead
Last Updated : 2024-10-23
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
