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CHAPTER 109
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2024-04-27 07:12:19Related chapters
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 110
ELLA'S POV"Cheers!" We raised our glasses, the crisp clink of glass on glass ringing out in the crowded bar. Amelia, Susan and I had ended up at this trendy little cocktail lounge in downtown Westbury - Susan's choice, of course. She had insisted we all go out for a "girls' night" to celebrate my newly confirmed relationship status. "We have to toast your budding romance!" Susan had proclaimed earlier when she pitched the idea, waving her hands enthusiastically. "Celebrating love is the best way to attract it into our own lives, you know."I rolled my eyes at her logic, but couldn't help laughing. Leave it to Susan to turn any mundane event into some cosmic ritual meant to summon romance. "You know I literally just started dating Trent like a week ago, right?" I'd teased. "We're hardly a fairytale epic yet."Susan had fixed me with one of her patent looks. "Exactly, Ella! That's why we have to mark this moment - to ensure your new love story only grows stronger from here." She wink
Last Updated : 2024-04-27A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 111
ELLA'S POV"Well isn't that just precious?""Shut your mouth, Lucinda," Amelia snapped. She turned her furious glare on Damien. "So this is why you went so cold on me out of nowhere? You were just waiting to get your hooks into the next available set of legs?" Lucinda just rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh please, don't act so shocked. We all knew Damien's motives from the start.""Is that true?" Amelia demanded, rounding on Damien again. "Was I really just some way to pass the time for you until Slutty McSlutterson over here became available?""Babe, don't be like that," Damien began. "You know you meant something to me..."All I felt was to gag.Lucinda scoffed loudly. "Uh, could you be more pathetic right now? If the loser actually meant anything, you wouldn't have come crawling right back to me the second I snapped my fingers.""You bitch!" Amelia's hands balled into fists at her sides. I could practically feel her anger. "How dare you act like you're some prize to be won? You're
Last Updated : 2024-04-27A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 112
TRENT'S POVI paced the length of my bedroom as my mind swirled with anxious thoughts.. How could Mom and Dad be so blasé about Tom's deteriorating condition? Didn't they see how much worse he'd become since being transferred to that new hospital? I climbed down the stairs towards the sitting room where my mother spent most afternoons. I had to make them understand, had to convince them to get Tom out of that place before it was too late.As I entered, Mom glanced up from her book. "Trent? Is something the matter?""Mom, we need to talk about Tom and getting him transferred out of that hospital." The words tumbled out as I moved closer. "His condition is only worsening there instead of improving." She sighed, setting her book aside. "Trent, dear, Evergreen Memorial is one of the finest medical facilities in the country. I'm sure they're doing everything they can for your brother.""Are they though?" I shot back, unable to hide my bitterness.I'd been going to visit Tom regularly si
Last Updated : 2024-04-28A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 113
ELLA'S POV"Aww, they are so cute," I heard someone whisper as Trent and I walked down the hallway after class, our fingers locked together.I felt my cheeks flush slightly at the comment, but Trent just grinned and pulled me a little closer against his side. It still felt so surreal, being able to walk the halls openly as a couple after all the secrecy and charades."But don't you see? They are way cuter!" another voice piped up.I followed the sound and couldn't help rolling my eyes at the sight - Lucinda and Damien, brazenly making out against the lockers like they were the only two people in existence. So they'd decided to go public with their little fling as well, huh?As if sensing my gaze, Lucinda pulled back just enough to shoot me a triumphant smirk over Damien's shoulder before reconnecting their lips with a wet smacking sound. Ughh.I still couldn't believe Damien had the audacity to flaunt his new conquest so easily just like he did to me. I felt bile rise in my throat an
Last Updated : 2024-04-29A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 114
ELLA'S POV."Welcome to our home, not as a student again but now as my teacher," Ryan said as I stepped inside. I laughed lightly. "I'm not sure 'teacher' is the right term when you're the one needing math tutoring. But I appreciate you inviting me into your home, Ryan." "Well, whatever the title, I'm glad to have you here, Ella."Then I heard the sound of footsteps and I looked up to see his dad suddenly running from the stairs towards me. "Ella, my dear, it's so good to finally have you here!" he boomed, crossing the space to engulf me in a tight bear hug.I tensed, my eyes going wide as I was crushed against his broad chest. This...was not at all what I was expecting from a first meeting with my new employer's father. Is this how personal assistants are usually treated? I wondered with a laugh. Well, aren't I just the luckiest girl?Mr. Walker pulled back, holding me at arm's length as he looked me over with a warm smile. Ryan cleared his throat beside us."Don't mind my dad," h
Last Updated : 2024-04-30A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 115
Ella's povMy leg bounced anxiously as I waited for Amelia's call. When my phone finally trilled to life, I quickly swiped to answer, unable to mask the frantic edge in my voice. "Hey! So how far? What did your mother say - does she recognize that drug?"There was a pregnant pause on the other end before Amelia's shaky voice filtered through. "Yes...oh god, yes she recognized it right away. Said they were giving her the exact same capsules for some month's."A chill ran down my spine at the confirmation. So our suspicions were sickeningly accurate - Lydia, like Tom, had been deliberately drugged with that dangerous, experimental chemical. The very thought made my stomach roil with anger."But she mentioned they haven't given it to her for a while now," Amelia added hesitantly. "Like, a few months at least."I frowned, turning to glance at Trent beside me as he listened intently. "But why would they stop administering it to her mom, while continuing to dose Tom?"Trent's expression dar
Last Updated : 2024-04-30A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 116
TRENT'S POVI turned back into the hospital entrance, the disinfectant smell burning my nostrils. I ran my fingers through my greasy hair, making sure it matched Tom's ghost-like appearance. Carefully, I applied some makeup to my face, mimicking his sickly appearance. All that remained was slipping into the hospital gown and settling into the vacant bed.I eyed the various tubes and wires snaking out from the bed frame, but quickly tamped down the distressing thoughts. I couldn't lose my nerve now, not when I was so close. Jaw clenched, I shrugged out of my clothes and pulled the thin gown over my head. It hung loosely on my frame as I settled back against the flat pillow.Why was I doing this again? The question flickered through my mind as I started connecting myself to the tangle of lines and monitors. But I already knew the answer. I still didn't understand why our father, who had always so blatantly favored Tom as the "golden child", would suddenly do this to him. Dosing his onc
Last Updated : 2024-05-03A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 117
ELLA'S POVI tapped my pen anxiously against my notebook, trying and failing to focus on Mr. Peterson's lecture. Class had started nearly an hour ago, but Trent's seat remained empty beside me.That's...not like him at all, I mused with a furrowed brow. Sure, he misses classes from time to time But Trent always made sure to keep me updated with a call or text, never just falling completely off the grid like this. Maybe there was a perfectly reasonable explanation for his radio silence...but my gut told me otherwise.The knot of worry in my stomach twisted tighter as my mind started spinning out all the worst case scenarios. What if something had happened to him after we split up yesterday? What if he'd gotten himself into deeper trouble with his psychotic father?I shivered at the thought, my pen stilling against the paper as Mr. Peterson's voice faded into a dull buzz in my ears. If Mr. Donovan had caught Trent...god, I didn't even want to imagine the consequences."...and that's how
Last Updated : 2024-05-04
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A deal with the playboy EPILOGUE PART TWO - THE END
ELLA'S POV "Remember when Connor tried to ask out Jessica by serenading her in the cafeteria?" Liam grinned. "He sang so off-key, the lunch ladies thought a cat was dying in the kitchen!"We all burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the luxurious ballroom of the Grand Plaza Hotel. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow over our little group huddled around one of the many round tables. Large flat-screen TVs mounted on the walls played a slideshow of our high school memories.Connor's face turned beet red as he playfully shoved Liam. "Oh yeah? What about the time you accidentally set off the fire alarm trying to impress Dolly with your 'mad science skills'?"Dolly giggled, leaning into Liam's side. "I thought it was cute! Even if we did have to stand outside in the rain for an hour."I couldn't help but smile, taking a sip of my champagne. "God, we were such disasters back then. Remember the great cafeteria food fight of senior year?"Amelia snorted, nearl
A deal with the playboy EPILOGUE : PART ONE
FIVE YEARS LATERELLA'S POV The spotlight blazed down on me as I twirled across the stage, my body moving in perfect harmony with the music. As I neared the climax of my performance, I could feel the energy of the audience pulsing through the air.With one final leap, I landed in my ending pose, chest heaving and sweat on my skin. For a moment, there was silence. Then, like a dam bursting, the applause erupted. The sound washed over me that left me breathless.I straightened up, a wide smile spreading across my face as I took in the sea of faces before me. There, in the front row, sat some of the most respected names in dance. Critics, choreographers, fellow dancers - all on their feet, clapping and cheering.As I made my way off stage, I was immediately surrounded by a swarm of people. Hands reached out, voices called my name, all clamoring for a piece of my attention."Ella! Ella! Can I get your autograph?""Ms. Thompson, that performance was breathtaking!""Ella, when's your ne
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 198
ELLA'S POV The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur. Before I knew it, we were all outside, the summer sun beating down on our black gowns. I stood apart from the crowd, watching as my classmates tossed their caps into the air, their laughter and cheers filling the courtyard.I looked down at my own cap, running my fingers over the tassel. Then, with a deep breath, I flung it skyward, watching as it spun through the air before disappearing into the sea of black and gold.As I searched the crowd for my cap, a familiar voice called out behind me. "Ella! We did it!"I turned to see Susan racing towards me, her gown billowing behind her like a superhero's cape. She crashed into me, wrapping me in a bone-crushing hug that nearly knocked us both over."Can you believe it? We're officially high school graduates!" Susan squealed, jumping up and down while still clinging to me.I couldn't help but laugh, her excitement infectious. "I know, it's crazy!"Amelia appeared at our side, her perfe
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 197
ELLA'S POV The guest speaker's voice droned on, barely penetrating the fog of my thoughts. I shifted in my plastic chair, my graduation gown suddenly feeling too tight. My eyes wandered across the sea of black caps, finally landing on a familiar pair of figures.Ryan and Susan sat a few rows ahead, their heads tilted towards each other in quiet conversation. A small smile tugged at my lips as I watched Ryan's hand slip into Susan's, their fingers intertwining. Thank God they finally worked things out. As if sensing my gaze, Susan turned, her eyes meeting mine. Her face lit up with a warm smile, mouthing a silent "Thank you" in my direction.I nodded back, genuinely happy for them both. But as I turned away, a familiar discomfort bloomed in my stomach. It started as a dull ache, quickly escalating into a churning sensation that made me grip the edges of my seat. I swallowed hard, willing the nausea to subside.This wasn't the first time. For the past two weeks, these waves had becom
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 196
ELLA'S POVThe summer sun beat down on us as we streamed out of the auditorium, a sea of black gowns and square caps. I squinted against the brightness, my hand instinctively reaching for Tom's. His fingers intertwined with mine, warm and comforting, yet not quite right.I forced a smile, trying to ignore the hollowness in my chest. "It's so awkward, right? Us being together like this."Tommy's eyes met mine. "We'll make it work, Ella. We have to."And we did, in a way. The past few months had been a whirlwind of pretending, of plastering on smiles and playing the part of the perfect couple. It was easier than facing the truth - that Trent was gone, possibly forever. The pity in people's eyes when they thought about 'poor Ella' was too much to bear. At least this way, I could pretend everything was normal.I'd thrown myself into the charade with a desperation that surprised even me. Late-night study sessions with Tommy, learning every detail of Trent's life. Practicing his mannerism
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 195
ELLA'S POV I placed my trembling hand in his, still stunned by his sudden appearance. As he led me to the front, my mind raced with questions. The crowd parted like the Red Sea, their excited whispers creating a noise around us.We glided across the floor, and I couldn't help but stare at Trent. He moved with such grace, showing no signs of the injuries that had kept him hospitalized. Something felt off, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.As we stepped onto the stage, the spotlight bathed us in its warm glow. Trent's eyes sparkled with an intensity I'd never seen before. Just as we were about to begin our dance, he dropped his crutches. I gasped, instinctively reaching out to steady him.But he didn't falter. Instead, he swept me into his arms with a flourish, spinning me around as if he'd never been injured at all. The crowd erupted in cheers, but their excitement felt distant, muffled by the doubt growing in my mind.As we swayed to the music, I studied his face closely. T
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 194
ELLA'S POVI stood before the mirror, my reflection staring back at me.The dress hugged my curves perfectly, its deep purple fabric shimmering in the light of my bedroom. My fingers traced the beadwork along the bodice, memories flooding back of the day Trent had bought it at the store."You're beautiful," I whispered to my reflection, trying to summon the confidence I once had. I smoothed out a non-existent wrinkle, remembering the day Lucinda had "accidentally" spilled punch on it at the couple's dance. It had taken three trips to the dry cleaner to remove the stain completely, but I didn't care. This dress was more than just fabric and thread; it was a symbol of everything Trent and I had been through.Let them stare, I thought defiantly. Let them whisper about how I'm wearing the same dress. This isn't about them. This is for Trent.As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I caught sight of Mr. Matthews in the living room. He was pacing back and forth, his fingers drumming nervo
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 193
ELLA'S POV"Ella!" Susan's arms wrapped around me like a vice. "We've been worried sick about you!" Her voice cracked, and I felt her shoulders shake. "It's been like walking through a ghost town without you here."I hesitated for a moment before returning her embrace, burying my face in her shoulder. The warmth of human contact after so long in isolation nearly overwhelmed me.As Susan pulled back, I caught sight of Amelia hovering a few feet away. Our eyes met for a split second before she looked down, her fingers twisting the hem of her sweater. The pain across her face made my chest tighten.Susan followed my gaze, her voice dropping to a whisper. "She's been like that for days now, Ella. Ever since... well, you know." She bit her lip, clearly struggling to find the right words. "I think she blames herself for what her dad did. She won't talk about it, but I can see it eating her up inside."I took a deep breath, steeling myself. This wasn't going to be easy, but I couldn't bear t
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 192
ELLA'S POVI opened my eyes to another gray morning, the sunlight struggling to penetrate the heavy curtains I'd drawn weeks ago. The silence in my room was deafening, broken only by the occasional ping of my phone - another message I'd ignore. Everything wasn't okay. It hadn't been for weeks.Trent was still in the hospital, and I was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. The worst part? I didn't even know how he was faring. Some ridiculous ban on visits had been imposed, cutting me off from the one person I desperately needed to see.I dragged myself out of bed, my feet hitting the cold floor. My reflection in the mirror was a stranger - hollow-eyed and pale. I barely recognized myself anymore.For the umpteenth time, I found myself outside the Donovan mansion, my fists pounding against the imposing iron gates. "Please!" I screamed, my voice hoarse from overuse. "I just need to know if he's okay!"My cries echoed in the empty driveway, met only by the rustling of leaves. As always, th
