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CHAPTER 143
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A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 144
ELLA'S POV My fingers drummed an anxious rhythm against the table as I stared at the empty space before me. Where were those magazines? Weren't they supposed to have arrived by now for the big launch event? I couldn't stop the worry gnawing at the pit of my stomach. What if something had gone wrong with Damien's plan to swap out the cover photo? The thought made me shudder. Unconsciously, I found myself glancing over towards the entrance every few seconds, hoping to catch sight of someone finally wheeling in those elusive magazine bundles. Just one glimpse at that cover would be enough to put my mind at ease that it was no longer my face smiling back. "You're going to put permanent grooves in the tabletop if you keep tapping like that," came an amused voice beside me. I startled slightly, my chin whipping around to meet Trent's warm gaze. He was watching me with a fond smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Sorry," I mumbled, stilling my restless fingers. "I'm just getti
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 145
TRENT'S POVMy heart fluttered as I watched Ella from across the room. The radiant smile lighting up her beautiful face told me everything I needed to know - we had actually pulled it off! Against all odds, Damien must have come through by swapping out that cover photo like we'd planned. I wanted to run over and scoop her up into my arms right then and there. But I held back, not wanting to draw any unwanted attention to us while we were still surrounded by potential prying eyes.As if my thoughts had summoned him, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck prickle up. Shifting my gaze, my stomach plummeted as I spotted that familiar imposing figure making his way across the lobby floor - my father.Richard Donovan cut an unmistakable presence, even in this crowded venue filled with prestigious guests. I instinctively shrank back in my seat as he neared. And of course, like a hawk zeroing in on its prey, his cold eyes instantly locked onto me.“Son..." Dad said, and I could practically
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 146
TRENT'S POV I stared up at our faces smiling back from that glossy magazine cover, heart pounding so loudly I could barely hear the confused murmurs rippling through the crowd over the roaring in my ears. Dad was finally seeing the proof of Ella's identity, of our relationship, laid bare before his very eyes.Oh no, this is really bad... My throat worked furiously as I swallowed past the lump of dread lodged there. What was Dad going to do now that the truth was out? Go after the love of my life in retaliation like he'd threatened before?Panic seized my chest as I forced my eyes away from the cover shot. Sweeping my frantic gaze across the room, I half-expected to find Dad's glare already boring into me from somewhere, that harsh scowl spread across his face.But then I spotted him - seated amongst the crowd, brow furrowed in confusion as he squinted at the stage. His glasses were off, I realized with a jolt. Dad didn't have his glasses on, so he couldn't properly see whose images
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 147
ELLA'S POV No, we can't do this." I held his hand tightly, gazing up at him with pleading eyes. "Trent, please, we can't keep hiding it from our parents. Yes, we can't tell your dad, but I'm tired of keeping my mom in the dark. She needs to know about us."As much as I loved him, the constant secrecy is becoming unbearable.Trent gently removed his hand from my grasp, his brow furrowed with concern. "Ella, we aren't doing this. I don't want to put you in any danger again. If your mom knows about our relationship, she might confront my dad, and then my dad will know about us."Shaking my head, I insisted, "I trust that my mom wouldn't do that. Yeah, she might not accept our relationship right away, but she won't go over and tell your dad. Remember, she hates anything called Donovan..."Trent's expression darkened slightly. "So, she's going to hate me too, then..."Reaching out, I took his hand once more, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I will make her like you," I promised.Trent se
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 148
Ella's POVButterflies danced in my stomach as I smoothed my hands over my costume. Today was the big day - the Riverside Annual Talent Showcase that Ryan and I had been practicing so hard for.If I was being totally honest with myself, part of me had been dreading this event at first. Not because I didn't love dancing - quite the opposite, in fact! Ever since Ryan started tutoring me, I'd fallen head over heels for the art form. No, my hesitation stemmed from the intimidating roster of elite dancers set to compete. Professionals from prestigious academies all over would be judging and watching our every move.But Ryan, bless his heart, had been so supportive and encouraging. With his charming pep talks and unshakeable faith in my abilities, he'd managed to bolster my shaky confidence. "Trust in yourself, Ella," he would say. "You're an incredible dancer. Let that inner radiance shine through!"After all, if someone as experienced as him thought I had what it took to shine on that bi
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 149
ELLA'S POV"Yehhhhh!" I squealed, throwing my arms around Ryan and hugging him tightly. I couldn't believe it - we came in third place! If it wasn't for Ryan's incredible coaching and choreography skills, there's no way we would have placed at all. Throughout the dance performance, he had been like a steady, guiding force, directing my movements with subtle cues and keeping me centered. Even when I felt like the routine was falling apart, one reassuring look from Ryan's warm eyes was enough to help me find my groove again.As the final notes faded, I was breathless with excitement and pride. We really had poured our hearts into that routine! Ryan caught me in another fierce hug as the scores were announced, twirling me around happily."You were amazing out there!" he murmured against my hair. Setting me down, his eyes were alight with joy. "How does it feel to be an award-winning dancer now?"I shook my head in disbelief, still stunned. "I'm really happy!" I finally managed. "Hones
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 150
Ella's POVMy mind was still reeling as Ryan spoke those words to me. I felt like I was caught in a whirlwind of emotions, unable to fully process what he was implying."So was that why you transferred to our school?" I managed slowly. "Because you...wanted to see more of me?"Ryan's intense gaze never faltered as he gave a small nod. "Yes...I was instantly captivated by you, Ella. I just had to find a way to get closer to this amazing, beautiful woman I couldn't stop thinking about."I felt rooted to the spot, heart pounding wildly in my chest. Ryan...had feelings for me? Romantic ones? The realization made my head spin.All our dancing, the sweet gestures, the meaningful looks - it was suddenly cast in a whole new light. How had I been so blind to the depth of his feelings this entire time? He slowly began closing the distance between us. Before I knew it, his palm was cradling my cheek, rough fingertips lightly tracing along my jaw. "Don't you see it, Ella?" he murmured huskily.
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 151
TRENT'S POV I felt like I was trapped in a waking nightmare as the reality kept crashing over me. Ryan...it was Ryan the entire time. My mind replayed every interaction, every sign I had missed, ignored or misunderstood - the way Ella had been so insistent about entering that dance competition with him, the girl I saw inside Ryan's car that day at the front of Matthews Corp...it was Ella. The damn dress she wore to our couples night and not the one I had picked out for her. The shady way she'd avoided my questioning about where she got that dress.It was all because of Ryan.All along, it was him and not me.A choked sound caught in my throat as I stared at the empty street in front of me, unseeing. How had I been so blind? So painfully, pathetically blind to the deception going on right under my nose?Ella was the one I had come here to open up to, to finally share the truth I had discovered about her father's death and my dad's involvement. After weeks of agonizing over the best
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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
