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CHAPTER 156
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A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 157
ELLA'S POV Exams were coming up soon, and everyone was preparing intensely. I was no exception, studying really hard while trying my best to push any thoughts of Trent out of my mind. Whenever I allowed myself to dwell on him, it only led to heartache and confusion. So for now, it was better to focus all my energy on academics instead.I went over to my nightstand, intending to grab my calculus textbook for some last-minute review, but it was nowhere to be found. "Where did I put that stupid thing?" I muttered under my breath, rifling through the cluttered drawers.There was going to be a surprise quiz from the teacher tomorrow on that very material. With a groan, I realized there were still several pages I needed to go over one last time. That's when it hit me - I must have left the book at Ryan's place!Ever since we'd patched things up and became friends again, I'd resumed going over to his house for private math tutoring sessions. Don't get me wrong, there was nothing untoward
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 158
ELLA'S POV Uh oh, I totally busted Mr. Matthews with that ripped page from my textbook! My heart was racing like crazy as I stared at him, waiting for an explanation. He looked so flustered and caught off guard.I felt a little bad for putting him on the spot like that, but my curiosity was burning too intensely to just let it go. Who was he arguing with in there? And why in the world would he tear a page out of my book?"Oh, I...I can explain that, Ella," Mr. Matthews said quickly, looking flustered as he glanced down at the crumpled page still in his hand. I studied his expression carefully, butterflies fluttering in my tummy. Something just didn't seem quite right here. Mr. Matthews must have sensed my skepticism because he cleared his throat and continued. "You see, earlier Ryan had asked me to take a look at this particular lesson. Said he was having some trouble understanding the concepts."He gave me what I'm sure he thought was a reassuring smile, but I couldn't shake the n
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 159
ELLA'S POV We stayed there like that for what felt like forever, just staring into each other's eyes. My heart was doing all sorts of crazy flips and somersaults in my chest.But then I heard the sound of voices and footsteps getting closer. Oh no, the boys were coming! "Quick, help me hide!" I whispered urgently to Trent.He didn't hesitate for a second. Trent grabbed my hand and pulled me along behind him as he dashed over to a nearby supply closet. We managed to squeeze inside just as the door to the locker room burst open and the whole basketball team came pouring in.I found myself pressed up against Trent in the cramped little space, our bodies fitting together like two puzzle pieces. It was so tight in there, I could feel every rise and fall of his chest against mine. "Well, this is awkward," I said with a nervous little giggle, trying to break the tension. "It's a bit snug in here, huh?"But Trent wasn't laughing. He was looking down at me with this insanely intense express
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 160
TRENT'S POV Lucinda dragged me away, leaving a shocked Ella behind in the boys' locker room. My heart ached seeing the hurt and confusion written all over her beautiful face. Once we were out of earshot, I finally snapped. Shoving Lucinda away from me, I rounded on her with a fierce glare. "You need to stop all this rubbish right now, Lucinda! I mean it!"She had the audacity to pout at me, batting her lashes. "Aww, and here I was thinking you were enjoying this little arrangement of ours, Trent."I scoffed in disbelief, hands balling into fists at my sides. Was she freaking kidding me right now? "You're the only one enjoying any of this, not me!" I bit out through clenched teeth. "Just let us be already. Ella and I are none of your damn business!"Lucinda smirked, taking a step closer to me. "Oh sweetie, that's where you're wrong. You made that girl my business when you chose her over me."My jaw tightened as I stared her down, refusing to back away. "Get it through your head - no
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 161
TRENT'S POV It was exam period, which meant my days were spent shuffling between classrooms trying not to stress too much over all the tests. As if regular school wasn't hard enough! This morning, I drove myself to campus, pulling into a parking spot near the athletic fields like I always did. Stepping out of my car, I was immediately struck by the odd looks and whispers coming my way from clusters of students lingering. Normally I'm used to getting checked out by admiring eyes, but even some of the guys were staring at me really strangely today. What's their deal? Did I accidentally put my shirt on backwards or something?Shrugging it off, I headed towards the basketball courts where Coach had scheduled an early morning practice. As team captain, it was my duty to make sure I arrived first to get everything set up properly. The cool morning air drifted across my skin as I strolled onto the court, feeling the familiar grip of the ball's. God, I just loved this game so much. It w
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 162
ELLA'S POV I arrived late at school today after staying up almost the whole night looking for my phone. Ugh, where could that pesky little thing be?It wasn't like me to be so careless and misplace something so important.Digging through my mind, I tried to retrace my steps and recall the last time I actually had my phone in my hands. Let's see...I definitely remembered holding it while hanging out on the basketball court yesterday. That much I was certain of.And then I went into the boys' locker room to rinse my eyes out after that football smacked me in the face. My cheeks flushed slightly as I replayed the memory of Trent finding me there and us getting all...close and flustered around each other.But that was when things got a little fuzzy. I'm pretty sure I still had my phone after that, at least until Damien showed up. Maybe if I could just track him down, he might know where I could have put it down?My heart sank a little at the thought of my poor phone being abandoned and
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 163
ELLA'S POV I looked up at Trent, my eyes wide with disbelief. Was it really him? I blinked a few times, just to make sure I wasn't imagining things. My heart did a little flip-flop in my chest. Even when I was all beat up and probably looking like a mess, seeing him still made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside."What do you think you're all doing?" Trent's voice boomed through the hallway. Oh wow, I'd never seen him this angry before. His face was all scrunched up, and his eyes were flashing with fury. He looked like he was ready to explode!Trent turned to each girl who was still holding onto me. His voice was low and dangerous as he said, "All of you, back off now." There was a mad scramble as they all let go of me super fast, like I was suddenly made of hot lava or something. They stepped away, looking scared and guilty. I almost wanted to giggle at how quickly they changed their tune, but everything hurt too much to laugh.Lucinda's hands were still on me though. She was stubb
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 164
ELLA'S POV I walked into the cafeteria, holding my tray of food and feeling like a million eyes were on me. Ugh, being famous was so not fun! Over the past few days, I'd become a total celebrity, both online and at school. But not the good kind of celebrity - more like the "everyone's gossiping about you" kind.They even gave me a new nickname: The Heartbreak Huntress. Okay, I'll admit it sounded kind of cool, like I was some fierce warrior princess. But still, it hurt that people thought I was out for revenge. If only they knew the truth!As I looked around for a place to sit, I saw people quickly turning away or covering empty seats with their bags. Meanies! It was like I had some gross, contagious disease or something.I sighed to myself. Why were they being so mean, even if I had sent that video (which I totally didn't!)? It's not like I'd committed some horrible crime. People can be so dramatic sometimes!Oh well, I thought. Who needs them anyway? I'd just go eat in my new spec
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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
