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CHAPTER 168
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A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 169
Susan and Amelia entered the cafeteria, trays laden with food. Their eyes immediately landed on Ella, sitting alone at their usual table. For a moment, they hesitated, a flicker of guilt passing over their faces. But they steeled themselves and looked away, heading towards Lucinda's table instead.Ella watched in disbelief as her friends passed by their table. Her fork clattered against her plate as she dropped it, mouth agape. What had she done to upset them this time? She wracked her brain, trying to recall any recent missteps.To Ella's surprise, Susan and Amelia made their way to the popular girls' table. Lucinda sat surrounded by her usual posse, including Valerie and Brittany. As Susan and Amelia approached, Lucinda's eyebrows shot up in surprise."Well, well, well," Lucinda drawled, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "What do we have here? Did you two get lost on your way to Loser Town?"The other girls at the table erupted into laughter. Valerie nearly choked on he
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 170
Amelia and Susan huddled together in Amelia's bedroom, their eyes glued to the phone screen as they watched their plan unfold. Lucinda had taken the bait very easily."Look at her go," Susan whispered, her eyes wide with disbelief. "She's like a tornado tearing through our fake account."Amelia nodded, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I can't believe how well this is working."Lucinda's activity on the fake BTS fan account was nothing short of frenzied. She liked every single post with lightning speed, her comments appearing seconds after each new photo or video was uploaded. Her messages flooded the inbox, each one more desperate than the last, all proclaiming her undying devotion to the K-pop group.They had asked her once to post pictures of her room to prove her dedication. Within minutes, Lucinda had responded with a flurry of photos. Her room was a shrine to BTS, every inch covered in posters, albums, and merchandise. She had even rearranged her furniture to spell out "BTS" w
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 171
ELLA'S POV I watched in shocked silence as the video played on the screen. My jaw dropped, mirroring the stunned expressions of the other students around me. Their eyes darted between the Lucinda on the screen and the real one sitting just a few tables away. So this explains everything - why Lucinda had Trent wrapped around her finger, and even Damien's involvement. It all made sense now, like puzzle pieces finally clicking into place.As the video ended, a hush fell over the cafeteria. You could've heard a pin drop in those few seconds of stunned silence. Then, like a dam breaking, voices erupted all around me."Oh my god, did you hear that?" a girl with bright blue hair gasped, nearly knocking over her lunch tray as she turned to her friend."I can't believe Lucinda would do something like that," another boy whispered, his eyes wide as saucers."So she's been the real bitch all along," someone else chimed in, their voice dripping with disgust.My heart squeezed as I heard a quiet
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 172
TRENT'S POVI lingered outside the car, my hand resting on the cool metal of the door handle. The familiar sight of our homd loomed before me, a place I hadn't set foot in since... well, since everything went to hell. My heart thrummed in my chest as I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come.This wasn't a homecoming; it was just another step in our plan to bring Dad down.With trembling fingers, I fished my phone out of my pocket and dialed Mr. Matthews' number. The line crackled to life after two rings."Is it time to call?" I glanced at my watch, noting the time. "No, not yet. In the next ten minutes, you can call.""Alright," he paused, and I could almost see him furrowing his brow. "Be careful, Trent."I ended the call and squared my shoulders, taking those first tentative steps towards the front door. Each footfall felt heavier than the last, like I was wading through quicksand. Before I could even reach for the doorknob, it swung open.Olivia stood there, he
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 173
TRENTS POVI tiptoed to the window, peeking out from behind the curtain.There's no sign of my dad's car or his security men's cars, but I could have sworn I saw them following me. Where could they have gone?I let the curtain fall back into place and spun around, my eyes landing on Nurse Veronica. She was fiddling with Tom's IV, her brow furrowed in concentration."We need to start the livestream now," I said, trying to keep the urgency out of my voice. She nodded, as she bustled about, checking Tom's vitals one last time.Earlier that day, Mr. Matthews and I had carefully installed cameras throughout the room. We'd tested and re-tested the connection, making sure everything was perfect for this moment. Mr. Matthew had gone to the police station to fetch police officers, in case things went awry, leaving us to face this alone. I swallowed hard, pushing down the nervousness bubbling up inside me.I approached Tom's bed, my hand gently squeezing his shoulder. "We need to start now, ok
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 174
TRENTS POV I stumbled back a step, nearly tripping over my own feet. The flashlight shook in my unsteady grip, casting wild shadows across the room. Dad's face was half-hidden in darkness, but I could see the cruel twist of his lips."What did you do to him?" I demanded, gesturing towards Mr. Matthews with the flashlight. My voice cracked, betraying my fear.Dad chuckled, a low sound that made my skin crawl. He took a step closer, and I moved to put myself between him and Tom's bed."Oh, don't worry about him," Dad said, waving a dismissive hand. "He's just taking a little nap. You should be more concerned about yourself right now, Trent."I licked my dry lips, my mind racing. "The livestream," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "People saw. They know Tom's alive. You can't -"Dad cut me off with a sharp laugh, taking another step closer. I could smell his expensive cologne, a scent that used to mean safety but now filled me with dread."Oh, Trent," he said, shaking his head in
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 175
TRENT'S POV I paced back and forth in the hospital waiting room, my sneakers squeaking against the polished floor. The beeping of machines and voices of medical staff filled the air, but I barely registered any of it. My mind was racing, replaying the night's events over and over like a broken record.Mr. Matthews sat slumped in a nearby chair, holding an ice pack to his swollen eye. We'd been here for hours, waiting for news about Nurse Veronica. I really can't afford to lose her, not when Tom needs her so much.I ran my fingers through my hair, tugging at the roots in frustration. "This is all my fault," I muttered, more to myself than anyone else.Mr. Matthews lowered the ice pack, wincing as he shifted in his seat. "Don't blame yourself, Trent. We couldn't have predicted this outcome."I spun around, facing him with clenched fists. "But we should have! We know what Dad's capable of. We should have been more prepared."Before he could reply, a familiar jingle of a breaking news
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 176
TRENT'S POV I took the watch from her, turning it over in my hands. "I don't understand," I began, but then I noticed a small button on the side. Pressing it, I watched in amazement as a video began to play.It showed Veronica leaving us, just as she had said she was going to check downstairs. The camera angle suggested it was filming from her perspective - the watch itself must have been recording.As she descended the stairs, Veronica's voice came through, slightly muffled but clear enough: "Hi. I don't know if I'll survive this, but I need to record what's happening here. This is my small medical facility that I've been managing since I got sacked from my previous workplace, Medicare Hospital."The video continued, showing Veronica's journey through the darkened hallways. Suddenly, a commotion erupted off-screen. The image shook as Veronica ducked behind a corner, her breath coming in quick, panicked gasps."Oh God," her voice whispered in the recording. "They're here. Richard Do
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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
