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CHAPTER 173
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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
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 177
ELLA'S POVAs soon as the exam ended, I grabbed Trent's hand and pulled him towards a quiet corner of the hallway. My heart was still racing from the events of last night, and I needed to make sure he was okay. I ran my hands over his arms and chest, checking for any signs of injury."Are you hurt anywhere? Any bruises or cuts I can't see? Maybe we should go to the nurse's office, just to be safe," I rambled, my fingers trembling as I continued my inspection.Trent's laughter rumbled through his chest, and he caught my hands in his. "I'm totally fine, Ella. See? I'm practically glowing." He twirled, striking a pose like a model on a runway. "In fact, I think all that excitement might have given me superpowers. Want to see if I can fly?"I blew out an exasperated breath, swatting his arm. "Is that really what you should be joking about right now? This isn't funny, Trent. You could have been killed!" My voice cracked on the last word, and I swallowed hard. "When the livestream suddenly
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 178
ELLA'S POV The room started to spin, colors blurring together like a kaleidoscope gone wrong. My legs felt like jelly, and I gripped the edge of the table to keep from toppling over. Mr. Matthews' words echoed in my head, each repetition feeling like a hammer blow."Your late father... Daniel Thompson..."I blinked hard, trying to focus on Mr. Matthews' face. He stood in the doorway, his shoulders slumped, looking older than I'd ever seen him.He took a step towards me, his hand outstretched, but seemed to think better of it and let it fall to his side. "I'm so sorry, Ella. I never wanted you to find out like this." He ran a hand through his graying hair, his shoulders sagging. "I've been trying to find the right way to tell you, but... how do you break news like this to someone?"My mind raced, grasping at straws, desperate for any explanation that could make this not true. Suddenly, Mrs. Emerson's words from that day I went searching for answers about my father came rushing back
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 179
TRENT'S POVThe hospital room felt like it was closing in on us. The constant beep of the heart monitor seemed to get louder with each passing second, making my head throb. I couldn't stop myself from glancing at the door every few moments, half-expecting it to burst open with my father's thugs ready to finish what they started.Mr. Matthews couldn't seem to stay still. He paced back and forth, his shoes squeaking on the polished floor. His fingers drummed against his thigh as he spoke. "We need to figure out who's going to get this evidence to the police. Time isn't on our side here, people."I watched as Nurse Veronica shifted in her bed, wincing as she tried to sit up straighter. Her face was pale. "I'll do it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm the one who recorded it, after all."My head snapped towards her so fast I thought I might get whiplash. "No way. You're still recovering, Veronica. We need to keep you hidden. If my father finds out you're alive..." I could
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 180
TRENT'S POV The early morning sun cast long shadows across the empty basketball court as I approached, my gym bag slung over my shoulder. I'd been avoiding this place, but the need to shoot some hoops, to lose myself in the familiar rhythm of the game, had finally won out over my pride.I pushed open the gate, the loud creak that shattered the morning silence. As I stepped onto the court, the familiar smell of rubber and sweat hit me.This place had been my sanctuary for so long. Now, it felt like enemy territory.I was so lost in my thoughts that I almost missed the sound of voices coming from the other side of the court. My head snapped up, and I froze mid-step. The entire team was there, running drills as if it was just another normal practice day.For a moment, I hesitated, unsure whether to approach or slink away unnoticed. But before I could make up my mind, Michael spotted me and waved me over."Yo, Trent! Where you been, man? We've been waiting for you!"I blinked, confusion
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 181
TRENT'S POV In that moment, I made a decision. I'd play along with my father's game, pretend to be the dutiful son he wanted. And that's how I ended up here, at this stupid campaign rally, standing next to the man I despised more than anyone in the world.The park was packed with people, all here to see the great Richard Donovan. Red, white, and blue banners fluttered in the breeze, and a giant screen loomed behind the stage. I tugged at my collar, feeling like I was suffocating in the suit my father had insisted I wear.Dad strode onto the stage, waving to the cheering crowd. I followed a few steps behind, forcing a smile onto my face. My stomach churned as I watched him work the crowd, shaking hands and kissing babies like some twisted parody of a good politician."Thank you all for coming out today!" Dad's voice boomed through the speakers. "As you know, we're here to talk about the future of our great city. But before we get into that, I'd like to introduce someone very special
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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
