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CHAPTER 179
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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
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 182
TRENT'S POVThe giant screen turned to life, and suddenly, there it was - the same video I thought had been destroyed at the police station. My jaw dropped as I watched the familiar scenes unfold. How the hell did they manage to get another copy?The crowd fell silent as my father's voice filled the park and undeniably damning. I glanced at my father, still on stage. His face had turned red. He lunged for the controls, his expensive suit jacket ripping at the seam with the sudden movement."Turn it off!" he roared, spittle flying from his mouth. "I said turn it off, now!"But it was too late. The video played on. With each new revelation, the crowd's reaction grew louder. What started as confused murmurs quickly turned into shouts of anger and disbelief.As the video finally ended, leaving a silence in its wake, I turned to look at my father. Gone was the confident politician, the man who thought he could control everything and everyone. In his place stood a cornered animal, his eyes
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 183
I watched the chaos unfold. Trent's father had just fled, leaving a storm of confusion and anger. My eyes locked onto Trent, still on the stage, looking lost and overwhelmed.Mr. Matthews grabbed Trent's arm, urgency in his voice. "We need to find your father now. Tom could be in danger!"I saw Trent's face pale at the mention of his brother's name. He nodded, then suddenly spotted me in the crowd. Our eyes met, and I saw a whirlwind of emotions cross his face – relief, guilt, fear."I... I can't," Trent stammered, his gaze never leaving mine. "I need to talk to Ella first. You go ahead, I'll catch up."Mr. Matthews looked so tired. "Trent, there's no time-""No," I found myself saying, pushing through the crowd towards the stage. "Tom needs you, Trent. You should go."Trent jumped down from the stage, meeting me halfway. He reached for my hand, but I instinctively pulled back. The hurt in his eyes was obvious."Ella," he said, my name coming out almost like a prayer. "I can't leave t
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 184
ELLA'S POV My mind struggled to process the information he'd just shared. I blinked hard, forcing myself to focus on his face."Miss Thompson, did you hear what I said?" The doctor's brow furrowed as he peered at me over his clipboard.I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. "I'm sorry, could you repeat that?"He sighed, lowering the clipboard. "Your mother's condition is stable now, but her pregnancy is in a delicate state. She needs complete bed rest for the next few weeks at least."I nodded slowly, the reality of the situation finally sinking in. "What... what caused this?"The doctor adjusted his glasses, his expression softening. "Based on our tests, it appears your mother has been under significant stress lately. Coupled with her age, it's put a strain on the pregnancy. Has she experienced any major life changes or upheavals recently?"A humorless laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it. The doctor raised an eyebrow, and I quickly composed myself. "You could say that,"
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 185
ELLA'S POVI felt a gentle tap on my hand, pulling me from my restless sleep. My eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim hospital room. There, propped up on pillows and smiling weakly, was Mom."Mom!" I gasped, nearly falling out of the chair in my haste to reach her side. "You're awake!"She reached out, her hand trembling slightly as she cupped my cheek. "Hi, sweetheart. How long was I out?"Before I could answer, I bolted for the door. "I need to get the doctor. I'll be right back!"I raced down the hallway, my heart pounding.Dr. Patel was just leaving another patient's room when I skidded to a halt in front of him."Dr. Patel! My mom's awake!"He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's wonderful news, Ella. Let's go check on her, shall we?"We walked back to Mom's room together. his stethoscope swinging as he hurried into the room. He checked Mom's vitals, his brow furrowed in concentration."Well, Mrs. Thompson, it's good to see you awake," he said, scribbling notes
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 185
TRENT'S POV I sat on the edge of the couch, watching as Olivia approached Tom with cautious curiosity. Her small hand reached out, gently touching his cheek as her eyes widened in wonder."He looks just like you, Trent," Olivia marveled, her gaze darting between us.I couldn't help but smile at her amazement. "That's because we're twins, Liv."Olivia's brow furrowed, her mind clearly racing with questions. She tugged at the hem of her unicorn t-shirt, shifting from foot to foot. "But... but where has he been? Why haven't I seen him before? Does he like pizza too? Can he do magic tricks like you?"The rapid-fire questions tumbled out of her mouth, each one a reminder of how much Tom had missed, how much explaining we'd have to do. I ran a hand through my hair, searching for the right words to say."Hey, Olivia," I said, kneeling down to her level. "I know you have a lot of questions, and we'll answer them all soon. But right now, Tommy needs some rest. Why don't you go up to your room
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 187
ELLA'S POV The looming structure of my late father's factory sent a chill down my spine. I stood frozen, my eyes tracing the brick and rusted metal, trying to reconcile this imposing structure with the man I thought I knew. How had I never known about this place?Finding this place hadn't been easy. I'd had to swallow my pride and visit Mr. Matthews' office, enduring his scrutiny as I fabricated a reason for my sudden interest in Dad's past."A factory?" Mr. Matthews had leaned back in his leather chair, eyebrows raised. "How did you stumble upon that little tidbit, Ella?"I'd fidgeted with the strap of my bag, avoiding his piercing gaze. "Mom mentioned it. In passing. I just... I want to understand him better, you know?"Mr. Matthews had drummed his fingers on the desk, his eyes never leaving my face. "And what exactly do you hope to find there, hmm? Ghosts of the past? Or something more... tangible?"I'd forced a casual shrug, praying he couldn't hear my racing heart. "Just answer
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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
