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CHAPTER 185
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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
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 188
ELLA'S POVI stared at Mr. Donovan, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst from my chest. His cold eyes bore into mine, a cruel smile playing at the corners of his mouth."What do you want from us?" I managed to choke out, my voice barely above a whisper.Mr. Donovan chuckled, the sound sending chills down my spine. He circled my chair slowly, like a predator stalking its prey. "What do I want? Oh, Ella. It's not about what I want. It's about what Trent needs to learn."I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "And what's that?"He stopped in front of me, leaning down until his face was inches from mine. "The consequences of betrayal," he hissed. "My son thought he could turn against me, expose my secrets, and walk away unscathed. But he forgot one crucial detail – I always find a way to win.""So that's it?" I spat, anger momentarily overriding my fear. "You're using me to hurt Trent? You're pathetic."Mr. Donovan's hand shot out, gripping my chin painfully. "Car
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 189
ELLA'S POV My heart pounded like a drum in my chest as I watched him give a curt nod to Mr. Stewart. Stewart stood up slowly, cracking his knuckles with a sickening pop."No, no, please," I begged, my voice barely above a whisper.Stewart's foot connected with Mom's chair, sending her crashing to the floor with a sickening thud. She let out a pained whimper that tore through my soul."Stop it!" I screamed, thrashing against my restraints. "She's pregnant, for God's sake! You're hurting her... you're hurting the baby!"Mom lay on her side, curled protectively around her swollen belly. Tears streamed down my face as I watched her struggle to breathe.Stewart's laughter echoed through the room, cold and mirthless. "That's not my baby, you foolish girl," he sneered, looming over Mom's trembling form.I blinked, confusion momentarily overriding my fear. "What? What are you talking about? You're the one who..." I couldn't finish the sentence, the words sticking in my throat.He whirled to
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 190
ELLA'S POV The world around me exploded into chaos, but I barely registered it. Sirens wailed, their piercing screams cutting through the air like knives. Red and blue lights flashed, painting the walls in a twisted dance of colors. But none of it mattered. Nothing mattered except the lifeless body in my arms."Please, don't leave me," I sobbed, shaking him desperately. "Trent, please. Wake up!"I shook him gently, then more forcefully, willing his eyes to open, for his chest to rise and fall with breath. But he remained still, his skin growing colder by the second.Police officers swarmed the room, their voices a distant hum in my ears. "Richard Donovan, you're under arrest," one of them shouted, his words barely penetrating my fog of grief. "For child abuse, illegal use of drugs, attempted murder, kidnapping..."The list went on, but I couldn't bring myself to care. Let them arrest him. Let them lock him up and throw away the key. It wouldn't bring Trent back.Mom lay crumpled on
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 191
ELLA'S POV My eyelids fluttered open, struggling to adjust to the harsh lights above. The sterile smell of disinfectant filled my nostrils as I slowly realized I was in a hospital room. A figure was slumped over the side of my bed, their head resting on their folded arms. For a fleeting moment, my heart leapt - Trent?But as the figure stirred and lifted their head, my hopes were dashed. It was Ryan, his eyes red-rimmed and hair disheveled. Our eyes locked, and an uncomfortable silence stretched between us. This was supposed to be my brother. The word felt foreign, almost laughable. If Mr. Matthews was truly my father, then Ryan was my... I couldn't even finish the thought. It was too surreal, too raw.How could my entire world have shifted so dramatically in such a short time?I tried to push myself up, my arms trembling with the effort. Ryan reached out to support my neck, but I jerked away."Don't touch me," I snapped, my voice hoarse. "I can do it myself."Ryan's hand hovered a
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
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
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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
