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A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FIFTY- SIX
ELLA'S POVThe room felt suffocating, the beeping of the machines like a ticking clock counting down the precious seconds. Trent still hadn't opened his eyes since being admitted yesterday. The fruits and get-well cards I'd brought lay untouched on the nightstand, a painful reminder of how powerless I was to help him. A tendril of fear coiled in my chest as Jackson's haunting fate replayed in my mind. I couldn't bear the thought of losing Trent too, not when our relationship had finally started mending after years. Readjusting the blanket covering him, I brushed a stray lock of hair from his clammy forehead. He had to pull through this.Hushed voices suddenly echoed from the hallway outside. "Which room is that bastard son of mine in?"The gruff, authoritative tone was unmistakable - Trent's father. Fear gripped me anew as I realized he was coming here. He mustn't spot me, never.I scanned the room before ducking behind the folding screen in the corner, holding my breath. A moment
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN
TRENT'S POVI slowly blinked my eyes open, disoriented as the world around me came into fuzzy focus. An array of machinery surrounded me - IV stands, cardiac monitors beeping steadily, plastic tubing snaking across the bed. Wires and electrodes were adhered to my bare chest, trailing off to various devices.As my senses slowly rebooted, memories trickled back in flashes. The feverish chills racking my body...Ella's alarmed face swimming into view as I collapsed...the rash on my skin. With a start, I realized where I must be - the hospital, recovering from what I don't know.I shifted, relieved to find the strange rashes had faded from my exposed arms and torso. A pink envelope propped up on the bedside table caught my eye. Stretching over, I snagged it and flipped it open.The looping handwriting scrawled across the card made my chest pump: "Get well soon, Trent. I'm here for you, always. Love..."My cheeks flushed hot as I hastily turned the envelope over, half-expecting Ella's na
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FIFTY- EIGHT
ELLA'S POVMy heart pinned when Trent took the stage, his jaw set in a way that screamed he was going to spill things he wasn't supposed to. As much as I knew this wasn't my business, I couldn't just watch him get humiliated - or worse, incur his father's wrath. I had to stop him before it was too late.My eyes scanned the auditorium, searching desperately for anything that could halt whatever havoc he was about to unleash. That's when they landed on the fire alarm - a sleek red box mounted on the wall with a simple lever handle. It was my only option.i slowly rose from my seat and began sidling along the row towards the aisle. i had to time this absolutely perfectly. Trent leaned into the microphone, his deep voice ringing out."i'm not here to eulogize jackson today..."I picked up the pace, practically power-walking now as I neared the fire alarm box. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Trent leaning in grimly towards the microphone."What I have to say goes beyond that..."
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FIFTY NINE
ELLA'S POV"Move it, people! We don't have all day!" Amelia barked at the students volunteers carrying boxes from the storage room. We still had over one hour until the Serpent Soirée kickoff, but of course she was rushing everyone like we were already behind schedule. Typical Amelia."And don't forget the good luck flowers and refreshments stands!" she yelled, spinning on her heel to face me with hands planted on her hips. "See why I said we don't need this rabble slowing us down? The volunteers you insisted on were more hindrance than help.""Maybe if you weren't treating them like slaves, they'd be more motivated to hustle."Amelia opened her mouth, nostrils flaring, but the last straggler finally emerged lugging the final crate. "Never mind, let's just get this show on the road," I said, turning away before she could retort.I led the way outside to where the festivities were already in full swing on the grounds. A high energy beat was thumping from the DJ's speakers as the basket
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SIXTY
ELLA'S POVMy heart felt like it was going to pound right out of my chest as Mr. Donovan's piercing gaze swept over the crowd.Just then, Trent's voice rang out, "You're mistaken, Father. The person who truly inspired me wasn't a romantic love at all."Every eye turned towards the stage as Trent ascended the steps, jaw set. We utterly silent as he came face-to-face with his Dad.Trent planted his feet, shoulders squared. "My greatest inspiration has been you, Dad."Mr. Donovan's brows hiked upwards as he studied Trent. A cruel smile then twisted his lips. "Oh, is that so? Well isn't that good to hear."He started clapping slowly, prompting the rest of the crowd to join in with confused but relieved applause. Striding forward, he clapped Trent firmly on the backtings."I'm proud of you, my boy."He pulled Trent into a stiff embrace, I watched Trent's hands clench into white-knuckled fists at his sides. The muscle in his jaw ticked rapidly.When they finally pulled apart, Trent's gaze i
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SIXTY ONE
ELLA'S POVThe sudden feeling of arms wrapping around me made me jump. Mom had snuck up behind me as I was packing my bag for school, her hands brushing against my chest in a squeeze.I stiffened, memories of yesterday flashing through my mind - Trent's darkened gaze as he drank in my half-naked form , the way my bra had felt entirely too flimsy under his piercing stare before I'd grabbed my clothes and fled the closet in humiliation.Quickly shoving those thoughts aside, I turned to find Mom beaming at me, eyes bright with a joy I hadn't seen in months. "Mom? What's got you so worked up this morning?" I asked, one hand straying to protectively cup my tender chest.She grabbed her phone and thrust it into my hands, a bright grin stretching her face. On the screen was a message from a number labeled 'Debt Collector':"See that?" Mom crowed as she jabbed a finger at the words. "That debt collector can kindly go kick rocks!"You have successfully paid off the remaining balance. Thank yo
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SIXTY TWO
ELLA'S POV"I won't say I'm not disappointed," Mom said, snapping me out of my daze. "I brought you out to celebrate with me, not look all sulky and mopey."That's when I realized I had been absentmindedly staring at the giant turkey leg she'd just handed me from the food court. We'd been on a shopping binge for hours, store-hopping.Blinking, I accepted the greasy turkey leg from her and took a big bite, suddenly realizing how hungry I was. "Mmph, 'orry," I mumbled around the mouthful."Care to share what's got you so distracted? This is supposed to be a happy mother-daughter day."I swallowed hard, slowly chewing as I gathered my thoughts. How could I explain this storm of emotions raging inside over my fight with Trent?"I'm just...stressed, I guess." I hedged lamely. "Stressed? But we haven't even really started the fun part yet!" She gestured at the shopping bags weighing down our arms. "This was just the warm-up round, babe!"I couldn't stop the snort of laughter that escaped a
A deal with the playboy SIXTY THREE
ELLA'S POV"Ella?" Ryan's voice was laced with shock as our eyes met across the restaurant. "What are you doing here?"I blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of the awkward situation. "I...really don't know."Ryan turned his questioning gaze to Mom, who was beaming from ear to ear. "Is she your daughter?""Yes, she is!" Mom clasped her hands together. "And I see you two already know each other. This is going to be even easier than I thought."Easier? My brows furrowed in confusion as the pieces slowly clicked into place. "Wait...what's going to be easy?" She waved a hand. "Oh, there won't be any need for introductions or awkward getting-to-know-you conversations. You're already acquainted - the perfect match!"My jaw dropped as I finally grasped what she was implying. Was my own mother...setting me up on a date? With Ryan?Ryan seemed to connect the dots as well, because his head whipped towards me with raised brows. "But I thought you had a boyfriend?"Oh god, someone was definitel
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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
