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CHAPTER FIFTY NINE
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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
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SIXTY FOUR
TRENT'S POV"Ella!" Someone shouted from behind me. I whipped around quickly, my heart leaping with the thought that it was her. But it was just one of the players from the opposing Rogers team, cupping his hands around his mouth as a girl came running over."Elva!" He grinned as she flung her arms around him in a tight embrace. Of course it wasn't Ella - just my mind playing tricks again.The guy smoothed his hands over her back as they swayed together. "Wish me luck, babe," he murmured against her hair.She pulled back with a smile. "How about I give you a little luck charm instead?"Before he could respond, she looped her arms around his neck and pulled his mouth down to hers in a kiss. I felt my jaw clench as I quickly averted my gaze, trying to ignore the uncomfortable pang in my chest. Why did her name have to be everywhere, taunting me? Arghh, I raked my hands over my hair in frustration.A sharp blast of the whistle shattered my thoughts. The players began lining up on the
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SIXTY FIVE
ELLA'S POV"So..." Mom drawled, eyeing me over the rim of her wine glass. "Did you like him?"I set down my fork with a clatter on the iron plate. "Why would you expect me to like someone you just ambushed me with on a blind date?""Oh Please, Ryan is such a catch. He'll treat you so much better than that asshole Damien ever did," she stated.Rolling my eyes, I shook my head. "I don't care about any of that. My feelings for Damien are in the past.""Well, he's also very romantic," Mom continued. "You can't deny the setting that day was incredibly romantic."I couldn't stop the snort of laughter that escaped. "I really don't care about how 'romantic' he is, Mom."She stared at me before a sly smile stretched her lips. "Well, what if I told you he's the son of the owner of that fancy restaurant you two dined at tonight?"I paused, brow furrowing slightly as her words sank in. "Wait...what did you just say?""You heard me," Mom said, taking another sip of her wine. "Ryan's father is the
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SIXTY SIX
TRENT'S POV"Alright guys, bring it in!" Coach's voice rang out sharply.We all quickly assembled around him in a tight circle, our sneakers squeaking against the hardwood court. "Listen up," he said, "This is it. The final game to decide this whole tournament is here."He jabbed a finger at my chest. "And we wouldn't have made it this far without Trent being captain."An applause broke out from the guys as they reached over to pound me on the back. My gaze slid over to where Damien's friends were clustered, their arms firmly crossed with scowls on their faces.I smirked lazily in their direction. "What's the matter, fellas? Too choked up with pride for your new captain to join in?"Marcus's jaw tightened as he opened his mouth, but Coach cut him off with a furious look."Save it for after the game," he growled. "Because if you idiots cost us this championship, you'll be removed from the team..." Marcus and the others exchanged sullen looks before finally bringing their hands togeth
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SIXTY SEVEN
ELLA'S POVThe classroom fell silent as Mrs. Johnson, our history teacher, cleared her throat. All eyes turned expectantly towards the front."Class, I'd like to introduce our newest student," she began, shooting a warm smile at the tall, athletic figure standing beside her desk.My heart skipped a beat as Ryan swept his gaze over the room. Our eyes met briefly and he flashed me a grin before turning his attention back to Mrs. Johnson.She seemed to be drinking in Ryan's appearance, her eyes roving over his frame in a way that made me supremely uncomfortable. Get it together, Mrs. J!"This is Ryan Matthews," she continued, clearing her throat again. "He'll be joining us for the remainder of the semester."Ryan stepped forward then, absently running a hand through his tousled curls as he positioned himself front and center. "Hey everyone. I'm Ryan, and I'd be joining your class from now on."His gaze swept over the whispering girls, a lazy smirk playing about his lips. "I look forwar
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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
