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CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
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A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FIFTY
TRENT'S POVI kept a close eye on Ella and Lucinda from my station at the back of the classroom. Something about the way Lucinda was hovering around Ella lately put me on edge. Like she was cozying up to gain something. My instincts blared not to trust her exaggerated niceness one bit.As the partners worked on their acid reaction experiments, I let Liam handle most of our actual procedure. My gaze kept wandering back to Ella and Lucinda, watching them like a hawk. When Lucinda reached for a tray of chemicals near Ella, my muscles tensed, ready to spring into action at the first sign of trouble.Sure enough, a second later, Lucinda's gaudy bracelet suddenly snagged on Ella's flowing sleeve. I instantly recognized the downward tug that would send Ella straight into the acid's path. Everyone else froze, but my feet were moving before my brain even fully registered the crisis.In three long strides I closed the distance between us just as Ella crashed backwards. I caught her torso agai
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FIFTY- ONE
ELLA'S POV"You two have fun," my mom called out as she was leaving the house."Where are you going?" I asked."None of your business," she replied dismissively before shutting the front door behind her.I would have pressed further if not for Susan distracting me."So why the sudden call over?" I asked, turning to my best friend who was sitting on the couch.Susan's cheeks flushed pink. "Well...Liam invited me to a party next week." She paused, fiddling with the hem of her sweater. "Let me say it in his words: 'I don't have anywhere to go with to the party next week, do you mind if you could be my date for that day?'"Susan exhaled dreamily, hugging a throw pillow to her chest. "So judging from what he said, that means he doesn't have a girlfriend and he also finds me very important!"I laughed and nudged her playfully with my elbow. "At this point, what's keeping you two from dating already? You should just make it official."Susan's blush deepened and she bit her lip to suppress an
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FIFTY- TWO
ELLA'S POVMy flight was halted by fingers curling firmly around my wrist. I whirled to find Liam behind me, cheeks flushed and hair disheveled. His chest heaved like he had sprinted the whole way here."Stop it, Ella!" Liam called out, grasping my arm. "You can't just see something like that and expect me to let you leave."I whirled around, wrenching my arm from his grip. "Why are you chasing after me, Liam? Are you feeling guilty about what this would do to Sus-""I can't come out yet," Liam blurted, cutting me off. His eyes were wide and pleading. "Please, you have to understand."I paused, studying his desperate expression. "Of course I wouldn't tell anyone," I reassured him. "But aren't you worried about Susan finding out?"Liam's brow furrowed in confusion. "I don't understand. What does Susan have to do with this?"Now it was my turn to be confused. "Because she..." I trailed off as realization dawned. Liam had no idea about Susan's feelings for him. Perhaps he had only been s
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FIFTY- THREE
TRENT'S POVAs we gathered for practice, Coach's somber expression told me this wasn't going to be a typical pep talk. He cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping over the team."As you all know, with what happened recently, Jackson won't be playing with us in the upcoming game," Coach said, his voice solemn. "I heard he's been hospitalized, but his family hasn't disclosed the place he is yet. If any of you can contact him, I urge you to reach out."A murmur rippled through the group, and I shifted uncomfortably. The guilt of my role in leaking Jackson's medical records weighed heavily on my shoulders.Joe, one of the forwards, scoffed loudly. "Why should we reach out to him? He could have exposed all of us to that disease!""Yeah, Coach," another chimed in. "How do we know he didn't put us all at risk?"Coach's voice cut through the chatter. "I expected better from you, Joe. From all of you. Put yourself in Jackson's shoes for a moment. Imagine being in the hospital, scared and alone, w
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR
ELLA'S POVWe were sitting in the cafeteria during lunch period when Susan abruptly dropped her fork, letting it clatter loudly against her tray. She stared down at her food, methodically jabbing a wilted lettuce leaf with a plastic fork."Susan?" I reached over and touched her arm gently. "Are you okay?"Before she could respond, a voice suddenly rang out across the cafeteria."Can I have everyone's attention please!" Susan and I both whipped our heads around. Liam was standing on a chair, hand-in-hand with Dolly beside him. They shared a meaningful look before Liam cleared his throat again."We have an announcement to make."I felt Susan stiffen beside me as all eyes turned toward the two boys. I gave Liam an encouraging nod and a small smile.Taking a deep breath, Liam leaned forward and pulled Dolly into a fervent kiss. A collective gasp rose from the students followed by stunned silence. After a heated moment, they finally broke apart, both slightly flushed. Liam lifted his chin
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE
Ella's POVI watched in numb horror as the paramedics wheeled Trent's lifeless body out on a stretcher. Other students crowded around, straining to catch a glimpse."Everyone stay back!" I shouted, raising my arms to create a barrier. "And don't touch anything they may have been in contact with!"Muttered gasps and whispers rippled through the onlookers. I hurried forward, waving my arms to disperse the gawking onlookers. "Ella!" Lucinda suddenly materialized at my side, eyes wide with panic. "Oh my god, is Trent going to die? Tell me he's not going to die!"I gripped her trembling hands, struggling to keep my own voice steady. "I don't know, Lucy. But we need to stay calm and let the paramedics do their job, okay?"As the last stretcher bearing Jessica's unconscious form was loaded into the back of the ambulance, I noticed one of the EMTs beckoning to me and Mrs. Zaytseva. We hurried over, our footsteps ringing with finality."You two will need to come with us to the hospital," the
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
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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
