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CHAPTER SEVENTY EIGHT
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A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SEVENTY NINE
ELLA'S POV. "What are you doing here, Lucinda?" Ryan's firm voice cut through the noise of the restaurant.I looked up from where I was assisting with some prep work to see Lucinda standing there, hands on her hips as she leveled her gaze at Ryan. "It happens that we have some people coming in to book reservations for a celebration," he continued sternly. "This really isn't the best time."Lucinda tossed her hair over her shoulder. "I actually came to discuss our class project," she stated in a sugary-sweet tone that immediately set me on edge. "And well...to see my love since I heard he's started working here too."Her eyes bored into mine as she said the last part. My love? Did she actually just refer to Trent that way?Ryan pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Look, this really isn't the appropriate place or time for that kind of thing right now. We're incredibly backed up with work as you can see. Please leave.""Not until I see Trent," Lucinda stated, crossing her arms.
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER EIGHTY
ELLA'S POVMr. Donovan's slow smile spread as his eyes searched me. "Who would have believed we'd cross paths again in such a manner?"I tensed, swallowing hard as unease prickled my skin under his stare. "So I see you're working here," he remarked.My mouth felt dry as I forced out a stammered, "Yes."Mr. Donovan's gaze sharpened. "Did you happen to be the server who waited on us yesterday in the VIP lounge?Panic surged through me, but I forced myself to meet his stare evenly. "Yes, that was me.""Excellent." He laced his fingers together atop the table. "Then you must have overheard part of our private conversation as well."My breath caught in my throat as the implication hit me. They knew. But how?Forcing a tight smile, I shook my head. "No, sir. I simply dropped some plates by accident which caused a loud noise. But I didn't hear anything from inside the lounge." Mr. Donovan's smile only seemed to widen further. "Is that so?" He reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved his
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER EIGHTY ONE
ELLA'S POVMy heart pounded hard in my chest as I scanned the hallway, finally spotting Damien at his locker. This was my chance. I had to warn him, no matter how awkward it might be between us.Taking a breath, I started towards him, dodging between the clusters of students. "Damien!" I called out once I drew closer.He looked up at the sound of my voice, brows knitting together slightly. There was a pause before he responded. "Ella? What's up?"I came to a halt in front of him, gnawing on my lower lip. How was I supposed to phrase this? "Look, I...I need to tell you something. In private."Damien's frown deepened, but after a moment's hesitation he gave a slight nod and stepped away from his locker. "Okay, let's talk over here."He led the way to a secluded place, out of earshot from the other students walking about. Once we were alone, I turned to face him fully, struggling to maintain his stare."I'm just going to cut right to it," I began in a low tone. "You need to warn your dad
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER EIGHTY TWO
ELLA'S POVWe seemed to hold our breath as Mrs. Winslow cleared her throat, shuffling the papers in her hands. "And the letter of recommendation goes to..."My heart leapt into my throat, the silence pressing down on me. I could practically taste the anticipation in the air."I'm definitely going to be the one," Lucinda's voice cut through the silence. She was beaming at Trent, her smile widening. "We crushed that Romeo and Juliet scene."I suppressed an eye roll, ready to simply accept defeat gracefully. There was no way Mrs. Winslow would endorse our...unprofessional display out there as the winner thoughMrs. Winslow's throat clearing made the entire class sit up straighter. "The team I've selected to receive my highest endorsement is..." She paused, building the anticipation as she broke the seal on the envelope.My palms grew clammy, a sound filling my ears. Just get it over with already! Then finally, the name passed her lips:"Ella Thompson and Trent Donovan."A stunned silence
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER EIGHTY THREE
ELLA'S POV"Okay from the top again," Ryan instructed, clapping his hands together.I sighed deeply, rolling my eyes as the music filled the room once more. "Ryan, I don't think this is a good idea," I said again. "You can't just assume I have some hidden dance talent just because of one drama performance."Ryan chuckled lightly. "Trust me Ella, I know raw talent when I see it," he murmured, eyes twinkling.Stepping forward, he grasped my hands, his fingers tightening around my waist as he pulled me flush against him. Our bodies moved together seamlessly in the intimate proximity."Just feel the rhythm and let your body move," Ryan breathed, his lips close to my ear. "You've got a natural grace."A flush crept up my neck at the compliment. Swallowing hard, I met Ryan's intense gaze and gave a slight nod. Squaring my shoulders, I tried again to mirror his steps, letting the pulsing beat of the music guide me.Ryan kept one hand splayed at my lower back as we moved. "That's it, nice and
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER EIGHTY FOUR
ELLA'S POV"Ella, you have to explain what's going on," Ryan said, his brow furrowing. "Why do you suddenly seem so shaken up over an old photo?"Without responding, I pivoted on my heel and hurried across the room, scooping up the duffel bag I'd brought over from the chair. I had to get to the bottom of this - now."Hey, what are you doing?" Ryan moved to block my path, catching my arm to halt my movements.I shook him off. "I need to see him," I murmured, more to myself than Ryan. "He definitely knows about my father."Ryan held my hand once more and stilled me. "Talk to me, Ella. What's this all about?"I gestured wildly towards the photo again. "You said you don't know the relationship between the man in that picture and your father, right?"He nodded slowly. "Right...""Well then I need to go ask your father myself," I stated, already turning to grab my jacket. "Because that man receiving the award from your dad...is my fucking father, Ryan."His lips parted on a soft exhale as r
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER EIGHTY FIVE
ELLA'S POVTaking a deep breath, I extracted the contents and began to read the documents from the envelope. My heart stuttered as the words on the top page leapt out at me - 'Divorce Decree'.A divorce decree? Between who? My trembling fingers flipped through the stack until I froze, eyes widening as I stared at the names - Daniel Thompson and Patricia Thompson. My parents' names...divorced?My mind spun as I rapidly flipped through the official documents. The listed date of legal separation, details of the division of assets and custody arrangements. It was all there in black and white.What the hell? How was this possible? All my life, Mom had spun the story that Dad simply up and left us, abandoning his family without a trace. She'd never once breathed a word about going through an actual divorce proceeding with him.Rage sparked within me as the realization sank in - I'd been lied to, by my own mother no less, for years upon years about the truth surrounding my father's disappear
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER EIGHTY SIX
ELLA'S POVI took the paper again and read the address, my heart pounding. Yes, this was the place - the moment of truth had finally arrived. How would this reunion go? Would he even recognize me after all these years? Was he still the same handsome, vibrant man I remembered from my childhood, or had time taken its toll?Nerves twisted in my stomach as I wondered if he had moved on, perhaps remarried and started a new family. The thought of him having other children, a life without us, stung more than I cared to admit. But I had to know - I needed those missing pieces to finally fill the void that had haunted me for so long.Steeling my nerves, I stepped up to the front door and rapped my knuckles against the wood. Silence. I waited with breath, then tried again, still no answer.Finally, the door creaked open to reveal a girl who appeared to be around my own age. She eyed me curiously, brow furrowing."Can I help you?" she asked."I'm, um, I'm looking for Daniel Thompson," I managed
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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
