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CHAPTER SEVENTY ONE
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A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SEVENTY TWO
ELLA'S POVI stared around my childhood bedroom, feeling a heaviness settle over me. Boxes were scattered everywhere, half-filled with my belongings tossed inside. This was really happening - we were leaving this place behind."Ella?" Mom's voice drifted in from the doorway. "Are you almost done packing up in there?"Letting out a weary sigh, I turned to see her hovering in the door, wringing her hands anxiously. Our eyes met and I immediately looked away, Unable to hold her gaze for long these days.An uncomfortable silence stretched between us until she finally spoke up again. "We could really use your help getting the rest of the kitchen boxed up. He'll be here any minute from now.""Yeah, I'll be out in a minute," I mumbled, grabbing an armful of clothes and dumping them into one of the open boxes. Mom hesitated briefly before retreating back down the hallway.Once she was gone, I sank down on the edge of my bed, burying my face in my hands? How had things become such a mess so qu
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SEVENTY THREE
ELLA'S POV"That two-faced little snake." Susan blurted out as soon as I told her what Trent had revealed about Lucinda.Her eyes flashed with anger. "I never trusted that girl in the first place. It was just so weird how she started befriending you suddenly after hating you forever."I sighed heavily, raking a hand through my hair. As much as hearing the 'I told you so' grated on me, Susan had a point. "Well, I haven't gotten the full truth from Lucinda herself yet. For now, I have other matters to focus on."Like how the hell I'm going to keep living here with Amelia without wanting to kick her snotty face in every five minutes.Susan must have sensed where my mind had drifted because her expression softened. "I'm so sorry, Ella. Everything is just so fucked up for you right now." She reached over to give my hand a squeeze."You're telling me," I muttered darkly. My jaw tightened as I recalled the hushed conversation I'd overheard between Amelia and her father the other night. "Wha
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SEVENTY FOUR
ELLA'S POVI pushed open the classroom door, the dull roar of chatter instantly washing over me. Frowning slightly, I made my way to my usual desk, weaving through the clusters of gossiping students."Did you hear the latest news about Amelia?" A group of girls near the front turned towards the source of the new voice, eyes widening eagerly."No, what is it?" another chimed in.The first girl leaned in. "I heard her dad and Ella's mom are getting married! Can you believe that?" Then another girl let out a loud scoff."Yeah, well apparently Ella's mom was just another homewrecker who intentionally threw herself at him. I heard she's even pregnant with his kid now - probably why they have to get married in the first place."My hands clenched into fists at my sides as I fought the urge to spin around and set them straight."God, what a trashy slut," a third girl declared with a shake of her head. "I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree when it comes to Ella and her mother."T
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SEVENTY FIVE
ELLA'S POV"Mom, they are hiding something from us."She sighed deeply. "Ella, you've been saying this for the past few minutes and I keep asking why do you think so?""I overheard them talking last night," I pressed on urgently. "About keeping a secret from me and you.""Okay, okay," Mom held up a hand. "So what exactly are they hiding then?"I hesitated, realizing I didn't have the full context either. "I don't really know all the details," I admitted slowly. "But it has to do with the reason Amelia's mom left them years ago.""So how does the reason she left matter to me?" Mom shook her head. "Daniel said she simply fell out of love with him. That's all there is to it.""Mom, according to what I heard..." I took a deep breath. "It sounded like there was something dangerous that happened before she left. Amelia mentioned something about not wanting you to find out 'about that' if we got married into their family.""She reached over to grasp my hands. "Ella, I know everything is so o
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SEVENTY SIX
ELLA'S POVOur gazes remained locked, the tension crackling between us in the space. Trent's intense green eyes seemed to bore into me as his face began drifting closer. My breath caught in my throat when I felt the ghost of his exhale fan across my skin.."You should...probably go check on your parents," I managed in a strangled whisper, fighting to keep my voice steady.Trent didn't so much as flinch, holding my stare boldly. "That's true," he murmured in a low rumble that sent a shiver coursing through me. "But I don't think it's them. My mom would have already come barging up here by now."I gave a nod, mouth suddenly dry. "Well, all the more reason you should go see who it is then," I insisted, struggling to inject some resolve into my tone. "It could be Lucinda."One dark brow inched up. "And what would she be doing here?""How should I know that?" I fired back, feeling nettled all of a sudden. Hadn't he been the one to take her back?Something flickered across Trent's expressio
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SEVENTY SEVEN
TRENT'S POV"Quit basketball before I make you." My father's cold voice sliced through the air, his eyes boring into mine with intensity.I felt my breath catch in my throat. "I can't," I managed, forcing the words out. "Basketball is my dream, and now that I finally got the captainship, you can't just take it all away from me."His eyes narrowed to slits as he took a step closer. "It was never your dream in the first place, boy," he spat, jabbing a finger towards my face. "It was your brother's, but you stripped him of it the moment you did that to him." The memories came rushing back in a torrent, threatening to drown me. I clutched my head, desperately trying to keep them at bay. "I didn't do anything," I rasped, my voice sounding foreign to my own ears. "I didn't..."But he was already leaning in, his hot breath fanning across my face as he hissed in my ear, "You remember the blood, the glasses, the car." He hissed, his words like venom into my ears."Stop it," I choked out, sque
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SEVENTY EIGHT
ELLA'S POVI rushed into the restaurant, already running late after staying behind at school. As soon as I stepped inside, the workers who were wrapping up for the night immediately stopped what they were doing. Hushed murmurs rippled through the group. "Oh my god, do you see how handsome he is?" one waitress whispered loudly to her friend, fanning herself. "I wouldn't mind him taking my order, if you know what I mean."Her friend giggled before leaning in. "I heard he's coming in to look for work here. Can you imagine having someone like that on our staff?"Who were they talking about? I frowned slightly, turning to try and spot the supposed new potential hire. That's when the harsh voice of Agatha cut through the chatter."You," she barked, jabbing a finger at me. "Why are you stumbling in this late? Your shift started over an hour ago."I swallowed hard, caught off guard. "I'm so sorry, Agatha. I had some delays after school that set me back and--""We don't allow lateness here,"
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.
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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
