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CHAPTER TEN
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A deal with the playboy CHAPTER ELEVEN
ELLA'S POVMy mother's gaze burned into mine, eyes wide and mouth agape. This was it, I was totally busted. I braced for the tirade about to come my way. Sorry mom, but I can explain..."Veronica! There you are!" My mom suddenly exclaimed, her gaze shifting to peer behind our booth. "We've been looking for you all over. Why'd you already come in for dinner without us?"Wait a second...she wasn't looking at me after all? I risked a subtle glance over my shoulder and spotted Veronica, another one of my mom's salon clients, sitting a few tables back waving her hands"Oh, I'm so sorry, these pregnancy cravings of mine just demanded immediate attention," Veronica called back, patting her round belly. I wanted to collapse in gratitude over this lucky coincidence. That had been way too close."And here I was ready for the showdown of the year with you and Mama," Trent chuckled.I smacked his chest, watching cautiously as mom with her chatting friends began weaving between tables toward us. "
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER TWELVE
TRENT'S POV"I always knew you'd amount to nothing. Now you're really trying to drag the family name through the mud," my father growled as soon as he walked in the door. I stayed silent, jaw clenched so tightly it started to ache. Of course Principal Roberts, that self-righteous blowhard, had wasted no time gleefully ratting me out to my father about the fight with Damien.Not that he cared one bit about my side of the story or what provoked the fight in the first place."Look at me when I'm talking to you!" he bellowed. I reluctantly dragged my gaze up to meet his glare. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of looking away first, no matter how much his disappointment stung."Do you have any idea the position you've put me in?" he continued, jabbing an accusatory finger in my direction. "Elections are coming up and I can't have my delinquent son stirring up trouble!"I bit my tongue until I tasted blood, holding back the retort on the tip of it. Nothing I said would make a differe
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER THIRTEEN
ELLA'S POVI woke with a pounding in my head so intense I was certain a construction crew was jackhammering behind my eyeballs. I cracked open one eye, then instantly regretted it as harsh sunlight stabbed directly into my retina. "Ugghhh," I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head. But the damage was done - my stomach was already churning. Oh God.I lay there miserably for a minute, trying to piece together faded memories from last night. How did I even get home and into bed?The last clear thing I remembered was doing shots with Susan at the club. After that, things got extremely hazy- Pounding music... Dancing with Susan...a man grabbing me...someone shoving him away. And then...Trent!More details came filtering back now - Trent's voice on the other end of my phone right before I danced.I patted down the bed searching for my phone. Finding it buried under a pillow, I scrolled through my call history with dread. And there it was - an outgoing call to none other than Trent last
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FOURTEEN
ELLA'S POVI took Susan's phone and looked down at the screen again, still struggling to comprehend what I was seeing. It was a photo of me from last night, standing unsteadily against a wall as some strange man had his hands on me. I remembered that blurry moment before someone pulled him away. But this image falsely made it look like I was reciprocating, rather than recoiling from his advances. Even worse was the malicious caption under the photo: "Caught red-handed throwing herself at a stranger, Ella revealed her true slutty colors. Thank God Damien came to his senses and dumped her for his Tutor/soulmate, Amelia."I gasped, shaking my head in disbelief. This made it seem like I had cheated and Damien was justified in dumping me! But who would post such a blatant lie?This had Amelia's manipulative fingers written all over it. She was clearly the only one who would benefit from cruelly making me look this after stealing Damien.Susan grasped my shoulder. "Ella, take a deep brea
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FIFTEEN
ELLA'S POVTrent grabbed my hand and pulled me after him. My feet stumbled to keep up as we moved through the crowd. My mind was spinning trying to understand Trent's odd behavior. Girlfriend? Since when? What angle was Trent playing at?As we pushed through the students, murmurs started rising up:"That still doesn't explain the photo of her with that guy...""Yeah, if she didn't cheat then why did Damien dump her?"I bristled, wanting to yell the truth - that Damien slept with Amelia! But Trent's firm grip on my hand signaled that I should keep quiet.Without warning, Trent spun around and yelled out. "How can you all be so foolish? You'd condemn someone based off one photo."The students stiffened, surprised by Trent's unexpected outburst. It was unlike him to speak out like this, and it had their undivided attention.Trent held his phone high, the image still displayed on the screen "In fact, let's all take another objective look at this photo, shall we?"They all reluctantly pull
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SIXTEEN
ELLA'S POVYou skanky homewrecker!" Lucinda shrieked, getting up in my face. "You're just a whore. First you cheated on Damien and now you're trying to steal my Man."I saw red. Before I could stop myself, words were spewing from my mouth."No, that's where you're wrong girl," I snapped. "I never tried stealing your man - he just left your sorry ass. And let's get one thing clear - you were never his girl, more like his plaything. Someone he used for pleasure whenever he wanted. How stupid can you get?"I froze as the last word left my lips. Oh god, what have I done? I sounded like a total whore myself. I had no right to attack her like that, no matter how rude she was first.Slowly I lifted my gaze to Lucinda's face. She looked stunned, eyes glittering with barely suppressed tears even as anger flooded her features. Her minions gasped dramatically behind her.Crap. I really stepped in it now. Lucinda's features twisted in rage. "How dare you!" She raised her hands, clearly about to
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
TRENT'S POVI strode into the locker room, resting my practice bag down on the bench. We had just run through drills and layups, and now Coach was giving us 15 minutes before the tryout scrimmage that would determine who makes the cut.Based on Coach's impressed looks during my solo drills, I knew I was a shoo-in to make Laurel Heights basketball team. I probably could've just had my dad call up Coach Roberts to ensure my place. But I wanted to earn my spot fair and square.I removed my sweaty shirt and kicked off my shoes. Reaching into my bag, I chuckled seeing the black marker I used to address Ella's package. That little gift ought to get quite a reaction from her! I didn't spot Ella watching me from the stands, but she'll come around. No girl can resist the patented Trent charm for long.Just then, my best friends Liam and Connor strolled into the locker room."Well, well, if it isn't the great Trent Donovan doing slumming it at tryouts," Liam joked, giving me a fist bump in gree
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
TRENT'S POVMuffled voices slowly filtered into my consciousness. I felt limp, my mind foggy. What happened? I struggled to open my eyes or move my uncooperative limbs. It was like I was locked inside my own body. The voices became clearer and I recognized Damien's voice. "You see Coach? I told you he isn't fit for this team. Too weak. He could've really hurt himself out there."I would've rolled my eyes if I could pry them open. Of course he would use this opportunity to undermine me again. Ella's voice suddenly rang out. "Are you freaking kidding me right now?? Is that really what you should be worried about?" She sounded genuinely worried. Huh. So the Ice Queen does care.I felt her drop to her knees beside me and a pair of hands press down in firm pumps on my chest. My eyes remained closed but my inner grin grew wider. With the last of my self control I resisted smiling as I imagined her wide, fearful eyes peering at my "lifeless" body sprawled across the shiny court floor. Gue
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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
