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CHAPTER THIRTY- SIX
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A deal with the playboy CHAPTER THIRTY- SEVEN
TRENT'S POVI walked down the hall, mentally replaying that look on Ella's face when she saw Lucinda hugging me that day. There was definitely a spark of something in her eyes, maybe even a hint of...jealousy?I smirked to myself. That little firecracker had been giving me the cold shoulder ever since that day in the hallway. Was she really refusing to talk to me just because I made a few cheeky comments alluding to our near-kiss? As if that night hadn't been on both our minds.No, she was definitely steamed about seeing me with my ex. And who could blame her? I did make sure that little vixen knew every word I threw out in class was meant for her. Riling her up never failed to amuse me.I chuckled under my breath. If Ella had her way right now, she'd probably bury me ten feet underground. The thought only fueled my mischievous flames.As I entered the cafeteria, my gaze landed on the two girls immediately. Ella was sitting across from Susan, as usual attached at the hip with her best
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER THIRTY- EIGHT
ELLA'S POVI had just finished getting dressed for school when my phone beeped with an incoming message. I picked it up from the bed to see it was from Susan.Yay, I've gotten all the money together now!Shee was referring to the funds for paying off her blackmailer. He could try contacting Susan again any day now seeking his payment.I quickly typed back: That's great news! Though I still haven't been able to reach Trent...Susan's response came through: See, I knew we shouldn't trust him.I sighed, tapping back: Don't panic yet, let me try tracking him down today.I slipped the phone into my bag and headed downstairs. My mom was sitting at the dining table sipping coffee. I breezed past her without a word, still bothered by her lies."Ella?" She called out, making me pause. I reluctantly turned to face her."You've barely spoken two words to me since yesterday. Did I do something wrong?"I turned to leave, but she grasped my wrist, pulling me back around."Talk to me, Ella," she ple
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER THIRTY- NINE
TRENT'S POV"Did you mention anything to Daddy about the money I took from him?" I asked in a low voice, kneeling down to my little sister Stacy's eye level. I'd found myself reluctantly crawling back home, cause really I have nowhere else to go. Stacy's eyes went wide and remorseful as she sensed my serious tone. "I didn't mean to," she insisted quickly. "It just...came out when I was talking to him and Mommy at dinner."I pinched the bridge of my nose, exhaling a sigh. "Okay, tell me exactly what you said to them."Stacy twisted her hands together, her small face scrunching up. "Well, when Mommy asked what I wanted from the toy store, I said I wanted a new teddy bear. But she told me we had to wait until my birthday."Stacy paused, visibly bracing herself."And...and then I said that you already got the money for my bear from Dad's wallet." "Stace, you weren't supposed to tell Mom and Dad about that," I said carefully, opening my eyes to meet her crestfallen gaze. "It was our littl
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FORTY
ELLA'S POVI scanned the rows of cars in the school parking lot, hoping in vain to spot Trent's flashy sports car somewhere. But just like yesterday, his usual spot was glaringly empty.Well, I shouldn't be surprised. Trent skipping class was nothing new - even though I'd sent him multiple urgent texts about preparing for the blackmailer's call. Without Trent's help, our plan would never work. But clearly my messages hadn't been enough to tear him away from...whatever he was up to.My steps slowed as I approached the sleek Lamborghini Urus I knew only too well. Damien's car stood out brightly against the faded vehicles around it. Just seeing it made my mind drift back to that awful conversation I'd overheard between him and Amelia.I quickly averted my eyes, trying to halt that train of thought. But why had I allowed myself to break down crying over someone so cruel? Damien had no place left in my heart. But in that shattering moment, I just couldn't stop the tears from pouring out.
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FORTY- ONE
ELLA'S POVThe classroom fell into a heavy silence, Damien's loaded words seeming to suck all air from the room as they hung. Every pair of eyes bored into him, waiting with breath for what he would reveal next."I know who really did it," he stated again, letting each word resonate.I studied Damien closely. What was he playing at now? Beside me, Amelia had narrowed her eyes at him. Clearly she was just as taken aback as I was by Damien taking my side instead of hers."And who exactly is this supposed real culprit?" Amelia challenged.Damien paused a moment, as if carefully considering his words. "It was someone who wanted to frame Ella," he finally said.Murmurs rippled through the classroom at this. Then a voice piped up, "And why would anyone want to frame her?" That same question must be on everyone else's mind too.Damien cleared his throat. "I don't know the motive for certain, but can we all take a step back and examine the facts objectively?"He turned to me, holding my gaze
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FORTY- TWO
TRENT'S POV I tugged at the crisp uniform shirt, ensuring my fake police badge was straightened on my breast pocket. The navy pants were a bit loose at my waist, but the entire get-up was convincingly official - from the cap down to the sturdy boots. I had my uncle Charlie to thank for this hook-up.The retired cop had been skeptical about lending me his old uniform for misuse at first. But after laying on some carefully crafted lies about needing it for a theatre production, he finally relented and handed it over with a gruff warning not to get into any trouble.I scanned the deserted area with a furrowed brow. The suspected drug exchanger was running late, not that I was complaining tho. I still needed more time to prepare to face him.As I waited, my mind drifted back to the instructions my father had laid out the previous night regarding the suspicious "task" he expected me to complete."You're going to obtain a certain document from the school's records office," he had stated, n
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FOURTY- THREE
TRENT'S POVEnzo's meet location was less than a mile away, in an abandoned depot on the edge of town. I navigated the deserted streets, searching for the place listed in the crumpled note.Sure enough, there was Enzo's sleek black car, idling in the shadows of the depot. I took a deep breath to steady my nerves before leaving my vehicle.Suddenly my phone rang yet again, I glanced down to see Ella's name flashing on the caller ID. "Have you met with him yet or not?" Ella sounded at the other end."So impatient, At this rate, your constant calling might get us caught, gorgeous.""Just answer me straight for once!" Ella demanded."I'm literally about to walk up to his car as we speak. Make sure that sexy dress is on for the club tonight. We'll be moving to phase two soon..." I trailed off suggestively."Ugh, you're impossible!" Ella said in exasperation. But before I could tease her further, the line went dead.I chuckled under my breath as I slipped the phone away. I strode up and ra
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER FORTY- FOUR
ELLA'S POVI took a deep, steadying breath as I followed Enzo into his apartment. My nerves were frayed to their breaking point, but I had to see this through - for Susan's sake.Bottles and takeout containers littered every surface. The air hung heavy with stale cigarette smoke. Enzo carelessly tossed his jacket onto the back of a worn leather armchair before turning to me, blatant hunger darkening his eyes.He swiftly closed the distance between us, backing me up against the wall and caging me in with his hulking frame. I tensed as his greedy hands freely roamed my body.No, this is going too far... I had to act now before things escalated.Mustering all my courage, I gazed up at him through my lashes. "Why don't you get us some drinks first to set the mood?" I suggested breathily.I trailed a hand along his muscular arm, using that distraction to squirm smoothly out of his embrace.Enzo's dark eyes flashed with undisguised desire, but he shook his head."Already got plenty of drink
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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
