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CHAPTER TWENTY- SIX
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A deal with the playboy CHAPTER TWENTY- SEVEN
ELLA'S POVI was almost forced to go check what was taking so long. It had already been over an hour but Susan still hadn't arrived at our meeting spot. I tapped my foot repeatedly, pacing back and forth down the empty street. What if something went wrong?As I was about to pull out my phone and dial Susan, I caught sight of her blonde hair in the distance as she rushed towards me. Susan was breathing heavily when she reached me."Finally! What took you so long? Did you give Enzo the money?" I demanded.She paused, gulping down deep breaths, her chest rising and falling with each inhale and exhale."Yes? What did that scumbag say?" I pressed impatiently.Susan held up a hand to stall my avalanche of questions. "Calm down, Ella. Yes, I gave him the cash...but then he asked for even more," she sighed.My eyes narrowed dangerously. "Well too bad for him, because after tonight he's not getting another cent."Susan straightened up, looking more determined now. "I actually overheard his call
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
TRENT'S POV"Liam, can I borrow one of your dad's cars tonight?" Liam gave me a skeptical look. "What's wrong with your car, dude?"I shifted on my feet, avoiding his eyes. "It just got some issues come up suddenly.""Issues?" Liam raised an eyebrow. "You literally just fixed your car up last week. How's it already busted again?"I shrugged, trying to act casual. "I dunno man, bad luck I guess. Can you please just let me borrow it for tonight?"Liam frowned then sighed. "If my dad finds out I let you take his car, you know we'll both be screwed right?""I'll take the heat, don't worry about it," I assured. "Just need it for a quick errand."After a moment's hesitation, Liam turned and pulled a set of keys from a drawer. "Here's the one for the red range over. Just please don't scratch it up or anything."I clapped Liam on the back as I pocketed the keys. "Thanks bud, I seriously owe you one. I'll get it back to you ASAP."I hurried out, mind racing ever since Ella's odd request for m
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER TWENTY- NINE
ELLA'S POV"Crap, it's already 6:40am!"I checked the time in panic, realizing I now had barely an hour left to get dressed, review some key topics, and mentally prepare before the pivotal math test.Of course my alarm chose today of all days to fail me. My head was pounding and eyes so heavy from the stress and adrenaline of last night's failed confrontation with Enzo, but I refused to let exhaustion stop me from studying.I quickly grabbed some medication from my drawer and took a couple pills, willing the medication to kick in and relieve my throbbing head. By 7:20am, I had powered through the remaining review material.Tossing the empty pill pack aside, I jumped out of bed now feeling clear headed. I threw the black mask and clothes I'd worn last night in a crumpled heap on the floor. As much as I wanted to dwell on how terrible it went, I had to focus all my mental energy on acing this test now.Each day brought a new battle, and for today, earning the class presidency title took
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER THIRTY
ELLA'S POV I did the one thing my fuzzy brain could think of in that moment - I started falling down, pretending to faint. But before I could hit the floor, Trent's arm shot out and caught me, his hand wrapping around my waist.I looked up to see his face swimming before me, four eyes, no three... Ugh, stupid Nytol pills. Can't you just let me pretend to collapse in peace after refusing to help me out here?Trent leaned down, his breath tickling my ear in a way that made me shiver as he whispered. "Don't tell me this is your genius method of thinking he'll let you out of here? We don't have to go to such extremes, dear."Before I could respond, he straightened up again, lifting me along with him. Trent turned to Mr. Hayes, a cocky grin on his face that I knew all too well."Sir, you're really going to deny this student the chance to take urgent medication?" He challenged, while I swayed unsteadily on my feet, the classroom spinning around me."If she gets seriously ill because you re
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
ELLA'S POV "Ella, please tell me it wasn't you that told him!""Come on, you know I would never betray your trust like that!" I said earnestly. Shooting a glare at Trent, I added "If I wanted to tell anyone about this mess, the last person would be this arrogant jerk over here."Trent cleared his throat loudly. "Uh, said arrogant jerk is still standing right here, ladies."Susan and I both turned to him, exclaiming in unison "Shut up, Trent!"He held up his hands in mock surrender, a smirk still playing on his lips. "Sorry, but I gotta defend myself here too, did you really expect me to fork over a ton of cash without taking precautions to know what it's actually funding?"He gestured to himself arrogantly. "After all, it is my hard-earned money we're talking about."Susan sighed, a bitter edge to her voice. "This is exactly why I warned Ella not to get you involved! Now you know about my..." She trailed off, unable to bring herself to finish the sentence. "Look Susan, I know you're
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER THIRTY- TWO
ELLA'S POV"For the last time Trent, stop touching my things!"Trent was now sprawled across my bedroom floor, rummaging through my belongings. His mouth was smeared with the bright pink gloss I had carefully tried to manage while applying it this morning. God, what kind of stupid trouble had I gotten myself into? All because of the money I borrowed from him that ultimately changed nothing.He picked up another of my crop tops, stained fingers grasping at the fabric as he tried yet again to pull it on over his head. I grabbed it back before he could stretch the delicate material."You really need to stop pawing at my stuff, Trent!" I snapped, my voice going hoarse from yelling. He merely flashed an unapologetic grin my way. "And why the hell did you have to choose my bedroom out of all rooms to crash in. You couldn't stay with Liam or Connor instead? Or one of your new basketball buddies?"Trent flopped comfortably onto my pillows, head nestled cozily on Mr. Snuggles, my cherished ch
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER THIRTY- THREE
ELLA'S POVI quickly sprang towards my bedroom door as I heard the door creaking open, blocking it at the last second before she could enter. I wildly gestured behind my back for Trent to find somewhere - anywhere - to hide himself while I distracted her.Mom peered down at me, eyebrows raised. "Why are you looking so frazzled, Ella?" Her gaze traveled down, taking in my disheveled appearance. "And why can't I come in?"I plastered a smile on my face that probably looked more like a grimace. "Uh, no reason! I was just about to change and didn't want you walking in on me half naked!" I babbled, acutely aware of Trent scrambling to gather his scattered clothes behind me.Mom frowned. "You're acting very odd. Now move aside please." Before I could react, she gently pushed past me into the room. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for her shocked reaction at finding a shirtless guy in my bedroom.But surprisingly, there was no yell or gasp of outrage from my mom. I hesitantly cracked one eye
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER THIRTY- FOUR
ELLA'S POV"Mom, seriously? You must be joking," I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "You know how much I hate Trent.""Then who is the one who sent this?" she demanded, waving the letter in my face."No one you need to know about, mom. You've been questioning me all morning. Don't you think it's time for you to rest?"Mom sighed heavily. "Yes, I suppose I could use a rest now. Thanks to you." She glanced down at the toy in her hand and gave it a final caress before handing it back to me with a wink."Ew, mom!" I wrinkled my nose in disgust, quickly shoving the box away before ushering her out of my room. "Go sleep it off or something."Finally, some peace! I flopped onto my bed with a groan. That had been way too close of a call. I just hoped Trent was safely out of the house by now.But just as I was starting to relax, a sudden figure appeared at my front, making me jump with a shout."What the f--!"I turned to see none other than Trent himself standing there, still shirtless but one of my
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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
