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CHAPTER 97
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-21 22:32:50
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Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 98
LUCAS' POVHer hair swayed lightly on her shoulders, tossed left and right by the cool evening breeze and even from a mile away, the disappointment still oozed strongly around her…and a bit of sadness. A sharp pain stung my rapidly beating heart as I realized the reason for her countenance was me. It was ironic how no matter how good my intentions were, she still didn't find the sight she stumbled upon justifiable. Especially after I'd mistakenly pulled the trigger but luckily didn't murder him. My shock on seeing her greatly exceeded the involuntarily shot at the judge, perharps because somewhere deep down in my heart, I already believed he deserved it. Plus my status and connections could easily hide the truth from the public but Elena's sudden prescence inside the room felt like I was draped in a huge clothe of sin and dirt. The disappointed look in her eyes was like the mirror I could barely look at each day, dismantling the perfect facade I always tried to keep on whenever I
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-22Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 99
ELENA'S POVAfter last night's charade with Lucas, all I wanted to do was sob bitterly in my mother's arms but my reality told me otherwise. As much as I was heartbroken at his words the previous night, a small, tiny voice in my head agreed with him. He was right. If my father really cared about his family and all his hard work, he really would have come back a long time ago. But up until now, there was still no single news of him. So why should I have cared about upholding the family's assets? Why did I let myself break to keep my family together? And where did all that effort leave me? Homeless and an orphan. The sun softly broke through the light silk curtains in my old room with a damp smell that came from the walls as it had been empty for ages now. I broke into a long yawn feeling sapped out of every sort of energy to go through the day already. To begin with, I had nowhere to go, no job and a divorcee who's been sort of famous on the news. How great could that be? My on
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-23Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 100
ELENA'S POV We waited outside the white doors revealing nothing but just a blinking red light as I constantly stared at it with increasing worry each minute. From her test results, it seemed she had gone into a state of shock as she was unable to resist the force of the bastard I now found out to be her father. “If she doesn't wake up,I swear I'll–”, I furiously muttered underneath my breath, slamming my fists into each other. “You knew about this and didn't think to do something?”, I faced Lucas, leaning silently on the wall and more quieter since we arrived at that scene. The more I tried to imagine what would have happened if we hadn't gotten there on time, the more my blood boiled in anger and I felt the goosebumps creep up all the way around my skin. I turned to look around my surroundings, clicking my teeth in regret as Nathan still hadn't returned from taking care of Eloise' father. He deserved to be lashed at even more. Finally, the doors opened redirecting my restless m
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-24Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 101
LUCAS POVI leaned onto my car, staring patiently at the entrance of the gate where Nathan was to walk through soon. Even though I had let him take over handling Eloise' father, it still didn't mean I would let him be as well. He had lots of chances to help Eloise but his immaturity and nonchalance had caused him this result and I knew how Elena would be hurt because of this.I never chose to meddle as I had trusted Eloise' care to him and somehow, he'd still managed to fumble this. And it all started from that night…***Flashback ***“Where have you guys been since?”, I asked, emerging from my car which was parked outside Nathan's apartment. I had found it suspicious for Eloise not to show up at the court, especially when I'd reassured Nathan about Elena that night. “And where is Eloise? Is she okay?”, I asked again, looking behind him suspiciously for any sign of Eloise just in case. As if reading through my expressions, he replied gloomily, “she’s not here Lucas. She storm
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-25Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 102
ELENA'S POVEloise remained in the hospital for about a week more with me consistently by her side as I also had nowhere to go. Lucas never came by to check on us which was beginning to make me worry but I also had to consider how busy he was as the owner of a huge, successful company. Only Nathan showed up a few times showering Eloise with different gifts but was still refused to be acknowledged by Eloise. She was still hurt and seemed to have every right to be, based on my judgement from her side of the story. Somehow, the thought of starting my life afresh with someone made me happy and eager to begin already. With just the both of us in our world, it would be a lot easier to keep my mind off Lucas for a while. Lucas. To be honest, the undeterred determination he portrayed in order to get me out of the abusive and toxic contract marriage with Adrian managed to restore some life back to my numb, aching heart. All my life, I was the protective and determined one but seeing Lucas
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-26Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 103
LUCAS POV For days, my head remained entirely stuck on nothing but the words she said that day. Was there really nothing between us anymore? It wasn't just the words she said, but the emotionless tone underneath them. I stared blankly at the numerous texts she kept sending, hearing the concern through each one. How could she act like she gave two fucks about me when she was the same person who spat out those words coldly? “Mr Lucas”, a voice broke through my wandering thoughts, jolting me back to the present and I looked up to see the shareholders giving me disappointed stares from where they sat on the other end of the round, conference table. Shit. Once again I had zoned out on another meeting. “Mr Lucas, there hasn't been much progress with this meeting for a week now. From my observations, this could be a, a medical condition and it seems to be greatly affecting your efficiency as the CEO of this company. It just might be best if you, maybe hand it over to someone else for no
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-26Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 104
ELENA'S POVNot so surprisingly, Eloise opened the door by the time I arrived at her house where we agreed to meet. “Why am I not surprised?”, I said, chuckling lowly especially at hee degree of stubbornness towards Nathan. “You shouldn't be. I keep to my word, he should keep to his…and you too”, she replied, abruptly turning behind and giving me a warning look. My face instantly scrunched into a frown at the look from earlier as I halted in my steps. “What do you mean, me too?”, I asked back, rolling my eyes in a dramatic manner while we continued down the dimly lit corridors of her house. “To be honest, I didn't think you'd come back after you drove off with him. He's your home Elena, just admit it”, she confessed, pushing the door to a room open with me following closely behind. A sad smile slowly spread on my lips with my head lowering to the ground feeling clothed with a sense of dejection. “Well, not anymore”, I whispered, swallowing hard to push down the tears clogging my th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-27Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 105
LUCAS' POVFrom my surface knowledge, the Anderson's family had a solid, long standing relationship with my late father. Infact, Mr Anderson and my late father could pass for best friends during their college days. Unlike my family, the Anderson's were deeply submerged in generational wealth with multiple chains of businesses around the world. It was the perfect reason why Mr. Anderson himself had no establishment of his own and as the second largest shareholder after me, it was enough to believe the speculations about Mr. Anderson being a huge contributor to the start of the company. Knowing these facts was the only reason I honored his invitation to the family mansion all the way in Greece. The reluctant swallowing my expression couldn't be more obvious throughout my flight to the airport. All that occupied my mind was Elena and how I really craved to be by her side now that it was finally just us. Back to the good, old times. A nostalgic smile eventually cracked from the sides
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-27
Bab terbaru
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 141
ELENA'S POVThe ride back to the event's location was silent, mostly with me brooding and on the edge while Dave's was to avoid provoking my sharp claws. As we arrived at our destination, my eyes widened in surprise then excitement, taking in the view of the most beautiful and expensive hotel in the city. Before everything went south in my family, most of my private clients bitterly complained on how difficult it was to book this hall. Hmmm. Whoever got this place definitely had to be related to the president, I thought. Dave and I walked inside while he introduced me to the managers, informing them of my job here and as I beamed uncontrollably, still floating in my head, a lady walked up to join the circle, staring at me harder than normal. My eyes narrowed into slits feeling uncomfortable with her unapologetic stares and just when I had reached my limits, she blurted out, “Are you by any chance Elena Bradford?”, she asked. My stomach sank realizing the tone in her voice but I c
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 140
NATHAN'S POV It was crazy how rarely I visited Lucas' company despite being his business advisor for years now. According to my knowledge as well, Lucas was also hardly ever here as well. More than half of the employees definitely didn't recognize me but I could care less anyways because I wasn't here for them - I was here on an errand from that cunning motherfucker, Lucas. The door to my office automatically opened as there was a face detector on it, making it the only office in the company that couldn't be compromised. Lucas had refused to increase the security into his office, saying dumb stuffs like “They'll just fine another way to break in without my knowledge, but you”, he patted me on the shoulder like it was supposed to be an encouragement. “They wouldn't give you much attention so they wouldn't see me coming…at all”. Just as I stepped inside the office, barely taking in the fresh scent of lavender and the breathtaking view from my large window occupying the entire east s
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 139
ELOISE’ POVMy heart ran wild and was continuously filled with chaotic thoughts yet releasing different words from my mouth. The mix of beats surrounding me through my heavy headphones all sounded distorted, making me feel like I was drowning and there was no one coming to save me. “...Hold on cause I'm letting go. I'm gonna—” I paused abruptly, noticing the heavy silence around me which wasn't a good thing. Spending half of my day behind a glass filled with lots of impatient and expectant eyes while I performed was not at all included in my expectations to be a part of the entertainment world. I could feel the glares piercing through the glass like lasers and imagined them drilling into my skin just like Elena's betrayal. Actually, hers stung more than this.Why was it so hard to support me? Just when I finally started to have something for myself. If she could go through her toxic marriage with Adrian, get heartbroken by Lucas and pick herself up then why couldn't I? What was it
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 138
ELENA'S POV My eyes flurried open, gradually adjusting to the soft beams of sunlight resting on my face. I stretched more comfortably, suddenly pausing as my body finally sensed the unfamiliar surface where I laid. Turning my face to take a look, my lungs gave way to a shrieking sound but thankfully, sighting Dave laying peacefully on the sofa opposite mine made me swallow the panic rising to my throat. How could I have done this? Yanking the covers off my body, I jerked into a sitting position trying to make sense of the situation with a lot of questions buzzing around my head. How had I fallen asleep in a stranger's house? How did I not scream myself awake somewhere in the middle of the night? This was all too much for me, I had to get out of here. With light and careful steps, I finally stepped outside racing all the way to my house and collapsing on my couch, breathing hardly. “Elena?”, Eloise' voice came from behind me, circling me with suspicion in her eyes. “Oh Elly, w-wh
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 137
LUCAS' POV Not so surprisingly, the recordings from the cameras in my office had been wiped out, making me order for all the cameras to be removed. There was no use for them anyways since their locations had been found already. The culprit could have been Henry or any other pawn and despite how impatient I felt in digging out the root of the case, I knew it would only do the opposite of the results I really wanted. ‘patience, patience, Lucas’, I chanted repeatedly underneath my breath with my knuckles resting on my desk as I watched them dispose all the cameras, not knowing whether to be angry or sad. Despite my tough and cold exterior that night as I threatened him - meaning every of those words still, the sting from the betrayal still hurt deeply more than anything. I'd thought giving him a promotion and making him the acting CEO during times when I was out the country for a meeting or business dinner would make him realize my sole trust in him and recognition as my brother.
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 136
ELENA'S POV Dear Miss Elena, we sincerely appreciate your offer to design the hall for the party. Please take a look at the contract details below and let us know if you need any clarifications. We'd be happy to help! I blinked twice at my screen still in awe at Dave's commitment to helping me soothe my frustrations and bring my dreams to life. How come he still went ahead with this plan even when I'd asked him to stay away from me? No. This was just too unfair. He didn't have to do all these because my response was still the same. The past few years of my life had been traumatic and still overwhelming at the slightest thought of it. No one, not even Eloise knew about my constant nightmares and the pills stacked up under my pillow that helped me sleep soundly. That's right! I had ran out of those and needed to restock soon. “Hey Lena”, Eloise said, jumping in on the bed and snuggling up to me. My eyes froze into the empty space in front of me, surprised at her sudden entrance whi
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 135
NATHAN'S POVThe Brooks family was among the top five wealthiest in Atlanta - a city known for its beautiful summer sights and most times, a substitute of Vegas. Casinos, drugs and trafficking thrived bountifully underneath the beautiful women and all the fun you could find there. Despite my family always emphasizing my addiction to fun and lots of women flicking around me, somewhere deep down inside my heart accused them for bringing me up here in the first place. My father for instance, was never a better example than any of us as we - my brother and I grew up to see different shades and sizes of women leaving his bedroom every morning. At a very young age, we made countless trips to the casino watching how he handled deals with a few of his ‘businessmen’ and how we feared he might lose his life sometimes. Fortunately, it didn't take long to get used to the tense atmosphere mixed with thick smoke and the smell of pipes and drugs in the air. Not so surprisingly, it soon became m
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 134
ELENA'S POV Wine didn't seem to work on me anymore as I tossed uncomfortably throughout the night, unable to get any sleep. Seeing the soft sunlight reflect through my curtains, I decided to get some work done; more like continue from where I'd left off last night. With Eloise nowhere in sight, I quickly assumed she was off to work doing something meaningful with her life anyways. Going at this pace for me, would probably take me long, painful months to get any real clients. “Fuck it”, I cursed, jogging all the way to my kitchen to make some breakfast while listening to Eloise' cover on the said David Thompson's song. David Thompson. Right. I had to do some background check on him so I swiped out my phone, typing his name and meticulously reading every article, every headline written about him. And just as I expected, there were a few terrible news about him especially concerning his divorce and scandals about his record label company. My heart skipped a beat skimming through th
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 133
ELENA'S POVIt was exactly three days since I went out for a run again, not because I was scared to see Dave again but…okay, I was scared to run into him again. So here I sat by the window with a hot coffee in hand, and my work laptop on my laps anonymously pitching my offers to potential clients; most of which were the rich people in the city. Unfortunately, the only few replies I got was them stating their need for a housekeeper. “What the fuck is wrong with these people?” I muttered to myself angrily, forcefully closing the laptop shut and heading towards the kitchen for another round of coffee. “Can I have one of that too?”, Eloise asked cheerfully behind me, a hint of amusement in her voice. Humming lowly in response, I filled an extra cup and handed it to her by the time I was done. “What's causing all the mood swings Elena?”, she asked, settling into the chair opposite me. I hissed in irritation, shifting restlessly in my chair as I seethed with frustration. “These rich peo
