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Chapter 23
Last Updated:
2025-01-16 00:19:29
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Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 24
ELENA'S POV My head was bent downwards with my full focus on the work in front of me." Eloise, could you please help me get the documents ready for the next meeting?" I asked, still focusing on my work." Elena!" The voice called, and I froze in shock."Lucas!" I muttered, raising my head to stare at the owner of the voice. I sucked in a sharp breath on seeing his handsome face once again. ' There he was in all his glory with his kissable lips,' I thought, biting my lips." Elena," he called again, jolting me out of my reverie. " Stop it! He has a fiancée!" I cautioned myself, clearing my throat noisily to distract myself. " What do you want, Lucas?" I asked, not wanting to look weak in front of him."We need to talk." "Lucas, what are you doing here?" she asked, putting down her pen.I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "I need to know what happened with Adrian. I saw you with him yesterday, and I'm worried."My face grew serious, my expression becoming guarded. "Lucas,
Last Updated : 2025-01-17Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 1: A Betrayal Among Friends
Elena's POV I had grown up surrounded by luxury, security, and the warmth of family friends like the Hawthornes. My father, Charles Bradford, often spoke of Victor Hawthorne with admiration, calling him his closest ally, a partner both in business and life. Our families spent countless evenings dining together, laughing over shared successes. We shared vacations and milestones, and I never imagined that Victor Hawthorne would one day stand in my home, dismantling everything I held dear without a second thought for our family friendship.The day began like any other. I had been working tirelessly, managing my budding interior design business. I returned home later than usual to have dinner with my parents, a cup of coffee in one hand and a stack of documents in the other. But the sight that greeted me in the driveway made me freeze. Lawyers and men in dark suits streamed in and out of the house, carrying paintings, vases—anything of value.I dropped my coffee, its contents spilling ac
Last Updated : 2024-12-13Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 2: Bound by chains
Elena’s POVI sat in my childhood bedroom, now stripped of its warmth and luxury. Boxes were stacked against the walls, red tags stuck to everything indicating that it was seized. I could barely recognize my own life and situation. The contract lay on my desk, its stark black text taunting me. How does the status a family worked day and night to attain just change overnight like it's nothing?There was a soft knock on the door before my mother, Margaret, stepped inside, her face etched with worry. “Elena, darling, have you made a decision?”“What choice do I have?” My voice was barely above a whisper as I gestured to the contract. “It’s this or watch them take what little we have left and have us live like fugitives till we die. If it gets revealed to the press, we'll start getting investigated too. I don’t want you to go through that, Mum.”Her hands trembled as she placed them on my shoulders. “I wish I could do it instead of you. I wish your father would just appear and tell us tha
Last Updated : 2024-12-13Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 3: A Face From The Past
Elena’s POVThe glittering hall was a testament to the Host's wealth and influence. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light across a sea of well-dressed elites, their laughter and chatter filling the air. I stood with my arm linked to Adrian’s, my designer dress and flawless makeup doing little to hide the turmoil I was feeling inside.“Try not to embarrass me,” Adrian muttered, his lips barely moving as he smiled at a passing elite.I gritted my teeth, resisting the urge to snap back. The humiliation of my new reality was bad enough without adding a public scene.Adrian had insisted I accompany him tonight, not out of affection, but to maintain appearances. The Hawthorne family was negotiating a major partnership with Everhart Enterprises, the host of the luxurious dinner event, and Adrian was desperate to prove himself capable of closing the deal.“Stay right here and don’t do anything stupid. I’ll be right back,” Adrian said before walking away.I glanced around the room, my eyes sca
Last Updated : 2024-12-13Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 4: A Promise To Set Her Free
Elena’s POVI sat in my room, staring at the night sky through the large bay window. Adrian’s threats still rang in my ears, but my thoughts drifted back to Lucas. I hadn’t meant to talk to him. I hadn’t planned to let my guard slip, but I couldn’t help it.Lucas had been my childhood friend first, before anything else. We had developed feelings for each other over time. Lucas was an orphan at the orphanage where my family used to visit, and we had become the closest of friends. We even went to high school together. On prom night, Lucas confessed his feelings for me, and then he disappeared the next day.I was so hurt, so affected, that I wouldn’t leave the house. Every day, it felt like a part of me was missing. I searched for him everywhere, but I couldn’t find him.My phone buzzed on the bedside table, pulling me from my thoughts. I hesitated, then picked it up. It was a message from an unknown number:[Dinner. Tomorrow night at 7. The address is below. Please come. – Lucas.]My he
Last Updated : 2024-12-13Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 5
LUCAS POVI clenched my fist tightly in anger as I watched Elena walk away from me, again!.I had lost her, again!" Boss, the CEO of Greensted would like to have a word with you," my PA suddenly spoke up, Jolting me out of my reverie, reminding me of his presence. I nodded , still distracted by the thought of Elena as I walked towards business like men." Hello, Mr Lucas. It's nice to finally be able to speak to you!" The man, Mr Greensted greeted, his face beaming with excitement. All I did was nod and let out a tight smile.This place was becoming suffocating as a series of questions that required answers run through my head.I signalled to Alex, my PA, and he moved closer to me." Find out everything about her marriage!" I ordered, and he looked confused." Whose marriage boss?" He asked, smiling awkwardly, and I frowned at his stupidity."Find out everything about Elena's marriage, find out if she was forced, and what is holding her back from divorcing that nitwit!" I growled
Last Updated : 2025-01-01Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 6
LUCAS POVIt was the next day, and I was beginning to get impatient. The thought of Elena sleeping in the same house as Adrian irks me, who knows if they sleep on the same bed!All of my staff could feel that I am in a bad mood and they had all been walking on egg shells all day.I tapped my finger on the table anxiously as I await a response from Joel.' What the fuck is taking him so long!' I grumbled impatiently." Yo man, " Joel's annoying voice jolted me out of my thoughts as I glared at him in anger." It took you years to find a simple detail about a woman!" I mocked him and he gasped dramatically. " How could you?" He questioned, still focused in his acting while I ignored him as I tear open the folder. " Name: Elena Bradford Age: 28A smart and beautiful young lady with shoulder-length dark brown hair, striking green eyes, and a petite but elegant frame." I paused my reading unknowingly as I grinned from ear to ear." Hm hm" Joel cleared his throat, distracting me.I rai
Last Updated : 2025-01-02Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 7
ELENA'S POV It was the next day, and I didn't sleep a wink, I had cried the whole night.I stared at myself in the mirror and sighed. My eyes were swollen with dark circles underneath. I didn't wish for a life like this!I had always dreamt of a peaceful life, a beautiful marriage with the man I love and want to spend the rest of my life with.I had dreamt of having three kids, two boys and a girl, the boys would take care of their sister. I had dreamt of leaving them with my parents and going on a long vacation with my husband, enjoying the peaceful vacation full of sex , love, care, attention and every other good stuff I could think of. But then all was thrown at my face when I discovered that I had to get married to Adrian to rescue my family.FLASHBACK ***Screams could be heard as students gather around a table." Truth or dare?" Mathew asked.It was my turn now and I was confused about what to chose, I'm sure bethany is waiting for me to choose truth so she cam ask me quest
Last Updated : 2025-01-03
Latest chapter
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 24
ELENA'S POV My head was bent downwards with my full focus on the work in front of me." Eloise, could you please help me get the documents ready for the next meeting?" I asked, still focusing on my work." Elena!" The voice called, and I froze in shock."Lucas!" I muttered, raising my head to stare at the owner of the voice. I sucked in a sharp breath on seeing his handsome face once again. ' There he was in all his glory with his kissable lips,' I thought, biting my lips." Elena," he called again, jolting me out of my reverie. " Stop it! He has a fiancée!" I cautioned myself, clearing my throat noisily to distract myself. " What do you want, Lucas?" I asked, not wanting to look weak in front of him."We need to talk." "Lucas, what are you doing here?" she asked, putting down her pen.I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "I need to know what happened with Adrian. I saw you with him yesterday, and I'm worried."My face grew serious, my expression becoming guarded. "Lucas,
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 23
LUCAS POVI couldn't shake the image of Elena in Adrian's arms out of my mind. Why was she with him? What had happened? I tried calling her, but my calls went straight to voicemail. Frustration and worry gnawed at me as I paced my office floor.Why wasn't she picking up my calls? Was she ignoring me on purpose? Or worse, had something happened to her?My heart raced as I dialled her number again and again, hoping to hear her voice on the other end. But each time, I was met with the same automated message.Anger boiled up inside me, and before I knew it, I had hurled my phone against the wall. It shattered into a million pieces, the sound echoing through my empty office." Fuck!" I slumped back into my chair, my head in my hands. What had I done? Now I had no way of reaching Elena, no way of knowing if she was okay.I felt helpless, and the thought of Elena with Adrian only made it worse. I knew I had to do something, but what? I couldn't just sit here and wait for her to call me
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 22
ELENA'S POV " Get out of the car, Elena!" He ordered, and I gulped down saliva. " No!" I replied, folding my hands akimbo and refusing to budge." I had told you to drop me a few distance away, but you refused, now you Want me to come out of your car and make me the topic of the week!" I continued, frowning my face angrily.He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, " What am I to do with you, Elena!" He mumbled, and I hissed." You could sell me to the next man willing to take my hand in a contract marriage since that is what your dad is good at!" I mocked, and I could see him gritting his teeth angrily. ' Good!' I thought to myself with a smirk." Drive the car to the underground car park," he ordered through gritted teeth, and I giggled, sitting back properly. I didn't bother turning to look at him and kept my entire focus staring through the window. The car soon pulled up at the underground car park, and I smiled happily. Pulling out my nose mask from my bag, I was quick
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 21
" I'm not up to anything Elena, i just want to smooth things out between us but you're acting difficult!" He replied and I scoffed." Don't act like you don't know how we got together! You and your father forced me into this marriage and now I'm the one acting difficult! Who took pleasure in humiliating me? Who embarrassed my mother at the slightest chance?Who made the employees spread rumours about me?Who made it possible for Karen to act like your fiancée?Who made it possible for Karen to have power over everyone even when she isn't in a high position?If you hadn't been irresponsible from the beginning, Karen wouldn't have used her fake image to command everyone to gather thier works for me to do it overnight!And even after you found out about it, which I'm sure you did earlier. You didn't act on it, instead you mocked me and left me alone in the building making it possible for a stranger to assault me!You have no right to complain about my attitude to you because you deser
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 20
My head throbbed as I slowly opened my eyes, wincing at the light streaming in through the windows. I tried to sit up, but the room spun around me, forcing me to lie back down. As my vision cleared, I realized I was in an unfamiliar bedroom, and panic began to rise in my chest.Just then, a familiar voice spoke. "Easy there, Elena. You're safe now."I turned to see Adrian sitting by my bedside, his eyes filled with concern. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "Adrian, why are you in my room?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.He gave me a gentle smile. "I was worried you might have nightmares after what happened, so I stayed up to keep an eye on you."I blinked, trying to process his words. "What happened?"Adrian's brow furrowed. "You slept in my arms last night, I brought you here to take care of you."I felt a wave of relief wash over me, grateful for Adrian's presence. Despite the strange circumstances, I felt safe with him. I inhaled deeply, I couldn't help but
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 19
LUCAS POV Alicia frowned. "Who's Elena?"I stared at her in disbelief. "You don't know who Elena is? She's my...she's a friend of mine."Alicia shook her head. "No, I've never heard of her."I narrowed my eyes, my suspicions growing. "Are you sure? You didn't pick up my phone earlier because you knew Elena was in trouble?"Alicia looked at me incredulously." So what if I did? How dare you cheat on me with some lowlife!" She accused, and I stared at her in confusion. " What!" "Lucas, are you cheating on me?" Alicia asked, her voice trembling with hurt.I stared at her in disbelief. "Alicia, we're not in a relationship. You know that."She shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "No, Lucas. I know you have feelings for me. I can see it in the way you look at me."I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Alicia, I'm sorry if I've given you the wrong impression. But I don't feel the same way about you. You're my friend, and I care about you, but that's all."Alicia's face
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 18
LUCAS POV I drove as fast as I could to Elena's office, my heart pounding with worry. As I pulled into the parking lot, I saw Adrian's car parked haphazardly near the entrance. A sense of dread washed over me as I rushed out of my car and towards the building.As I approached, I saw Adrian coming out of the office, Elena in his arms. She looked unconscious, her head lolling against his chest. Anger and fear coursed through me at the sight.Adrian looked up and noticed me, a smug smirk crossing his face. It was as if he was proud of what he had done, showing off his conquest like a trophy."What have you done to her?" I demanded, my hands balled into fists at my sides.Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "Just a little sleeping aid, nothing to worry about. I'm taking her home with me."I took a step forward, ready to take Elena from his arms, but Adrian stepped back, out of my reach."Don't even think about it, Lucas," he warned, his voice hard. "You've had your chance with her, now
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 17
ELENA'S POV Just then, the lights in the office flickered and went out, plunging me into darkness. I felt a cold breeze blow past me, and a shiver ran down my spine.Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching from behind me. I turned, my heart racing, but I couldn't see anything in the pitch blackness."Who's there?" I called out, my voice echoing off the walls.There was no response, just the sound of footsteps growing closer and closer. Fear gripped me as I realized I was not alone in the office.I took a step back, feeling for the door behind me. But as my hand closed around the knob, I felt something cold and metallic against my neck."Don't move," a voice whispered in my ear. "Or you'll regret it!"" P.pplease let me go," I stammered,trying to get the stranger to reason with me.I felt something cold press on my back, and I froze in shock and fear ran down my spine.' He was pressing a gun on my back! Fuck he has a gun!' I thought thinking of a way out for myself. " Please what
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 16
ELENA'S POV I woke up early, the morning sunlight filtering through my curtains. I stretched and sat up in bed, preparing myself for another day at work. After getting ready, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, making my way towards the office.I had walked away angrily from Adrian's presence last night and surprisingly he let me go.Why would he have me followed? It's enough he's ruining my life with the contract marriage!As I approached the entrance, I noticed Karen and her minions standing there, a smirk on their faces. I knew they were up to no good, and sure enough, they intentionally blocked my way, trying to make me late and lose a point."Excuse me," I said, trying to keep my tone polite as I attempted to squeeze past them.Karen stepped in front of me, her eyes glinting with malice. "Oh Elena, we didn't see you there," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You should watch where you're going. You wouldn't want to be late, would you?"I gritted my teeth, know
