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Chapter 83
Last Updated:
2025-03-07 00:04:37
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Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 84
ELENA'S POV The day had finally arrived- my freedom at only a grasp away. Meanwhile I'd been fired from the company the day after the press conference. Adrian's father had refused to let me inside his office or anywhere inside the Hawthorne's mansion. Adrian however, had given me an earful of threats including, how he was going to imprison me the moment he won the case. All these contributed to why my mood continued to deplete faster while I kept watching the clock ticked closer and closer to the time. There was no telling what Adrian was up to but by now, I could estimate the lengths he could go which even made my mood worse. “I'm done Miss Edith”, I muttered quietly, shifting my chair backwards as I exited the dining room. She wouldn't be happy about it but neither was I, about anything.Adrian busied himself with cuffing the sleeves of his shirt which suprisingly looked well ironed and then, my gaze travelled through his outfit in curiosity. His usually roughed up hair was nea
Last Updated : 2025-03-08Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 85
ELENA'S POVSlowly and most annoyingly, my eyelids fluttered open forcefully tearing me apart from the warmth of the darkness filled with so many of the precious memories of her. It strangely felt like I was leaving a warm embrace, but how come my body felt so warm? Shifting sideways just to make sure, I realized my body was wrapped underneath someone's arms. I slowly rose up to seating position almost falling backwards due to the blood rushing up to my head at once and the dizziness that blurred my vision. My fingers grazed the tiny strands of hair on his hands instantly knowing who this was. Lucas. He had probably watched me and worried for so long without even a blink to make him fall into such a deep sleep. The car slowly came to a stop at the front of his apartment making me scrunch up my face in confusion. Did Adrian really allow Lucas bring me to his house? Well, it wasn't like he could do anything to me at a courthouse and besides, his mother had just been revealed to have
Last Updated : 2025-03-09Bound 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 : 2025-01-02
Latest chapter
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 85
ELENA'S POVSlowly and most annoyingly, my eyelids fluttered open forcefully tearing me apart from the warmth of the darkness filled with so many of the precious memories of her. It strangely felt like I was leaving a warm embrace, but how come my body felt so warm? Shifting sideways just to make sure, I realized my body was wrapped underneath someone's arms. I slowly rose up to seating position almost falling backwards due to the blood rushing up to my head at once and the dizziness that blurred my vision. My fingers grazed the tiny strands of hair on his hands instantly knowing who this was. Lucas. He had probably watched me and worried for so long without even a blink to make him fall into such a deep sleep. The car slowly came to a stop at the front of his apartment making me scrunch up my face in confusion. Did Adrian really allow Lucas bring me to his house? Well, it wasn't like he could do anything to me at a courthouse and besides, his mother had just been revealed to have
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 84
ELENA'S POV The day had finally arrived- my freedom at only a grasp away. Meanwhile I'd been fired from the company the day after the press conference. Adrian's father had refused to let me inside his office or anywhere inside the Hawthorne's mansion. Adrian however, had given me an earful of threats including, how he was going to imprison me the moment he won the case. All these contributed to why my mood continued to deplete faster while I kept watching the clock ticked closer and closer to the time. There was no telling what Adrian was up to but by now, I could estimate the lengths he could go which even made my mood worse. “I'm done Miss Edith”, I muttered quietly, shifting my chair backwards as I exited the dining room. She wouldn't be happy about it but neither was I, about anything.Adrian busied himself with cuffing the sleeves of his shirt which suprisingly looked well ironed and then, my gaze travelled through his outfit in curiosity. His usually roughed up hair was nea
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 83
LUCAS' POV The blue rays of my eyes burned with fury as they stayed glued to my television screen hanging on the sparkling white walls of my office. Just as before, my gaze solely focused on Elena- how dazzling she looked in her white dress with her dark brown hair let down covering a decent part of the opening on her back. I knew it was all a scheme by the fucker who dropped on one knee in front of her and just like everyone including me, his eyes shone with expectancy to her response. This deeply bothered me more than I was willing to admit. Those eyes, although arrogant and entitled, held a flowing current of obsession for Elena. Perhaps Adrian was just an ill trained guy who had no idea how to love correctly but, it still didn't change the fact that he possessed something special for Elena. Only it was killing her instead of freeing her. Elena's gaze shifted between the crowd and Adrian with her lips widely parted while she slowly backed away in shock. It killed me to know wh
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 82
ELENA'S POVThe morning arrived in its usual cheerful air with a group of birds chirping endlessly while I yawned tiredly, stretching out my long legs on the couch. It was super relieving to know I didn't wake up in Adrian's bed this time. At least he finally had the good sense to leave me alone last night. “Miss Elena”, the housekeeper's voice resounded merrily in my ears as she stretched a hot cup of coffee towards me. Ever since my mother's death, she had naturally taken it upon herself to be like my second mother despite my initial resistance. Living in Adrian's house again made me realize how lonely I was and her constant words of encouragement always brought me to tears as I heard my mother's voice through her everytime. “Thank you Miss Edith”, I said, relishing the taste of the coffee on my tongue then dropping the cup down to let it cool off. She hummed in response with her eyes shining affectionately towards me and gently stroking my chin before turning around to leave.
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 81
ELENA'S POVMy arrival back to Adrian's house was going smoother than I expected but I'd already learnt not to get used to it, even for a millisecond. The house had become much quieter and almost empty as the maids were all gone, leaving just Adrian, I and Miss Edith. As for the bedroom arrangement, I usually stayed up watching the television as an excuse to fall asleep on the couch even though I'd woken up a few times in Adrian's bed which had me scrubbing vigorously in the shower everytime. In the past few days however, Adrian had seized every chance to put on a show in public, even at the company. Not only did he make me have lunch with him at the cafeteria surrounded by intrigued and blushing gazes, he also spoon fed me and waited on me hand and foot under the prying eyes of the workers. I collapsed on the couch again tonight, eagerly grabbing my bowl of popcorn ready to watch a show I'd begun to love. Just then, the couch seemed to sink a little lower as Adrian occupied the sp
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 80
LUCAS' POVThe chilly night breeze brushed past my face as I strolled down the city's bustling streets yet unable to find the beauty in anything. My gaze swept through everything around me with disinterest and a tiny bit of irritation. This wasn't me, I told myself. My sudden elevation in status had somehow erased the humane side of me. Right now, the only person that kept some of the broken pieces inside me together, was Elena. She might not know it but the beautiful memories I had with her gave me a reason to keep fighting for her. All those promises our teenage mind thought impossible and stupid but we said it out loud anyways, it was time to.make her see she could live those dreams. My shoulders bumped into someone instantly disrupting my thoughts and I swiftly twisted my head to the direction if the person who'd bumped into me with a cold glint shining through my eyes. “Is it so hard to watch where you're going?”, I growled out, a few veins popping out from my neck. “I'm rea
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 79
ELENA'S POV The day had finally come for me to be discharged from the hospital and I dreaded it more than I anticipated it. The scars still stuck to my skin but no longer painful to feel and stare at unlike before. Although three weeks wasn't enough to get over the terrible changes in my physical appearance, I was determined to get through this as something more important occupied my mind. Eloise, Lucas and Nathan sat around my bed munching on a quick breakfast as we engaged in a light hearted conversation. “I think the public has really grown interested in your marriage ever since the first scandal”, Nathan said, his tone keen and observant. My eyebrows subconsciously raised in amusement with my spoon of food pausing in mid air. “What do you mean? That was such a long time ago and I barely remember it. Besides, even if they still do, they probably hate me more”, I countered, my spoon dropping back to the bowl of food as I suddenly recalled my traumatic experience after the scanda
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 78
ELENA'S POVIt had been three days since I stopped Lucas and Adrian from exploding in the hallway and a few hours after that since he left the divorce papers on the table, barely looking at me as he spoke to me while offering words of reassurance and coldly recounting the vengeance he was going to shower on the Hawthornes family. At the time, my entire face was wrapped in gauze leaving only space for my eyes and mouth but still painful to use so I could only stare wordlessly at him, yelling for him to stop. Although it still amazed me how he managed to get Adrian's father’s agreement to the divorce but the large pit inside my stomach bleeding out heart wrenching tears only made nothing matter anymore. The divorce. Lucas. Even myself. “Miss Elena?”, I blinked back to the present, slightly turning my head to meet Eloise's round, blue eyes filled with concern and sympathy. “Sorry, got lost in my thoughts again”, my eyes lit up a little with an apologetic smile. She frowned deeply at
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 77
ELENA'S POVMy dry, eyed gaze rested on the ceiling above me, entertaining the numbness inside me. My hands laid motionlessly by my side as I vividly listened to the commotion outside my ward. “Let me in or I'll bring this hospital down and make you all loose your jobs”, Adrian yelled desperately from outside, the sound of his fists on the door resounding loudly in my ears. “I'm sorry sir but the patient doesn't want to see you now”, my doctor said, her tone firm and unafraid. I should say something…just like the last time, I thought but every part of my body only felt too heavy to move an inch. Anger, hurt and above all the pain that came with everything seemed to paralyze me and it summed up my uncertainty of what to say if I saw Adrian's face. My expectations from him during my pregnancy crumbled to pieces the moment he denied the baby after what he put me through just to conceive. “Elena, can you hear me? Let me in now”, he yelled continuously, fiercely banging on the door c
