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Chapter 18
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Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 19
Jake’s POVSelena turned and walked away. What the hell? It would be rude and paint the wrong image if she should go by herself to greet the host, leaving me in the middle of the room. Who knows who was watching? I went after her in long strides and held her back from her shoulders. She tensed under my touch but relaxed instantly, and I would have doubted she was stiff earlier.“Smile,” I whispered in her ears as I held her by her waist and led her in the direction of our host. Mrs. Jucci saw us and left her small group of friends. I was expecting her to stop in front of us, but she didn’t. Instead, she pulled Selena into a hug like the two were friends. They haven’t even met. My hand was still wrapped around Selena’s waist. I squeezed her waist, and she finally returned the hug by patting Mrs. Jucci on the back like a small kid.Mrs. Jucci pulled back, grinning. “You look familiarly…” She uttered, and immediately I looked into Selena’s eyes, I understood her fear. God knows what bad
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 20
Selena’s POV I was hungry, and I wanted to be full with what on earth was entering into my nostrils. I almost fell from my chair, but Jake kept me right as I kissed him passionately on the lips. What was I doing? I hiccupped out of a sudden and pulled away from Jake. “Oops!” I covered my mouth, still feeling the spark from our heated kiss. “What are you doing?” I asked Jake. He looked at me as if I had lost my mind. He stood up on his feet. “You just kissed me.” “What? I did what?” Was I imagining the kiss? “I… I mean, I don’t…” What excuse do I want to give for kissing him? Because I wanted it? Because I wanted to feel connected to him, because I missed him? Which excuse will not sound immature to him? “It was a mistake,” I said with a stoic face. Before he could say more, my stomach growled in hunger, and Jake shook his head before going back to his seat to sit down. He pushed a plate in my direction; the aroma filled me a little. I dug into the food immediately, and when I was
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 21
Jake’s POVI walked into the conference room and took my seat as the head; Kelvin was on my right, followed by the rest of the board members. Today, we would be voting for the chairman. Since my grandfather's passing two years ago, my father, the acting chairman, also passed away a few months ago, leaving the position vacant for too long.As the CEO, I was in competition with Kelvin, a family member who also had the right to the company. The company was not explicitly willed to anyone; instead, it was left for the person capable of making it prosper. And that person was me. I was the right choice for the position.Being married is considered being competent which would play a crucial role in the decision-making process. I hoped not to falter due to my face-blindness. I would have to rely on voices and the memorized seating arrangement to navigate this room.“Can we start the meeting?” The head of the directors spoke, and his assistant went to the podium.“Today, we will be voting for
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 22
Selena’s POVWhy won’t she just listen to me? Were all the Marinos this rude, selfish, and prideful? Nancy and I were on the 6th floor, where she was still checking the sales. We got to a particular store that was doing poorly, and she asked the lady to vacate immediately since she was not making good sales. This was to avoid tarnishing the reputation of the entire store.The store owner was, of course, pleading with Nancy. Since the noise was escalating, I had been trying to talk to Nancy, but she wasn't hearing any of it. She insisted that I had no right to tell her what’s wrong or right, even if I had no idea about things like this. I suggested she give the store owner some time to pack out or allow her to find a way to help her business.“Are you telling me I can’t do that to her without notice?” Nancy sneered. By now, we were attracting too much attention, and it might end up in the news or on social media tomorrow.“Nancy, please, we are being watched. Do you have to be like thi
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 23
Jake’s POVI watched her as her lips trembled terribly. I am amazed that she could show this much control. I just can’t help it; she has a way of making me lose my temper. She makes me feel unwanted emotions, which is unlike me. I have to stay in control. A woman cannot just come around and mess me up.I am messed up already because of Rose and Kelvin's threats in associating with Rose.“You bastard,” Selena yelled and finally gave in to the tears. She wiped furiously at her tears. I must admit I was hurt by her words earlier, but I can't let it show. “I hate you with all I have! Don’t you think you are being too dramatic to always taunt me with the past?” she yelled. I wanted to remind her that she has nothing, but I knew it was a bad time for a joke.She turned to leave the room, but I stopped her by wrapping my hands around her waist. She can't possibly go out looking so messed up; people will talk, and I want to avoid that at all costs.“Don’t you dare lay your hands on me!” she y
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 24
Selena's POVThe look she was giving me felt like she could see through me, as if she knew all my deep secrets that I hadn't gathered the courage to share with her. The spoon in my hand hung suspended in mid-air as I met her intense gaze.Her lips twitched at her inner thoughts, she shook her head, and raised an eyebrow at me, silently questioning me. Maybe coming here was a mistake, but I don’t regret it. I was offered a good meal and the atmosphere was peaceful, devoid of any hatred or pain.I missed this. I decided to take some time off and sleep in a more familiar place, which is how I ended up at my former apartment. I was about to sneak in when Hillary spotted me. She paused with her garbage in her hand, quickly disposed of it, and returned to meet me in her apartment.Max was asleep. She served me dinner and sat across from me, her gaze fixed on me without uttering a word. Finally, she opened her mouth and asked, “Do you want more?”“W… what?” I asked, confused. What was she ta
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 25
Jake's POVI paced in front of the main entrance, anxiously waiting for Selena, who was yet to show up. She had ignored my messages, and I had no idea she was in the penthouse until I went to tell her to come down as I would be leaving soon.Receiving no response, I went to check her room, only to find it empty, with the neatly laid bed making it difficult to determine if she had spent the evening at home. I sent her a text, but it went unanswered. Where on earth could she be?A car approached, and I moved aside as the door opened. Kelvin stepped out, pausing to glance at me before going to the other side to open the door for someone. Did he bring Rose? My question was answered when Selena stepped out of his car.Why was she with Kelvin? She released the grip on her knee-length blue dress, her ginger hair styled in a French twist, her makeup flawless—everything about her seemed perfect at the moment. However, when she looked up and saw me, her lips twitched silently, yet she still loo
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 26
Selena’s POVThe tension in the room was palpable, a glaring example of a broken home. Personally, I believed it would be better to cease the family tradition in private. Trying to uphold it publicly seemed like a facade, and there was no need to deceive themselves.However, the glares I received from Jake and his mother indicated that expressing my true thoughts could lead to my downfall. So, I put on a smile and said, “The family tradition is a good thing. It helps bring the family together, and issues can be resolved before they escalate to the public.” I emphasized my words with the sweetest tone I could muster.“Exactly!” exclaimed Mrs. Marino, clapping her hands. She turned to her daughter, Nancy, with a stern look. "So, what do you say, Nancy?" she asked.Nancy rolled her eyes. "Like I have an option. Fine, the family tradition should remain," she conceded."It is settled then," Mrs. Marino declared, relaxing in her chair. "Let's talk about the event then.""I have the planning
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Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 131
Epilogue || Selena's POVI thought I'd be able to sleep in today, given that yesterday was as hectic as it gets with the kids' birthday party. It was a fun-filled and fantastic day; the kids were showered with gifts from every direction.They even received some gifts they won't be able to use until they're maybe 19 years old. Their aunt Nancy went overboard with the planning and every other detail of the day.It turns out the kids don’t just have one godfather, but two—Austin and Justin also blew the kids' minds.And their grandmas? Well, I'm at a loss for words about them. Even my aunt came with a gift; she gave each child a book titled “Italian for Beginners.” Wonderful, right?The kids completely ran out of energy yesterday, so I'm baffled as to how they're up this early.By mistake, we forgot to close the bedroom door last night. Before I could get out of bed to bolt it, the door swung open, and they bounded in. I pretended to still be asleep, hoping they would bypass me and go str
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 130
Selena's POVIt's been five months now, and looking back, I find it hard to forget everything that happened after my wedding.Glancing down at my wedding ring, I kissed the tiny diamond that always reminded me of Jake. With a smile, I looked at the calendar on my desk—his return was just around the corner.I had moved the company headquarters to Italy, and surprisingly, my mother had agreed to relocate as well. She bought a new house that could accommodate 20 people, claiming she was tired of living small.She decided to keep our house in New York as is, suggesting it could serve as a venue for family gatherings.Hillary stayed behind in New York; apart from taking care of her son, she had started seeing someone, which was exciting news for everyone.The whole family rejoiced when Mr. Marino finally woke up from his long unconscious state. He was recovering well, much to Mrs. Marino's joy.The kids were adored by everyone, especially by their Aunt Nancy. Everyone was doing well.Howev
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 129
Jake's POVI entered the house, searching for my family. Voices echoed from a nearby room where I heard Selena asking Nancy how they had managed to set up the nursery so quickly. “Dada!” a little voice called out. I turned to see Jada rushing toward me, her small form barely visible beneath the layers of her adorable outfit. Bending down, I scooped her into a tight hug as she began chattering nonstop, sharing everything she thought I needed to know.Holding her close, she peppered me with kisses.“Hey,” Selena greeted with a wave.“Welcome, Sophia,” I said, placing a kiss on Selena’s forehead. She seemed eager to hear about my meeting at the station.Later that day, we gathered for dinner. The kids sat on Selena’s and my laps, stubbornly refusing their high chairs. My mother had certainly gone all out with the meal.It was heartwarming to see both families getting along well. As the evening wound down, the kids began to warm up to my mom and Nancy, who tempted them with an array of
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 128
Selena's POVA stroll on the beach and a picnic with the one I love—that was the plan after crafting a new one this morning. But here I am, driving to the airport.Mom always has her own way of doing things. I knew I hadn't been entirely open about what was happening here, but I never expected her to bring the whole family down.They even took the company jet. She must not know how to manage boarding four people. Shaking my head, I turned into the private sector of the airport.I called my mother for their location, and she directed me. The first thing I heard were the excited voices shouting, "Mama!""Mama!" Jadon ran toward me, his focus unswayed by the crowd.I dropped to my knees with open arms to welcome my beloved son. His small body fit perfectly against mine, his baby scent warming my heart. I buried my face in his soft hair, showering him with kisses.He seemed taller. Pulling back, I kissed his face. "My sweet boy, how I've missed you.""Mama, I miss you," Jadon said.I hugg
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 127
Jeff's POVThe fury within me was seething; I felt an overwhelming urge to lash out at something, or better yet, someone—specifically, the person right in front of me.I might have managed a clean getaway if Kelvin hadn't botched things by getting caught. Perhaps if I'd demanded the money sooner, I would have gained a crucial head start in my escape plan. It was Kelvin’s blunder that had left me trapped in this forsaken country.If only I had expedited my fake passport, I might have made a successful escape by sea, but the relentless police were already on my trail. They had effectively banned me from leaving the country, but I was aware of other, illicit means of escape.I refused to let anyone revel in seeing me rot in jail. And why on earth was Jake Marino here? My only recourse was to taunt him with everything I had managed right under his nose.“How did my father cause the death of your father?” Jake inquired.He seemed genuinely clueless about the connection to my father, but th
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 126
Jake's POVWe had planned to spend the day just to ourselves, and I was thrilled with the idea. Selena walked around the house, filling the picnic basket she found in the kitchen. Eventually, we found ourselves in the bedroom, Selena rifling through her packed bag in search of something suitable to wear.Although it wasn't particularly sunny outside, we were eager to enjoy the day together, hoping for a bit of sunshine as we forecast while we were at the beach.Just then, her phone began to ring. I hoped it wouldn't be a call that might dampen our spirits. She dived into her pile of clothes, searching for the phone, and resurfaced with a frown. "It's my mom," she said, her tone a mix of resignation and concern. I knew how deeply she missed the kids, avoiding calls to stave off their tears and pleas for her return.I felt a pang of guilt, aware that my needs had kept her away. My own phone started ringing, and I glanced at the caller ID before showing it to her. She sighed and gestured
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 125
Selena's POVThe morning light flooded the room when I opened my eyes, a reminder that we'd left the windows open again. I yawned and stretched, feeling the protest of my bones. The hard night at the station hadn't done me any favors. Feeling the empty space beside me, I realized Jake wasn't there. I missed waking up in his arms, but lately, our mornings had shifted; either he rose before me or vice versa.When would we find the peace we so desperately sought? As I lay there, my mind wandered back to the phone call from last night. I hadn't caught any of the conversation, only the ringing that had pierced the late silence.Was it something important? I got out of bed, went through my morning routine in the bathroom, and dressed for the day, hoping it wouldn't be spent at the police station.With Kelvin in custody, the assassin apprehended, and Diego held by New York police pending cooperation with the investigation, the immediate threats seemed contained. He would be released after th
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 124
Jake's POVI still find it hard to believe Kelvin could do such a thing to his own family. He had embezzled a significant amount of money from the company and had been deceitful in his dealings.He had several accounts, estates, and properties in his name, yet he still craved more. Wasn't he satisfied with what he had already taken?The detectives were on the hunt for someone named Mr. K, who had been collaborating with Kelvin. Since Kelvin denied any involvement with the attacks on me and the kidnapping on my wedding day, they believed there was another conspirator out there. I hoped that with Mr. K's capture, the chain of attackers would end.Looking over at the bench, I saw Selena asleep in an awkward position. I wished we could wrap up here and leave so she could get some proper rest. She had been tirelessly working the phones, to the point where her phone had run out of battery.We hadn't been able to speak to the kids, and it was clearly affecting her mood."Who do you suspect m
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 123
Kelvin's POVIn my office, I mulled over the unsettling shift in public sentiment that had started favoring Jake. Oddly enough, I had uncovered that Selena was no ordinary person; she was from a wealthy family. Yet, when I sought more information, I found no news articles about her—only a brief mention that she had two children and had once been married to someone named Diego Lorenzo.This Diego was the same individual who had contacted me months ago, offering information to undermine Jake when Mr. K mysteriously vanished.Clearly, something was amiss, and my instincts told me it wasn't good. I was about to stand up when my phone rang with a call from an unknown number.I answered, and Mr. K's voice came through. "Hello, I have something you desperately need," he said, his timing uncanny."Will it finish my brother?" I asked."Yes, but before that, you need to transfer €500 billion euros to the account I will send you.""What?" I exclaimed, incredulous. "For what information?" I deman
