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Chapter 76
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Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 77
Selena's POVMy mother seemed on the verge of saying something but clamped her shut without a word. She cast a worried glance at my father, frail and vulnerable in the hospital bed. This was truly my Asian father, and a wave of conflicting emotions washed over me. Part of me yearned to forgive him, the other to lash out.My mother drew closer to the bed, taking a seat beside him. She reached for his right hand, gently rubbing it with tenderness."Why?" I finally managed, a single, choked question escaping my lips.My mother remained focused on my father, her voice barely a whisper when she replied, "We needed help, and Diego Lorenzo isn't someone to take lightly. When the company was on the verge of collapse, he offered assistance in exchange for your father's signature on that agreement.""Without even consulting me?" My voice rose a notch."He is your father," she said, her tone defensive. "He believed he was making the best decision to secure the company's future.""Choice?" I s
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 78
Jake's POVMy mother sashayed into my office, looking like a commercial model. Wouldn't be surprised if she was actually on her way to a shoot. Lately, she'd been swamped with interviews and shows discussing the family and, unfortunately, my personal life.Conveniently enough, she saved me a trip. I had an urgent matter to discuss.She settled into the plush chair opposite my desk. I placed a file on the glass table between us. My office chair offered a commanding view from behind the desk.Mom set her bag down beside her. "Is she coming back?" she inquired, clearly referring to someone.I knew exactly who she was talking about. "No, we're not done," I clarified. "Still married. It'll be old news soon enough.""Good grief," she sighed, sinking back into the chair. "I'm exhausted by all this drama."Just as my assistant (hired to help Jeff out) entered with two coffees, I decided to drop the bomb. "How's Dad doing?"My question nearly caused a coffee catastrophe. Mom fumbled the cup, g
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 79
Diego's POVMy phone buzzed incessantly throughout my gym session. I should've silenced it – the constant interruptions ruined my weightlifting routine. Frustrated, I cut my workout short and headed for a quick shower. After washing away the sweat, I donned my suit and tie again, adjusting the knot in front of the locker room's full-length mirror.Emerging from the shower, I glared at my phone screen – it was my assistant bombarding me with calls. If something urgent required my attention, he knew where to find me. Leaving my phone in the locker would've been smarter.Just as I decided not to return the call, it rang again. This time, I answered before he could launch into another frantic message."Mr. Dacosta is dead," he blurted out, wasting no time with pleasantries.The news hit me like a sucker punch. "What? When?""This morning, sir," my assistant replied. "The Dacosta family kept it out of the news somehow. They were very private.""Private no more, I suspect," I muttered, a ne
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 80
Selena's POVJust two days ago, I had both parents. Now, I was left with only my mother. The day it happened, I couldn't even cry. When I got home, I locked myself in my room, only opening the door when Gracie threatened to break it down.She brought food, insisting I eat, and patiently stood guard until I finished. I knew she was likely tending to my mother as well. Unable to speak, I couldn't even call Hillary with the news.The next day, my aunt arrived from Italy. A lifesaver, she joined Gracie in preparing for the funeral. Once, I overheard them discussing my mother's refusal to eat. She too had locked herself away.Gracie and my aunt pleaded with me. They believed I was the only one who could reach her. They insisted my mother needed to eat to stay healthy.With a heavy heart, I approached my mother's door. Knocking softly, I called out, "Mom, I know you can hear me. Open up, please."Gracie positioned the food trolley beside me before leaving. Feeding her was my task if she ope
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 81
Jake's POVTwo years laterThe meeting dragged on forever. By the end, I felt like my ears would bleed if I had to hear another presentation. I thought I'd be better adjusted by now, but who was I kidding?The truth was, I was getting worse. Recognizing faces had become a distant memory. I now relied on voices and the general throng of people to navigate the world. But that wasn't all. My doctor had delivered another bombshell that left me momentarily paralyzed.It wasn't just the facial recognition - a condition diagnosed way back when I was still with Rose, ultimately contributing to our breakup. Now, I had leiomyosarcoma – a rare and aggressive cancer of the smooth muscle tissue. The smooth muscles, as I learned, lined the hollow organs in my body.The doctor's prognosis was brutal: less than seven years to live. With that heavy weight on my chest, I decided to live life to the fullest. Since treatment wasn't an option, I poured myself into work, eventually becoming Chairman of Gra
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 82
Selena's POVI was sleeping peacefully in my bed when I felt a small, soft touch on my face. It rubbed back and forth, trying to open my eyes."Shh," a small voice whispered."What?" another voice chimed in. "Up!"Then the bed started shaking. They had resorted to their usual wake-up call: jumping on the mattress."Up, Mom! Up, Mom!" they chanted.I groaned and rolled onto my side. My hand reached out for the bedside lamb that doubled as a clock. Squinting through one eye, I saw it was just past 7:00 AM."Saturday, Mom!" one of them yelled."I know, I know," I mumbled, trying to catch some more sleep. It was the weekend, and I'd planned on getting some serious rest, but how on earth did these little troublemakers get into my room?"Who let you two in?" I finally asked."Big Grandma," one of the culprits whispered right in my ear."I can hear you perfectly well," I told my little girl. She just grinned at me in response. How could a two-year-old be so stubborn?She shook her head, her
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 83
Jake's POVI exited the airport in my rented car, heading straight for the hotel where I'd be staying during my New York visit.Finally, I was close to my goal. I was here to settle some things, and when I left, I wouldn't be leaving empty-handed. If the rumors of unknown heirs were true, they'd be coming with me.It would be my payback to Selena for leaving me the way she did, for keeping me away from my children. If they were mine, I'd fight for custody.A bellhop led me to my suite, and after tipping him, I took a quick shower. Refreshed, I ordered a meal to my room.Belly full, I joined a Zoom call with Jeff to inform him of my arrival in New York. A message from my mother sat on my screen, but I ignored it. She'd probably be wondering where I was after our planned meeting this morning.Where to begin? First, I needed to track down "Selena Dacosta of New York." The answer came easily this time – she wasn't just Selena Dacosta anymore. Amazed by her transformation, I wondered how a
Contract Marriage Between Mr C.E.O & Kleptomaniac Chapter 84
Selena's POVKeeping a watchful eye on the kids, I took the ice cream Hillary offered, and she settled down next to me on the bench.Looking at her, I couldn't help but notice how happy, content, and downright beautiful she looked. She had everything seemingly under control – her son thrived at the best preschool, and her business was booming.The only thing missing, in my opinion, was a fulfilling love life. She deserved someone who appreciated her amazing personality. "Lost in thought, are we?" Hillary asked, playfully snapping her fingers in front of my face.I blinked a few times before grinning ear to ear. "You look amazing, Hillary. You deserve to hear that more often.""Max tells me all the time," she replied."Max, the perfect gentleman, absolutely. But you need someone older, someone with more experience," I suggested."Absolutely not," she countered."Yes, you do! You need to get out there, live a little, enjoy yourself!"She raised an eyebrow. "Look who's talking! Are you
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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
