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Chapter 18: Just A Puppet
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2024-12-19 07:24:34Kindly drop your comments and let me know what you think
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Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 19: The Truth Revealed
Isabelle stood at the front door, watching Mary Jane leave after another warm and lively meal. Mary Jane turned back, waving one last time before heading off.Isabelle sighed and turned to go back inside, her phone buzzing in her pocket. She frowned as she pulled it out, her heart sinking when she saw the sender: Ashley.---Ashley:I’ll tell you the whole truth, so let’s meet. Please, that way, we can both be free from Richard. If not for me, do it for the sake of my son who's future is at stake. ---Isabelle stared at the message, her mind racing. Ashley’s previous words when they met at the photoshoot place replayed in her head. “Don’t leave Richard. If you do, he’ll come back to me.”Isabelle was first scared that Ashley was out to get her again, but something in her wanted to talk to Ashley. What was the whole truth that Ashley wanted to tell her? Maybe it was worth taking a risk for. Isabelle stepped inside the house, where Liam was reading on the couch, the faint hum of a jaz
Last Updated : 2024-12-20Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 20: The Fall of Richard
Richard lounged in his lavish office, sipping whiskey as the news anchor’s voice droned on. His gaze darkened when Ashley’s face appeared on the screen, her expression resolute as she spoke into the microphone.“I stayed silent for too long,” Ashley said. “Richard was abusive—physically, emotionally, and financially. I lost three pregnancies because of him. I even became a bad person and put Isabelle into the hell I passed through and ignored it. But now, things are different. I can’t let that cycle continue. For years, I was too scared to speak out, but not anymore.”The anchor’s voice cut back in, recounting the morally degrading details of Richard’s abuse and the mounting evidence of his crimes.Richard’s hand clenched the glass in his hand so tightly that it shattered, the shards cutting into his palm. Blood dripped onto the floor, but he barely noticed, his face was twisted with rage.“That evil bitch,” he growled, standing abruptly and storming out of his office.His employees w
Last Updated : 2024-12-21Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 21: Drive to her past
The airport buzzed with life; families reuniting, different travelers rushing to their gates for their respective flights, and the constant sound of announcements echoing through the terminals. Ashley stood near the departure gate, holding Junior in her hands. The boy clutched a small stuffed animal, looking around curiously while his mother glanced anxiously at the clock. “Ashley!” Isabelle called, hurrying toward her.Ashley turned, her face softening when she saw Isabelle. “You came, I was worried that I'd leave without seeing you one last time.” she said, her voice filled with emotion.“Of course I did,” Isabelle replied. “I also couldn’t let you leave without saying goodbye.”Ashley smiled faintly, though her eyes were a little bit laced with sadness. “I’m doing this for my son,” she said, glancing sweetly at Junior, who was now tugging at his stuffed animal’s ears. “After all that has happened, I think he deserves to grow up somewhere far away from all this madness.”“You’re do
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 22: The Childhood Home
The drive to her childhood home was too quiet. Isabelle gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles white as memories of the past surfaced with every mile closer to her childhood home. Estella sat beside her, staying quiet unlike her character, stealing glances at Isabelle as if trying to find out what she was feeling and thinking.The neighborhood had changed a little bit since Isabelle had left—old houses with chipped paint were now remodelled into finer houses, the narrow streets was littered with her memories, both fond and painful. But the house… her childhood home loomed at the end of the road, a relic of her childhood and the place where so much had gone wrong.As Isabelle slowed to a stop, flashes of her childhood came rushing back.She remembered the days when her mother was still alive, a soft and loving presence who filled the house with warmth and light. Her father had been different then—kind and attentive, always ready with a smile and an encouraging word. They’d h
Last Updated : 2024-12-25Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 23: The River’s Scheme
The Rivers family’s living room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn to block out the midday sun. Estella sat comfortably on the couch, scrolling through her phone, while Sarah, Isabelle's stepmother paced anxiously, muttering some words to herself.The creak of a door made them look up. Mr. Rivers walked out of his room, stretching his arms and looking perfectly healthy. He glanced at them with a raised brow.“Well? Has she called yet? It's been days now, we need to get that money from her quickly.” he asked, his voice carrying an edge of impatience.Sarah scoffed, crossing her arms. “No, not yet. She's probably still thinking about it. Can you just give her some time? She's not going to throw money at us just because a father that doesn't care about her is sick.”“Still thinking about it? Why didn't you persuade her better? She thinks she's all good now and nowhere near our level, you should act lowly and get her help. That Isabelle brat! After everything I did for her.” “Look, you sh
Last Updated : 2024-12-26Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 24: The Truth is Out
The Rivers house was unusually quiet that afternoon. Mr. Rivers sat slumped in his chair, flipping through a newspaper, while Sarah paced the living room, muttering complaints under her breath. Estella wasn’t home, having gone out to “run the errand” of convincing Isabelle and having her give money to the family. The sharp ring of the doorbell interrupted the silence.“Get that,” Mr. Rivers said, not bothering to look up.Sarah shot him a glare. “Why don’t you get it? You’ve been sitting there all day doing nothing. You're not even sick at all. It’s probably just the delivery man with the pizza.”With a grunt, Mr. Rivers moved himself out of the chair and shuffled toward the door, he was tired of arguing with Sarah over every little thing. “Fine, fine. You were the one who wanted me to act sick, now I can't?” he muttered under his breath.Reaching the door, he opened it with a sigh. “Delivery?”The words barely left his mouth before he froze, his eyes widening in shock.Isabelle stoo
Last Updated : 2024-12-26Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 25: A Moment of Vulnerability
Liam arrived home later than usual, he was very tired from all the work he did today. As he stepped into the house, he immediately noticed something was off. The entire house was dark, save for the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the windows.“Isabelle?” he called, his voice echoing in the quietness.No response. His worry deepened. Isabelle wasn’t the type to leave the house without saying something, and she certainly wouldn’t sit in the dark, doing nothing. He set his briefcase down and walked through the living room, flipping on the lights as he went.When he reached her bedroom door, he hesitated. The faint sound of muffled crying reached his ears. His chest tightened, and he knocked gently.“Isabelle? Are you in there?”There was a rustling sound, hurried and frantic. After a moment, the door creaked open, and Isabelle stood there, her eyes red and swollen, her hair slightly disheveled. The faint scent of alcohol wafted past her, and Liam’s eyes flicked down to see her
Last Updated : 2024-12-27Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 26: A New Beginning?
It had been two months since Liam and Isabelle's chaotic wedding and the Richard incident, and the whispers and baseless rumors had finally died down. The tabloids and paparazzi had moved on, speculating about other power couples, and some people even believed that Liam Anderson was still a bachelor, since Isabelle's face was never revealed properly. Liam had them all taken down because people might look at her weirdly and make her feel uncomfortable, some believed that Liam chased the bride away after hearing about her past. The incomplete wedding had also left an air of mystery around Liam Anderson's marital status, much to Isabelle’s relief.For Isabelle, the past month had been one of healing and meditation. She had spent days reflecting on her life, setting goals for herself, and finally mustering the courage to take her first step toward independence.She applied to lots of PR companies but almost all of them required some years of experience, which she didn't have. Luckily, she
Last Updated : 2025-01-01
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Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 35: Unspoken Truths
The pop-up store was bustling with activities. Celebrities, designers, people interested in the pop-up store and Elle Luxe representatives filled the space, while cameras clicked and crew members scurried around, making final adjustments. Isabelle stood near the entrance, directing staff and checking schedules, even though her neck was aching under the weight of the collar the doctor had given her, she still did her work well.“Hey, Isabelle, you shouldn’t be moving around so much,” Ethan said as he approached, carrying a clipboard. His brows furrowed as he watched her give instructions to the staff.“I’m fine,” Isabelle said with a smile, though the strain in her voice gave her away. “You tried so hard to stop me from coming even though Allison didn't approve it and I still came here, so I should do my work. You worry too much, I'm fine. It's just a strain.” “You’re clearly not fine,” Ethan pressed, lowering his voice. “Allison was out of line for making you come here. Let me take ov
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 34: Shadows of Concern
Allison Simeone sat outside her lodge, sipping a glass of red wine and enjoying the quiet night. The air was cool, the breeze gentle against her skin, and for the first time in a while, she allowed herself to relax. She had been receiving feedback from MIA on how she was torturing Isabelle and making work difficult for her.“Allison.”She turned at the sound of her name, her eyebrows arched in surprise. Standing just a few feet away from her, dressed sharply but looking unusually restless, was Liam Anderson.“Well, well,” she said with a slow smile, setting her glass down. “What a surprise. To what do I owe this honor?” Liam approached her, his face was tensed and his eyes looked around, as though searching for something or someone. Allison’s sharp gaze caught the desperation in his demeanor, and her smirk widened.“Ah.....you didn’t come here to see me, did you? What was I thinking.” she said smoothly, leaning back in her chair. “What’s wrong, Liam? Don't tell me.... she fought with
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 33: A Shock
“Are you lost?” he asked, his voice calm but unsettling.Isabelle’s hand tightened on her phone, her instincts screaming at her to stay alert. “I’m fine,” she said quickly, her voice firm. “I’m waiting for someone.”The man tilted his head, rain dripping from his hat. “Are you sure? It’s dangerous to sit here alone in the dark.”Panic bubbled in Isabelle’s chest as she tried to think of what to do. Her phone buzzed in her hand—Ethan was calling back.She glanced at the man, his unsettling smile sending a shiver down her spine.“Ethan, please get here soon,” she whispered."Miss, i'm talking to you. Do you have car issues? I'm sure I can fix that right up for you" He continued."I'm okay, really. Thank you for your concern." Isabelle said and turned around to enter back into her car but the man was faster. He held the door down with his hand, stooping her from opening it.The rain poured relentlessly, and Isabelle shivered, trying to stay calm as the man outside her car leaned closer t
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 32: Lost In The Storm
Isabelle stood by the window of Mary Jane’s cozy kitchen, sipping her tea as the morning sunlight streamed in. Mary Jane had welcomed her with open arms when she needed a place to stay and she didn't even ask any questions. Her place was just the perfect place to clear her head, it was better than sitting alone in her room replaying her hot argument with Liam.A honk outside interrupted her thoughts. She looked out to see Ethan waving from his car. Isabelle stepped outside with Mary Jane following closely behind her. Ethan greeted Mary Jane and Isabelle got into the car with her things.“Morning,” Ethan greeted as she slid into the passenger seat.“Good Morning,” Isabelle said, her voice soft.Ethan glanced at her, concern written across his face. “Are you sure you're okay? Your face has been somehow since yesterday when we met Allison.”“I’m fine,” Isabelle replied, managing a small smile.“You don’t look fine,” Ethan said gently.Isabelle sighed. “It’s nothing. Let’s just focus on w
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 31: Breaking Points
The soft glow of the bedside lamp filled Isabelle’s room as she sat on the edge of her bed, staring blankly at the suitcase in front of her. Her thoughts went back and forth relentlessly, circling back to the image of Liam and Allison together at the restaurant.“What could they be doing now?” she muttered under her breath. The thought made her chest tighten, but she shook her head firmly. “No. Stop this, Isabelle. It doesn’t matter. Focus on work. Allison is your boss and she probably doesn't know that I'm married to Liam.”Her mind shifted to Ethan’s earlier suggestion. He had proposed they travel to the campaign site together the next morning since the location was a little bit far and they’d be staying there for several days for the shoots.She pushed herself up from the bed, Isabelle grabbed her suitcase and began packing. She carefully folded clothes and packed essentials, trying to focus on the task at hand instead of the storm of emotions and questions swirling inside her.The
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 30: Hidden Agendas
Allison’s sharp eyes glinted under the soft streetlights as she looked from Isabelle to Ethan. She tilted her head, a sly smile creeping onto her face.“Well, well,” she said smoothly, her tone sounding amused. “What brings the two of you here, together?”Ethan opened his mouth, but Isabelle quickly stepped in, her voice steady despite the knot forming in her stomach, staying silent would make her more nervous. “We agreed to meet MIA here, we already had a meeting with her and she left. She signed the contract.”Allison’s smile widened. “Ah, wonderful news. I knew you’d handle it perfectly, that's why I assigned you to it. But I don't remember asking Ethan to follow you, so why are you here, Ethan?”“MIA was my university junior, I figured it'd be faster for two people to come, plus, MIA isn't an easy egg to crack and I'm sure you know that too. I'm surprised that you assigned Isabelle who would be busy with lots of things for this campaign to take care of the ambassador for Elle Luxe
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 29: An Unwelcome Assignment
The air in the PR Horizon conference room was thick with the sound of tapping keyboards and shuffling papers. Employees gathered around the large table, their focus sharp as they waited for Allison Simeone to speak. Isabelle sat quietly near the corner, scribbling notes as Ethan handed out printed lists to everyone.“All right,” Allison began, her sharp voice slicing through the murmurs. “We’re here to finalize the ambassadors for Elle Luxe’s Rebirth Collection campaign. Ethan, what do you have for us?”Ethan stood, his usual friendly demeanor laced with professionalism. “I’ve compiled a list of potential ambassadors based on the campaign’s theme and Isabelle's idea. These individuals have compelling personal stories of overcoming hardships, aligning with the idea of rebirth and transformation. Their stories are relatable, and they have active followings across various platforms.”Allison took the list from Ethan and scanned it. Her expression betrayed nothing, but her sharp eyes dart
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 28: Liam’s Past
Allison Simeone stood outside the towering glass structure of Anderson Corp, her reflection staring back at her with a confident smirk. Her heels clicked loudly against the polished and tilted floor as she entered the building, her mind already racing with how to handle the man she once knew so well.Frank Payne was the first to spot her at the reception desk. His eyes widened as he recognized her. “ Miss Allison Simeone?” he asked, his tone a mix of surprise and disbelief." Why are you being so formal, huh?" Allison said with a slight smile on her face."I was just surprised to see you.... what are you doing in the company?"“Hello, Frank, it's nice to see you too after three years.” she replied smoothly, her smile disarming. “I need to see Liam, is he in?”Frank blinked, taken aback. “I'm sorry. It's nice to see you too but it’s been years since…”“Yes, it has,” she interrupted, her tone casual but firm. “I’m sure Liam will want to see me. Please let him know I’m here. I'll wait.”
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 27: The First Project
It had been a week since Isabelle started working at PR Horizon, and today was her first major project assignment. She had spent the previous days quietly observing, learning, and doing her best to navigate the unfamiliar but interesting world of public relations.Isabelle sat in the conference room with her colleagues for a meeting. A sense of nervousness filled the air. They had all been told that a very important news is coming their way and today was that day. Mark, their manager, entered, he looked very enthusiastic and pumped up for work, followed closely by Allison Simeone, their confident and mysterious CEO.“Good morning, everyone,” Mark began, his smile warm. “As I've informed everyone before, big news is coming our way and that big news is here. We've been trying to get a PR project with companies and we've been seeking partnership too, finally we’ve secured a fantastic opportunity. Our new client, Elle Luxe, is launching a new eco-conscious clothing line called the Rebirth
