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Chapter 21: Drive to her past
Last Updated:
2024-12-22 00:18:36
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Contract 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 : 2025-01-01Contract 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
Last Updated : 2025-01-01Contract 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.”
Last Updated : 2025-01-02Contract 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
Last Updated : 2025-01-02
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Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 155 – The Room of Forgotten Memories
The air was warm, the scent of lavender faint and lingering. Isabelle stirred slowly, her lashes fluttering as she blinked her eyes open. A ceiling she didn’t recognize greeted her—a smooth white expanse with subtle carvings, the kind of detail that hinted at elegance and time. Her body was nestled into soft sheets, and as she shifted slightly, a faint sense of déjà vu pricked at her.She sat up slowly, confusion painting her face. This place—where was she?It wasn’t familiar… but it didn’t feel strange either.Her eyes scanned the room. Cream-colored walls, soft curtains swaying by the windows, a dresser lined with photos turned away, a full-length mirror positioned directly in front of the bed. Something about the mirror pulled her in. Her heartbeat quickened as a flicker of a memory danced through her mind—sitting in front of that mirror, smiling at her reflection. Then, a man’s reflection appeared behind her in the memory, lying on the bed, gazing at her with love in his eyes.Her
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 154: Finding Out The Truth 1.
Sunlight filtered through the curtains of the unfamiliar room, warming the side of Isabelle's face as she slowly opened her eyes. Her lashes fluttered, then her eyes fully opened, and she stared at the pale blue ceiling above her. The sheets wrapped around her were crisp and smelled faintly of lavender. Her gaze swept across the room—white walls, minimal décor, a large mirror on one end, and a single framed photo on the nightstand. A wedding photo of her and Richard.That was the only photo in the room. In fact, now that she thought of it, the whole house seemed bare, emotionless, like a showpiece rather than a lived-in home.Isabelle sat up slowly, confusion clouding her expression. If I’ve really lived here for four years… why doesn’t it feel like home? She hadn’t even figured out where the toilet was without exploring yesterday. The bed, the furniture, even the scent of the room—it all felt foreign.Her eyes dropped to the handbag on the armchair beside the bed. She reached for it,
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 153: Living in the Past
Isabelle looked at herself in the mirror. The reflection staring back at her wore soft blue jeans and a cream-colored blouse—finally something other than a hospital gown after weeks. It should’ve made her feel better. It didn’t.She forced a small smile and stepped out of the bathroom. Richard was seated on the couch in the hospital room, scrolling through his phone. He immediately stood up when he saw her."Hey, shall we go?" he asked, eyes lighting up.Isabelle hesitated. "Uhm, are you done with my whole discharge process?"Richard nodded confidently. "Yeah, I am. Why?"She frowned, feigning a pained expression. "Babe, I think I'm still having headaches. Can you tell the doctor and see if I can get some medicine from the pharmacy?"Richard's smile didn't falter. "Pain? I can't allow that. Let's go together, so you can explain to him well."She shook her head, pressing her fingers to her temple. "I'm a bit tired. I didn’t get much sleep last night. Can you go alone? I’ll wait here. J
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 152 : Suspicions
Richard and Isabelle returned to the room, Richard still holding her protectively, like she would disappeare into Liam's arms if he doesn't hold her that way. Estella was in the room, pacing around, waiting for them. As soon as they entered, she sighed." When did you go out?! Do you have any idea how hard it was to look for you? I almost made a fool out of myself with the nurses." Estella shouted.Isabelle smiled slightly. " I told you I was stepped out for some air, you probably didn't hear me because you were so focused on your phone."Estella rolled her eyes. " If I didn't give you permission, you weren't supposed to step out! Isn't that how it works?"" Hey!" Richard shouted at Estella. " Don't talk to her that way. Because she's sick and you're watching over her for a while doesn't mean you're older or better. Know your place." He said with a stern expression on his face.Estella went quiet for a while before apologizing to Isabelle for speaking to her harshly, not that she me
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 151: The First Step
Liam left Anderson Corporation the moment he got the information from Sarah. His heart pounded as he drove, thoughts racing. He had to see it with his own eyes—was Isabelle really there? Was she alive? Was she okay?He parked his car hastily and rushed into the hospital, bypassing the reception area entirely. There was no point in stopping there. Richard must have already instructed the staff to give no information about Isabelle and to deny her any visitors. So, instead of asking the nurses, Liam decided to observe. If he had to search every floor, every hallway, he would. But deep down, he had a feeling—something told him he would find her soon.He stood in front of the elevator, eyes fixed on the numbers descending. The doors slid open with a soft ding. Inside, a woman stood. She wore a hospital gown, her hair flowing freely over her shoulders, her face pale but serene. She walked past him without even a glance.Liam froze. His eyes widened in disbelief. That was her. Isabelle. The
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 150: Isabelle, finally.
One Week Later. Sarah moved around nervously in the living room. She had heard Estella on the call with someone, telling that person that she'd be there soon and will make it there quietly. Sarah had been talking to Liam the past week. He informed her that he couldn't find Isabelle and that she has left Meadow Central Hospital for Richard's home and Sarah promised to try and get the address from Estella, whether by following her or putting a tracker on her. Isabelle must be found by all means. She also heard that tracking Marcus didn't give them any leads on Isabelle's whereabouts. Marcus just went from Polaris Tech to his house. They also found out that it was only Marcus staying in the house. They had no choice but to trust Sarah to get information from Estella, no matter the method she would use. An idea crossed Sarah's head and she quickly acted on it. She brought out her phone and called an Uber. Estella was wary of her so she couldn't follow behind her. The taxi driver arr
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 149: Bound To Remember.
Marcus walked cooly to the receptionist, he placed a hand on the counter and asked." Hi, there. Is Isabelle and her husband still around here?" The nurse looked at him and smiled. " Yes, they are. In fact, Miss Isabelle's friends just left here after asking about her."Marcus's eyes widened in shock. " Friends? What friends?" He shouted.The nurse started getting nervous as he raised his voice. "Uhm... Two men. They said they could not reach her and I..." " You gave them her room number?" Marcus interrupted. " Are you just stupid or do you not like your job? Is this how you all behave here? Sharing a patient information to strangers." " I'm so sorry sir. They said they were her friends and they seemed desperate so I helped them. I didn't know... I'm so sorry." The nurse trembled in fear." Shut your mouth and call the room real quick. Ask him to pull Isabelle out of that room quickly. Tell him that someone is here for her."The nurse scrambled to the telephone and quickly dialed t
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 148 : His Last Chance
Liam parked the car and got out quickly without hesitation. Ethan followed, trying hard to keep up with him. They entered the big hospital and went to the reception area." Good morning. I'm here to see a patient that was brought here on the day of the mass accident." Liam said immediately to the lady on duty.She looked at Liam and hesitated before answering. "Is this person related to you?" Liam nodded quickly. "Yes, she is. I've been looking for her for a while now." "Alright. Name please?" The lady said, her fingers on the keyboard, ready to type in her name."Isabelle Rivers" Liam replied impatiently.The nurse looked up at the mention of her name. It was a familiar name. " Ah... The lady that was in the major accident? I see why you haven't been able to reach her. She just woke up after surgery. But she's getting special treatment in the VIP ward. All thanks to her husband." Liam and Ethan looked at each other. " Husband?" They chorused." But I'm her hus...." Ethan hit Liam
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 147 : I Need You.
Sarah returned to her room quietly. When she reached, she quickly locked the door. Her legs felt weak after and she fell to the floor. "Isabelle got into an accident." She repeated the words she heard Estella saying while she was on a call.Sarah was going to the kitchen when she overheard Estella on the call talking about something important. She didn't expect it'll be news about Isabelle's accident. Sarah was extremely worried. She had received calls from Liam, he asked if she had any idea where she was or where she could have gone or if Estella was being suspicious and all but she couldn't give him the answer he wanted. Isabelle didn't come back to him, not because of their break up but because she couldn't." But who was on the other side of the line and why did the person want Estella to keep it from me? Should I just ask Estella straight. What if they're harming Isabelle somewhere." Sarah muttered to herself, her worry and concern growing by the second.She continued. "I shoul
