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Chapter 61: Shadows and Sparks
Last Updated:
2025-01-26 02:10:36
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Isabelle leaned against the cold sink in the restroom, Allison’s parting words playing over and over in her head. “It’s only a matter of time.” What did she mean? Isabelle shook her head, frustrated and confused. Why couldn’t Allison just move on? If their relationship ended years ago, why was she still so invested in ruining them? Did she love Liam that much and what was their story?Despite her swirling thoughts, Isabelle felt a strange relief knowing she had been the reason for their breakup. It meant Liam had loved her all along, even when they were apart. The thought warmed her, but her stomach churned at the thought of Allison still being in the picture.Straightening her shoulders, Isabelle pushed her doubts aside. She had to ask Liam about their story, about the time he spent with Allison. She wanted to hear it directly from him.As Isabelle stepped out of the restroom to the restaurant, her eyes darted toward their table. She froze mid-step, her heart sinking to her stomach.
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At Isabelle’s office, the air was thick with chatter. The usual hum of productivity had been replaced by a buzz of excitement. Isabelle sat at her desk, trying to focus on her work despite the turmoil inside her when Ethan approached her, looking uneasy.“Isabelle,” he said hesitantly, his voice low enough that no one else could hear. “I need to ask you something.”She glanced up at him, already sensing what he was about to say. “What is it?”Ethan scratched the back of his neck. “It’s about the news... I mean, the article about Mr. Anderson and Allison Simeone. What’s going on? Even if your relationship with Liam is just an arrangement, news like this shouln't get out, it could affect you later.”Before Isabelle could answer, a group of employees burst into their office, talking loudly.“Can you believe it?” one of them said, clearly excited. “Liam Anderson and Allison Simeone back together? I thought their relationship was ancient history and that it was just university romance!”An
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The atmosphere of the backstage was tense. Liam sat in a quiet corner, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt while Frank stood nearby, pacing nervously. Liam was invited for a live interview with a famous anchor to talk about his life and Anderson Corp project. The plan was that, the interview will serve as a way of admitting the rumors and increasing publicity for Elysium Heights project. The sound of muffled chatter and distant applause from the live audience seeped through the walls.Frank stopped pacing and looked at Liam, his tone edged with urgency. “Boss, remember, you have to stick to the plan. No surprises, no deviations. The public loves the idea of you and Allison, and this project depends on keeping that narrative alive, okay?.”Liam leaned back in his chair, his expression calm but defiant. “I don’t lie about who I am, Frank. I agreed to this partnership for the project, not to fabricate some fairy tale romance.”Frank sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Argh, come on. W
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Allison sat in the makeup chair, staring at her reflection in the vanity mirror. Her perfectly styled hair framed her sharp, determined face. The makeup artist dabbed her lips with a final stroke of gloss, but Allison barely noticed. Her thoughts were elsewhere.She rehearsed the words she planned to say during the live interview. This was her moment, her chance to set the record straight, to let the public know that she and Liam were together. Sure, Liam wasn’t keen on making their “relationship” public, but she was certain he would stick to the plan. He had to, at least for Anderson Corp and the company's project he'll push his pride and love for Isabelle aside and do the right thing.“Ms. Simeone, we’re ready for you, you can come into the interview room now.” a staffer said, peeking into the dressing room.Allison rose, smoothing her dress and putting on her signature confident smile. “Perfect. I'm all ready too. Let’s do this.”The studio lights were bright, and the set buzzed
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The morning sunlight spilled into the dining room as Isabelle toyed with her toast, pushing it around the plate absentmindedly. Across from her, Liam sipped his coffee, his gaze shifting occasionally from the file on the table to her worried face. Her silence had stretched too long, and he knew something was bothering her.“You’ve barely touched your food,” he said, setting his mug down. “The issue with the rumor has been cleared. What’s on your mind?”Isabelle sighed, leaning back in her chair. “It’s not that… it's my father. I feel guilty for not visiting him since he was transferred to the nursing home. I know he hasn’t been a good father to me, but… he’s still my father. And he became like that while he was here.”Liam placed his elbows on the table, leaning closer. “You don’t need to justify your feelings, Isabelle. If you feel like you should see him, then go. I'm sure he might have things to say to you too.”She looked at him, hesitant. “I was hoping you’d come with me. I don’
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Mary Jane stood in the kitchen, stirring a pot absentmindedly, her brows slightly furrowed. Isabelle noticed immediately—Mary Jane wasn’t usually this quiet, especially around her.“Mary Jane, is something wrong?” Isabelle asked, setting down the glass she was holding.Mary Jane hesitated for a moment, then sighed. “It’s nothing important.”“Come on,” Isabelle pressed gently. “You’re clearly thinking about something.”Mary Jane wiped her hands on a towel and turned to Isabelle. “I have to travel for a family emergency… just for the weekend. But I don’t know what to do about Lucas.”Isabelle blinked. “Lucas?”“My son,” Mary Jane clarified. “I was going to ask my neighbor to watch him, but she has plans. I don’t want to trouble you, Isa—”“Say no more,” Isabelle cut in with a reassuring smile. “Bring him over. I’d love to take care of him.”Mary Jane’s face lit up with relief. “Are you sure? He can really be a handful.”“I can handle him,” Isabelle said confidently. “Besides, I think it
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The morning sun streamed through the windows as Isabelle sat at the breakfast table, sipping her coffee. Across from her, Liam flipped through his emails, occasionally glancing at her. She had been quiet since she woke up, lost in thought. He knew why."You're still thinking about your reappointment, aren't you?" he asked, setting his phone down.Isabelle sighed. "Of course, I am. Allison is clearly up to something. Why would she send me to Anderson Corp when she despises me? Why reappoint anyone at all?"“It's all my fault. When she first got back and threatened to reveal our contract marriage, I asked what she wanted and it was this. A long term contract with PR Horizon. I should have found another way to go about it.” Liam said.“Don't talk that way. It's not your fault. She's the bad one for threatening you and you had no choice expect that. We didn't know I would be the one she would be sent to Anderson Corp. I just don't get her at times. She's too twisted.”Liam leaned back in
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Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend CHAPTER 160: The New Beginning
The mansion buzzed with a quiet kind of excitement. The long dining table was set with care—silver cutlery gleaming under the golden glow of the chandeliers, delicate flower arrangements gracing the center. The aroma of seasoned lamb and buttery pastries wafted through the air, hinting at the feast to come.Isabelle stood near the front door, hands clasped nervously in front of her. She had dreamed of this day—having everyone she loved under one roof again. After all she had endured—the loss, the memory gaps, the painful separation from Liam—this moment felt like a long-awaited exhale.And right now? She was glowing.Liam walked past her with a wine glass in hand, stealing a kiss on her cheek.“Stop looking so nervous,” he whispered, grinning. “They’re not coming to judge you. They're coming to love you.”She swatted his arm playfully. “I know, I know. But still... it feels surreal.”First to arrive was Mary Jane, the warm, kind-hearted housekeeper who’d become more like family. She w
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Isabelle stirred slowly, the warmth of Liam’s arms wrapped protectively around her. The early sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft lines across the sheets. Her phone buzzed on the nightstand.With a soft groan, she reached out for it, trying not to wake him.Frank.She swiped to answer. “Hello?”“It’s almost 7:30, Isa. Remember the reporters. You meet them at 9:30.”“Yeah… thanks for the reminder,” she said softly.As she ended the call and set the phone down, Liam shifted behind her, pulling her closer with a sleepy murmur.“Where are you going…?” he whispered, his voice husky.She turned to face him, brushing her fingers through his hair. “To tell my truth.”“I don’t want you to leave yet…” he murmured, resting his forehead against hers.“I have to.” She smiled gently and kissed him. “But I’ll come back to you.”He held her gaze. “Should I go with you?”“No,” she whispered. “This… I want to do myself.”He sighed, then reluctantly let her slip from his embrace.—A few hou
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The front door creaked open as Liam stepped inside, shoulders sagging under the weight of exhaustion. The house was quiet, too quiet. He called out softly, "Isabelle?"No response.He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. Maybe he was imagining things again, letting hope trick him into thinking she'd magically stay since she said she was coming to check the house. But then—there it was. The faint clinking of a spoon against porcelain, coming from the kitchen.Liam's heart jumped. He moved swiftly, quietly, not daring to believe.There she was.Standing by the kitchen counter, back turned to him, wearing his hoodie. Her hair fell over her shoulders in soft waves, and she was stirring tea. Calmly. Casually. As if nothing had happened."Isa?" he breathed.She turned.Their eyes met.It felt like the world slowed down. Her lips parted, her eyes welled with tears, but her expression was warm. Familiar." Wanted to see if your hoodie fits me now." She smiled, tugging at the hoodie she was w
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The night was quiet, too quiet for Isa’s restless mind.She tossed in bed, limbs tangled in the sheets, her breath uneven. In the silence, her dreams stirred.In that dream, she was back in that cold, dark house.Richard’s voice thundered in her ears, cruel and venomous.“You think you can disobey me?” he snarled, hand raised. His palm connected harshly with her cheek. The sting was real. Her knees buckled, and she crumbled to the ground, sobbing.Richard towered over her with a face twisted by rage. He was yelling. No—screaming. Words she couldn’t decipher, fists clenched. She was crying, shielding herself from the blows he rained down on her like a stormThe pain. The shame. The betrayal.Isa gasped and bolted upright in bed, drenched in sweat. Her hand flew to her chest, her heart hammering like a drum. “It was just a dream,” she whispered. “Just a dream…”But it hadn’t felt like a dream. It was vivid. It was sharp. The emotions still clung to her like smoke after fire.She reache
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 156 – Twisted Heat
The living room was dimly lit, the soft hum of the air conditioning the only sound echoing through the space. Richard sat alone, nursing frustration in his chest like an old wound that refused to heal. A half-finished glass of water sat untouched on the table beside him. It wasn’t enough—not tonight.He stared blankly ahead, mind spinning with thoughts of Isabelle.She had gone to bed hours ago. Peaceful. Silent. Untouched.The problem was… he wanted to touch her. He wanted to kiss her until she remembered everything. Until she remembered him.But she didn’t. Or maybe she did—and was pretending.He wasn’t sure what was worse.Richard grabbed his phone and dialed a number he knew would answer. It rang only once.“Laura,” he said, his voice low, tired. “Can you come over?”A pause.“Now?” she asked, surprised.“Yeah. And bring something strong. Alcoholic wine. The kind that numbs things.”“I’ll be there in twenty.”---It was closer to fifteen.The doorbell rang, and Richard rose, brush
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,
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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
