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Chapter 80: The Calm Before the Storm
Last Updated:
2025-02-14 00:53:09
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Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 81: The Digital Event & The Scandal Breaks
Taylor Monroe sat in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. The dress she had chosen for the digital event hugged her figure perfectly, a custom design she had personally requested for. But Laura’s words echoed in her head over and over again."That dress would have been better at the opening event tomorrow. You might have just made the worst choice."Her fingers lightly tapped against the armrest, a habit she had when deep in thought. Was she making a mistake? Would this choice somehow backfire?Sensing her hesitation, her manager, Dianne, stepped forward. “Taylor, is there something wrong? What do you need?”“ Nothing, don't mind me. You know I never regret any decision I make, but this time, I'm feeling a little bit off. I can't believe I'm having a rethink.” Taylor spoke softly, making eye contact with her manager through the mirror. “It's all because of what that woman said earlier. Don't mind her and stop overthinking it. Miss Rivers said the woman is part of the event
Last Updated : 2025-02-15Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 82: Shattered Trust
Taylor Monroe sat in the dressing room, her hands trembling as she gripped the fabric of her gown. Her breathing was uneven, her heartbeat pounding against her ribcage like a war drum. Her reflection in the mirror was a cruel mockery—flawless makeup, a perfect hairstyle, an expensive dress—but her eyes told a different story.The event had gone from a dazzling success to a disaster in mere seconds. One moment, she was standing on stage, the center of admiration, celebrating her collaboration with Valmont Luxe. The next, her name was plastered across every gossip site, accused of embezzlement, fraud, and an illicit affair.Her hands curled into fists. Someone did this to her. Someone planned this.A deep sigh came from behind her. “Taylor, you need to calm down,” Dianne, her manager, urged, crouching beside her chair. “We need to figure this out logically. We can’t afford an emotional breakdown right now.”Taylor let out a sharp, bitter laugh. “A breakdown? Do you think I’m overreactin
Last Updated : 2025-02-16Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 83: Damage Control- 1
The tension in Anderson Corp’s meeting room was thick enough to be cut with a knife. Ethan and Isabelle had just returned, their expressions grim as they walked through the sleek, modern corridors of the corporation. The weight of the scandal hung over them like a storm cloud.Allison stood outside the PR office, arms crossed, impatience etched on her face. The moment she saw them, she stepped forward."Where's Taylor? Is she okay?" she asked."She's okay. She's at her private house," Ethan replied. "Her manager took her there after reporters swarmed her place."Allison exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. "Good. The media is like a pack of wolves right now, they're all waiting to hear her up."Before they could say more, Allison's phone buzzed in her hand. She glanced at the screen—Meredith."Come to the meeting room. Now," was all the message said.Allison's brows furrowed. She looked at Ethan and Isabelle. "Both of you, come with me. We need to report what happened."W
Last Updated : 2025-02-17Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 84: The Plan in Motion
The moment Laura walked out of the meeting room, the tension that had been barely contained snapped back into place. No one wasted time pretending things weren’t falling apart—because they were. The scandal surrounding Taylor was growing worse by the minute, and they all knew it. A lot of things were at stake. Valmont Luxe, Anderson Corporation and PR Horizon. The situation needed to be controlled very quickly.Ethan leaned forward, his fingers drumming against the table. "We need to find the financial manager. We can’t just rely on Taylor’s side of the story. If we get his statement, we might be able to shift some of the public's attention off her and onto the real culprit."Meredith sighed, crossing her arms. "That won’t be easy. There’s already solid evidence against him, and at this point, he’s likely on the run—from the press, the police, everyone. If anything, he’s probably throwing all the blame on Taylor, knowing that people aren’t even paying attention to him right now. Plus,
Last Updated : 2025-02-17Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 85 - STEP 1: Catch The Financial Manager.
Ethan slid into the driver’s seat as Allison keyed the airport’s name into the car’s navigation system. Without wasting time, he pulled onto the road, his grip firm on the steering wheel. The tension in the car was thick, but Allison, as always, seemed unfazed."You’re awfully quiet," she remarked, glancing at him. "Anyway, when we get into the airport, we'll split up and look for him. Got it?" Ethan kept his eyes on the road. "Just thinking. This guy could be dangerous, and splitting up in a crowded place like an airport isn’t the best idea. What if you find him first and he slips out of your hands?."Allison smirked. "Please, Ethan. He’s a white-collar criminal, not an assassin. And besides, he wouldn’t dare try anything stupid in a public place. I might not have the strength but I have my way with words. I know how to make him stay. I'll keep my phone on call with you and I'll inform you of where I am if I find him first, so you come running, okay?"Ethan sighed but didn’t argue.
Last Updated : 2025-02-18Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 86 – Step 2: Finding Out The Hidden Truth
Isabelle arrived at the quiet suburban house where Taylor Monroe was staying. She stepped out of the car, her heels clicking against the pavement as she approached the front door. The house was modest yet cozy, a safe retreat away from the chaos that had overtaken Taylor’s life. Taking a deep breath, Isabelle rang the doorbell.A few seconds later, the door swung open to reveal Dianne, Taylor’s ever-loyal manager. She looked tired, with dark circles under her eyes and a tense expression."Isabelle," Dianne greeted, forcing a small smile."Hey, Dianne." Isabelle returned the smile, though concern was evident in her eyes. "How is she? Has she recovered from the shock?"Dianne sighed, leaning against the doorframe. "She slept, but she hasn't touched her food. Not just today—yesterday, too. It’s been two days now, and no matter how much I try to make her eat, she refuses."Isabelle frowned. Two days without food? That was serious. Taylor was already under immense pressure from the scandal
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It was already late when Isabelle finally returned to the company. The night air was cool, the city lights glowing dimly through the office windows. She stepped into the conference room where Ethan and Allison were waiting, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and anticipation.Ethan was the first to speak. “Are you okay?” His voice carried both concern and curiosity.“Yes,” Isabelle replied, dropping into a chair. “Just a long day.”Allison grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. “We couldn’t watch it live, but Meredith and Frank gave their press statement earlier. Let’s see how it went.”The screen flickered, showing the two executives standing before a row of flashing cameras, their voices calm and controlled as they addressed the press. Their words were measured—assurances that Anderson Corporation was handling the issue responsibly, vague statements about ongoing investigations, and subtle hints that Taylor Monroe’s involvement was more complicated than the public initially bel
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 88 - The Culprit
Allison sat in her car, gripping the steering wheel so tightly that her knuckles turned white. The picture had loaded on her screen, and there was no mistaking the face staring back at her. Laura.Her heart pounded with anger, disbelief simmering beneath the surface. The very person who had worked beside her, the one who promised to not do anything that will harm the project or Anderson Corp, had been the one pulling the strings to bring her down.The voice on the phone hesitated. "Ma’am, do you know the person in the picture?"Allison inhaled deeply through her nose, forcing herself to sound composed. "I know her too well," she said coolly. "Thanks for your help. I’ll reach out if I need anything else."She ended the call and tossed her phone onto the passenger seat. Her hands clenched into fists as she tried to make sense of it. Why? Why would Laura—of all people—want to ruin the very project that she was a part of? This wasn’t just an attack on Valmont Luxe or Anderson Corp. This w
Last Updated : 2025-02-19
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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
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 159: The Truth in Her Voice
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
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 158: You Came Back to Me
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
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 157: Home.
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,
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
