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Chapter 29

Penulis: Mandy B
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-02-25 22:37:05

I had been on edge all day.

Every time Jaime called me to his office, I either jumped or felt my chest tighten with anxiety. I didn’t know how to put what I was feeling into words, but the craziest part? I already knew exactly why I was so nervous.

James Adriel.

He must have told Jaime.

The thought alone had my stomach in knots. This family had no business making me feel this way, but here I was, too anxious to even move from my chair.

Lunchtime came and went, yet I remained frozen, unable to eat, unable to think straight.

Then the landline rang.

I flinched.

Seeing Jaime’s name on the screen only made my nerves worse.

Taking a deep breath, I answered. “Mr. Adriel.” My voice wavered slightly.

“Come to my office,” he said, then hung up immediately.

Oh shit.

That was it. He knew.

The way he spoke, so short, so clipped, it was obvious. James must have told him everything.

I stared at the phone, then at myself.

What was the worst that could happen? That he would end this rid
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  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 30

    JAIME “What are you doing? I thought this was about the rumor, but after what I just saw, I don’t…” “And what exactly did you see?” I cut James off, walking back to my chair and sinking into it. Well, trying to sink into it. I couldn’t even sit comfortably, my damn zipper was pressing too hard against the bulge in my trousers. Fuck. I had a hard-on for my assistant. This was not what I had expected today. Not in a million years did I think I would find myself hiding a hard-on from my own brother. Worse? It wasn’t because of some random fantasy, it was because I couldn’t stop staring at my assistant. James’ jaw tightened. “Do you even know her? Anything about her?” His voice was laced with frustration, but I knew my brother well enough to recognize the underlying concern. He always masked it with irritation, but it was there. “If you didn’t come here to judge me, get on with what you came for,” I said, dismissively. Because, frankly, I had better things to focus on,

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-26
  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 31

    CLARISSAOkay, not only is this getting ridiculous, but it’s also kind of funny.Cook together?Does that even make sense?And why the hell is Jaime suddenly smiling like this is the best idea he’s ever heard? He should be just as annoyed as I am. But no, he looks perfectly happy to go along with it.Since he’s clearly on board, I don’t have a choice but to follow through.What have I gotten myself into?More importantly, why does he suddenly look so damn good in casual wear?Does this man ever have a bad day? Ever not look like he just walked out of a magazine?I saw the exact moment he caught me staring. No, not starring, gawking.God. Could I be any more pathetic?But honestly, how could I not look? He’s just standing there, looking unfairly good, and my traitorous eyes won’t stop drinking him in.“Yes, I’ve found that cooking is a great way to open up and express yourselves,” Paula said, looking between the two of us. “It allows you to interact more, to connect.” She smiled. “It’s

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27
  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 32

    CLARISSAI tried to find my voice, but it was nowhere to be found. Why did my eyes suddenly burn with unshed tears? I was being so stupid right now.“So, where were we?” Jaime asked casually, as if nothing had happened. As if my heart hadn’t been pounding recklessly inside my chest just moments ago.I clenched my fists, cursing myself for letting my emotions get the best of me. He grabbed the bag of flour from the counter and started giving me instructions. I followed along, mixing the ingredients, but my heart wasn’t in it anymore.I felt ridiculous.“Can I use the restroom?” I asked, my voice surprisingly steady.Without looking up, he nodded.I walked away quickly, pushing open the door to the restroom and turning on the faucet. I scrubbed my hands furiously, wishing I could wash away the embarrassment clinging to me.God, I was such an idiot.“Are you in here?”Paula’s voice startled me, and I hastened to dry my hands, forcing myself to appear composed before stepping out.“Sorry,

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-28
  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 33

    Mr. Jaime returned to the office hours later, looking as furious as ever.He didn’t spare me a glance as he walked straight to his office, slamming the door behind him.Okay, that was weird.Even when he was angry, he never slammed doors.Now I was completely confused. Should I go in and check on him? Should I show him the messages he received while he was away? What exactly should I do that wouldn’t make him bite my head off?Deciding it was best to inform him about his messages, I stood up and made my way to his office.Just as I was about to push the door open, I realized it was slightly ajar, and I heard him shouting. Curious, I pressed my ear against the door.“Can you imagine that? Talking to me about family values as if he doesn’t know what our family is, why we’re the most successful in this part of the world.”He was on the phone, no doubt about that. And whoever he was speaking to, he was venting to them about whatever had him so pissed off.“Exactly. I’m not trying to monop

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-01
  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 34

    Silence filled the car. Jaime had ditched his driver and was behind the wheel himself, his hands steady on the wheel as he drove us through the city. I sat in the front seat beside him, unsure of how I should act or what this impromptu outing was really about.I never imagined that simply sitting in the front seat with a man could feel so… intimate. Not that I was saying this was romantic, but still.Soft blues played through the speakers, filling the space between us. Jaime tapped his fingers against the steering wheel in rhythm with the music, his expression unreadable.I kept my hands folded in my lap, staring out the window, lost in thought, when his voice suddenly cut through the quiet.“What kind of music do you like?”I blinked and turned to look at him, caught off guard. Out of all the things he could have asked, I wasn’t expecting that.“Why do you look so surprised?” he asked, glancing at me briefly before returning his focus to the road.“I just didn’t expect you to ask me

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-02
  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 1

    One thing wrong with not knowing the main person whom you are meant to hold on to in this case is that everyone who is a suspect looks the same.I am sitting in one of the round table chairs with Jessy beside me and I cannot take my eyes off the four AJ brothers as they all speak to different people, moving from one table to another.Hands-on the jaw, face forward and unmoving, I follow every direction their eyes go to and every body movement any of them makes.“Seriously Clarissa, everyone will start thinking you are an assassin sent to eliminate the AJ brothers,” Jessy, who had had enough of my watching and glaring eyes towards them said and then proceeded to drag my hands off my jaw,I sighed. “I'm just doing what I came here for, Jess. I'm not here to eat these fancy foods and smell the incredible scent of the perfumes.” I look at the table, with all the expensive wines and champagnes at the opening of the new store, and know this place isn't exactly my ideal.So many people sta

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-12-10
  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 2

    “What are you doing, so late at night.” I turn my back to see a sleepy-looking Jessy moving towards me in the living room.I have a duvet draped over my body and a laptop on my lap as I scroll through the web.I force it shut, removing the speck that adorns my face.“Nothing, just searching for a job online.” I take the laptop, dropping it on the seat as she comes over.She sighed before dropping herself beside me and then dragging her body closer until she was now hip to hip attached to me.She sighed again, dropping her head on my shoulder. With her hand, she drags the duvet across her body until she and I are now covered by the same duvet.“I know what you are doing, Clarissa, and it wasn't job hunting,” she said.I rolled my eyes, looking away from her face, of course, she knew I wasn't job hunting. Even though I am seriously in need of an occupation right now in this new city, I cannot sacrifice my sleep just for that, not yet anyway.Already caught doing what I had promised her

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-12-10
  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 3

    Adriel Jaime I roll my sleeves up as I look at the supposed budget for the opening of the branch at NYC 2 for Spins and Scent, it looks incredibly ridiculous.“Are you sure I approve of this??” I asked, looking at every member of the financial team to their faces and trying hard not to sound annoyed.Most of them averted their faces as they usually do, and those who could hold my gaze for as long as 3 minutes noticed the tone my direction was going and their faces went back to the floor.I don't like scaring my employees, but generally, they bring over this ridiculous type of proposal, and it's worth hitting your head on their chin when you know it isn't needed.“You approved of it sir, and I was the one who oversaw its usage.” the head of the financial team, Mr. Grant said as he pointed to the pages of the finance and exactly to the place I had signed.Hands-on chin, I did a thorough look at the signature, making sure this had everything to do with me.Once I knew I signed it, (alth

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-12-10

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  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 34

    Silence filled the car. Jaime had ditched his driver and was behind the wheel himself, his hands steady on the wheel as he drove us through the city. I sat in the front seat beside him, unsure of how I should act or what this impromptu outing was really about.I never imagined that simply sitting in the front seat with a man could feel so… intimate. Not that I was saying this was romantic, but still.Soft blues played through the speakers, filling the space between us. Jaime tapped his fingers against the steering wheel in rhythm with the music, his expression unreadable.I kept my hands folded in my lap, staring out the window, lost in thought, when his voice suddenly cut through the quiet.“What kind of music do you like?”I blinked and turned to look at him, caught off guard. Out of all the things he could have asked, I wasn’t expecting that.“Why do you look so surprised?” he asked, glancing at me briefly before returning his focus to the road.“I just didn’t expect you to ask me

  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 33

    Mr. Jaime returned to the office hours later, looking as furious as ever.He didn’t spare me a glance as he walked straight to his office, slamming the door behind him.Okay, that was weird.Even when he was angry, he never slammed doors.Now I was completely confused. Should I go in and check on him? Should I show him the messages he received while he was away? What exactly should I do that wouldn’t make him bite my head off?Deciding it was best to inform him about his messages, I stood up and made my way to his office.Just as I was about to push the door open, I realized it was slightly ajar, and I heard him shouting. Curious, I pressed my ear against the door.“Can you imagine that? Talking to me about family values as if he doesn’t know what our family is, why we’re the most successful in this part of the world.”He was on the phone, no doubt about that. And whoever he was speaking to, he was venting to them about whatever had him so pissed off.“Exactly. I’m not trying to monop

  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 32

    CLARISSAI tried to find my voice, but it was nowhere to be found. Why did my eyes suddenly burn with unshed tears? I was being so stupid right now.“So, where were we?” Jaime asked casually, as if nothing had happened. As if my heart hadn’t been pounding recklessly inside my chest just moments ago.I clenched my fists, cursing myself for letting my emotions get the best of me. He grabbed the bag of flour from the counter and started giving me instructions. I followed along, mixing the ingredients, but my heart wasn’t in it anymore.I felt ridiculous.“Can I use the restroom?” I asked, my voice surprisingly steady.Without looking up, he nodded.I walked away quickly, pushing open the door to the restroom and turning on the faucet. I scrubbed my hands furiously, wishing I could wash away the embarrassment clinging to me.God, I was such an idiot.“Are you in here?”Paula’s voice startled me, and I hastened to dry my hands, forcing myself to appear composed before stepping out.“Sorry,

  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 31

    CLARISSAOkay, not only is this getting ridiculous, but it’s also kind of funny.Cook together?Does that even make sense?And why the hell is Jaime suddenly smiling like this is the best idea he’s ever heard? He should be just as annoyed as I am. But no, he looks perfectly happy to go along with it.Since he’s clearly on board, I don’t have a choice but to follow through.What have I gotten myself into?More importantly, why does he suddenly look so damn good in casual wear?Does this man ever have a bad day? Ever not look like he just walked out of a magazine?I saw the exact moment he caught me staring. No, not starring, gawking.God. Could I be any more pathetic?But honestly, how could I not look? He’s just standing there, looking unfairly good, and my traitorous eyes won’t stop drinking him in.“Yes, I’ve found that cooking is a great way to open up and express yourselves,” Paula said, looking between the two of us. “It allows you to interact more, to connect.” She smiled. “It’s

  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 30

    JAIME “What are you doing? I thought this was about the rumor, but after what I just saw, I don’t…” “And what exactly did you see?” I cut James off, walking back to my chair and sinking into it. Well, trying to sink into it. I couldn’t even sit comfortably, my damn zipper was pressing too hard against the bulge in my trousers. Fuck. I had a hard-on for my assistant. This was not what I had expected today. Not in a million years did I think I would find myself hiding a hard-on from my own brother. Worse? It wasn’t because of some random fantasy, it was because I couldn’t stop staring at my assistant. James’ jaw tightened. “Do you even know her? Anything about her?” His voice was laced with frustration, but I knew my brother well enough to recognize the underlying concern. He always masked it with irritation, but it was there. “If you didn’t come here to judge me, get on with what you came for,” I said, dismissively. Because, frankly, I had better things to focus on,

  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 29

    I had been on edge all day. Every time Jaime called me to his office, I either jumped or felt my chest tighten with anxiety. I didn’t know how to put what I was feeling into words, but the craziest part? I already knew exactly why I was so nervous. James Adriel. He must have told Jaime. The thought alone had my stomach in knots. This family had no business making me feel this way, but here I was, too anxious to even move from my chair. Lunchtime came and went, yet I remained frozen, unable to eat, unable to think straight. Then the landline rang. I flinched. Seeing Jaime’s name on the screen only made my nerves worse. Taking a deep breath, I answered. “Mr. Adriel.” My voice wavered slightly. “Come to my office,” he said, then hung up immediately. Oh shit. That was it. He knew. The way he spoke, so short, so clipped, it was obvious. James must have told him everything. I stared at the phone, then at myself. What was the worst that could happen? That he would end this rid

  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 28

    I woke up still basking in the excitement of last night. Not only had dinner gone better than I expected, but Zoe was finally here.She lay beside me, cuddled up in my arms, her small breaths soft and rhythmic. As I ran my fingers gently through her hair, I whispered quiet words of love and encouragement, holding her a little closer.God, I had missed her so much.Everything we used to do together, every little moment we had been apart for too long. Since the day she was born, she had become my world, my everything.The door creaked open, and Jessy strolled in casually.“You two are still sleeping?” she asked in a hushed tone, her gaze softening as she looked at Zoe.I nodded but kept my eyes on the sleeping beauty beside me. Traveling alone must have been exhausting for her. By the time I got home last night, she had already been fast asleep and hadn’t stirred once.“It’s a good thing today is Saturday,” I murmured, my fingers still tracing slow, comforting patterns through her hair.

  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 27

    CLARISSAThe unsettling feeling didn’t disappear as I took my seat at the table. The room was loud with conversation, filled with laughter and the kind of warmth that made it feel like a home. Yet, I couldn’t shake the tension tightening in my chest.My eyes scanned the table. Everyone seemed to have someone, Jeremy sat beside a beautiful blonde woman who looked like an actress, her delicate voice barely above a whisper as she spoke. They looked perfect together, the kind of couple that belonged in a magazine.Then there was James. He had come alone, but he didn’t need anyone by his side to command attention. His presence alone was enough. His sharp features were locked in an expression of quiet intensity, his shoulders rigid, his gaze calculated as he took in everyone at the table.I found myself staring a second too long.And then, his eyes met mine.Holy shit.I looked away so fast it was almost embarrassing, focusing instead on Marianna, who, despite her age, looked effortlessly e

  • He Had Me On A Contract    Chapter 26

    CLARISSAI looked as beautiful as I possibly could, but the nerves twisting in my stomach refused to settle. This would be my first time meeting Jaime’s entire family at once, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that it mattered more than I wanted to admit.Why did he even want me there? Hope had said it was just a formality, but something about it didn’t sit right with me.Hope had been the one to help me pick out my dress, ensuring I looked both simple and elegant. As she put the final touches on my makeup, she stepped back to admire her work.“You look stunning,” she said, a proud smile on her face. Then, lowering her voice slightly, she added, “But have you met his mother? My aunt is the one you should look out for.”I frowned, tilting my head. “She was nice to me the first couple of times I saw her.”Hope gave a small shrug. “Things change. Just be prepared.”The comment did nothing to ease my nerves, but I nodded anyway.Not like his mother didn’t already know this whole thing was

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