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Chapter 19
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Excitement crackled in the air after Ashleigh hung up. Her long-held dream of attending college was finally coming true. In a month, she'll be a student! Grabbing her textbooks, she piled them on her desk and switched on the computer. Rushing to the college website, the welcome banner seemed to gleam, a symbol of her imminent arrival.
Minutes flew by in a daydream of college life. Finally, snapping out of her reverie, Ashleigh decided to create a study schedule. Though work had eaten up most of her time, she was determined to catch up. Thankfully, Adrian arranged a tutor to provide focused support. With luck, she could finalize a schedule by Monday night.An hour later, the schedule complete, sleep beckoned more powerfully than dinner. The excitement was buzzing through her veins. The next morning, Ashleigh woke up with a lightness she hadn't felt since arriving. Adrian's news had been the best gift he could have given her. Dressed in a matching pastel purpleRelated chapters
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"Good morning, Mrs. Cagliari. I'm Chef Larry. I work as the head chef in the Cagliari kitchen on weekends. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." He extended his hand, and she returned the handshake briefly before pulling back."Well, I'm Ashleigh. You can call me that," she responded."I don't know about that. Will I get fired if I do?" he teased. Ashleigh's eyes widened as she began to refute his claims."Just kidding," he said with a chuckle, "no need to get yourself more riled up than you are at the moment. This time, I can say it was well deserved. Tara needed someone to bring her down a peg." His tone was appreciative, almost relieved that she threw Tara out."Hmm, seeing as you're so happy about this, I'd say you have some grudges against her," Ashleigh observed."Some would be an understatement," he huffed, pushing up his sleeves that fell down to his wrist, as he had done earlier."Well, all that scold
My Contract Love Story Chapter 21
Larry froze, a heavy silence settling between them for a moment. He finally turned to find Ashleigh already waiting for his explanation."According to the staff roster, only the butler and cleaning crew are assigned to this floor," she mentioned, her tone laced with suspicion. "No one else is permitted access."Larry's smile faltered slightly. "Right. Actually, Tara did have me come up here once to help her with some food supplies for Mr. Cagliari," he explained, the explanation sounding a bit forced.It did seem strange to Ashleigh, but she brushed it off. With only a month of marriage under her belt, she had little knowledge of Adrian's specific dietary needs."That's fine," she dismissed, her attention returning to the movie playing on the large screen. The film was an older one, but one she'd been eager to see.By the time the credits rolled, she felt thoroughly satisfied and ready for bed. As the movie ended, the theater lights automatically flickered on, prompting her to exit.O
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The first rays of dawn peeked through the window as Ashleigh was jolted awake by Mr. Atkinson at 4:00 am. Following Adrian's instructions, Mr. Atkinson ensured Ashleigh began her duties promptly. After a quick confirmation that she was awake, he excused himself, allowing her a brief thirty minutes for a shower before rejoining him.Shadowing Mr. Atkinson, like a loyal but weary companion, Ashleigh observed him inspect the work of the first and second-floor staff. He explained the roles: the first floor comprised cleaning personnel responsible for maintaining both her and Adrian's supplies, as well as cleaning the theater room and her quarters (though she witnessed them cleaning that morning due to her early start). Adrian's room and study, however, were Mr. Atkinson's sole domain.Since Ashleigh wasn't yet allowed access to these private areas, Mr. Atkinson assigned her supervisory duties in his place while he cleaned. Their tour continued downstairs, where Ashleigh was introduced to
My Contract Love Story Chapter 23
As Ashleigh left her aunt's office, a plan began to take shape in her mind. She was done playing by Adrian's rules; it was time to seize control. Reaching the private elevator, she paused, then opted for the stairs instead. With newfound determination, she marched through the underground parking lot towards a waiting car. The driver took off promptly, delivering her to the mansion.Mr. Atkinson greeted her upon arrival. "I apologize for interrupting, Madame, but the interview for a new butler is scheduled for shortly. Mr. Cagliari insisted on your presence.""I'm aware, Mr. Atkinson," Ashleigh replied."However, I've had a change of plans. In addition to finding a butler for the house, I'd like to hire a personal assistant."Surprise flickered across Mr. Atkinson's face. "But Madame, this wasn't part of the initial plan. Mr. Cagliari certainly won't approve.""Mr. Cagliari placed me in charge of managing this mansion, didn't he?" Ashleigh
My Contract Love Story chapter 24
Monday evening cast a nervous shadow over the grand house. Ashleigh, a whirlwind of energy, paced the living room, the only sound her footsteps echoing in the vast space. She'd ensured everything was in order with Mr. Atkinson – chores delegated, Susan, the new butler, settled in the staff quarters (a meeting awaited her later).The doorbell's jarring ring startled her. Taking a deep breath, she straightened her blouse and marched towards the door.A woman in her late 50s, impeccably dressed with a leather briefcase, stood on the doorstep.Mrs. Cagliari?" the woman inquired, her smile warm and inviting."Yes, that's me. Please, come in." Ashleigh ushered her in. This was Dr. Amelia Brooks, the top college prep tutor Mr. Cagliari had chosen, specializing in those seeking entry to Robin College, Ashleigh's ultimate goal.Dr. Brooks settled comfortably into a plush armchair, her gaze sweeping across the room with a practiced eye."M
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He entered the quiet room and placed the tray on the table, nudging her books aside gently."Where's Susan? Didn't you tell them to bring me my food?" Ashleigh asked, surprised by his direct approach. Meals were typically delivered by Susan or Mr. Atkinson.Larry chuckled. "Susan and Mr. Atkinson are swamped right now. I just thought I'd check in and make sure you weren't losing your mind behind all those books." He took a step back, giving her space.A tired smile played on Ashleigh's lips. "Thanks, Larry. You really didn't have to do this." She reached for a sandwich, taking a tentative bite.The tray held an assortment of rich-looking cream and jam sandwiches alongside a glass of lemon iced tea. The first bite revealed a thick slice of bread filled with sweet strawberry jam and cream. Her eyes lit up with unexpected delight."Chef Larry, this is amazing!" she exclaimed, taking another bite. Before long, the tray was empty, her initial
My Contract Love Story Chapter 26
A wide smile spread across her face. "Tonight, let loose and sing your hearts out! Food and drinks are available for all, and feel free to mingle and enjoy yourselves. Let the night begin!" she declared, throwing her arms open in a welcoming gesture.The staff erupted in cheers, their anticipation for a unique and exciting evening palpable. As the night unfolded, Ashleigh's initial hesitation melted away, replaced by a wave of excitement. Chef Larry kicked things off, taking the stage and electrifying the crowd with an upbeat song. When the last note faded, he ushered Ashleigh onto the makeshift platform, the microphone thrust into her hand. With a deep breath, she launched into a powerful rendition of her favorite song. The room erupted in applause and cheers, a surge of freedom washing over her – a feeling she hadn't experienced in weeks.Chef Larry rejoined her on stage, their voices harmonizing perfectly as they belted out a duet. Even Susan, unable to resist the infectious energy
My Contract Love Story Chapter 27
The third week came, and each day was closer to the exam and tightening Ashleigh's already packed schedule. Studying consumed her every waking moment, bleeding into her work responsibilities. The tension was palpable, and Mrs. Smith, recognizing the strain, granted Ashleigh a leave of absence until the exam was over. The house became her study haven, broken only by quick meals and fleeting chats with Chef Larry and the other staff. Even those brief moments of respite began to feel like stolen time. During the week, a message from Mr. Turner arrived, detailing registration procedures for the exam which spanned the first three days of the fourth week. With registration complete, Ashleigh threw herself into a study frenzy. Days blurred into an endless loop of textbooks, notes, and practice questions. Sleep was a luxury she barely afforded, fueled by a relentless blend of coffee and determination. Susan's pleas for breaks fell on deaf ears; there simply wasn't a minute to waste. On the f
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Adrian’s office was heavy with silence, the kind that pressed down on the air like a suffocating weight. Mr. Turner sat quietly in the corner, doing his best to make himself invisible. He’d worked with Adrian Cagliari for years and had witnessed many of his moods: sharp anger, cold detachment, and moments of ruthless efficiency. But today, there was something different—something he couldn’t quite define.Adrian sat behind his massive oak desk, his fingers steepled, his gaze fixed somewhere beyond the window. He hadn’t said much since they returned from the hospital. His posture was as composed as ever, but the set of his jaw and the faint crease in his brow hinted at something far more volatile simmering beneath the surface.Turner shifted in his chair, his instinct to speak overridden by experience. He had long since learned that silence was often the safest response when Adrian’s mood darkened. Especially now, when the man who normally seemed invincible looked... troubled.The quiet
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Adrian gazed at Ashleigh's fragile form, curled up in the backseat of the sleek black BMW. Her breathing was shallow, her brows occasionally furrowing as she shifted in her sleep, her pale hospital gown clinging to her delicate frame. His eyes lingered over her face, tracing every familiar feature—the soft curve of her lips, the faint shadow beneath her eyes, her slender hand supporting her head. It had been so long since he’d last seen her, and he couldn’t tear his gaze away.The steady rhythm of raindrops against the window and the gentle hum of the car’s engine were the only sounds in the silence. Up front, Mr. Turner and the driver remained still, sensing the tension radiating from Adrian. The mood was heavy, laced with unspoken anger that simmered just beneath his composed exterior.The drive back to the mansion had been filled with Adrian’s restrained fury. The sight of Ashleigh in that hospital bed, weakened and vulnerable, had ignited something he hadn’t felt in a long time—a
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The room was unnervingly still, the kind of silence that presses down on you, suffocating. Ashleigh lay stiffly in the hospital bed, her body motionless but her mind racing. The IV drip attached to her arm was slowly delivering something meant to make her sleep, but sleep had become a foreign concept. Her thoughts kept pulling her back to the past twenty-four hours, playing on repeat like a nightmare she couldn’t escape.Through the thin walls, she could hear Arthur talking in the hallway, his voice sharp, clearly dismissing whoever had come to visit her. He was keeping them away, and she was grateful for it. The whole school had seen the video—everyone was talking about it. But nobody was saying anything good.Ashleigh felt dirty. Filthy. Her skin crawled as if it had absorbed the shame of the entire incident. Damien’s cold indifference hadn’t helped. The memory of him walking out as soon as she woke up, ignoring her calls, was a fresh wound. She understood why he didn’t want to see
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After the photo session, Adrian glanced quietly at Mr. Turner, who lingered at the edge of the crowd. Mr. Turner immediately made his way over to Mr. LaRosa, likely preparing for their meeting. Adrian was about to leave as well but was stopped by Caelia. “Adrian, let’s go inside. The event is about to start,” Caelia said sweetly, gripping his arm. “I’d love for you to meet some friends after the wine launch.” Adrian saw through her playful tone but didn’t want to spoil her evening. With a resigned sigh, he gently pulled away from her grasp and nodded. They entered the venue together, and heads turned. Adrian ignored the stares, heading to the space reserved for him, while Caelia took center stage. The event proceeded smoothly, with Caelia confidently addressing the crowd. She spoke about the prospects of her new wine brand, impressing both her younger and older guests. Her every move exuded grace, and she played the role of the charming host flawlessly—yet her eyes constantly flicke
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He sat in the backseat, staring at his reflection in the tinted windows. His face was calm, a mask perfected over years of maintaining control, yet beneath the surface, his thoughts churned like a stormy sea. It had been hours since he’d heard from Tristan or Jake about Ashleigh’s whereabouts. They had fallen silent. And in Adrian’s world, silence was never a good sign.A flicker of irritation crossed his expression as he checked his phone once again. Still no messages. His fingers hovered over the screen, tempted to call them, but he stopped himself. However, that nagging voice in the back of his mind—the one that had been whispering to him ever since La Mano Nera started sniffing around—was louder tonight. Too loud to ignore completely."Boss?" Mr. Turner’s voice broke through his thoughts. He was sitting beside the driver, turning slightly to face Adrian. "They’re expecting you on the red carpet. There’s a lot of press."Adrian tore his gaze from the wi
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Adrian sat at his desk, bathed in the muted glow of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The night stretched beyond the glass, thick with inky darkness. He absently rubbed the corners of his eyes, eyes that hadn’t seen sleep in over 24 hours. The presidential suite, once a haven of luxury, had turned into a command center. Papers were strewn about, laptops hummed, and the room had the quiet buzz of efficient chaos. The city outside was lively with nightlife, yet Adrian remained locked in, poring over reports.The voice from the call earlier still rang in his head:"Boss, a few members of La Mano Nera have been tracking Ashleigh’s whereabouts. They've traveled to America for further investigation. We believe they've found either her home or her college."That message had shifted everything. His mind replayed the voice with eerie clarity. No matter how many bodyguards he assigned to Ashleigh, no matter how many layers of security he placed, the thought of danger lurking near her kept g
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Meanwhile, Ashleigh’s unconscious form lay on the cold, muddy ground behind the building. The hooded man standing over her grinned in satisfaction, his eyes gleaming with malice.“You two, drag her over there,” he ordered, gesturing toward a dark corner where trash was piled high. The stench of decay filled the air, making the men gag, but they followed orders, dropping Ashleigh into the filth.The hooded man stepped closer, pulling a small perfume bottle from his pocket and dabbing it on his mask to mask the horrid smell. As he knelt beside Ashleigh, his eyes traced her figure. Despite being covered in mud, she looked stunning, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths.“Such a shame,” he muttered, his voice filled with contempt. “She’ll pay the price for what her friend did.”He signaled to the others to start recording, their phones aimed at the unconscious girl. He ran a hand down Ashleigh’s face, his touch lingering as she whimpered i
My Contract Love Story Chapter 69
The night was electric with energy. The music blared from the speakers, reverberating through the walls, while the lights flashed in hypnotic patterns, casting the room in vibrant hues. Oliver, Arthur, and Damien were in their element, dancing, laughing, and drinking to their heart's content. For Oliver, this was his natural habitat—he thrived on the chaos and excitement of parties. Arthur and Damien, on the other hand, had been laying low ever since the incident at the club, so tonight felt like a long-overdue release.After what felt like hours on the dance floor, the trio finally retreated to their table, sweating and out of breath. They flopped into their chairs, still buzzing with adrenaline. The others from their group remained on the dance floor, too wrapped up in the rhythm to notice their absence. Damien leaned back, taking in the sight of the room, while Oliver wrapped an arm around Sue, who had curled up on his lap, lips locked in a passionate kiss.Arthur was deep in conve
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The party was already in full swing when they arrived. Music thumped through the air, neon lights pulsed to the beat, and the hall was packed with students dancing, laughing, and drinking. Ashleigh stood at the entrance, momentarily overwhelmed by the chaos. She glanced at the others—they seemed unbothered, immediately diving into the festivities. “Alright, guys, let me introduce you to my friends,” Oliver announced, leading them deeper into the crowd. He grabbed Ashleigh’s hand, pulling her toward a table near the bar where a group of students sat. Upon seeing Oliver, the group erupted in greetings, their faces lighting up. Ashleigh was welcomed with curious glances as they invited them to sit. "Arthurrrr, it’s been too long!" one of the girls slurred, clearly tipsy. She reached across the table to grab his hand, her voice wobbling. Arthur laughed, apologizing with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Sorry! It’s been a crazy few weeks, but I’m here now to turn up!" Before he could say more,
