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Chapter 74

last update 最終更新日: 2024-10-14 01:21:26

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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  • My Contract Love Story    Chapter 75

    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

    最終更新日 : 2024-10-29
  • My Contract Love Story    Chapter 76

    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

    最終更新日 : 2024-11-16
  • My Contract Love Story    Chapter 77

    The view from Ashleigh’s window should have been calming, even breathtaking. The sprawling gardens of the Cagliari mansion were meticulously maintained, with vibrant blossoms swaying in the gentle afternoon breeze and perfectly trimmed hedges lining the walkways like green soldiers at attention. Beyond them, the ornate fountains shimmered in the sunlight, their cascading water catching the golden light. It was a postcard-perfect scene.Yet, to Ashleigh, it was all a cruel reminder of her confinement. The beauty outside was unreachable, as always at the Cagliari mansion. She sat curled on the window sill, her knees drawn to her chest, her arms wrapped tightly around them as if to keep herself from unraveling. The afternoon sun warmed her skin, but it did nothing to thaw the cold ache that had settled deep in her chest. Her eyes flicked to her phone lying on the small table beside her. The messages on her department’s group chat haunted her. Each text, each comment had felt like a blow

    最終更新日 : 2024-11-29
  • My Contract Love Story    Chapter 78

    “Ashleigh, in all this, why didn’t you call your husband?”The question hit her harder than she expected. She’d imagined countless times how she’d answer if he asked—how she’d finally let her anger spill over, shouting about the missed karaoke night she planned, the insults instead of an apology, the countless ways Adrian had hurt her. But hearing it from Mrs. Smith left her frozen.The words she longed to scream shriveled in her throat, leaving only a bitter weight in her stomach. But as Mrs. Smith waited for her answer, Ashleigh found herself not saying anything, it was like the words dried up in her throat, and left a bitter feeling in her belly instead.“I’m still waiting for you, dear,” Mrs. Smith’s voice was calm but firm, pulling Ashleigh from her swirling thoughts.“I didn’t feel like I needed to depend on him,” Ashleigh finally said, her voice steady but strained. “I thought I could handle it myself.”“My dear, Adrian is always there to help you. He cares for you very much, y

    最終更新日 : 2024-12-03
  • My Contract Love Story    Chapter 79

    Adrian placed Ashleigh gently on the couch in his study, her expression troubled even in unconsciousness. He lingered for a moment, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, before turning to step outside. As he stepped out of his study, the heavy door clicked shut behind him. His gaze immediately fell on the cluster of staff lingering in the hallway, their curious whispers abruptly silenced when his cold eyes met theirs. Susan was crying hysterically, her face buried in Chef Larry’s chest, while Mrs. Smith stood nearby, frowning with disapproval.Adrian’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening as the scene grated on his nerves. “And why are you all still standing here?” his voice cut through the air, sharp as a whip. “Do you not want your jobs anymore?” The reprimand snapped them back to reality. The staff scattered, scurrying back to their assigned duties, their heads bowed. Only Susan lingered, still sobbing as Chef Larry tried to console her. Adrian strode toward them,

    最終更新日 : 2024-12-17
  • My Contract Love Story    chapter 80

    Ashleigh felt the air leave her lungs as Adrian's words echoed in the quiet room. She knew, deep down, that he’d been avoiding her after the karaoke celebration at her college. Yet, hearing him admit it so bluntly left her reeling. She stared at him, her heart pounding as though it might give out, the silence stretching far beyond what her fragile emotions could handle. “Huh?” she finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper. Her mind scrambled to make sense of his confession, and Adrian, standing composed before her, nodded solemnly. “Ashleigh,” he began, his voice steady but tinged with regret. “I knew everything. Mr. Atkinson informed me the moment you left for Robin College. I knew about your day-to-day activities—when you got injured saving Megan, when you started receiving those threats. I knew it all.” Her breath caught as his words sunk in, each revelation like a weight pressing harder on her chest. “I didn’t reach out,” Adrian continued. “I thought I’d done enou

    最終更新日 : 2024-12-18
  • My Contract Love Story    Chapter 81

    The air in the room was less frigid now, but Ashleigh could not help but still feel hot inside. Her heart was literally racing as she saw that the distance between her and Adrian was almost nonexistent, and not only were they physically close but now they were emotionally close as well. Adrian who was oblivious to her thoughts was deep in conversation with someone on the phone about her college case, and he only looked at her from time to time.A knock at the door disrupted her spiraling thoughts. Mr. Atkinson entered, carrying a tray of food, followed by Susan, who carried water and a small dish containing her medication. Susan's eyes lit up when she saw Ashleigh sitting up, her usual warmth battling a nervous tension. Ashleigh instantly knew Adrian had been intimidating her again.“Mrs. Cagliari,” Susan greeted softly, her voice tinged with hesitance.“Susan,” Ashleigh said, reaching out to gently grab her hand. “Are you okay?”Susan hesitated, casting a wary glance at Adrian, who c

    最終更新日 : 2025-01-07
  • My Contract Love Story    Chapter 82

    “Funny how you were so quick to leave last night, but you’re here now" Adrian mused casually, leaning against the closet, as Ashleigh placed the rest of her things in his closet.She paused mid-fold, her hands freezing momentarily before returning like nothing happened. She expected his words, yet it still managed to tug at her heart.“Just shut it, Adrian.” Ashleigh snapped instead, her voice sharp and defensive as she shot him a scowl over her shoulder.Adrian chuckled lowly, amused by her reaction. Although the situation was not ideal, he couldn’t hide his appreciation for the perpetrator, as it now brought Ashleigh to his side. And now, she will not be able to leave even if she wanted to. Once Ashleigh was done, she closed it and walked toward the center of the wide room, taking in it’s aesthetic. Unlike her room which was filled with lighter colors, and personal touches, Adrian used deep tones and neutral colored paintings and furniture. The room was also less decorated than Ashl

    最終更新日 : 2025-01-22

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  • My Contract Love Story    Chapter 93

    Ashleigh hummed along to the soft music playing in the background, releasing another curl from the iron. She ran a brush through her hair, watching in satisfaction as the waves settled around her shoulders. Paired with a cropped top and sweatpants, it was a casual yet put-together look—one she rarely put effort into.She stepped back, checking her reflection again. Was it too much? Her phone buzzed beside her, pulling her from her thoughts. She picked it up, skimming through the texts from her friends:Fiona: Ash did you give us a wrong address......?James: Girl is this your aunt’s house?Arthur: I’m at your aunt’s house apparently?A small chuckle escaped her lips. Their surprise was expected. Fiona and James hadn’t visited her since she got married, for obvious reasons, and Arthur was still getting to know her. This sleepover was meant to bridge the gap between them, to let them in, at least a little.Her gaze flickered back to the mirror. Maybe she really did need a second opinion

  • My Contract Love Story    Chapter 92

    The scent of blood and dampness clung to the air, thick and suffocating. Desperate cries echoed off the stone walls as the restrained men struggled against the ropes biting into their skin.“P-please! Talk to your boss..... We’re not the ones he’s looking for." One of the men pleaded, struggling against the ropes. A figure emerged from the shadows, and the man’s heart momentarily leaped in hope. But as the dim light revealed the sharp, cold features of Mr. Turner, hope was crushed into dread.“You’ll only speak to my boss when you’re ready to tell me who your leader is.” Mr. Turner adjusted his glasses, his tone calm yet laced with authority.The man before him was a mess: his face swollen from repeated blows, blood crusting at the corner of his lips. Mr. Turner gave a nod of approval to the guards standing on either side, silently acknowledging their efficiency.“You’ve been here for a day now,” he continued, his gaze sweeping over the other restrained men.“Yet none of you have rev

  • My Contract Love Story    Chapter 91

    Waves crashed against the gazebo's wooden pillars, sending sprays of salty water over the deck. Alana barely flinched as droplets landed on her legs. She lay stretched out on a beach chair, swirling the last of her wine in her glass while watching Diane, Cameron, and Samantha snap pictures at the edge of the platform. Music drifted from the speakers, mingling with the sound of the sea. The suggestion for a short vacation from her friends came suddenly, but she embraced it as she needed the break. School had been suffocating, and now that the source of her tension had been permanently removed, she could finally breathe again. Until Samantha’s sharp gasp shattered the moment. “What!” Samantha shrieked, eyes glued to the phone. Cameron, who had been holding Diane’s waist, immediately let go and moved to her side. “What is it, Samantha? You’re not saying anything.” Samantha hesitated, glancing at Alana before swallowing hard. “It’s a message from the department head on the faculty gro

  • My Contract Love Story    Chapter 90

    The conference hall fell into stunned silence as Adrian’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. His presence alone was commanding, but his words sent an even stronger shockwave through the room. Ashleigh’s grip tightened on the edge of her chair, her heart hammering as she watched him walk toward the panelists with unshaken confidence. He’s here.The chairman, clearly unsettled but attempting to maintain control, cleared his throat. “Mr. Cagliari, this is a formal hearing. You cannot simply barge in and disrupt the proceedings.”Adrian’s lips curled into a smirk, his posture radiating quiet authority. “And let you pass judgment based on incomplete, biased information?”Murmurs rippled through the panelists, uncertainty flickering in their eyes. He strode to Ashleigh’s side, taking the empty seat beside her. His presence alone shifted the energy in the room, making the panelists exchange wary glances.Mrs. Cartwright however kept expression sharp, and leaned forward. “That’s a bo

  • My Contract Love Story    Chapter 89

    The evening skyline burned with hues of orange and gold as a black SUV wove through the city’s traffic. Inside, Adrian flicked his gaze to his watch, then to the black envelope resting between his fingers. The insignia embossed on it caught the dim light, a silent reminder of the night’s purpose. Mr. Turner sat in front, assisting the driver in navigating towards the hotel.A low vibration from the phone interrupted the quiet, and he handed it over to Adrian."Mr. Cagliari, how is everything going?" Beau’s voice came through the speaker. Adrian exhaled, his tone smooth but unimpressed. “I’ll update you when I get there. I’m still en route.”Beau huffed. “Ashleigh and I went through a lot to get that card into your hands, so kindly make it worthwhile, sir.”Adrian’s fingers traced the insignia on the card, recalling the bank’s call from earlier. A smirk flickered across his face. “Must’ve been quite the ordeal. The bank took notice, after all.”“Oh, it was,” Beau replied. “Your wife s

  • My Contract Love Story    Chapter 88

    Ashleigh stepped out of the car and Beau followed suit, looping his hand around hers with a witty grin.“Are you ready to put on a show?”She exhaled lightly, gazing at the Gold card in her palms. The weight of it felt heavier than it should but she didn’t hesitate. If Adrian wanted to meddle in her world, he ought to feel the consequences.She slipped the card into her clutch and met Beau’s gaze, her expression cool.“Let’s make this count.”Beau chuckled, sliding on a pair of designer sunglasses. “Now you’re speaking my language."They walked in through the glass door being held by a door man and the minute they stepped in, the atmosphere shifted. The boutique dripped elegance as walls were decked with paintings and high ranking celebrity autographs and perfumes were presented like a work of art. The air was filled with various exotic fragrances as a few customers milled around quietly testing the scents andAshleigh immediately understood what Beau meant.A woman in a sleek black

  • My Contract Love Story    Chapter 86

    The weight of the day’s task pressed against Ashleigh’s chest as she sat at the dining table, dulling her appetite. Her mind churned with everything she needed to do today—tracking down the perfumer before her panel meeting tomorrow, smoothing things over with Arthur, Fiona, and James.She needed their support now more than ever. Beau on the other hand, was carefree as ever. He hummed under his breath, tapping his fingers idly against his plate as he ate.“Babygirl, you’ve barely touched your food.” He commented, and Ashleigh looked up to find him and Susan both watching her with concern. Ashleigh clenched her fork and stabbed a piece of pancake, exhaling sharply. “I can’t eat right now. There’s too much on my mind.”Susan stepped forward, likely about to insist she eat, but Ashleigh raised a hand to stop her. “Don’t bother, Susan. I’m not eating until we get that person.”Susan hesitated before stepping back, defeated.Ashleigh turned to Beau, bringing her glass to her lips. “Do yo

  • My Contract Love Story    Chapter 86

    Ashleigh barely noticed her hand trembling until Susan spoke up.“Miss you’re trembling, are you okay?” Her gaze dropped from the scenery outside to the car seat where her hands quivered. She clenched them into fists, forcing herself to take deep slow even breaths.“I’m fine, Susan.” She mumured lowly, willing herself to believe herself to believe it was true.But she wasn’t fine. Not after what happened at the cafe. Meeting James and Fiona unexpectedly disrupted all she had planned to discuss with Arthur, and left her with more built than clarity. And there was Adrian, who’s texts drew more suspicions due to her actions. It seemed to her that it was on purpose, and her jaw tightened as they pulled into the Cagliari mansion.He was going to answer for it.Ashleigh stepped out of the car and walked into the mansion burning with frustration. She was ready to confront Adrian, until she saw who was sitting beside him.She stopped in her tracks. “No way.......”A sharp, knowing grin stret

  • My Contract Love Story    chapter 85

    Ashleigh felt the world around her blur into silence. The café, once a warm haven of familiar scents and quiet chatter, now felt suffocating. Across the table, three sets of eyes burned into her—Fiona’s sharp, unwavering stare, James’s disapproving frown, and Arthur’s cool, assessing gaze. The weight of their scrutiny made her throat tighten, but the real pressure came from the phone resting on her lap, as heavy as a brick. Adrian’s name glowed on the screen, his text burning into her mind. Why aren’t you responding? I hope you haven’t lied to me again. Her fingers curled tightly around her phone, flipping it facedown before anyone noticed. But Arthur did. “Who was that?” His voice was neutral, but there was something unreadable in his expression, something sharp. “No one important,” she answered too quickly. His eyes narrowed. “Still lying, Ashleigh?” He let out a quiet sigh, shaking his head as he leaned back. “You’re insufferable.” Ashleigh swallowed, her grip tightening on he

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