Mag-log inShare
CHAPTER 41: NEIGHBOR
Huling Na-update:
2025-04-07 14:43:36
Kaugnay na kabanata
THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 42: BELLA
AVA’S POV “I will be needing $1000,” Bella said casually from the dining table, shoving a spoonful of food into her mouth. I paused, from packing the food into a flask, and turned to look at her. “Do you even know what a thousand dollars is? And maybe, just maybe, you should ask for it like someone with manners?” Bella didn’t even flinch. Instead of apologizing, she put her spoon down, pushed her chair back, and stood up. I stepped in front of her before she could take a step. “Sit.” She sighed dramatically. “I’ll be late—” “Sit down, Bella,” I said, my patience thinning. “I need to catch up with—” She tried to move past me. “Bella, don’t let me slap you,” I warned. She huffed, crossing her arms. “Mom, I’ll be late. You know Miss Lilian—” The second she mentioned that woman’s name, her teacher, I stepped aside. But I wasn’t letting this go. “I can take you to school myself, you know. But instead, you cancel me and choose to follow her.” Bella grabbed her bag. “I’m
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-09THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 43: FIND HER
Ava’s eyes opened slowly. Her head felt a bit heavy, and just as she looked around, She immediately blinked more than twice, trying to understand. This wasn’t her room.She sat up quickly, looking around in confusion. Then she looked down at herself—still in the same clothes from last night. Her heart started racing.She jumped out of the bed and ran out of the bedroom.That was when she saw him.Her next-door neighbor.Sitting at the dining table - shirtless, eating like nothing was wrong.“You’re awake,” he said without even looking at her.Ava’s breathing was unsteady. “Why am I here?” she asked, but she got no response. Then again, “Why am I here? Why am I here?” she raised her voice littleHe finally turned to her and let out a deep sigh.“Your daughter didn’t open the door, and I should have just let you sleep outside…..but” he said. “Maybe… you should try to remember the drama you put on last night.”He raised his hand slightly like he was about to say something even more worse
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-10THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 44: MY DAUGHTER..WHAT??
The taxi driver had just put a cigarette in his mouth when he noticed Bella watching him through the rearview mirror. With a sigh, he hesitated, then pulled it back, shoving it into his pocket instead.Bella barely noticed. She leaned her head against the window, her thoughts far heavier than the smell of smoke, even though she hated it. This night was supposed to be different. She had imagined knocking on the door, seeing her father’s face, feeling the warmth of him again. But instead, she had stood outside for nearly an hour, knocking until her hands ached. No one answered. Not even the maid.The only stroke of luck she had was that the taxi driver who had dropped her off earlier was still there—his car had broken down.That gave her time to think.Her father’s company.It was her last chance.When she told the driver where she wanted to go, he immediately recognized the name. Maybe everyone in the city did. But before agreeing, he demanded double the fare, but they’re finally on th
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-12THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 45: I’M SORRY
Raymond’s POVThe moment I saw her, my breath caught in my throat.Three days. I had been in England for three days, watching her from a distance. Watching her leave the building in the morning and return at night. But now, standing this close, seeing her with my own eyes instead of through a screen or a window—something inside me cracked.She’s lost weight. She looks so lean.That was the first thought that ran through my mind as I stood there, staring at her. Her colour. Her makeup was smudged, her hair messy, as if she hadn’t even cared to fix it before stepping out..The elevator doors started to closing. She hesitated for just a second before turning to walk awayMy body moved before my mind could catch up. I shoved my hand between the closing doors, forcing them back open, and grabbed my phone from the floor. By the time I stepped out, she was already moving fast toward the stairs.I wasn’t about to let her go....I reached out and grabbed her wrist.She stopped.But she didn’t
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-13THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 46: I CAN’T BELIEVE
AT NEW YORK CITY“Ava’s POV“So, that’s it?”Miss Lilian and another teacher stood in front of me, a female police officer beside them. They had just explained how my daughter went missing.“We’re doing our best already,” the officer added.I looked at Miss Lilian. She was panting, probably scared. I placed a hand on her shoulder, then turned around. I could feel their eyes on me. Maybe they expected me to grab the teacher’s collar, scream at her to bring back my child. But no. That’s not it.Their explanation was clear. I already knew who to fight.Bella was left alone in her hotel room. The hotel’s CCTV showed her getting into a cab. The police found the driver. He dropped her off at The Diamonds Company.So, the answer to my missing child pointed to just one place.For now, I don’t really want to know why Bella goes there…*************“Mr. John William!” I shouted Raymond Father's full name as I stormed through the hallway.I turned into the living room. Then the dining area.One
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-13THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 1: CONTRACT
AVA POV“Are you nervous?”Mr. Daniel’s voice jolted me from my thoughts as the car cruised down the city street.“No,” I lied, gripping the edge of my seat so tightly my knuckles turned white.He chuckled, glancing at me. “You’re a terrible liar, Ava. Relax. This is just a business meeting.”“A business meeting that requires me to pretend to be someone’s fiancée,” I shot back, my voice edged with disbelief. “Feels like a little more than just business.”“Okay, fair point,” he said with a grin. “But come on, think about it. The money you’re getting for this is life-changing. No more scrubbing coffee machines for minimum wage, no more sleepless nights worrying about Annabel. This is your ticket to a better life for both of you.”I sighed, biting my lip at the mention of my daughter. He wasn’t wrong. That’s the only reason I agreed to this insane plan—to give her the life she deserved. One week ago, I’d sent her to stay with my mother, telling her it was temporary. Telling myself it was
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-12THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 2: SIGNING THE CONTRACT
AVA POV I stood at the entrance of Raymond’s office building, fingers wrapped around the cool metal of the door handle. I paced back and forth, trying to decide whether to go in. I thought of Mr. Daniel’s words and that's the only word that confused me back here.."Either way, whatever he did to you, why can't you consider this deal as payback? Deal with him, if you can."Those words stuck with me, reminding me why I was here. This wasn’t about me anymore; it was for my daughter’s future. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.When the elevator doors opened, I walked out with purpose. I wasn’t here to dwell on the past. I had a goal, and nothing was going to stop me from reaching it. I moved swiftly through the hall, avoiding eye contact with anyone, my mind set on the task ahead.I reached his office and paused at the door. I didn’t look back. I walked in, forcing myself to remain composed.Raymond was standing by his desk. He glanced up when I entered, his
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-12THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 3: PLAN RUIN
Raymond POVI bounced onto my bed, letting out a frustrated sigh. Ava's face wouldn’t leave my mind—the way she walked off earlier, her back straight, but her eyes I can't even describe that look, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.“Idiot!” I slapped my cheeks hard, trying to snap myself out of it. What was I even doing? Bringing my shameless ex here? For what? To make Ava jealous?I groaned, sitting up and running a hand through my hair. “That was so stupid,” I muttered to myself. I hit my forehead with my palm.I used to be better than this. I told myself I’d given up on love a long time ago. Every woman I met only cared about my money. None of them ever cared about me. I stopped believing in love after that.But then, Daniel brought Ava into my office. The moment I saw her, it was like something inside me woke up. Just seeing her face made me feel things I hadn’t felt in years.Ava was my first love. She’s the only woman who ever made me believe love was real. The only one who ever
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-12
Pinakabagong kabanata
THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 46: I CAN’T BELIEVE
AT NEW YORK CITY“Ava’s POV“So, that’s it?”Miss Lilian and another teacher stood in front of me, a female police officer beside them. They had just explained how my daughter went missing.“We’re doing our best already,” the officer added.I looked at Miss Lilian. She was panting, probably scared. I placed a hand on her shoulder, then turned around. I could feel their eyes on me. Maybe they expected me to grab the teacher’s collar, scream at her to bring back my child. But no. That’s not it.Their explanation was clear. I already knew who to fight.Bella was left alone in her hotel room. The hotel’s CCTV showed her getting into a cab. The police found the driver. He dropped her off at The Diamonds Company.So, the answer to my missing child pointed to just one place.For now, I don’t really want to know why Bella goes there…*************“Mr. John William!” I shouted Raymond Father's full name as I stormed through the hallway.I turned into the living room. Then the dining area.One
THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 45: I’M SORRY
Raymond’s POVThe moment I saw her, my breath caught in my throat.Three days. I had been in England for three days, watching her from a distance. Watching her leave the building in the morning and return at night. But now, standing this close, seeing her with my own eyes instead of through a screen or a window—something inside me cracked.She’s lost weight. She looks so lean.That was the first thought that ran through my mind as I stood there, staring at her. Her colour. Her makeup was smudged, her hair messy, as if she hadn’t even cared to fix it before stepping out..The elevator doors started to closing. She hesitated for just a second before turning to walk awayMy body moved before my mind could catch up. I shoved my hand between the closing doors, forcing them back open, and grabbed my phone from the floor. By the time I stepped out, she was already moving fast toward the stairs.I wasn’t about to let her go....I reached out and grabbed her wrist.She stopped.But she didn’t
THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 44: MY DAUGHTER..WHAT??
The taxi driver had just put a cigarette in his mouth when he noticed Bella watching him through the rearview mirror. With a sigh, he hesitated, then pulled it back, shoving it into his pocket instead.Bella barely noticed. She leaned her head against the window, her thoughts far heavier than the smell of smoke, even though she hated it. This night was supposed to be different. She had imagined knocking on the door, seeing her father’s face, feeling the warmth of him again. But instead, she had stood outside for nearly an hour, knocking until her hands ached. No one answered. Not even the maid.The only stroke of luck she had was that the taxi driver who had dropped her off earlier was still there—his car had broken down.That gave her time to think.Her father’s company.It was her last chance.When she told the driver where she wanted to go, he immediately recognized the name. Maybe everyone in the city did. But before agreeing, he demanded double the fare, but they’re finally on th
THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 43: FIND HER
Ava’s eyes opened slowly. Her head felt a bit heavy, and just as she looked around, She immediately blinked more than twice, trying to understand. This wasn’t her room.She sat up quickly, looking around in confusion. Then she looked down at herself—still in the same clothes from last night. Her heart started racing.She jumped out of the bed and ran out of the bedroom.That was when she saw him.Her next-door neighbor.Sitting at the dining table - shirtless, eating like nothing was wrong.“You’re awake,” he said without even looking at her.Ava’s breathing was unsteady. “Why am I here?” she asked, but she got no response. Then again, “Why am I here? Why am I here?” she raised her voice littleHe finally turned to her and let out a deep sigh.“Your daughter didn’t open the door, and I should have just let you sleep outside…..but” he said. “Maybe… you should try to remember the drama you put on last night.”He raised his hand slightly like he was about to say something even more worse
THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 42: BELLA
AVA’S POV “I will be needing $1000,” Bella said casually from the dining table, shoving a spoonful of food into her mouth. I paused, from packing the food into a flask, and turned to look at her. “Do you even know what a thousand dollars is? And maybe, just maybe, you should ask for it like someone with manners?” Bella didn’t even flinch. Instead of apologizing, she put her spoon down, pushed her chair back, and stood up. I stepped in front of her before she could take a step. “Sit.” She sighed dramatically. “I’ll be late—” “Sit down, Bella,” I said, my patience thinning. “I need to catch up with—” She tried to move past me. “Bella, don’t let me slap you,” I warned. She huffed, crossing her arms. “Mom, I’ll be late. You know Miss Lilian—” The second she mentioned that woman’s name, her teacher, I stepped aside. But I wasn’t letting this go. “I can take you to school myself, you know. But instead, you cancel me and choose to follow her.” Bella grabbed her bag. “I’m
THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 41: NEIGHBOR
Raymond’s POV“Hello, patient. Can you tell me your name, please?” the doctor asked.I opened my eyes slowly, the bright hospital lights making me squint. My headache, and my body felt weak. “You’ve been unconscious for two days,” the doctor continued, watching me closely.I looked around. Samuel was here, standing beside Daniel. Vivian was there too. Her eyes were swollen like she had cried her heart out. Maybe she felt guilty for pushing me.“Raymond, can you remember me?” Vivian asked, pressing her hand against her chest.I stared at all of them, not saying a word.“Doctor, does that mean he lost his memory?” Vivian asked, her voice shaking.The doctor didn’t answer her. Instead, he turned back to me, asking more questions. Did I know where I was? Did I remember what happened?I heard everything, but I didn’t respond. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to—I was in shock myself. I still remembered the fall, the moment I thought everything was over. For a second, I had been relieved. I ha
THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 40: SHE LEFT AGAIN
RAYMOND POVDaniel came to bail me out at the Police stationEarlier at the airport, I lost it. They wouldn’t let me through, and when one of the security guards tried to stop me, I snapped. Ended up throwing a punch. Maybe more than one. And at the end the police stepped in, dragged me away before I could do anything worse, and maybe I might actually do the worst, because I just want to see Ava and Bella at that time, stopping me is like adding salt to my burning wound. Now, standing in the police station, I must’ve looked like a mess. I didn’t care. One of the officers sighed. “Mr. Williams, you need to avoid public fights like this. Next time, it won’t just be a few hours in a cell.” I barely listened. The other cop, though, was suddenly all smiles. “Sir, didn’t realize who you were…" The Diamond” that's such a big company and big name.” He chuckled, a little too eager. “Here, have some coffee.” He added I didn’t take it, just looking at him, he suddenly became friendly a
THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 39: LEAVING
Ava’s povI adjust Bella in my arms, feeling her weight as I whisper, "You're such a big girl now." She’s completely knocked out, her little body resting against mine. At the same time, I drag our suitcase behind me, struggling a little.Then—bam. The suitcase hits someone.The man turns around, his face twisting into a frown."I'm so sorry," I say quickly, giving him an apologetic look.Before anything else can happen, a hostess rushes over to help me."Let me take that," she says kindly, grabbing the suitcase from my hand. I let out a small breath of relief and gave her a grateful smile."Thank you," I say softly as I settle into my seat, making sure Bella is comfortable in her sleep.The hostess watches us for a second before asking, "Is she okay?""Yeah, she’s fine," I replied quickly. "Just taking a nap."She nods and walks away, leaving me alone with Bella.I exhale and look down at my daughter. My stomach twists.I bite my lip hard, cursing myself inside.I shouldn’t have done
THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING CHAPTER 38: A MONTH TO REMEMBER - +18
RAYMOND’s POVI sat on the edge of the bed, adjusting my cuffs for the third time. My leg bounced as I waited. Ava was in the closet, trying on the dress I got her. I wasn’t sure why I was nervous, but I was…..we are stepping out for our first weekend date“Ava, you ready?” I called.No response.Then, I heard the soft click of her heels.I looked up. And just like that, I forgot how to breathe.Ava stepped out, and my mind went blank. My mouth opened, but no words came out.She arched her brow. “Raymond?”I blinked. Swallowed. Tried to form a sentence. “Uh…”She smirked. “You okay?”I exhaled sharply and shook my head. “Damn.”Her smirk widened. “Damn, what?”I stood up without thinking and closed the space between us. My hand found her waist, my fingers brushing against the smooth fabric of her dress.“You,” I muttered, still trying to catch up with my own thoughts.She rolled her eyes. “It’s just a dress.”I shook my head. “No. It’s you.” My hand moved up, tucking a loose strand of
