Share

CHAPTER 5: MARRY HER

Author: Godwin's Pen
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-25 19:18:26

AVA POV

“Who is Bella’s father?” Raymond’s question caught me off guard.

I forced a small smile, trying to stay calm. “He’s dead,” I said quietly. “Not in the way you think. He’s alive, but to me… he’s as good as dead.”

Raymond looked at me, waiting for more. I hesitated before adding, “He’s my first enemy, and he’ll always be my enemy. He’s the reason I never got to feel my parents’ love. The only time I saw them again was when they were dead.”

Before Raymond could respond, Bella’s scream cut through the room. We ran inside to find her tossing and turning, caught in a nightmare.

I hurried to her side, stroking her hair gently. “Mummy’s here, baby. Relax. It’s okay, I’m here.”

Her little body slowly calmed under my touch, and she drifted back to sleep.

I sat beside her for a moment, my thoughts lingering on everything I’d just said.

*****

TWO MONTHS AFTER

“Mom, why am I changing my school all of a sudden?” Bella asked, her small voice breaking the silence in the car.

I glanced at her through the rearview mirror, keeping my face calm. “Don’t you like it? I thought you always wanted music.”

“Of course, I’m excited about my new school,” she said, her voice lifting for a moment. Then she added softly, “But… it’s a boarding school. I’m going to miss you, Mom.”

Her words pierced through me, and I swallowed the guilt rising in my chest. I reached over and touched her hand. “You’ll do great, Bella. And I’ll come see you every chance I get. This is your dream, remember?”

She nodded, but her lips trembled slightly as she looked out the window.

I knew she was scared of the change, but I also knew this was for the best. Keeping her in the city, with Raymond constantly hovering around, wasn’t something I could handle anymore. Sending her to boarding school was my only option to put distance between us—between her and him, and between him and me.

Ever since Granny passed, Raymond had been pushing himself into our lives, acting like he belonged here. It wasn’t just the way he insisted on getting her things every time or calling to check on her as if we were family—it was the way he looked at me. Like he thought there could be something more.

Even when I got myself a car, he made it a point to ask if I needed help paying for it—despite already handling part of the money on the contract deal.

I thought of the contract often as well, frustrated at how long it was dragging. What was holding his father back from finalizing it? The sooner Raymond got his inheritance, the sooner I could be free of him.

But until then, I needed space. Space for Bella and me to breathe without Raymond’s unnecessary familiarity suffocating me.

The car pulled up to Bella’s new school, The school is a dream come true. My daughter going to a standard school is my joy. Her face lit up as she spotted a banner near the entrance. “Mom, look! They have music lessons here!”

I smiled, even though my chest tightened. “I know. That’s why I chose this place for you.”

Bella’s excitement helped ease the ache a little, but as I hugged her goodbye, her words struck me again. “I’m going to miss you, Mommy.”

“I’m going to miss you too, Bella. So much,” I whispered, holding her tight.

Watching her walk toward the building, her small frame carrying her violin case, one of the teachers held her hand to guard her….

“I love you baby” I whispered

*****

As I drove back from Bella’s new school, my mind wandered. Maybe I could stop somewhere and pick up a new skincare product. I deserved a little self-care after the week I’d had. Just as I was picturing myself browsing through shelves of fancy creams and serums, my phone rang.

I glanced at the screen. Mr. Daniel.

I groaned inwardly, already bracing myself for whatever this was about. Reluctantly, I answered. “Hello?”

“Ava,” Mr. Daniel’s voice was brisk, straight to the point. “Are you with Raymond?”

I frowned. “No, I’m not. Why would I be?” I snapped, more annoyed than I probably should’ve been. “It’s not like we have some fake engagement event today.”

Ignoring my tone, he continued, “Raymond is very sick. You should check on him.”

Before I could even process what he’d said, the line went dead.

I stared at my phone, stunned. “What? Why should I check on him?”

I gripped the steering wheel, staring at the road ahead. The call from Mr. Daniel replayed in my mind.

The call left me irritated. Why would I check on Raymond? He’s a grown man. If he’s sick, he can take care of himself. I shook my head, muttering to myself, but my hands betrayed me as they turned the wheel toward his house.

When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was a sleek, unfamiliar car parked outside. Its shiny black exterior screamed luxury, making me hesitate. Who else is here?

I debated turning back but sighed, stepping out of the car. Might as well get this over with.

I opened the door and walked in, and I never expected the people I met or the scene before me.

Raymond stood near the couch, pulling on a polo shirt. His face immediately caught my attention. His left cheek was a little swollen, as if someone had beaten him up or something.

Before I could say anything, Grandma’s voice cut through the room.

“There you are!” she exclaimed. “Come, come, come! We were just talking about you.”

She patted the seat beside her, motioning for me to sit.

I hesitated for a second, my eyes still on Raymond. His father sat carefully in an armchair, watching me with that same unreadable expression he always wore.

Greeted him briefly and I moved closer to Grandma, her voice grew playful. “Ah, you’re looking at him, too. I don’t know how you’re coping with this He-goat standing there!” she said, waving a hand toward Raymond.

A small smile tugged at my lips despite myself. “What happened?” I asked.

Before Raymond could answer, he muttered quickly, “It’s nothing.” He looked away, avoiding my gaze.

Grandma wasn’t about to let it slide. “It can never be nothing, my darling,” she said, shaking her head. “Let me tell you….”

Raymond shot her a warning look, but she ignored him completely and turned to me. “He got himself drunk, as usual. Then, some random, jobless high school students saw him and tried to take a picture of him—probably to make him go viral. But this stubborn boy caught sight of them, got angry, and tried to fight them.” She paused for dramatic effect. “Guess what? Instead of him beating them, they ended up beating him up!”

I couldn’t help it. A laugh escaped me before I could stop myself. The image of Raymond, standing in the middle of a fight with high school kids and losing, was too ridiculous to hold back.

“Stop laughing!” Raymond snapped, his face turning red—not just from the swelling, but from embarrassment. “That’s not what happened!”

“Oh, really?” Grandma raised a brow, clearly unimpressed. “Then tell us, what exactly happened?”

Raymond glared at her, clearly stuck between telling his version of the story and saving what was left of his pride. I pressed my lips together, trying not to laugh again, but it was hopeless.

“Go ahead, Raymond,” I said, my voice teasing. “I’m curious.”

He mumbled something under his breath and stormed toward the kitchen, clearly done with the conversation.

Grandma chuckled, shaking her head. “HE-goat,” she muttered again.

I couldn’t stop the laughter bubbling in my chest as I looked back at her.

**********

I never had a plan to cook today, but somehow Grandma made that happen. Even when Raymond’s father kept trying to leave for his office, she insisted that, I make some food and we all eat together. She said something about it being good practice for a young lady, and honestly, I didn’t even bother arguing. Of course, she won.

Now, here we were, sitting at the dining table, patiently eating our food—or at least trying to. But Grandma, being Grandma, wouldn’t sit quietly.

She leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers on the table with a mischievous grin. “You know,” she began, glancing at Raymond, “I think I’ve come up with a new song that fits what happened yesterday.”

Raymond groaned, his fork pausing midair. “Grandma, please don’t—”

But she was already humming. “Let’s see…***The mighty Raymond took on some kids, but instead of a win, he got a few hits!”***

I almost choked on my food, covering my mouth to stifle a laugh.

“Grandma, enough already,” Raymond muttered, glaring at her.

“Oh no, I’m just getting started!” she said, beaming. “Honestly, who gets beaten up by high schoolers? If I were you, I’d stay out of sight for a month. You’ve probably gone viral by now!”

I couldn’t hold it in anymore. A giggle slipped out, and when Raymond turned his glare to me, it only made me laugh harder.

Grandma waved a hand in the air, clearly enjoying herself. “Maybe next time, you’ll think twice before picking fights while drunk.”

“Grandma, I wasn’t picking a fight!” Raymond snapped, his face turning red—not just from embarrassment but also from the swollen cheek that still bore yesterday’s marks.

“Enough,….you too mother” Raymond’s father said, his tone calm but firm. The table fell quiet, and I took the opportunity to take a sip of water, hoping the silence would last.

It didn’t.

“You know what I think?” his father said suddenly, breaking the quiet. “You two should get married.”

The words landed like a bombshell.

Raymond, who had been reaching for his glass of water, spat it out, coughing violently. I wasn’t much better—I froze mid-bite, my fork slipping from my hand as I stared at his father in disbelief.

“What?!” Raymond and I shouted at the same time.

His father’s face remained impassive as he set his glass down. “You heard me. Marriage. Maybe it’ll settle you down, Raymond, and keep you from getting into situations like yesterday.”

Raymond blinked, clearly struggling to process what he’d just heard. “That’s insane. I’m not getting married.”

“Oh, I think it’s a lovely idea,” Grandma chimed in, a delighted smile spreading across her face. “Imagine—grandchildren! I’d finally have something fun to do again.”

I gaped at her. “Wait—what—”

“Mother,” Raymond groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

But his father wasn’t finished. He looked at Raymond, his tone cold and matter-of-fact. “Of course, it’s up to you. But if you’re not ready for marriage, Desmond will continue running the company until you prove otherwise.”

Raymond’s entire demeanor shifted. His jaw tightened, and his hands clenched into fists on the table.

I know he hate hearing that name -Desmond, For a moment, I thought he’d explode. Instead, he let out a sharp breath and said, “Fine. We’ll get married.”

I nearly fell out of my chair. “Excuse me?”

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 6: I WILL NEVER MARRY YOU

    Ava's POVNo, Ava! I screamed internally. I sat down, covering my face with both hands. My chest rose and fell quickly; my legs bounced restlessly against the floor. I was angry, upset, frustrated – so many feelings I couldn't even name. It felt like everything was closing in on me, and I couldn't breathe.I heard Raymond try to say something, but I didn't let him finish. I raised my hand, silencing him without looking his way. I couldn't deal with him right now, not with everything racing through my mind."Marriage?" I muttered, incredulous.Without a word, I grabbed my bag and stormed out of the apartment. I didn't wait for him to explain, apologize, or make excuses. I didn't care; I just wanted to get away.I reached my car, slid into the driver's seat, and drove straight to the apartment Raymond had set up for me when this fake engagement nonsense started. My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, but I didn't stop; I just kept going.As soon as I got inside, I didn't waste a s

    Last Updated : 2025-03-25
  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 7: LIONS DEN

    RAYMOND POVI picked up Bella from her boarding school, pulling a few strings to get her out for the weekend. Ava had given her permission, and I wanted this time alone with Bella. She was nearing ten, but her smartness is something else, and it was time she knew about my relationship with her mom, even though I can’t tell her it’s fake and just for 6 months. Ava insisted on telling her about the marriage herself, but definitely not the Fake part.We spent the day hopping from restaurants to parks. She laughed easily at things, her laughter to every one of my jokes is contagious. As we sat on a bench, watching the ducks glide across the pond, I took a deep breath.“Okay Bella girl, what would you think if someone wanted to marry your mom?” I asked, trying to sound casual.She looked up, eyes wide. “I would love that!” she exclaimed. “As long as he’s not a bad guy. Maybe then Mom wouldn’t look so sad when I ask about my dad. And I could tell my friends I have a daddy now.”Her words hi

    Last Updated : 2025-03-25
  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 8: ANYONE CAN HAVE HER 6 MONTH AFTER…….

    My heart skipped a beat as soon as our eyes met. I hadn’t expected this. Raymond, not aware of the tension, smiled and casually introduced us. “Ava, this is my cousin, Dr. Samuel. He’s a pediatrician.”I forced a smile, but it felt like a mask. “Nice to meet you,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, though my pulse was racing.Dr. Samuel’s handshake was firm, and he looked at me for a longer than moment, that looks unnecessary. it made my stomach twist. Had he remembered? Did he know? Ofcourse, he will remember the drama I displayed at the hospital that day, no one might ever break that record…..“Ava, I’ve heard a lot about you,” he finally said something , his voice warm, but there was an undertone to it that I couldn’t quite place.I glanced at Mrs. William, who was watching the exchange closely. Her eyes darted between me and Dr. Samuel, and I couldn’t shake the feeling she could sense something was off. Grandma beamed with pride, happily watching her family reunite, the twi

    Last Updated : 2025-03-25
  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 9: STOP THE EMPTY THREATEN

    Raymond’s POVAs I drove to Ava’s house, my mind wouldn’t stop racing. What are you going to say when you get there? a voice asked in my head. Won’t you look foolish?I gripped the wheel tighter, shaking off the thought immediately “No,” I muttered under my breath, refusing to entertain the doubt. I reached over and turned up the radio to drown out the noise in my head.But the universe wasn’t on my side tonight, I guessThe radio presenter’s first words hit me like a slap, it was too straight and direct.“You will look stupid when you keep chasing a woman who doesn’t want you.”“What…No!” I shouted, slamming my palm against the wheel. “Bullshit!” I quickly turned off the radio, my chest tightening.“She’s my first love,” I growled to no one but myself, as if the presenter could hear me.“And she will be my wife soon,….. contract wife” I added but with a low voice with zero confidence I flipped to another station, and this time, a love song played. It was almost mocking, but instea

    Last Updated : 2025-03-25
  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 10: FINDING THE OLD CELLPHONE

    RAYMOND POVI sat in the meeting, trying to focus, but my mind wasn’t here at all. I couldn’t stop thinking about Ava. She didn’t even bother to call. Well, she doesn’t normally call, and to be honest, I’m scared of calling her first.The manager was talking about some projections or something, but I wasn’t listening. I kept glancing at my phone like it would suddenly light up. Nothing.“Did I overreact?” I muttered, my thoughts flashing back to what happened yesterday.Then I noticed the room had gone quiet. I looked up and realized I had actually said that out loud. All the staff were staring at me. Great. Just great.I waved them off. “Just keep working, I’m fine,” I said.But it’s a lie, I wasn’t fine. I couldn’t sit there anymore. I stood up, grabbed my phone, and left without another word.The moment I got to my office, I started pacing up and down. Should I call her? Could I even do that? I tried to talk myself into it, but my chest felt heavy.I unlocked my phone and hovered o

    Last Updated : 2025-03-25
  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 11: THE WEDDING DAY

    RAYMOND POV“Do you, Raymond, take Ava to be your wedded wife?” the pastor asked.“Yes, I do,” I said without hesitation.“And do you, Ava, take Raymond as your wedded husband?”“Yes, I do,” she replied softly.Ava looked stunning, she looked incredible—her wedding gown hugged her perfectly, her hair elegantly donebut I reminded myself this was fake—a six-month deal, nothing more.The ceremony passed in a blur, the church packed with unfamiliar faces—businessmen, investors, politicians, socialites, The whole thing felt excessive, thanks to Grandma’s for making everything go this far, despite the fact I pleaded for a low key wedding At the reception, my father stood to give a speech. “As a gift to my son on his wedding day, I present him as the new owner and CEO of Diamond Stars Company!” The applause was deafening, but my eyes went straight to Desmond, my stepbrother, storming out of the hall. His mother clapping with a fake smile on her face, biting her tongues at the same timesSa

    Last Updated : 2025-03-25
  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 12: TRIP TO PARIS

    AVA POVI couldn't believe what was happening. One minute, I was chatting with Babe, showing the best way to pose for the camera and the next, Raymond was twisting his arm, his eyes blazing with anger."Raymond! Stop! You're hurting him!" I exclaimed, trying to push him away.But he didn't move. His grip on Babe's arm only tightened, his face twisted like that of demon"I was shocked. I had never seen Raymond like this before. He was always so calm and collected, but now he seemed to be on the verge of losing control.Babe was crying out in pain, and I knew I had to do something. I tried to push Raymond again, but he was too strong.Just when I thought things were going to get out of hand, Raymond suddenly released Babe's arm, his chest heaving with anger.The store fell silent, the only sound was Babe's heavy breathing and the stunned murmurs of the other customers.I turned to Babe, helping him to his feet. "Are you okay?" I asked, concern etched on my face.Babe nodded, wincing in

    Last Updated : 2025-03-25
  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 13: RAYMOND SENT ME MESSAGES

    AVA POVAs the plane touched down at Charles de Gaulle Airport, I felt so excited. Paris. The city of love. I’d dreamt of this moment for years, and now I was finally here.Raymond, looking effortlessly handsome in his black jacket, took my hand as we stepped off the plane. His grip was firm, steady, but I didn’t let it get to me. But Inside, my chest fluttered like a bird trying to escape a cage.The drive to the hotel felt like a scene in a movie. The Eiffel Tower loomed in the distance, Everything about this city screamed romance, but I pushed that thought away. This wasn’t some love story, after all. When we arrived at the suite, I nearly gasped out loud. Luxury didn’t even begin to describe it. —I felt like I’d walked into a royal palace. I held it together, though, refusing to let Raymond see my excitement.Then came a knock at the door. Raymond raised an eyebrow, walking over to answer it. Three hotel staff members stood there, all smiles and bows.“Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Raymo

    Last Updated : 2025-03-25

Latest chapter

  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 52: GOLF COURSE

    AVA POVRaymond had just left for work. Daniel came to pick him up in that clean-ass Rolls Royce. I watched them from the window, Raymond adjusting his suit jacket like always, straight face, not even looking back. Of course, he didn’t. Why would he?The second the car drove off, I turned and walked straight to the bedroom.I locked the door behind me.Went straight to my bags, pulled it open, and brought out the recorder.My hands shook as I slipped the recorder into the playing. I sat down on the floor, cross-legged, like a kid again. Pressed play.And there it was.My father’s voice.That thick, deep voice that used to make me sit up straight even when I was about to sleep. I couldn’t even focus on the words, those last words he left for me—my mind just grabbed the sound. The tone. The way he used to sound when he’d call my name in the middle of the night just to double-check the front door was locked.I looked at the old picture I picked along with the recorder. My eyes stuck to h

  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 50: HIS PHONE

    AVA’S POVI wasn’t really having a sound sleep.My eyes were closed, but my mind wasn’t at rest. I kept tossing, turning, opening my eyes every few minutes. The room was quiet, but not the kind of quiet that brings peace. Just the heavy, awkward kind.Then I heard something.A weird sound.At first, I thought it was coming from outside. But then I turned a little and realized it was Raymond.I sat up straight.He was right beside me, but he wasn’t sleeping peacefully. His head kept moving from left to right, his eyebrows were drawn tight, and his lips were mumbling something I couldn’t make out. His whole body looked tense—like he was fighting something in his sleep.A nightmare.I didn’t need anyone to tell me. It was written all over his face.“Raymond?” I said softly, leaning closer.No answer. He just kept moving, sweating, like he was trapped in some dark place and couldn’t find a way out.I didn’t even think. I reached out and touched his arm gently, hoping he’d calm down.“Raym

  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 49: MY WIFE…NO

    AVA POVWe were back in the city, heading straight to the family mansion.I was at the backseat, looking at my phone. I stared at Bella’s picture for a long while. My heart tightened. That small smile on her face. I quickly locked the phone and tossed it back into my bag.No distractions. That’s the promise I made to myself.Even back at the hospital when I was treating Raymond, that thought wouldn’t stop coming—I’m the reason this boy ended up like this. If not for me, he wouldn’t have had that stupid accident. He wouldn’t have been unconscious for days.I tried to fight it. Told myself it’s not the time. Promised myself I won’t let any emotion ride me again—not guilt, not love, not even pity.Right now, my focus is on one thing—bringing Mr. Williams and that sweet madam of his down. They will pay for everything they did to me.That is the only emotion I allow in. No love. No pain. No regrets. Just revenge.Finally, we got to the mansion.Raymond stepped out of the car first. His fac

  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    Chapter 48: GOING WITH RAYMOND

    Ava’s POV“Do you really have to do it?” Sandra asked, her brows pulled together in a worried frown as she leaned against the counter, arms crossed.I had just finished explaining the plan—how I was going back to the city with Raymond, but Bella would have to stay back here in England. I could already feel the weight of Sandra’s silence even before she spoke again.“Do you really think this is going to work?” she added, her voice soft but firm. “You should consider the fact that Bella might be angry with you again. You just got her trust back, Ava.”I lowered my eyes for a second, staring at my own fingers as they fidgeted in my lap. I had already thought about that, probably more than Sandra could imagine. But I couldn’t let guilt stop me. Not now.What if… What if one day, Bella looked at me and asked why I didn’t try harder to fix things? What if, by trying to keep her close, I actually ended up hurting her more in the long run? I didn’t want her growing up like me—broken, scared,

  • THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING    CHAPTER 47: ME AND BELLA

    AT ENGLANDWe’re finally in England.The moment Bella opened her eyes this morning, she asked, “Are we going to see Daddy today?”I just nodded. I didn’t have the heart to tell her how unsure I felt about it.I didn’t want her to see him like that—hooked up to machines, bandaged, pale… not the strong, playful father she remembered.But I’d promised.And I couldn’t break her heart again.So I helped her brush her hair, buttoned her jacket, and forced a smile even though my chest felt tight.Daniel met us outside the hospital. His face said everything before he even spoke.He looked like he hadn’t slept in days.We walked in silence through the white, quiet hallway. The smell of antiseptic was strong. I hated it…Bella’s small hand gripped mine tightly, and for a second, I wished she would stay that age forever. Unaware of how cruel life could be.When we reached the room, Daniel opened the door gently.Raymond was sitting up on the hospital bed.He looked… different.A white bandage wa

  • 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

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status