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2023-10-13 05:18:06Related chapters
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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN Theo's footsteps echoed through the grandiose hallways of the mansion, their hushed resonance reminding him of the weight of his familial obligation. Despite the opulence that surrounded him, an unsettling feeling gnawed at his core. It was as if the very walls of this grand abode held secrets, and the familiar grandeur offered little solace. He couldn't help but note that, during his absence, not a stone had been displaced, not a painting altered, and not a whisper of change had brushed these hallowed halls. Only a subtle shift in the cast of servants hinted at the passage of time.His thoughts, however, continued to orbit around a singular enigma – Caitlin. She was the woman who had captivated his cousin Dario's heart, and yet, the vivid descriptions Dario had painted of her seemed to clash starkly with the woman Theo had briefly encountered earlier. Dario had characterized Caitlin as sassy, arrogant, and laden with sarcasm, a tempestuous whirlwind of a personality
Last Updated : 2023-10-14The Contract Living with the billionaires 18
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN Swimming was indeed a tempting idea, just as Hayden had suggested. It could offer Catherine a refreshing escape from the complexities of her current life. However, there was one major obstacle: she couldn't swim. The thought of exposing her body for everyone to see the painful scars on her back and tummy, inflicted by Matt, paralyzed her with fear.Sitting at the edge of the pool with her legs tucked inside, she had draped herself in a white bathing robe to conceal her scars. She watched the shimmering water, wishing she could immerse herself in its cool embrace like the others. But the scars, both physical and emotional, held her back.A deep, baritone voice interrupted her thoughts, and without even turning around, she knew who it belonged to. Ronnie. His voice had become familiar to her, and she couldn't help but feel drawn to it.Granting him permission to join her. Ronnie settled down beside her, their shoulders almost touching. He called her name softly, "Caitl
Last Updated : 2023-10-20The Contract Living with the billionaires 19
CHAPTER NINETEEN "I..I didn't..." Catherine stuttered, her voice quivering with fear, her head bowed in submission.The ominous silence that followed was pierced by the sharp click of Matt's tongue, a sound that sliced through the air like a blade, cutting off her words like a vise closing around her throat. "Don't speak until you're told to," he ordered, his words laced with a malevolent authority that silenced her with a chilling finality.Catherine instinctively pressed herself closer to the wall, as if willing it to envelop her, to shield her from the malevolent force that now stood before her, casting a sinister shadow that seemed to stretch infinitely.Accusations tumbled from his lips like venom, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air. "You seduced Steven," he accused, jabbing his finger accusingly in her direction.She shook her head vigorously, her voice stifled by the command not to speak. How could she dare to s
Last Updated : 2023-10-21The Contract Living with the billionaires 20
CHAPTER TWENTY Catherine had retreated to the quiet comfort of the kitchen, her steps a gentle whisper in the dimly lit room. Clad in a cozy ensemble of emerald-green pajamas and a soft singlet, she had a simple mission in mind - to snatch a late-night snack that would be her nocturnal companion before she returned to the sanctuary of her room. Her aim was to escape the turbulent thoughts that had held her hostage, rendering her wide awake in the eerie stillness of the night.Yet, as she reached out for her midnight reprieve, an unexpected voice sliced through the darkness, shattering the tranquility of her momentary haven. The shock was potent enough to send her precious sandwich tumbling from her grasp, its descent to the floor marked by a crescendo of shattered bread and scattered ingredients."You startled me," Catherine admitted, her voice betraying the remnants of surprise as she turned to confront the enigmatic intruder.Theo, his shirt conspicuously absent and garbed only in
Last Updated : 2023-10-27The Contract Living with the billionaires 21
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE Catherine observed in silence as the doctor conducted an exhaustive examination of Dario. The room practically pulsated with elation, and the atmosphere was charged with palpable relief. Rosita, despite not being Dario's biological mother, couldn't help but shower him with affection, her joy radiating through her every touch. Mr. Simpson, a formidable presence in the family, couldn't contain his broad grin, while even Devan, the enigmatic enigma who'd kept Catherine guessing, wore a rare, genuine expression of happiness.Grandma, the heart of the family, held her station at Dario's bedside, patting his hair with an affectionate touch that spoke volumes. Theo and Ronnie, stoic and composed, stood in solemn reverence, their emotions tightly concealed but undeniably in sync with the collective jubilation filling the room.Yet in the midst of this heartwarming familial celebration, Catherine felt like a spectral outsider, a stranger amidst
Last Updated : 2023-10-28The Contract Living with the billionaires 22
Chapter twenty two"I'm not ready for it," Catherine finally declared, breaking the thick silence that had hung between them like a heavy curtain. The words tumbled from her lips with a mix of resolve and vulnerability, for there was no way she would allow herself to venture down a path she had no right to travel. Dario belonged to Caitlin, not her.She sat up, her posture firm and her expression resolute as she faced Dario. But she maintained a deliberate, matured distance between them, creating a physical boundary to reinforce the emotional one she intended to maintain. It was imperative that she appeared committed to her decision, even if her heart and her circumstances suggested otherwise.Dario, his brows arched inquisitively, remained silent, his eyes locked onto her. He watched her intently, as if searching for the hidden layers beneath her words, challenging her to explain herself further. The weight of the unspoken tension hung in the air, demanding an answer, and Catherine f
Last Updated : 2023-11-04The Contract Living with the billionaires 23
Chapter twenty threeAs Catherine discreetly approached Dario's room, her footsteps quiet against the floor, she couldn't help but overhear the intriguing exchange between the three brothers. The door was left slightly ajar, allowing her to eavesdrop on their conversation."How long was I out?" Dario's voice carried a hint of confusion and concern, piquing Catherine's curiosity."Nine months, bruh, nine freaking months, like a pregnant woman," Theo responded with a mischievous chuckle, his words painting a vivid picture of the lengthy absence.Dario's response was laced with frustration, "Man, that was messed up."This scene unfolded a week after Dario's miraculous recovery, and Catherine was keenly aware of the doctor's orders to keep him under observation for five more days. The close-knit family had taken turns visiting him every day, offering support and camaraderie.Hidden behind the partly open door, Catherine continued to
Last Updated : 2023-11-04The Contract Living with the billionaires 24
Chapter twenty four "Who is Lucy?" Catherine's inquiry burst forth, a mix of curiosity and apprehension coloring her tone.Ronnie's smirk deepened, relishing in Catherine's sudden intrigue. She wasn't the only one capable of surprises; he had his own cards to play, with women eager for his attention.Unfazed by the brothers' scrutiny, Catherine pressed on, determined to unravel the mystery surrounding Lucy."A friend," Ronnie retorted casually, his gaze lingering on Catherine, his demeanor betraying nothing but nonchalance. Then, with an unexpected twist, he added, "I'll be staying at her place tonight, so please, Theo, don't wait up for me."Theo's confusion was palpable. Ronnie's choice of Lucy was perplexing; he had always dismissed her as too needy. And the request—or was it a warning?—regarding waiting up for him was entirely out of character. Something didn't add up, and Theo couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Ronnie's words.Catherine's heart sank, a surge of hu
Last Updated : 2024-05-03
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Chapter thirty three Morning light filtered through the curtains as Ronnie and Catherine caught their breath after a wild night. They had barely finished round two—one in the bedroom and another in the bathroom—when Ronnie, still feeling the aftermath, decided it was time to call for breakfast. Just as he reached for her phone, a knock echoed through the room. "Room service!" came the cheerful call. Before Ronnie could respond, the door swung open, revealing Dario and Theo, grinning ear to ear as they wheeled in a lavish breakfast spread, the aroma of fresh pancakes and sizzling bacon filling the air. "Wow!!!" Theo exclaimed, his eyes wide as he took in the scene, glancing between the two of them. Catherine instinctively tugged down her t-shirt, trying to shield herself from their amused gazes. "It’s not like I haven’t seen it before," Dario quipped, dodging a pillow thrown at him by Ronnie. "Relax, just joking!" "What are you two doing here?" Ronnie asked, feigning annoyance bu
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Chapter thirty two Catherine opened her eyes to find Ronnie gazing at her, a mix of emotions swirling in his eyes. He hadn’t said the “L” word back yet, but at that moment, she didn’t care. "Good morning. How long have you been awake?" she yawned, stretching. His fingers tangled gently in her hair as he replied with a breathtaking smile. "I don’t know... long enough." Her eyes widened. "Seriously? You’ve just been staring at me?" He nodded, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. She felt a rush of embarrassment and covered her eyes with her hands. "What if I drooled while sleeping?" she pouted, half-laughing. "You’d look cute doing it, just like you do now." He leaned in and stole a kiss, leaving her momentarily speechless. Wait—what? She hadn’t even brushed her teeth! Last night had been unforgettable; it was her first time, and they’d made love more than five times after she confessed her feelings. She could still feel the aftershocks of those intense moments. "I love
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Chapter thirty one Catherine sighed, sinking deeper into the bed, covering her face with her hands. "I know... I was so stupid. I told him everything, thinking he couldn’t hear me. But he wasn’t fully unconscious—he could hear every word." Hayden’s eyes widened as she sat down beside Catherine. "Catherine, how could you let that slip?" She looked utterly shocked, her voice laced with concern. "What are you going to do now?" "I don’t know," Catherine muttered, her voice muffled by the pillow. "Dario doesn’t seem angry, but... I feel like I’ve made everything more complicated. And then there’s Ronnie..." Hayden raised an eyebrow, leaning closer. "Ronnie? What about him?" Catherine let out a frustrated sigh. "Dario and Theo think he’s in love with me. They said he’s been jealous this whole time, that he doesn’t even care about Lucy." Her voice wavered with uncertainty. "But he’s engaged, Hayden. And I don’t know if they’re just trying to make me feel better or if I should even belie
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Chapter thirty Mason arrived to pick Catherine up after breakfast with her parents. The entire experience still felt surreal. She had a family—a mother, a father, and a sister. Not just any sister, but a twin. The thought twisted uncomfortably in her chest. Was Caitlin the reason she’d been missing all these years? It felt wrong to place all the blame on her. The memories Catherine had unlocked revealed she hadn’t been the easiest child—she was a brat back then, angry and reckless. But still, Caitlin could have told someone the moment she pushed her overboard. She could’ve alerted an adult, instead of waiting until morning to start pretending to look for her. By then, Catherine had likely drifted miles away from the ship, lost in the storm. Maybe even dead—or so they all thought. Catherine sighed. They were adults now, and she had no intention of holding on to the past. But still, Caitlin’s absence lingered in her mind. Where was she? Why hadn’t she returned? "Hey, you look so wor
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Chapter twenty nine "What are you doing?" The voice was faint, like an echo from a long-forgotten past. She froze, her breath catching in her throat. She stood aboard a ship she had never set foot on before, yet it felt eerily familiar. In the distance, two figures—a pair of young girls—argued in the heart of a raging storm. The one facing her, drenched and defiant, was unmistakably herself, younger and more reckless. Slowly, she approached, the wind whipping her hair, saltwater stinging her skin. From a safe distance, she finally saw the face of the second girl, the one with her back turned. Her heart stilled. It was like staring into a mirror—another version of her younger self. "Why do you always do that?" the other girl spat, her voice sharp with frustration, cutting through the roar of the storm. "What do you care?" Young Catherine shot back, her chin lifting defiantly. "I take what I want. If I can't have it, I'll guilt them into giving it to me. And if I still can't have it
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Chapter twenty eight Arriving at the imposing Smoak mansion, Catherine's thoughts swirled with a potent mix of apprehension and uncertainty. Helen's unexpected invitation for her to spend the night with her and Christian only added to the whirlwind of emotions. Despite Rosita's initial reluctance, she relented after some persuasion from Jacob, leaving Catherine to grapple with her own inner turmoil.Her mind still reeling from Ronnie and Lucy's bombshell announcement, Catherine felt as though the ground had shifted beneath her feet, leaving her adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Catherine's thoughts drifted to Theo's cryptic message, his urgent plea for a conversation when she returns weighing heavily on her mind. The memory of his embrace, tinged with a sense of foreboding, lingered like an ominous shadow.Pushing aside the turmoil, Catherine resolved to lose herself in the grandeur of the Smoak mansion. The sight of the sprawling estate, adorned with a majestic fountain and meticulou
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Chapter twenty sevenDario nudged her forward, urging her towards the couple who stood before her, Caitlin's parents. Catherine hesitated, feeling an unfamiliar shyness wash over her as she approached."Hey, Dad," Catherine greeted tentatively, her voice sounding foreign as she waved hesitantly. It felt strange to utter the word "dad," a term she hadn't used since her days in foster care."Aw, come here, sweetheart, don't be shy," her father coaxed, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "I love you, shortcake," he murmured, planting a tender kiss atop her head.Tears threatened to well up as Catherine soaked in the overwhelming flood of emotions. This was what it felt like to be truly loved and cared for—a sensation she had only dreamed of experiencing within the confines of a real family.As her father released her, Catherine turned to face his wife, Helen. Tentatively, she wrapped her arms around Helen, feeling a slight stiffness in return. But amidst the whirlwind of emotions, Catherine
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Chapter twenty sixAs the resonant knock echoed through their room, Catherine shot Dario a quizzical look, confusion etched into her features. "Expecting someone?" she inquired, her tone laced with curiosity.Dario's solemn shake of the head only deepened Catherine's perplexity as she rose to confront the mysterious visitor. With a hesitant twist of the knob, she swung the door open to reveal Mia, Rosita's personal maid."Mia?" Catherine called out, her brow furrowing with bewilderment. She couldn't recall ever exchanging more than passing pleasantries with the elusive servant, making her early appearance all the more intriguing.With a graceful bow, Mia delivered her enigmatic message, her voice soft yet laden with unspoken secrets. "Ma'am Rosita requests your presence," she intoned, her head bowed in deference."Why?" Catherine probed, her gaze searching for any hint of explanation in Mia's lowered stance."She didn't disclose her intentions, miss," Mia replied, her eyes never meeti
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Chapter twenty five"No, no, no, please, don't," Catherine pleaded, her voice a desperate whisper echoing through the confines of her nightmare. With each thrash and turn, she battled against the unseen adversary lurking within her dreams."Cait, Cait," Dario's voice broke through the darkness, his hands reaching out to steady her thrashing form. "C'mon, Cait," he urged, his tone a mixture of urgency and reassurance. "Snap out of it!"His words pierced the veil of her dreams, pulling her back to consciousness with a jolt. Gasping for air, Catherine's eyes darted around the room, searching for signs of the unseen danger that had haunted her sleep. Yet, it was Dario's presence beside her that anchored her in reality, his steady gaze a lifeline in the tumult of her subconscious.Their eyes met, a silent exchange of emotions passing between them. In Dario's gaze, Catherine found concern and relief intertwined, a reflection of his unwavering support in her darkest moments. And as the echoes
