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CHAPTER 107: INTERVIEW
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2023-11-14 04:38:27Related chapters
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 108: AWKWARD EX ENCOUNTER
"Isabella," Ksenija greeted me warmly with a hug, "and thank you for joining us on such short notice!""Well," I replied honestly as I pulled away from her embrace, "between my recent barista scandal and my publicist's constant nagging, I really didn't have a choice." Fortunately, Ksenija and the audience took my words as a light-hearted joke, sparing me from having to explain my surprise appearance any further."Regardless, we're delighted to have you," she responded as we both took our seats. Unfortunately, I ended up sitting next to the uncomfortable couple on my left. To make things even more awkward, Ksenija dove right into the juicy stuff."For those who may not know, Isabella and Max dated for quite some time before abruptly ending things three years ago," Ksenija revealed, eliciting audible gasps from the audience, as if this hadn't been headline news once upon a time. "So, Isabella, how did it feel seeing Max yesterday after all this time?""Honestly?" I asked, briefly meetin
Last Updated : 2023-11-14Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 109: HIS APOLOGY
"Hey," he was the first to break the silence, casually sliding his hands into his dress pants' front pockets."Hello," I thought, sarcastically noting the lack of originality in his greeting."So," he exhaled, his words coming out in a rush. "You're probably wondering why I'm still here, but..." He trailed off when he noticed the Yin and Yang ring on my finger. Surprisingly, he hadn't noticed it during the interview or yesterday, but it seemed to catch his attention now. Our eyes met again almost instantly. "You, uh," he added a classic behind-the-head scratch, a move favored by guys, "you still wear it?""Not really," I found myself lying, as I often did. "It just complements my dress really well.""Right," he chuckled, looking somewhat flustered. I had to admit it was clever of him not to press further. Maybe he'd learned something since the cake incident."So, you were saying?" I inquired, crossing my arms over my chest, genuinely curious why he had waited for me. He hadn't been so
Last Updated : 2023-11-14Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 110: DAY THREE
Sometimes, we're fortunate enough to find kindred spirits who resonate with our souls. There are friends, there is family, and then there are friends who become like family. I consider myself lucky to have encountered six such souls: Avery, Caleb, William, Henry, Noah, and Samuel. Nothing in this world could compel me to part ways with them, and nothing in this world could ever replace their presence.My recent reunion with them after that disastrous interview only reinforced this truth...."For what it's worth," Noah remarks as he seizes the chance to rest his head on my lap, while the rest of the gang snuggles up beside me in bed, "this is your second time this week looking stunning on camera." A chuckle escapes my lips, echoing the laughter of everyone in the room. Even though two of our members are currently on the other side of the world in a different time zone, I know they'd be chuckling too if they were here."Thanks, Curly.""Don't mention it," he replies, making himself eve
Last Updated : 2023-11-14Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 111: TICKET GIFT
Even when I'm grown up, I can't resist doing a happy dance when I win something. My friend Justin joins in by giving me a fist bump to say congrats. We get our prize and gather our stuff before going back to the lobby.In the lobby, Justin tells me, "You're really good at laser tag."I grin and say, "You're not bad yourself," giving him a playful nudge. But he seems a bit off, looking at his ticket and then at me.Before I can ask what's up, he hands me his ticket and says, "You won, so you should have both."I try to give it back, saying, "That wasn't the deal."He insists, "I changed my mind," wanting me to have the ticket he earned.Confused, I start to ask why, but then I see a girl Justin's age nearby. It clicks – he entered the game to win tickets for both of them.Smirking, I tease him, "You wanted to go on the ride twice, huh?"He denies it, looking puzzled. "No way! I just wanted to ride it again!"I raise an eyebrow, teasing, "So you gave up the extra ticket just because you
Last Updated : 2023-11-17Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 112: FINAL DAY
I didn't get how much it hurts until I found myself lying on the bathroom floor, tears rolling down my face, struggling to breathe, and crying a lot. It was like all those people who felt heartbroken before me. And you know what's worse? It wasn't Max who broke my heart; it was me, myself, and I. I didn't understand myself, didn't get what was going on, and, most importantly, didn't trust myself.... —FLASHBACK—My Last Day on Hayman IslandThad met up with Justin as planned, and I enjoyed every moment of him talking about his date with Ariel. They met during the laser tag game. But after that, things went downhill.Why, you ask?Because I'm just dumb, that's why. I'd soon realize I didn't deserve someone like Max Blackwell."So, this is it, huh?" Beth said as I packed. "The book's almost done, so you're ready to go.""That's why you brought me here, right?" I said with a smirk, even though my chest hurt a bit. I realized that tomorrow, Max would start a new life with the same woman
Last Updated : 2023-11-17Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 113: FAMILY SECRETS
In the next half-hour, Max becomes completely unconscious, and Vivien takes advantage of this time to undress and lie down next to him. My anger flares up, especially as the footage shows a devastated Isabella entering the room and fleeing at the sight of the staged scene.Now, my anger is directed at myself.I said harsh things to Max that he didn't deserve.I never gave him a chance to explain his side.All I did was blindly accept what I saw, and that was my biggest mistake.Throughout our relationship, I worried about his lack of trust in me, but in reality, I never trusted him as he deserved.I've been a hypocrite and a coward all this time, and I'm completely sure of it now.The footage ends with Vivien getting dressed, taking the camera, and leaving. The screen goes black as soon as she steps outside our bedroom.I let go of Max's hand when Christian closes the MacBook, and we finally look up at him, eager for the rest of the details he promised."They used Rohypnol, a common d
Last Updated : 2023-11-17Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 114: COMPLICATED LOVE
—FLASHBACK—During the time when Christian chose to leave us for some alone time, I didn't expect that Max and I would fall into a prolonged silence.But now, here we are, still holding hands, without saying a single word.Initially, I made my decision without much hesitation, thinking it was the right thing to do. However, as his strong fingers hold onto mine, it suddenly feels like an impossible task.I know I must let him go. I understand that very well. Maybe that's why it hurts even more this time. When I first broke up with Max, I believed that he was the reason for our downfall. Now, I realize that it was my fault all along. I didn't fight as hard as he did, and I will always have to face the consequences of my actions."I guess I owe you an apology," I finally break the silence after a long pause. But he doesn't respond. I can't blame him, though. I give him a few more moments alone before reluctantly releasing his hand. Then, I ask, "Do you remember the morning after our firs
Last Updated : 2023-11-17Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 115: LASTING IMPACT
So, here we all are.The past eight years have shaped my love life, or the lack of it. Sitting in my office, eagerly waiting for Beth and my editor's thoughts on my final book draft, I take a deep breath.Especially the last three years have been like a crazy roller coaster. A lot happened—hearts got broken and patched up. But looking into his deep chocolate brown eyes one last time made every tear worth it. He'll always have a special place in my heart.I smile, checking out the matching ring he gave me years ago. I hold onto the journal of his writings he gifted me that same year. Surprisingly, Max's words became the true inspiration for the rest of my book.Like the ring I kiss, these things remind me that I once dared to trust another man after the one who should have protected me let me down. Max Blackwell will always be a part of me. Although my tears flowed freely on my way back to the States yesterday, I hope the pain will lessen with time.That's what I've been telling myself
Last Updated : 2023-11-17
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Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 127: THE END
Isabella "Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of our very own Isabella Vega and Max Blackwell," Father Raffaele begins as soon as the choir finishes off the song. Words can't describe how I felt when I first heard it playing behind the closed doors. Max has really outdone himself this time."In the years they have been together, both on and off - we all chuckle to that - "their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife." A few 'about time's' fire through the crowd, making us chuckle some more.Soon after, Father Raffaele announces that Max and I will be reciting our vows to one another, motioning for Max to begin with his. My man clears his throat ever so vigorously, earning his overdramatic ass another round of chuckles from the rest of us before he briefly turns to Father Raffaele."Sorry in advance, Father," Max warns him, and then he turn
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 126: CHAPEL DOORS
MaxI only saw her ten minutes ago, but damn, my jaw still drops when the chapel doors open, revealing her in all her glory. I proudly watch as my mother-in-law and brother-in-law join her on each side, slowly walking her down the aisle. What makes me smile even more is the moment Isabella's already beautiful face lights up in recognition at the song I've chosen for the processional. She's absolutely breathtaking, in every sense of the word.I could go on describing the details of the goddess walking towards me, but given that my dick is already as solid as a rock and we're inside a church, I'd rather spare all the witnesses here the image of me ejaculating on the spot. So, for the sake of all the guests, especially Father Raffaelem, who happens to be standing closest to me, let me just stop at she's absolutely breathtaking.Her arrival at the altar can't come fast enough. As the agonizing distance between us gets shorter with each ascending step, I take a moment to revisit some of ou
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 125: JUST A WEDDING
Isabella"Come on, Isabella, get a grip!" I scold my nerves, taking another swig of the bottle without letting any tequila spill on my expensive dress. I wipe the liquid from the side of my mouth with the back of my hand. "Why are you so nervous? It's just a wedding, and it's Max. He'd laugh if he saw you like this."Girl, if you don't calm down..., Buffy interjects, breaking through my nervous thoughts. Your back-and-forth pacing is giving MY conscience's conscience a headache. I take a deep breath before another swig. Pull yourself together! Max is probably as calm as ever while you're freaking out for no reason!As I'm about to bring the bottle to my lips again, a determined knock on the door interrupts me. Damn it! Where's a packet of Sour Patch Kids when you need one?"It's unlocked," I call out, turning around to take one last gulp. The door creaks open and closes, but the visitor remains silent. Then I hear the lock turning, slowly."Alex, if this is one of your lame attempts t
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 124: OLD HOUSE
Isabella "Are you alright, bro?" I inquire as I approach Alex on the porch swing of the Carters' old house."I've never been better," he replies, patting the seat beside him. "I just wanted to talk. Even though we FaceTime every night, it's never quite the same as being together in person.""I completely understand," I say, taking a seat next to him and resting my head on his shoulder. He rests his head on top of mine, and we stay like this for a while before he breaks the silence."Do you remember that time when you tried to be Spider-Woman and fell down the stairs?" He asks suddenly, instantly bringing a smile to my face. "You scraped your knee, but you didn't want Mom to find out because you knew she would scold you for not being careful. So instead, you came to me, begging me to fix the cut before she came home.""Yes," I chuckle softly. "I think I was around seven years old, right?""Seven and three months," he responds with a soft chuckle of his own. "And then there was the tim
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 123: FIVE YEARS
~Five Weeks Later-MaxAfter five years of living on and off with Isabella, you might think I'd grow tired of waking up before her, but no, not at all. Despite both of us not being morning people, the days when I'm up before noon are special because I get to wake up my fiancée. The mere thought of our new reality makes me smile like a lunatic.With that smile on my face, I grab a coffee tray filled with Isabella's typical breakfast and head down the hall to the master bedroom. Once inside, I place the tray on a nightstand before slowly hovering over Isabella's sexy sleeping figure. Knowing she doesn't wake up when I initially touch her, I let my fingers graze her waist as I slide the silky covers off her bare body.She's always been breathtaking, from the moment I first laid eyes on her. Starting with her right leg, bent at the knee, I position myself over it and begin to kiss every inch of her, starting at her toes.My lips move up her sole to her heel, gradually reaching her calf, t
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 122: SUITE
~At the Penthouse Suite~IsabellaUpon returning to the penthouse suite with our bags of groceries, Max poses a question."What did the savage mother say to her son when he informed her that his girlfriend was pregnant?" he inquires as we enter, closing the door behind us."You should've used protection?" I jest."Good one, but no," he chuckles. "She instead apologized, asking him who the father was.""Daaammmnnn," I laugh, conceding that it was one of the better jokes. Surprisingly, our banter, initiated at the grocery store, continues to be amusing. "Alright, my turn," I say, placing my bags on the expansive kitchen island. "To make this scenario work, I'll play the mother, and you'll be the son. We'll engage in a short conversation about you seeking permission to hang out with your girlfriend. Other than that, your responses won't impact mine much, so feel free to unleash that creative mind of yours.""Sounds good," he chuckles, depositing his bags on the island. "Ready when you ar
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 121: BILL
After a few seconds, Caleb thanks Max for something simple, even though my boyfriend just stated the obvious. Hopefully, Caleb won't feel the need to hide himself after tonight."You can thank us both by asking that Jaxon kid out," Max suggests, handing Caleb a hundred-dollar bill."Okay, forget what I said about Caleb being irresistible; he's beyond that. I can't find words to describe the guy I'm sitting on, who doesn't realize he's making Caleb's night."Caleb, feeling shy and surprised, tries to return the money. He thinks it's too much, but Max insists and places it in Caleb's shirt pocket."I wasn't asking," Max states firmly, ending further discussion.Caleb breathes out in disbelief, scratching his head in embarrassment. "Thanks, man. I mean, I don't know what else to tell you," he says, shrugging helplessly.Max smirks, silently signaling Caleb not to worry. With a nod and an appreciative smile, Caleb goes back inside, probably to find Jaxon and ask him out.Turning to Max, h
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 120: REAL HOUSEWIVES
Later That Day"Five more minutes, I promise," I call back, securing the last bobby pin to keep my wild hair in check. I'll be surprised if they manage to hold anything given where we're headed tonight, but hey, I'm too lazy to take them out now."Take your time, I'll be in the living room!"Once I've tucked away the last bobby pin in who knows where, I check myself in the mirror one final time before joining Max."Sorry I took so long," I grimace when I find him on the couch engrossed in Real Housewives of Atlanta."No worries, ba—" His words vanish into thin air the moment his eyes land on me. I can't help but smile when they're replaced with a groan as he bites his fist."How does it look?" I ask, walking over to the door to slip on my white Converse."Like I'm not going to last long tonight," he replies smoothly, turning off the TV to stand up and join me at the door. "Holy fuck, I'm the luckiest motherfucker alive."Melting in his arms when he kisses my forehead, I thank my lucky
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 119: VALENTINES DAY
~Friday, February 14, 2025 - Valentine's Day in Santa BarbaraIsabellaMax and I reached Santa Barbara last night, opting to reserve a penthouse suite for a private Valentine's Day weekend. Yesterday involved exploring the city where our paths first crossed, but tonight promises an entirely different level of intimacy.The evening kicks off with the comical Valentine's Day cards we exchange..."Why am I not surprised?" I chuckle at Max's card, shaking my head at his cheeky sense of humor."Oh, please," he retorts, "like yours is any better." He displays the card I gave him, eliciting another round of laughter."Touché, touché," I concede, winking as I delve into the heartfelt note inside.Here's my love, take it.Here's my soul, use it.Wait a minute....Completing the remainder of the message, I smirk as my initial suspicion is confirmed.I glance up to find Max beaming at me proudly."What? Did it render you speechless with its brilliance?" He playfully raises his eyebrows."You cam
