All Chapters of Unexpected Romance, Contract marriage : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

RACHEL’S POV“You startled me!” Cecilia exclaimed, dropping her purse on the sofa. I was already seated, watching her as she joined me.“Well, I went to the bar for a birthday party,” she answered, playing with her hair. There was something about her demeanor—she seemed happy, but at the same time, there was a trace of mixed emotions lingering on her face.“And you didn’t care to invite me?” I teased, though I knew exactly how she would respond.“Oh, come on, Rachel. The business nerd who barely leaves her desk going to a birthday party?” she shot back, her eyes twinkling with amusement.Just as I expected. “So, did you meet someone there?” I asked, my instincts telling me something was off. There was a certain energy about her that made it clear she had met someone. I could tell—probably a guy. Cecilia and I had both been through our fair share of fleeting relationships. Well, to be fair, hers lasted longer than mine. Still, every time she met someone, there was this unmistakable ex

"Help me!"RACHEL'S POVI fell just as I was about to cross the finish line, and Helen used that moment to sprint ahead of me. I heard Leo shout from behind, but it was too late. Why is he acting like he cares? Oh, wait—of course, the cameras are on.I pushed myself up immediately, not wanting to waste any more time. Lily was far behind, so while I might not take first or second, I could still claim third place. With a determined rush, I crossed the finish line."Congratulations, Mrs. Leo. You made it!" Josh announced, and the smugness in his voice irritated me to no end. They know we hate being called that and are just doin watching as though she already knew the outcome.What the—"You know, not to brag, Rachel," Leo said, turning to face me as he placed the bow back where it belonged. "I was the top archer in college. Probably could’ve made the national team or the Olympics if I hadn’t focused on business."His hands were tucked into his pockets, his stance exuding dominance and con

“Someone really pushed me”RACHEL’S POV“Don’t go!!” I yelled, grabbing his shirt again. Leo remained still, not pulling away this time. I could feel my grip tighten, and even though I was aware of it, I couldn’t bring myself to let go. Surprisingly, he didn’t try to shake me off. Instead, he stood there, struggling to find the right words to calm me down.He continued patting my back, and his touch—unexpectedly—was soothing. “It’s okay,” he whispered, his voice low but clear enough for me to hear. We stayed like that for what felt like minutes, his presence steady and oddly comforting.My eyelids grew heavier as exhaustion caught up to me. I started to drift off, and Leo must’ve thought I’d fallen asleep because he slowly pulled away. I felt him gently lay me down on the bed, and though I was too sleepy to fully open my eyes, I could sense him dragging something—perhaps a blanket—over me. There was the soft sound of him sitting down beside me again.Why does it feel like he’s genuine

"Forgive me for this.." RACHEL'S POVHe stood there, stunned, clearly not expecting me to bring up the past. His expression shifted, conflicted, like he didn’t know how to respond.“Look, Rachel, I don’t know what you’re talking about but—" Leo started, his voice almost soft, but I cut him off before he could finish."But what, Leo?" I snapped, stepping closer until there were only inches between us. I could feel the heat radiating off him, my anger bubbling over like a volcano ready to erupt. My heart pounded in my chest as I glared at him, the bitterness from years of unresolved tension fueling me.“We were friends, Leo. More than friends. But then, out of nowhere, you turned your back on me. You humiliated me in front of the entire college!” I shouted, my voice shaking as I tried to suppress the tears that threatened to spill over.He met my gaze, his eyes darkening with something I couldn’t quite read. “Why are you acting like you’re the victim here?” he said, his tone flat, alm

Rachel's POVI was stunned as the words left his mouth. My gaze locked onto his, searching desperately for any hint of deception, but his eyes revealed nothing. Was it possible I had misunderstood him, just as he might have misunderstood my role in posting Helen's article?“Someone else posted it without my knowledge, and…” he trailed off, his eyes falling to the ground for just a moment. Then, he looked back up, and our gazes met again, charged with unresolved tension.In that instant, memories rushed back like an unstoppable tide, pulling me into a moment I had long buried.Flashback“Hey, Cecilia! Yes, today’s my first day of grad school as a master’s student,” I said over the phone, my voice bright with excitement. But even as I spoke, anxiety tugged at me. My eyes darted around the room, searching for something I held dear—my bracelet, the one I considered my lucky charm.Wearing it today meant everything, but I couldn't find it.“Ugh! Where is that bracelet?” My frustration boil