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CHAPTER 144
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A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 145
TRENT'S POVMy heart fluttered as I watched Ella from across the room. The radiant smile lighting up her beautiful face told me everything I needed to know - we had actually pulled it off! Against all odds, Damien must have come through by swapping out that cover photo like we'd planned. I wanted to run over and scoop her up into my arms right then and there. But I held back, not wanting to draw any unwanted attention to us while we were still surrounded by potential prying eyes.As if my thoughts had summoned him, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck prickle up. Shifting my gaze, my stomach plummeted as I spotted that familiar imposing figure making his way across the lobby floor - my father.Richard Donovan cut an unmistakable presence, even in this crowded venue filled with prestigious guests. I instinctively shrank back in my seat as he neared. And of course, like a hawk zeroing in on its prey, his cold eyes instantly locked onto me.“Son..." Dad said, and I could practically
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 146
TRENT'S POV I stared up at our faces smiling back from that glossy magazine cover, heart pounding so loudly I could barely hear the confused murmurs rippling through the crowd over the roaring in my ears. Dad was finally seeing the proof of Ella's identity, of our relationship, laid bare before his very eyes.Oh no, this is really bad... My throat worked furiously as I swallowed past the lump of dread lodged there. What was Dad going to do now that the truth was out? Go after the love of my life in retaliation like he'd threatened before?Panic seized my chest as I forced my eyes away from the cover shot. Sweeping my frantic gaze across the room, I half-expected to find Dad's glare already boring into me from somewhere, that harsh scowl spread across his face.But then I spotted him - seated amongst the crowd, brow furrowed in confusion as he squinted at the stage. His glasses were off, I realized with a jolt. Dad didn't have his glasses on, so he couldn't properly see whose images
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 147
ELLA'S POV No, we can't do this." I held his hand tightly, gazing up at him with pleading eyes. "Trent, please, we can't keep hiding it from our parents. Yes, we can't tell your dad, but I'm tired of keeping my mom in the dark. She needs to know about us."As much as I loved him, the constant secrecy is becoming unbearable.Trent gently removed his hand from my grasp, his brow furrowed with concern. "Ella, we aren't doing this. I don't want to put you in any danger again. If your mom knows about our relationship, she might confront my dad, and then my dad will know about us."Shaking my head, I insisted, "I trust that my mom wouldn't do that. Yeah, she might not accept our relationship right away, but she won't go over and tell your dad. Remember, she hates anything called Donovan..."Trent's expression darkened slightly. "So, she's going to hate me too, then..."Reaching out, I took his hand once more, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I will make her like you," I promised.Trent se
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 148
Ella's POVButterflies danced in my stomach as I smoothed my hands over my costume. Today was the big day - the Riverside Annual Talent Showcase that Ryan and I had been practicing so hard for.If I was being totally honest with myself, part of me had been dreading this event at first. Not because I didn't love dancing - quite the opposite, in fact! Ever since Ryan started tutoring me, I'd fallen head over heels for the art form. No, my hesitation stemmed from the intimidating roster of elite dancers set to compete. Professionals from prestigious academies all over would be judging and watching our every move.But Ryan, bless his heart, had been so supportive and encouraging. With his charming pep talks and unshakeable faith in my abilities, he'd managed to bolster my shaky confidence. "Trust in yourself, Ella," he would say. "You're an incredible dancer. Let that inner radiance shine through!"After all, if someone as experienced as him thought I had what it took to shine on that bi
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 149
ELLA'S POV"Yehhhhh!" I squealed, throwing my arms around Ryan and hugging him tightly. I couldn't believe it - we came in third place! If it wasn't for Ryan's incredible coaching and choreography skills, there's no way we would have placed at all. Throughout the dance performance, he had been like a steady, guiding force, directing my movements with subtle cues and keeping me centered. Even when I felt like the routine was falling apart, one reassuring look from Ryan's warm eyes was enough to help me find my groove again.As the final notes faded, I was breathless with excitement and pride. We really had poured our hearts into that routine! Ryan caught me in another fierce hug as the scores were announced, twirling me around happily."You were amazing out there!" he murmured against my hair. Setting me down, his eyes were alight with joy. "How does it feel to be an award-winning dancer now?"I shook my head in disbelief, still stunned. "I'm really happy!" I finally managed. "Hones
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 150
Ella's POVMy mind was still reeling as Ryan spoke those words to me. I felt like I was caught in a whirlwind of emotions, unable to fully process what he was implying."So was that why you transferred to our school?" I managed slowly. "Because you...wanted to see more of me?"Ryan's intense gaze never faltered as he gave a small nod. "Yes...I was instantly captivated by you, Ella. I just had to find a way to get closer to this amazing, beautiful woman I couldn't stop thinking about."I felt rooted to the spot, heart pounding wildly in my chest. Ryan...had feelings for me? Romantic ones? The realization made my head spin.All our dancing, the sweet gestures, the meaningful looks - it was suddenly cast in a whole new light. How had I been so blind to the depth of his feelings this entire time? He slowly began closing the distance between us. Before I knew it, his palm was cradling my cheek, rough fingertips lightly tracing along my jaw. "Don't you see it, Ella?" he murmured huskily.
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 151
TRENT'S POV I felt like I was trapped in a waking nightmare as the reality kept crashing over me. Ryan...it was Ryan the entire time. My mind replayed every interaction, every sign I had missed, ignored or misunderstood - the way Ella had been so insistent about entering that dance competition with him, the girl I saw inside Ryan's car that day at the front of Matthews Corp...it was Ella. The damn dress she wore to our couples night and not the one I had picked out for her. The shady way she'd avoided my questioning about where she got that dress.It was all because of Ryan.All along, it was him and not me.A choked sound caught in my throat as I stared at the empty street in front of me, unseeing. How had I been so blind? So painfully, pathetically blind to the deception going on right under my nose?Ella was the one I had come here to open up to, to finally share the truth I had discovered about her father's death and my dad's involvement. After weeks of agonizing over the best
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 152
Trent's POVMy heart was pounding like crazy as I stepped through the gates of the maximum security prison. The whole place just had an atmosphere of dread and despair hanging over it. Not exactly what you'd call a warm, inviting vibe, that was for sure. Still, I knew I had to be there. I had to see Mr. Stewart face-to-face. At least, that's what Mr. Matthews insisted whenever he would rant about how "the only way to truly get Donovan is by flipping one of his own crooked henchmen against him." Too bad the stubborn old man wouldn't even give me the time of day anymore ever since finding out I was a Donovan.I shook my head, letting out a frustrated huff. He was so damn convinced I must be some twisted, evil clone of my father or something. No matter how many times I tried explaining that I wanted to take Dad down just as much as he did, Matthews wouldn't hear a word of it. Our last meeting was an absolute nightmare - him accusing me of being a "traitorous snake, just like your fa
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