One Life Stand – Chapter 16

Slap.

The girls heard a faint noise from outside the room. They exchanged a glance and went to investigate, slowly opening the door. In the living room, they saw Leon, his cheek red as he kept his head tilted down, Zeke standing in front of him.

“That was from your father, not me,” Zeke said.

“As if you didn’t enjoy that.” Leon rolled his eyes and flopped back on the couch.

“Did you just slap him?” Ella asked, pushing her door fully open while Alice hid behind her, peeking over her shoulder.

Zeke raised an eyebrow as he turned to her. “Technically, yes, but it wasn’t from me, it was from his father.”

“For what?”

“For choosing his wife to the point of no return for him without letting his parents meet you first.”

“I thought they’d be happy since he chose someone…”

“It’s also because he still hasn’t had you meet them, despite knowing they wanted to. I should also inform you, you are required to come to dinner with them tonight.”

“Isn’t that a bit short notice?”

“I would’ve informed you earlier, but Leon didn’t answer any calls or texts from me once you left on your date, like the little brat he is.”

“I’m not sure that makes him a brat… but o-okay…” Ella swallowed hard. I’m going to meet his parents…

“On that note, I’d like to meet your mom sometime,” Leon spoke up. “Have you told her about me yet?” his eyes sparkled as he asked.

“No…”

“I told her,” Alice said.

“You what?” Ella turned to her.

“I was freaking out when we had that fight, and I wanted to make it up to you, and we ended up talking… Sorry… it slipped out.”

Surprised she hasn’t contacted me about it yet. Although, maybe it’s not that much of a surprise; she likes to let me come to her about things first.

“Don’t worry about it.” Ella sighed.

“You’re not hiding me from her, are you?” Leon asked, popping up behind her.

She jumped a bit, surprised by his voice beside her ear. “No, but to be fair, I didn’t talk to her about Nathan either.” She only knew of his existence in my life…

“Weren’t you together for years?”

“Yes…”

“Okay then…” Leon backed away. “I won’t take it personally, but seeing as she does know about me, I should meet her soon.”

Ella shrugged. “Eventually.”

“You know your parents won’t want to wait long before having the wedding, right?” Zeke asked.

“Of course, they won’t want to wait…” Leon rolled his eyes and stretched out his neck. “They’ve been pushing me to get married since I was twenty. Heck, they mentioned it right after I turned eighteen, so I knew this would happen.”

“Could’ve warned me,” Ella mumbled.

“I didn’t say I’d let them force it to happen quickly. I kinda wanted to get closer to you first.”

“You’ve gotten plenty close more than once.” Alice laughed, drawing everyone’s attention to her. “Oops…” She backed away into Ella’s room.

“And while I love that closeness, it wasn’t what I was talking about.”

“Right…” Alice grumbled, pouting as she stayed hidden.

“So, I’ll come to pick you two up and drive you to their house for dinner, okay?” Zeke asked, his hand gripping Leon’s shoulder.

Leon looked at Ella, who nodded. “Seems so.”

“Seems like she’s the boss, not you.” Zeke smirked. “Good, he could use direction, and he actually listens to you. I’ll see you later.”

“Where are you going?” Leon asked.

“Unlike you, slacker, my work never ends.” Zeke took off, his phone in his hand as he left the suite.

“Your assistant is a bit pushy,” Alice said, inching around Ella. “Handsome, though…”

“I don’t suggest dating him unless you like someone controlling who’s always busy.” Leon ruffled her hair. Something about her made her feel like a little sister, even though she was older than him.

“Hey.” She pushed his hand away. “I never said I wanted to date him. In case you forgot, I’ve already gotten into a fight with him. I can tell how he is, and I’ll leave it as a fling isn’t out of the question. Ella, I’ll let the girls know I’ve confirmed you’re okay. Enjoy your dinner tonight and tell me about it at work. Leon… good luck with tonight.” Alice waved with both hands and skipped off.

“She’s an interesting little woman, isn’t she?” Leon watched her for a moment before turning back to Ella.

“Interesting is one way to put it.” Alice is a lot of things and is hard to pin down…

“I’m glad you two seem to have made up.” Leon pushed a lock of hair behind her ear.

“So am I… So, we’re going to their house for dinner? Where is it, anyway?”

“About a half-hour drive from here, and with them, this isn’t just a dinner between the four of us; it’ll be a dinner party of some sort with who knows how many people. Maybe not even really a dinner…”

“That doesn’t sound good for getting to know someone on a personal level.”

“It isn’t. They do it for connections, business connections.”

“I don’t think I should be going to a business party…” Definitely wouldn’t fit in there.

“Are you abandoning me tonight?” He pouted. “I’ll get a lot of flak from them if I don’t bring you with me… and my father is a hard man to deal with even when he’s in a good mood, never mind when—”

“Fine, fine… What am I supposed to wear to something like this?” Maybe if I only answer questions simply and try not to talk too much, I can get through this.

“Ah… I guess it’s time to reveal it…”

“Reveal what?”

“Come with me.” He led her to his room.

“Why are you bringing me in here?” She tensed up.

“Really? I thought after last night…” He sighed. “Never mind.” He let go of her hand, went to the other side of his bedroom, and opened a pair of double doors leading to a walk-in closet. He stepped out of the way and pointed to the right side where there were a slew of dresses, blouses, skirts, and jewellery. “I may have gone a bit overboard after our first night together…”

“You bought all of this for me?” Damn… Sounds like he bought more clothes for me in one day than what I already own. This thing is packed to the brim. Ella lightly touched the clothes as she walked by in awe, the fabric so soft she had to resist the urge to cuddle up against it. “I… don’t know what to say, or where to start.”

“I was going to wait and let you fill it at first, but that quickly changed, and I couldn’t seem to help myself as I imagined you in all of this. I don’t know your tastes yet, but hopefully, there’re at least a few things in there to your liking.” He had thought about giving her an unlimited credit card and encouraging her to use it, but was afraid she’d freak out over it.

“Are you kidding? These look amazing. Too good even…”

“Too good? They’re just clothes; I can’t imagine they’d care who wears them so long as they’re worn with enjoyment. Besides, nothing is too good for you.” He gave her a gentle smile.

I think Alice left too early; she’d love to see this. She’d love to wear all this. Damn, she’s going to be constantly borrowing clothes when she finds out, even if they’d be a little baggy on her. Wait… he knew my size after one night together? No… He must’ve just guessed…

“I don’t know what to choose… What would your parents like?” Ella asked.

“Don’t worry about them. What do you like?”

“I don’t know… All of it?”

“Ella… Look again and choose what stands out to you. You can go in sneakers and joggers if you really want, so long as it’s something you want to wear.”

“It’s a fancy business party; I want to at least match that…”

Leon waved his hand towards the closet. “It’s your choice, Ella, chose whatever you want; they’re all yours, anyway.” He moved to his side of the closet and pulled out a sleek black suit. “I’ll be wearing this, in case you want to match me. I’ll change in the living room; you can use this room.” He walked away before she could say anything.

“Ha… So much clothes… Seriously, how’d he end up buying this much? Not like I can reject them either, since he bought it all already,” she mumbled to herself as she browsed through the dresses again.

She stopped by an elegant, long black dress and thought of Leon’s suit. Can I pull this off? She held it up to herself in front of a mirror. I like it, but is it me? Ella changed into the dress and stood in front of the mirror once again. Damn, it really does hug ‘every’ curve. She cringed, poking at the bit of extra on the side.

Knock, knock. “Did you pick something?” Leon asked through the door.

“Kinda… Sorta… I don’t know. Maybe I should find something else to wear.” Ella sighed, her shoulders slouching as she stared at herself in the mirror.

“I take it you’ve changed then?” He peeked inside before opening the door fully and sauntering up to her. “Why would you change out of that? You look gorgeous!” He rested a hand on her bare shoulder as he stood beside her with the top buttons of his shirt undone and tie hanging loose.

Ella hugged herself, trying to hide her body. “I don’t think it suits me.”

“Nonsense; you look so sexy I’m finding it hard to keep my eyes off of you.” At her mere visage, he felt himself heating up.

She glanced up, and sure enough, he was smiling at her in the mirror, his eyes lidded. I know that look from him already… “How about something a little less…” she trailed off, not wanting to admit to her insecurities. “Um…”

He leaned in close, his grip on her shoulder tightening. “Wear it with confidence, Ella; it suits you. I’d love to be able to take it off you later, too.” His warm breath blew past her ear and she quivered.

“W-what?” She pushed him away.

Leon sighed. “I thought we were at that point, but I guess I was wrong?”

“Uh…” He’s not wrong; I did sleep with him again. One drunken mistake is one thing, but I don’t think you can call a second time a mistake, too…

“I understand. I won’t push it, but know I’m here either way, pining after my fiancée.”

She could see him pouting in the mirror and covered her eyes.

“Should we head out now?” Leon asked.

“Isn’t it a bit early? Unless the ride there will take that long…”

“No, but it’s unlikely we’ll get to eat much at this dinner, so I figured we’d stop by a restaurant before heading there. Besides, my parents have a way of… decreasing my appetite substantially.”

“That doesn’t sound good.”

Leon sighed and laced his fingers through hers. “It isn’t good, but for once, I’ll have someone there with me, right?”

Her grip on his hand tightened, and he smiled. “Yes.” Sounds like he needs me. Someone actually needs me…  

“Let’s go grab a bite first.”

---

Continued in chapter 17.

One Life Stand – Chapter 15

So warm… Ella slowly roused in the morning, encompassed in a warm embrace. Her eyes shot open, and she looked down at the arms around her from behind.

I did it again, didn’t I? She moved a bit and the arms around her tightened.

“Good morning,” Leon mumbled and kissed the back of her head.

“M-morning…” She swallowed hard. Ha… naked in bed with a… Well, he is my fiancé, so this is okay, isn’t it?

“Please don’t tell me you were drunker than you seemed last night, and you’ve forgotten our night together again, or that you regret it…”

Ella felt him tremble slightly. “No, that’s not it… More like…” I do remember our first time now… “I’m embarrassed, I guess.”

“Embarrassed? Why? I know this isn’t your first time… nor am I the only one you’ve slept with, and that’s okay…” Though he wouldn’t have minded if he had been the only one. “If anything, I’m the one who should be like that.” He chuckled, hoping to disperse some of the tension.

“I’m embarrassed because I got drunk in front of you again… and I definitely told you too much last night… Ugh…” I can’t imagine he has a good opinion of me now. 

“Honestly, I hope I’m the only one you get drunk in front of anymore.”

She glanced back at him, wide-eyed.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not endorsing drinking too much or anything; I just don’t want any other guys seeing you drunk… or being around you while you are. You’re too cute and vulnerable; I’d worry about someone trying to take advantage of you.”

“Oh…” That make sense. I wonder if he’s been worried about my drinking and whatnot since the first day. Wait… Did he… “Did you say I’m cute when I’m drunk?”

“I did, but I think you’re always cute, especially when you’re blushing up to your ears like you are right now.” He chuckled.

She covered her face with her hands and could feel the heat. “Oh my gosh, you like teasing me, don’t you?”

“I think most guys like teasing the girl they like.”

She sighed and shook her head. “S-so, when are we getting out of bed?”

He smiled at her and loosened his grip. “You can get out of bed whenever you feel like it.”

“But…” Then you’d see all of me.

“You realize I saw all of you last night, right? And vice versa, of course.” Not that it was the first time.

Mind-reader. “That was at night and with some liquid courage; I’m not ready for that now, though.”

After a moment, Leon sighed and rolled onto his other side, looking away. “Fine; I won’t look at you this time.”

She tried to take the blanket with her, and Leon tugged on it. “What are you doing?”

“You don’t need to rob me of the blanket to get changed. I’m facing the other way.”

“And you won’t turn around until I say you can?”

“Promise.”

She took a deep breath and rushed to the bathroom, grabbing her clothes off the floor on the way over.

Leon smirked, looking at her reflection in the window. “Worth the peek…” he mumbled and got up to put some clothes on himself.

Ella stared at herself in the mirror and noticed a bunch of hickeys on her chest. Oh my gosh… I can’t believe he left those. Although, none of them are in a spot that others will see. By chance or on purpose? Doesn’t matter… She shook her head and pulled her clothes on, surprised to find another one on the back of her shoulder. I don’t even remember that one.

“You okay in there?” Leon asked, knocking on the bathroom door.

“Yup…” She opened the door and came face-to-face with him. “You look ready to go already.”

“Of course; I don’t take long getting ready because I’m so used to always doing it last minute.”

“Isn’t that a bad thing?”

Leon shrugged. “I always got up late when I was in school, but still managed to make it in time for class. It can come in handy to be able to change fast. Anyway, let’s go home.” He held his hand out to her and smiled, careful not to let his hand shake.

“Okay.” She took his hand, and he laced his fingers through hers.

“Definitely going to remember this hotel,” he said as he closed the door behind them.

Ella blushed and looked away from him. What do I tell the girls? I bet they’re still worried…

After a quiet ride back to his hotel, Leon and Ella headed to the top to their penthouse suite.

“Alice?” Ella’s eyes widened as she spotted her outside their home, talking to Zeke. She tried to release Leon’s hand, but he gripped onto her tighter.

“Zeke… Is something wrong?” Leon asked.

“You’re finally back,” Zeke huffed, having been waiting for hours. He had tried to contact Leon, but never got a response.

“You have a key to the place, so why are you waiting out here?”

“I was inside, but eventually this little cretin kept pounding on the door asking to see Ella. I came out here to talk to her like a civilized person—”

“Who are you calling a cretin?” Alice fumed, glaring at him as she stomped a foot towards him.

“What do you suggest I call you then, with how you’ve been acting?”

“Alice, like a normal human.”

Leon and Ella exchanged a glance. “Zeke, let’s go inside.” Leon waved his hand towards the entrance.

“Yes, sir,” he grumbled and let them all in.

“Alice.” Ella hesitated for a moment and hooked her arm through Alice’s. “Let’s talk.” She dragged her away to her bedroom to let Zeke and Leon talk alone.

“You’re talking to me again?” Alice’s eyes shook, her head tilted down as she peered up at Ella.

Trying to pull a cute look on me? To be fair, it works most of the time.

“We’ve been friends a long time and I’ve cooled my head a bit, so I think it’s time we talk…” I don’t even remember exactly what she said anymore. “I don’t want to lose you over this.”

“I don’t want to lose you either. I can’t go a day without wanting to call you.” Alice’s grip on her arm tightened.

“You did call; I didn’t answer. You texted, too.”

“I’m sorry if I seem like a stalker or something, but I need you and want you in my life.”

“Honestly… I’m not even sure what I bring to your life other than drama.”

“I enjoy a little drama, but you seem to forget all the times I’ve had to lean on you. All the break-ups you helped me through. All the ice cream we’ve eaten together as we watched rom-coms after my break-ups.”

Ella’s face scrunched up as she thought about it. “Why do you break-up with so many of them if you know you’re going to be hurt?”

“Pretty sure I should ask you the same thing, but you know me; I don’t want long-term, and once we hit a certain point, I have to break it or they’ll get attached. Anyway… the point is, I love you and need you in my life. I’m sorry I said such mean things. I’m not in your situation; I haven’t lived your life, and I shouldn’t have said—”

“I’m sorry, too. I overreacted; you’re right about me. I’ve been leading guys on for years without noticing and then running away once they wanted more.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t think about what reason you might’ve had to act that way. I can’t believe he was your first boyfriend. He seemed like such a prick and—”

“He was sweeter when I met him.”

“Again… sorry for my big mouth, and apparently thoughtless comments.”

“You talked to Kyra, didn’t you?” Ella sighed. She’s the only one who knew a bit about him.

“Yes… Don’t be mad at her, though.”

“I’m not mad at her.”

“Oh, well, good then. Question… Why didn’t you tell me about him? Between all of us, I thought we were the closest.”

“We are, but Kyra is different from us; she’s mature and accepting and—”

“Motherly? I agree.” Alice chuckled. “I can’t really blame you for telling her.”

“It’s not like I told her all about him, but I explained a bit when she found a picture in my room while she was cleaning.”

Alice nodded. “I sometimes think she likes cleaning our rooms so she can try to find our secrets.”

“Probably,” Ella laughed. “She wants to know our secrets, but at the same time, she’ll keep’em.”

“Unlike Charlie, who blabs on about other people’s secrets so easily.” Alice sighed. “Never trusting her like that again,” she muttered, shaking her head. “So, I have to ask… do you forgive me?”

Ella nodded. “I can’t stay mad at you about it.” Especially since she was right about me.

Unable to contain herself, Alice lunged at her for a hug. “I’ve missed you, and I was so worried about you yesterday. I can’t believe you were with a scary person like him, and all I want to do now is protect you from him.”

“You did, didn’t you? All of you did… while I ran away.”

“In this case, I think it was okay that you ran away. Fight or flight and all that; it’s about self-preservation.”

“I was probably safe once all of you were there, but the anxiety was so overwhelming that I couldn’t stay anymore. I needed somewhere quiet away from everyone.”

“I know I don’t suffer from anxiety like you do, but I understand needing to step away from a situation to have a moment to yourself.” Alice wrapped her arm around Ella’s and laid her head on her shoulder. “I’m glad you’re back, and I have something to ask you.”

“What’s that?”

“Did you sleep with Leon again?”

Ella froze, her jaw hanging open.

“I knew it,” Alice laughed.

“How?”

Alice pointed at Ella’s face. “You’ve got an extra glow to you right now. Must’ve been good.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

“I was also drunk again.”

Alice’s face dropped. “Does this mean you don’t remember it?”

Her face turned red as she bit her lip. “No… I remember this time…” I remember the first time now, too.

“Which means you can give me all the juicy details, right?” She rubbed her hands together.

“Since when do I ever talk about that?”

“Don’t we always?” Alice frowned, staring off to the side as she tried to remember.

“You talk about it while I listen.”

“How in the world did I never notice that?” Alice laid back on the bed, her mouth agape, and arms spread out.

“Charlie has talked to you about it, though? On that note, why do you two fight so much when it seems like you two should get along the best?”

“Hmm… Maybe we’re too similar then… Ugh, way to ruin things.” Alice rolled onto her side.

“By the way, is Charlie okay? She was with you when you were trying to deal with… him.”

“She’s fine; Charlie’s a tough girl, and we all know it. I hope you thanked Leon for dealing with the situation; I wouldn’t be surprised if he got a restraining order put on him after that.”

“That’d probably be a good thing. So… are they mad at me?”

“Who? Charlie and Kyra? No, of course not; they understand it was a bad situation. They’re just glad you’re okay.”

---

Continued in chapter 16.

One Life Stand – Chapter 13

“Can you just leave me alone, Sebastian?” Ella asked, hoping it’d be easy.

“That’s not a nice way to talk to me.” Sebastian grabbed her forearm.

“What do you think you’re doing? Let go of me.” She tried to pull away from him and then shrunk back at the dark look in his eyes. Please, someone… help me… She quivered and scrunched her eyes closed.

“Get your hands off her.” A woman in dark clothing and sunglasses came charging at them and chopped at his hand.

“Alice?” Ella recognized her voice.

“Ouch.” Sebastian let go and rubbed his hand. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” He raised his hand, ready to slap Alice.

“I’d rethink that if I were you.” Charlie appeared from the other side and grabbed his raised arm. He shoved her off, and she stumbled back. “Dammit,” she cursed under her breath as she hit the ground.

“Charlie!” Ella reached out to her and Sebastian blocked her path. “Stop it, Sebastian. I know how much you hate making a scene, and this is turning into one.”

“It’s only turning into one because you’re reacting like this.”

“Still never willing to admit when something’s your fault?” How can a decade go by, but he still stayed this way?

“How is this any of my fault? Come on, let’s go talk in private.” He reached out to grab her, but someone else grabbed him again. This time, he yelped in pain as he was brought to his knees.

“What’s going on here?” Leon was fuming. He had rushed over once he saw Sebastian push Charlie.

“Who the hell are you?”

“Ella’s fiancé. Who are you?”

Sebastian’s expression darkened. “Her ex-fiancé.”

Leon’s eyes widened. He never expected to meet any of them. “Well… That doesn’t matter; you’re in the past and I’m her future.”

“We’ll see about that. I think it’s fate we reunited here, of all places.”

Ella took a few steps back, her stomach in her throat.

“Why would it matter where you are?” Leon moved to step between them, blocking his view of her.

“Heh, you don’t know much about her past, do you?”

Don’t tell him.

“This is the place we got engaged.”

And the place you broke my heart… Ella backed away from all of them, her breathing ragged.

“She must’ve had me in mind to bring you here.” He laughed. “Doesn’t bode well for you, bub. Why don’t you just move along and forget about her?”

“How can you talk all big while you’re on your knees?” Leon put pressure on Sebastian’s arm and he yelped.

“Don’t worry, security is coming for him,” Alice said, her phone to her head. “They’ll deal with you. Ella…?” Alice looked over behind Leon and didn’t see her. “Where’d she go?”

Charlie turned around and searched the crowd before pulling her phone out to call her. “She’s not answering.”

“She… ran away?” Alice bit her lip.

“This place is huge; how are we supposed to find her?”

“Call Kyra… Oh, there’s security now.” Alice waved them over.

After a lot of arguing and outsiders explaining what they saw, security dragged Sebastian out of the amusement park and put a ban on him. Kyra showed up in time to see Sebastian leaving.

“I guess I know why he looked familiar now,” Charlie said, remembering an old photo she saw of Ella with him.

“None of you know him?” Leon asked. He looked between them all; when he checked up on Ella, he was told about her close friendship with all of them.

“He’s… pre-our time,” Alice said. “Like… he was the high school sweetheart, and I knew he asked her to marry him, but she never said anything about agreeing to it… to me, at least. On that note, she never said much about him, but we all got the feeling things didn’t end on a good note.”

“She talked to me about him once,” Kyra said. “She said he was sweet in the beginning, until they started college, and then he changed. He became possessive and controlling… to the point of not wanting to let her out on her own. She was so afraid of him…” Kyra sighed. “I wish she never had to run into him ever again.”

“What’s done is done.” He held his phone out. “Give me your numbers, and we can split up to look for her.”

“Okay.” Kyra took it and put all their numbers in. “We’ll let you know.” Kyra headed off first, hustling like a mother looking for her baby.

“I still doubt she wants to talk to me…” Alice trailed off, realizing Ella had more than one reason to want to run than she thought. “But I’ll let you know…”

“Come on.” Charlie wrapped her arm around Alice’s.  “We’ll check on the other side of the amusement park. Good luck.” Charlie dragged her away.

“Ella… Where would you go?” Leon looked at his surroundings, trying to remember any place in the amusement park that stood out. Where would she hide? Where would she run to? Is there somewhere she’d feel safe away from everyone? He looked up in the distance and saw the Ferris wheel. “Maybe…” he mumbled and took off towards it.

Why? Why did he have to be here the same day as me? Ella sat on a bench surrounded by foliage on an elevated area, blocked off from people’s views. Most people didn’t know about it, but she had found it while working there, and used it as her place to relax while still in the amusement park. I haven’t been here in so long. She gazed up at the Ferris wheel in clear view. I used to love looking at it, but now… it makes me remember him…

Ella played with the ring on her finger, trying to remind herself that things were different now. Sebastian had been out of her life for so long, but seeing him again brought back a lot of memories; both good and heartbreakingly bad.

“Have I really not changed?” Ella rested her head in her hands. I’m still just running away from everything, even though my friends were there. They were trying to protect me, and I ran. I’m so pathetic… Tears threatened to fall.

Leon stood in front of the Ferris wheel, the sky darkening. There was a line-up for the Ferris wheel, and Ella wasn’t there. He approached the attendant and pulled up a picture of her on his phone. “Have you seen this woman?”

They looked closely at the picture. “It’s hard to say; so many people go through here… but I don’t think so. I’m sorry.”

“Okay…” he sighed and stepped away. “If she’s not here, then where?” He gripped the metal railing and gazed up at the Ferris wheel. “If she’s not on it, then maybe she’s somewhere she can view it.” He scanned through the nearby crowds. “Or I’m wrong and she’s not here at all.” He sighed and stretched his stiff neck. A cliff above with a railing caught his eye. He could see trees and bushes, but since it had a railing, it must’ve still been a part of the amusement park. “How would I even get up there?”

No matter how many tears she wiped away, they kept coming back. “Ugh, why won’t it stop?”

“Because you keep avoiding your past pain instead of dealing with it.” The bushes behind her rustled and Leon came out, a bit out of breath. “Do you know how hard it is to find this spot?” he huffed and sat down next to her.

She tensed, clutching her phone in her hands as she expected the worst.

He leaned back, gazed up at the sky, and let out an exhausted sigh. “Ah… I thought I was in better shape than this…” He steadied his breathing before turning to look at her. A tear-stained face and red eyes. She turned away from him.

Strong arms wrapped around her from behind and hugged her tightly. “It’s not the past, Ella; he has nothing to do with you anymore,” Leon whispered into her ear. “He’s been tossed out of the amusement park and can’t hurt you anymore.” She trembled in his arms. “If you can manage to trust me, I can keep you safe.”

“You’re not… mad?”

“Maybe a little, but I was more afraid and worried than anything. I’m so glad I found you, and that you’re safe.” He sighed and hugged her tighter.

Much to her own surprise, her tears stopped, and she leaned back into him. “I’m… sorry about him.”

“What are you apologizing for? You didn’t ask him to come here.”

“But…”

“None of what happened is your fault.” He pulled her over onto his lap, his arms still around her waist.

“W-what are you doing?” She tried to get off of him, but his grip tightened.

“Hopefully making you more safe and comfortable, and trying to get a look at your face since you’re trying to hide it from me.” And make sure she didn’t run, but he didn’t want to say it out loud.

More nervous, not more comfortable. “Don’t look at my face right now; it’s a mess.”

“I’m going to be your husband; I plan to see every face you can make, and hopefully be the only one for some of them.”

Her lip quivered.

“Your friends are worried about you, especially Alice, so once you’re feeling better, you should talk to them. For now, I’ll let them know you’re safe.” He pulled out his phone and texted the others.

“You have their numbers?”

“Yes, for exactly this purpose. Look, they’re happy you’re alright.” He showed her the texts from them on his phone.

Of course, they’d go looking; my friends are awesome, and I’m not sure I even deserve them with the trouble I always cause.

“And they went looking for you because they care about you, you know? They value you more than you know. And regardless of what you think, you’re an amazing person to them… and to me…”

She cringed. He doesn’t know me well enough for that.

“I know you better than you think…”

“And apparently you’re a mind reader.” She glanced at him.

“I’ve just noticed how hard you are on yourself sometimes, and how much you seem to run away from things.”

“Ha… pathetic, isn’t it? I can’t see anything through, can I? It’s no wonder my relationships explode.”

“I don’t think it’s pathetic. A bit worrying because I don’t want you to run from me, but no, not pathetic. If anything, I think you have a trauma that keeps nagging you more than it does most people, but that doesn’t mean things won’t change. And how long have you four been friends?”

“I’m not even sure anymore… almost ten years, I think. Kyra remembers dates better…”

“See, you have a long-term relationship that’s still going, several, actually. And as long as you make up with Alice like I know you both want to, I think it’ll last a lifetime. I’m also hoping a certain other relationship lasts a lifetime.” He sighed and kissed her shoulder.

“You know… with this whole fiancée thing, I kinda expected you to use me for a few years, then discard me, but you’re serious about a lifetime, aren’t you?”

His eyes widened slightly. “I told you it was a lifetime commitment before…”

“Yeah, but… Look at how we went about things. I keep thinking you were desperate to find someone normal who wasn’t after your money, and you figured you could stand being around me, so you went with me as quickly as you could after we met that night.”

He took a deep breath. “I know this might seem like a contract marriage or something like that, but it’s not really. I mean, I need you to inherit the company, but I’m not going to leave you after a few years or anything like that. I’m the one bound by all sorts of things; you’re really the one thing… person I got to choose for my life. Hell, if you don’t want to bear kids in the future, I’m totally okay with adopting a kid.”

“I… I guess even with all you’ve said, I still didn’t believe you were serious.”

“Do you now?” His eyes pleaded with her. “Because I have been serious this whole time.”

It still doesn’t make sense to me… Why me? “You’re one-hundred percent certain you want me?”

“Yes.”

She sighed and looked up at the darkened sky. “I guess that means you deserved to know about… Sebastian…”

“I will admit I’m curious, but you don’t have to talk about him if you don’t want to.” He could only imagine all the bad memories that might come back by talking about him.

“You should know about him… and about my dad I guess…” Or the other ones that proposed? That might be a bit much all at once.

“Well, I want to know more about you, but you don’t have to stress yourself out about it, or do it all at once. That said, I’d love to talk. So, shall we head home?”

“That’s a bit of a drive… and I don’t want to lose my nerve.” I definitely want something to drink.

“There’s a great hotel right here at the amusement park, if you’d prefer that.”

“Wouldn’t it be bad to stay in one that isn’t your own or something?”

He chuckled. “One, I’m allowed to stay wherever I want and no one will care since it’s a hotel, and two, my dad owns the one attached to this place, anyway…”

“Does it have alcohol?” Although I stopped drinking after that night… for a while…

“Of course.”

“Then let’s go.” She went to stand and finally remembered she’d been sitting on his lap the entire time, his arm still around her waist. “Um…”

“Want me to carry you there?”

“I’ll pass…” That’d be super embarrassing.

Leon sighed. “I guess I have to let go now.” He slowly released her because he wasn’t sure she wouldn’t run away.

“Thanks.” She hopped off of him, her ears red, and her back turned to him as she held her hand out. “Let’s go.”

---

Continued in chapter 14.

One Life Stand – Chapter 1

Ella sat in a booth at her regular bar with her girl friends, having a drink after a long day of work as concierges at Breakwater Hotel. Ella took a swig of her beer and sighed. “The best part of any workday is when we come here.”

“Shouldn’t the best part of your day be when you go home to that sweet, sexy boyfriend of yours?” Alice nudged her. “Oh wait, it’s been years, and you still don’t want to move out of the employee dorms to live with him.”

“It’s easier for me to live in the dorms! You live there too, so what are you complaining about?”

“The staff housing is fine for me, but you have an alternative! It’s too expensive for me to live near the hotel on my own, so I have no reason to move out.” Alice groaned, wishing she had more money.

“I love going home to my hubby; too bad he’s out of the city so much because he’s travelling.” Charlie puffed her cheeks out as she circled the top of her glass with her finger.

“That’s what you get when you marry a pilot.” Kyra gave Charlie a shoulder hug. “If you wanted someone who comes home like clockwork, you should’ve married an accountant like me.”

“But… how exciting is it to be a pilot?!”

“If that’s your response, then don’t complain.” The girls all laughed.

“Seriously though, Ella.” Alice nudged her. “Has Nathan even talked about marriage with you?” All the girls leaned in, eager to hear her answer.

He’s tried to. Ella thought. “Well, yes, but it feels too early for that, so he agreed to wait…” At least I think he understood…

“Too early? You guys have been together for how many years? You’re doing it again, aren’t you?”

“Doing what?”

They all exchanged tired glances. “Like what happened with Bruce or Justin,” Alice said.

“Or the first one…” Charlie muttered.

“All of them were long-term relationships, and they all proposed to you, but you never said yes. You always said you weren’t ready yet.”

Ella frowned and took another drink. “I actually did say yes more than once; I just never made it down the aisle. Besides, it never felt right!”

“What didn’t? I mean, each time, I thought you were in love.”

“I was, but when it came down to it…” Ella shuddered. “I felt like running.”

“And that’s what you keep doing. Do yourself a favour: if Nathan does one day ask, don’t run away instantly.” Alice poked her in the shoulder.

Ella rolled her eyes. “I doubt he’s going to ask anytime soon.”

“Then I guess you have time to prepare yourself.”

“Prepare myself? How?”

“Prepare yourself mentally to actually say yes!” the girls squealed. “You would say yes, right?” Alice asked.

“Uh…” Would I? She thought about Nathan and all the good times they had together, while both going out on dates and hanging out at home. She imagined him kneeling down and offering her a ring. Her stomach churned. I…

“Ella?” Alice poked her cheek.

“Hmm? What?”

“You went completely silent there and didn’t answer my question.”

“Oh, sorry. What was the question again?”

“I know you heard me.” She pouted. “Fine, I’ll ask again. Would you say yes if Nathan asked for your hand in marriage?”  

“I… Uh…” I know the answer they want, but my mouth refuses to say it!

Her friends sighed. “It’s happening again!”

“N-no… I just don’t know until the moment it happens.” Ella’s cheek twitched.

“She’s not exactly wrong…” Kyra commented. “I mean, even if you think it’s what you want, the moment it happens, things can change.”

Charlie looked at Kyra. “That’s not your way of saying you’re having second thoughts about your hubby, is it?”

“What?! No way; I love my husband!”

“Sure…”

“Ella, if you don’t want to marry him, and it’s been a few years, maybe you should stop wasting both your time and his, and break up with him,” Alice suggested.

Ella sighed and took another drink. “I don’t want to…”

“Okay, I think we should head out while we’re still able to walk,” Kyra said, standing up. “I’ll settle our tab this time.”

“Thanks, Kyra, we love you!” Charlie called out.

The next day, Ella went to work with a massive headache.

“I didn’t think you drank that much,” Alice whispered to her while they were being given their specific duties for the day.

“Neither did I, but it sure feels like someone shoved an ice pick in my head.”

Their boss handed them their papers with instructions for the day. “I also have something to talk to you two about. Please come to my office at the end of the workday.” She pointed at Alice and Ella.

“Yes, ma’am,” they both said.

Once they were dismissed, and the other employees left, they turned to each other. “What do you think this is about?” Ella asked. “I don’t remember doing anything bad, did you?”

“Nope; my work has been perfect as always. Maybe it’s not for something bad, but for a raise or promotion.” She rubbed her hands together.

“Why both of us, then?”

“I don’t know,” Alice sighed. “We’ll have to wait until later to find out. Let’s get to work.” Alice smacked her lightly with the papers.

“Okay…”

Ella managed to make it to the end of the day without any incidents and without her headache getting any worse. “I don’t want to go in…” she mumbled to Alice as they stood in front of their boss’ door.

“Oh, come on, don’t be a wimp.” Alice knocked on the door.

“Come in,” their boss answered.

Alice opened the door and urged Ella in with her, closing the door behind them. “You wanted to see us?” Alice asked as she glanced around the office. They’d been in there a few times, but never for long, and it never changed. The same pictures and diplomas on the walls, the same full bookshelves, and every inch of the office in its place.

“Yes, our head office is opening a new hotel not too far from here.” She rearranged the papers on her desk. “A hotel resort, actually.”

“Why would they compete with themselves?”

She glanced at Alice. “Because we are filled to capacity so often and don’t have room to expand. And it won’t quite be under the same name.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Anyway, several of our hotels were asked to transfer a couple of staff members to work at the new hotel as a promotion of sorts to you. Both the pay and benefits will be better. Are you two interested?”

“Are you kidding? Of course, we’re interested!”

“Before that, how far is not too far?” Ella asked, thinking about how they’d have to move.

“You don’t have to worry; there are dorms there for you two to live in like you currently do.” She pulled out a map with the spot circled. “It’ll be here. This will be your new pay and additional benefits.” She pulled out another paper.

The other side of the city. That’s not too bad, but it puts some distance between Nathan and me.

“I’ll give you two some time to think it over.”

“I don’t need any time. I’m up for the promotion,” Alice said, her eyes bulging out as she read the new pay.

“I need time to think about it.” Ella gave her a small bow.

“Think about it first, Alice.” She pointed at the door. “That was all.”

“Yes, ma’am.” They both left and walked together to their shared dorm room.

“Can you believe this?!” Alice cheered and hugged her. “And my parents said I’d never get a promotion here.”

“I need to talk to Nathan.” She sat on their couch and pulled out her phone to find she had a text.

‘Are you ready for tonight?’

Tonight? “Alice, did I have plans tonight?”

“Hmm?” Alice flopped down on the couch beside her. She glanced back at the calendar on the fridge. “Oh, it’s date night for you two, isn’t it?”

“Already?” Felt like we just went out.

“What’s with that response? Shouldn’t you be happy about going out?”

“I’d rather stay in…”

“Then have date night at home – at his home – and give him your good news.”

“Why do you sound so sure I’m going to say yes to the job? It’ll take me farther from Nathan than I already am, and I can’t see him being happy about that.”

“It’s not that much farther.”

“In wintertime it is.”

“Touché. So, do you really think he’ll want you to turn it down because it’s farther away?”

Ella shrugged. “Between work and distance, there isn’t that much time for the relationship.”

“And yet it’s lasted years.”

“Because we’ve made it work, but this doesn’t work in my favour.”

“But it’s more money!” Alice rubbed her thumbs against her fingers.

“This is one of the reasons you can’t keep a guy; you value money over people.”

“Not all people.” She nudged Ella. “And you know I don’t like to keep them for too long, anyway.”

“Oh yeah, did you tell Charlie or Kyra about it yet? If we take the jobs, we won’t be working with them anymore, and it’ll be harder to meet up after work for a drink or two.”

“You’re right…” Alice frowned. “Can you break the news to them?”

“I haven’t decided yet, remember? I need to talk to Nathan first. You should talk to them since you’ve already decided to take the new job and abandon them.”

“Ugh… You make it sound so bad…”

“You know that’s how Charlie will see it.”

“I know, I know, but can’t you tell them I got a new job?”

Ella stared at her blankly. “I have enough to deal with on my own. This one’s on you. Now man up or woman up, whatever. I have to get changed; Nathan is on his way.” She waved her phone around.

“Fine… Have fun.” Alice stared at her friends’ numbers on her phone. “Maybe a text is enough…”

A man in a suit with brown hair was waiting outside the entrance to the staff housing. “Nathan!” Ella called out to him, smiling.

“Aren’t you looking gorgeous tonight?” They hugged, and he kept a hold of her waist as he stared into her eyes, unable to stop a small smile from forming.

“Why… are you looking at me like that? Didn’t you say you made reservations or something?”

“Yeah, let’s go.” Arm-in-arm, they headed to his vehicle.

“I’ve always wanted to eat here, but isn’t it a bit expensive?” Ella asked as Nathan escorted her through the front door.

“It’ll be worth it for tonight,” he assured her.

“Where… are all the other customers?” Ella looked around the restaurant. Soft, live music was playing on the stage in the back, but all the tables were empty.

“Here.” The waiter led them to a table and handed them menus once they were seated.

What’s going on? This place is popular, so if it’s empty, then… “Did you rent out the entire place for tonight?” Ella asked, her stomach doing flips.

“Because tonight’s a special night, and I know you don’t like an audience, but you’ve also been dying to go here.”

“A special night? Oh, did someone else tell you about my promotion?” Ella asked in a rush.

“Promotion? No, no one told me about that… I actually meant—”

“They want me to move to a different hotel that’s just starting out. There’s better pay and everything. I haven’t agreed yet since I wanted to talk to you, but it is tempting.”

“I see… I suppose that might complicate things a bit, but I’m still certain I want to do this.” Nathan pulled a red velvet box out of his jacket pocket and knelt down in front of her.

Ella’s eyes widened, and she shook her head.

“Ella Luise, will you marry me?”

Her heart rate increased, and the lump in her throat stopped her from speaking.

He waited for a moment before calling out to her. “Ella?”

“I…” her voice squeaked out. Nearly hyperventilating, she stood and knocked over her chair. “I… can’t.” She took off running out of the restaurant.

“Ella?” Nathan stared at her fallen chair in a daze.

“What are you waiting for, man? Go after her,” the waiter urged him.

“Right…” He rushed out of the restaurant and looked all around, but she was nowhere in sight. He checked his car and through the entire parking lot, to no avail. “Ella…” He thumped his fist on the roof of his car a few times and bit his lip as he fought back the tears.

---

Continued in chapter 2.

For advanced chapters and to support me:

Wolf in the Office Done, New Novel Soon

Wolf in the Office has completed, and will stay up free for about a month before I pull it to put on Amazon. I hope you enjoyed it, and it’s time to start the next novel: One Life Stand.

One Life Stand

Ella Luise is a concierge at a large hotel alongside her three best friends. Everything is great until her boyfriend proposes to her. She panics and runs away. Four times she’s had her boyfriends propose to her, and not once could she make it down the aisle.

Each time, it seems worse. The urge to get away. This time, she runs into the arms of another man after getting drunk when she went out with her friends. She wakes up in a hotel bed with an engagement ring stuck to her finger.

Ella and her friend Alice transfer to a new hotel as a promotion, and who does she run into? The man she slept with, and he’s her new boss. Leon Hunt. He owns the hotel resort, and in order to get his inheritance and keep the family business going, he had to choose the only woman he’d ever be with.

Will they be able to make it work together? Is there too big of a difference between them? What secrets does Leon have? Will Ella finally make it down the aisle? 

I hope you look forward to reading this contemporary romance. 

Amazon Release: June 30, 2023 – The Contract Marriage – Preview

The Contract Marriage

Casey Winner is a storyboard artist in the media design department of the major conglomerate company, HGroup.

One day, after finding out her parents are in serious debt to the wrong people, she’s called into the office of the CEO Henry Gillian. Henry knows about her situation and gives her an offer: marry him and he’ll pay off their debt. She refuses him, but when the loan sharks come after Casey and Henry steps in to help, she’s not left with any choice. She has to sign the contract and become his wife or be thrown back to the sharks.

How will Casey survive her possessive billionaire husband and his jealous behaviour? What are Henry’s true motives? Will the truth ever come to light?

Preview

Chapter 1

Ring, ring, ring.

“Ah!” Casey moved her feet off of her desk and knocked over her open bottle of cola. “No, no, no…” she picked up the bottle, setting down her sandwich as the cold liquid spilt all over her skirt. “Damn it.” She reached for her still-ringing cell phone on her desk and the bottle of cola tipped over again, spilling out on her blouse. “Come on!”

“Honey?” a deep voice came from the phone.

“Ah, dad, hi,” Casey answered her phone as she set down the closed bottle and stared at her wet clothes.

“Is something wrong?”

“Just spilt my drink again.”

“Sorry; I must have startled you with the phone call, but you really have to stop eating at your desk.”

“It takes too much time and money to go out to eat all the time, and I don’t like the cafeteria here at the office. Anyway, what’s up? It’s odd for you to call at this time.”

“Well…” he trailed off, uncertainty evident in his voice.

“Is something wrong? Is mom okay?” Casey’s heart raced as she thought of all the bad things that could’ve happened.

“No; your mother’s perfectly fine. It’s…”

She sighed, holding a hand over her heart. “If it’s not urgent, can it wait? I need to see if I can get this cola stain out or find some new clothes to wear before my lunch break is over.”

“Ah… Well… You’re still coming over for dinner tonight, right?”

“Yes, dad, I’m still coming over tonight.”

“I guess it can wait until then,” he sighed. “Not like the situation will change by then,” he mumbled to himself.

“What was that?” Casey could sense his desolation, and wished he would come out and say what was on his mind. He always tried to hide when things were going wrong.

“Nothing, dear. I’ll see you tonight.”

“Okay, bye, dad.”

“Bye, honey.”

Click. Casey stared at the phone in her hand for a moment, frowning as a pit grew in her stomach. I hope he’s okay, Casey thought as she hung up her phone.

Casey stuffed the rest of her sandwich in her mouth and rushed past the other’s desks for the elevator. Going down twenty-two floors, she made it down to the ground floor and headed straight for the exit.

People crowded around the entrance, trying to grab the attention of the blue-suited man who just entered the building.

Ugh, I thought I might get fresh clothes before anyone spotted me. Who in the world is that guy if he’s drawing such a crowd?

The man answered a few questions and accepted a small stack of papers before moving on, heading for the elevator. Casey watched him move closer. Their eyes locked for a moment. He glanced at her stained clothes and smirked. “Good afternoon, Casey,” he said as he walked by her.

“Uh, good afternoon,” Casey muttered, wondering why he knew her name. He looks familiar…

“Oh my gosh, Casey, do you personally know the CEO?” Fera, her co-worker, came rushing up to her. “Did you spill your drink again?” she sighed, staring at Casey’s stained clothes.

“Oh, right… I was actually headed out to buy some new clothes before lunch break ended…” Casey checked her watch. “Dammit, why did it take so long to get down here?”

“You need to start keeping spare clothes with you. Come with me,” Fera grabbed her wrist and dragged her back to the elevators. “I swear, you must be pretty careless for this to happen almost every week.”

“Ah ha… Yeah.” Some things never changed. Even back in school, she’d end up spilling food while she studied.

“So, Henry Gillian knows your name?” Fera asked as they waited for the elevator.

“Who’s Henry?”

Fera almost fell over. “How can you have worked here for five years and not know our billionaire CEO’s name? Especially considering how hot he is and how many of the female employees swoon over him. He’s like a total celebrity around here.”

“I never needed to know him…” They entered the vacant elevator. “He’s never graced us with his presence on my media design floor… as far as I’ve noticed, anyway.” Casey had a habit of getting too into her work, so she ended up not noticing what was happening around her.

“But that begs the question, why does he know your name?”

“Maybe he’s got a good memory, and he actually knows all the employees by name.”

“He’s never called me by my name, and we’ve traded greeting so many times. He’s surprisingly friendly in passing.”

“Is that so?”

“Are you sure you don’t know him?”

“He looked familiar, but that’s about it.”

“Of course, he looked familiar; his portrait is on display at the entrance,” Fera face-palmed.

“Oh, ha ha…” Casey scratched the back of her head and turned away. You’d think I’d notice something like that after being here for so long!

They arrived at floor fifteen, where Fera worked designing clothes for their commercials and fashion line. Fera pulled her into the back room filled with racks of designer clothes. She grabbed a light blue blouse and skirt and held them up to Casey. “Yup, this will look perfect on you. Go change.” She forced Casey to take them.

“Are you sure it’s okay to keep lending me these clothes?”

“I wouldn’t have to if you weren’t such a mess. And it’s fine; I’ve recently taken over a bit more here, remember?”

“I don’t know how you did it, Fera.”

“Hurry up; lunch break is almost over.” Fera waited outside while Casey changed clothes.

When Casey came over to her holding her stained clothes off to the side, Fera nodded. “Yup, I am awesome at this.”

“Oh, is this your design?”

“Yeah, this blouse was the first one they accepted.”

“Thanks, you’re a lifesaver,” Casey hugged her.

“What kind of best friend would I be if I left you like that?” she held up the stained clothes and they both laughed.

The rest of the workday went off without a hitch as Casey worked on her storyboards for a commercial.

“Don’t stay too late,” Ben, her boss, said as he left a Mars bar on her desk.

“Thanks, Ben; I’ll be sure to head out soon,” she ripped open the packaging on the chocolate bar as she continued to work for a half an hour longer. “And, done!” she saved her newly finished storyboard and threw the wrapping at the garbage bin. Miss. “Stupid thing isn’t aerodynamic,” she grumbled, picking up the garbage.

Lucky for her, she was the last person on the floor and no one saw her pathetic attempt at throwing.

She packed up her things and grabbed her purse before waiting for the elevator.

Ding. The elevator doors opened, and a familiar, handsome face greeted her. “Hello, again. Another late night?” Henry asked, moving to the side so she could enter.

“Uh, only a little bit late today,” she stood beside him and pushed the button for the first floor. She stole a glance at him and he smirked, watching her in the reflection of the elevator door. They stood in awkward silence as the elevator descended.

Ding. The elevator stopped on the bottom floor. “Thanks for always working hard. And those clothes look good on you, Casey,” he said before exiting.

Her heart skipped a beat when he said her name with such familiarity. “You’d think I’d remember if I’d met him before.”

“Dad, mom,” Casey called out from the entrance to their two-story house as she took off her shoes.

“Baby girl, those clothes… they look expensive,” her mom came out from the kitchen dusting flour off of her apron.

Casey picked at her blouse, straightening it. “It’s on loan.”

“Oh, well, they look good on you.”

“Thanks,” Casey sighed and followed her mom into the kitchen. “Need help with anything…” she trailed off when she saw her father’s pale, battered face. “Dad, what happened?”

“This?” he chuckled, pointing at his black eye. “It’s nothing. I just fell and hit something.” Casey glared at him, not believing a word. “What? That’s all it was.”

Her mother sat down beside him at the kitchen table and placed her hand over his. “I think we should tell her about the situation. She’s old enough to know about our troubles.”

“It’s not her concern. She has her own life to worry about.”

“If something is going on, I want to know. I want to help you guys out any way I can,” Casey touched their hands on the table.

He sighed, clenching his fists as he attempted to hold back his frustration.

Casey sat across the table from them. “Just tell me what’s going on.”

“We have to close the bakery,” his father said.

“What, why? I thought you guys have been doing well lately.”

He swallowed hard. “We’re doing better, but we’re not making money fast enough to pay our debts. We… can’t afford to keep it.”

“That’s how you make your income; you can’t afford to sell it. Besides, that bakery is your dream; it always has been.”

Thud. He thumped his fist on the table. “I know that! But the cost to keep it is too great. If we sell it, then we can pay off our debt and not worry about our safety.”

“Our safety? Wait, this debt you’re talking about, I thought it was just the cost of the bakery itself which you took out a loan with the bank for. Do you guys owe someone else money?”

Her mother and father exchanged a worried glance. Her mother spoke up, “Actually, the banks refused to loan us the money to buy the bakery repeatedly, so we used someone else to get the money…”

“You got money from a loan shark?” Casey’s voice hitched. “What the hell were you two thinking?”

“Watch how you talk to us,” her father snapped.

“I’m guessing the black eye isn’t from falling, is it?” Silence. “Tch, why didn’t you tell me this sooner? I could have—“

“Could have what? You have a decent job in advertising, but you don’t exactly make enough to help us out. And besides, this is my mess to clean up, and that’s what I’ll do, somehow.”

“Our mess,” her mother corrected him and tugged open his clenched fists, lacing her fingers through his.

“Don’t give up so quickly,” Casey said, thinking about how hard and long they had worked to get their own bakery.

“You think this is easy for us to give up? We’ve tried everything we could to keep afloat, but nothing is working anymore,” her father spat. “The economy is in such a terrible state it makes it hard for us little businesses to flourish.”

“I’ll… cut back on my expenses and help you pay your debts.”

“This is a lot more money than you think.”

“I’ll get a second job!”

“When would you have time for that? You already work overtime almost every day as it is.”

“The weekend; I’ll find something for just those two days.”

“You can’t; we owe too much—”

“Let me do this! You two have supported me through everything, even paying tuition every time I changed my path in college, so let me help you. How much did you borrow to get the bakery?”

Her parents exchanged a worried glance. “We currently owe them 500,000 dollars… we’ve been paying them regularly for years, but they’re tired of us not making full payments. And for breaking the contract, they’re requesting assets in lieu of payment or more money per time.”

“In full or assets?”

“They basically want the bakery plus extra…”

“Add my name to the contract and promise to make the payment in full and more. I’ll find something to help them agree,” Casey said as she thought about the antique jewellery she got from her grandmother. She’d need to get them appraised, but hopefully, it would be enough to make a difference.

“We can’t—”

“Just do it,” Casey sighed.

Grumble. Casey held onto her stomach.

“How about some food?” Casey asked; all the stress was making her hungry.

“Of course,” her mother set up the table while her husband and daughter sat lost in thought.

---

To be continued in Chapter 2.https://mybook.to/TheContractMarriage