Novels by Bab Writes

I thought signing Adrian Blackwell's contract would solve at least one of my problems.I was wrong.Luca's surgery was finally moving forward, and I had money in my account. For the first time in weeks, I could breathe without worrying about how I'd pay the hospital.But Nicolas was back in my life, and I had no idea how to deal with that.The worst part? I'd be seeing him almost every time I saw Adrian.A week after the family gathering, I stood outside the Blackwell mansion, telling myself dinner was just dinner.I was there because Adrian had invited me. I was his companion, and this was part of our deal.Nothing more.I rang the bell, and a staff member opened the door.“Good evening, Miss Rossi. Mr. Blackwell is expecting you.”“Thank you.”I followed her inside, pulling down my dress. I'd spent too much time choosing what to wear, trying to look good without looking like I'd tried too hard.It was silly, really. I was here to do a job, not enter a fashion show.Still, I wanted t

“From where?”Adrian’s question hung between us.Nicolas looked at me, waiting to see what I’d say. I forced a smile.“We met a long time ago.”“At an event,” Nicolas added quickly.I looked at him. An event? That was all he had after everything?“Well, that’s convenient. You already know each other.”“Yeah,” I said. “Very convenient.”I took a sip of water to keep my hands busy. The man I’d once loved had come back after five years. This wasn’t the place to fall apart.“So, Elena,” Adrian said, “have you met the rest of the family?”“Not everyone.”“Come on. I’ll introduce you.”I wanted to grab Nicolas and demand answers, but I couldn’t tell Adrian we’d once planned a life together.“Sure,” I said.Adrian took me to a group near the fireplace. I smiled and answered questions, but barely heard them. I could feel Nicolas nearby.I held my glass and nodded. I wanted a quiet room, but had to act like nothing was wrong in front of everyone.Five years had passed. So why could one look fr

Three days later - At The GalaThe first thing Victoria Laurent did was look at my dress.Then she looked at Adrian.Then she smiled like she'd caught him doing something he shouldn't.“Adrian, darling. You didn't tell me you were bringing someone.”I wished I could disappear.Everyone wore expensive clothes, and everyone seemed to notice everything. I'd barely greeted Adrian's aunt when Victoria came over.She was beautiful, with a perfect dress and not one hair out of place.She looked at me again.“So,” she said slowly, “who's your friend?”“Elena,” Adrian said. “She's here with me.”Victoria waited for him to say more.He didn't.I almost admired him for not rushing to explain.“How interesting,” she said. “I didn't know you were bringing guests to family events.”“I don't remember needing your permission.”Her smile grew tight.I swallowed. This was going badly already.“Nice to meet you,” I said, hoping being polite would help.Victoria looked at me as if she'd just remembered I

“Before I sign anything, I need to know what you expect from me.”Adrian Blackwell looked up from the contract.“That’s what we’re here for, Elena. Ask.”I shifted in my chair. Everything looked expensive beside my chipped nails and old handbag. I needed the money, but I had to know the rules.Adrian pushed the papers closer.“Six months. You’ll come with me to business dinners, social events, family gatherings, and other events when I need you. My assistant will handle your schedule and tell you about things as early as she can.”“And the payment?”He told me the amount.I stared at him. “Every month?”“Yes.”The money could pay Luca’s surgery deposit and help with the bills after. Then I remembered who sat across from me: Adrian Blackwell.“What does exclusive mean?”“You won’t make this kind of deal with another client while our contract is active.”“What about dating?”“Your private life is yours. Just don’t cause a scandal or get in the way of our deal.”I turned the page.“What

“I'm sorry, Miss Rossi, but we can't schedule the surgery until we have the deposit.”“How much time do we have?”“Your brother's condition has gotten worse. We shouldn't wait, but we need the deposit before we can book the surgery team.”“Right.” I swallowed. “I'm working on it.”I'd applied for loans and asked everyone I could think of for help. Nothing worked. My catering business was gone, and my former partner had taken the money.Now Luca needed surgery I couldn't pay for.“Please. He's my brother. He's only twenty-one.”The doctor's face softened. Somehow, that made it worse.“I understand, Elena. But I can't give you a date until the deposit is paid.”I nodded and left before he could see my hands shake. In the hallway, I checked my bank balance again.Nothing had changed.“Come on,” I whispered. “There has to be a way.”My phone buzzed. Another loan rejection.I shoved my phone into my bag and went to Luca's room. He was awake, sitting against his pillows with a book open on