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Chapter 9: A Web Of Deceit
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2024-12-11 00:19:44
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Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 10: The Hunter’s Game
Dan sat comfortably on his worn leather couch, a self-satisfied grin on his face as he sipped whiskey from a crystal glass. Outside his home, the muffled voices of the townspeople grew louder, their determined footsteps heading straight for his door, just like he had expected... or heard from Clara. He barely flinched when the knock came—a loud, insistent pounding that echoed through the small house.With deliberate slowness, Dan rose from his couch and strolled to the door. He opened it just enough to lean against the frame, his smirk widening when he saw Mrs. Aldric standing at the forefront of the group. Her face was lined with worry and anger, a combination that only fueled his amusement.“Well, if it isn’t the town’s matron saint,” Dan uttered, dully. “What can I do for you, Mrs. Aldric? And the others?”Her eyes narrowed. “We’re looking for Isabelle. Where is she?”Dan raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. “Isabelle? You mean your little stray? Haven’t seen her.”“Don’t lie to
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-12Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 11: The Hunter’s Hunter
Flashback: Hours AgoLiam Anderson leaned back in his chair, the weight of the boardroom’s discussions pressing heavily on him. The sleek conference room was filled with sharply dressed executives, their voices droning on about projections, prices and market trends. Normally, this would be his domain—strategic, controlled, predictable.But today, his mind was elsewhere.The vibration of his phone against the brown polished table snapped him from his thoughts. He glanced at the screen and saw the name flash: Marcus.Marcus was his man on the ground, the one he’d hired to keep tabs on Isabelle from the moment he found her in that hospital and left her to go her own way. He didn’t trust the world enough to leave her alone, not with the shadows of her past looming all around her.“Excuse me,” Liam said abruptly, interrupting the executive that was speaking. He stood up and buttoned his suit jacket. The murmurs in the room reduced as all eyes turned to him.“Mr. Anderson, this is a crucial
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-12Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 12: Shattered Trust
The police station was colder than Isabelle expected, the fluorescent lights casting a harsh glow on the tired faces of the officers and suspects alike. Isabelle clutched her arms tightly around herself as she walked in beside Liam, her steps hesitant. She had a lot on her mind at that moment.Dan was being held in a separate room, but Liam had arranged for her to see him once she felt ready. For now, Isabelle sat in the waiting area just outside the room, trying to piece together her scattered emotions and waiting for Liam to come with a police officer escort.She barely noticed the sound of hurried footsteps and people walking about in front of until a familiar voice cut through the air. It was from inside the room where Dan was kept. “I thought you were better than this?” Clara demanded, her voice tight with worry.Isabelle looked up sharply, her breath catching in her throat. She recognized that voice. It was the voice of someone from the town. It was Clara's voice. What was she
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-13Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 13: The Proposal
The police station was quiet now, the chaos of the evening finally going down. Isabelle sat beside Liam on a bench, her arms wrapped around her body as if trying to shield herself against the cold reality of her life. Mrs. Aldric had insisted on staying until Isabelle was finished giving her statement, but eventually, the older woman had to leave.Before she left, Mrs. Aldric gripped Liam’s arm firmly. “Take care of her,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “And bring her back safely.”“I promise,” Liam replied, his voice steady.When they were alone, Liam turned to Isabelle, the expression on his face, filled with concern. “Are you alright?”“No,” Isabelle said simply, her voice devoid of emotion. “I don’t think I’ll ever be alright again. That man, Richard is so scary. He would go to the length of killing me just to keep his abusive nature under wraps.”He sighed, his expression softening. “I know this feels impossible, but I’m going to make sure Richard never comes nea
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-14Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 14: Stepping Into The Spotlight
Isabelle followed Liam out of his office, she was nervous from the whirlwind of the past few days and the decision she had made that day. It was going to be a long and hard journey, no doubt, but she had Liam and Mrs Aldric on her side now. “Isabelle,” Liam said, gesturing toward a man waiting by the window. “Meet my secretary, Frank Payne.”Frank turned with an exaggerated flourish, his bright smile instantly lighting up the room. He was a tall, lanky, young man with an easy charm, dressed in a sharp suit that somehow still looked casual.“Ah, the infamous Miss Isabelle,” Frank said dramatically, taking her hand and shaking it enthusiastically. “You’re even more beautiful than the pictures I saw you in. I caught Mr Anderson staring at pictures from time to time. Pleasure to meet you!”Isabelle couldn’t help but laugh, her earlier tension easing slightly. “Nice to meet you too, Frank.”“You’re too kind,” Frank said, shooting a grin at Liam. “How did someone as stiff as you convince h
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-15Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 15: The Wedding Interrupted
The grand ballroom of the Anderson Companies owned building was transformed into a vision of luxury for the wedding of the year. Glittering chandeliers cast warm light over the elegantly dressed guests, a sea of billionaires, politicians, and socialites filled the space. Outside, the media clamored for any glimpse of the bride and groom, their cameras flashing as black-tie guests arrived in luxury cars.In a private dressing room upstairs, Isabelle sat before a decorated mirror as a team of makeup artists worked on her. The room smelled faintly of perfume and flowers, the hum of whispered compliments filling the air.“You’re so stunning, Miss Isabelle,” one of the artists gushed, stepping back to admire her work. “Liam Anderson is a lucky man. You're so lucky too. Half the country would kill to be in your shoes right now.”Another nodded enthusiastically, adjusting the hem of Isabelle’s white wedding dress. “The most eligible bachelor in the country, and now he’s yours.”Isabelle mana
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-16Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 16: A Message from Richard
Isabelle groaned as her eyes fluttered open, her head pounded hard and her body felt heavy like she got hit by a truck. She was back in the bedroom of the home she and Liam shared, the soft, muted tones of the room doing little to ease the ache in her chest. Her gaze landed on Mary Jane sitting beside her, she had a worried expression on her face.“You’re awake,” Mary Jane said softly, relief washing over her face. She handed Isabelle a glass of water. “Here, drink this. You need it.”Isabelle obeyed, the cool water soothing her dry throat. “What happened?” she asked, her voice hoarse.“You fainted at the wedding. We were all worried about you. Mrs Aldric didn't want to leave but Mr Anderson convinced her that you'll be okay so she left after cooking some meals.” Mary Jane said, her voice laced with concern. “Mr Anderson brought you back here. Are you feeling okay? Are you feeling hurt anywhere?”Isabelle set the glass down, her hands trembling. “I’m fine.” But her thoughts were far f
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-17Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 17: An Uncertain Sense of Peace
FlashbackMary Jane paced the kitchen, her brow furrowed. Isabelle hadn’t come down since, and the house was very quiet. Mary Jane looked at the clock and hurried with the meal she was serving for Isabelle. Something didn’t feel right.Grabbing a tray with the meal Mrs Aldric had prepared and tea, she headed upstairs, her instincts warning her that something was wrong. She knocked softly on Isabelle’s door, but there was no answer.“Isabelle?” Mary Jane called, her voice laced with concern.When there was still no response, she pushed the door open, only to be met with an empty room. The sight made her freeze for a moment. Isabelle’s bed was unmade, her closet doors were left ajar, and her clothes were in disarray, as if someone had left in a hurry.Mary Jane’s heart sank. “No, no, no… this isn’t right.”She dropped the tray by the bedside table and rushed to her phone, her hands trembling as she dialed Liam’s number.“Mary Jane?” Liam’s voice came through, calm but tired.“She’s gone
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-18
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Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend CHAPTER 160: The New Beginning
The mansion buzzed with a quiet kind of excitement. The long dining table was set with care—silver cutlery gleaming under the golden glow of the chandeliers, delicate flower arrangements gracing the center. The aroma of seasoned lamb and buttery pastries wafted through the air, hinting at the feast to come.Isabelle stood near the front door, hands clasped nervously in front of her. She had dreamed of this day—having everyone she loved under one roof again. After all she had endured—the loss, the memory gaps, the painful separation from Liam—this moment felt like a long-awaited exhale.And right now? She was glowing.Liam walked past her with a wine glass in hand, stealing a kiss on her cheek.“Stop looking so nervous,” he whispered, grinning. “They’re not coming to judge you. They're coming to love you.”She swatted his arm playfully. “I know, I know. But still... it feels surreal.”First to arrive was Mary Jane, the warm, kind-hearted housekeeper who’d become more like family. She w
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 159: The Truth in Her Voice
Isabelle stirred slowly, the warmth of Liam’s arms wrapped protectively around her. The early sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft lines across the sheets. Her phone buzzed on the nightstand.With a soft groan, she reached out for it, trying not to wake him.Frank.She swiped to answer. “Hello?”“It’s almost 7:30, Isa. Remember the reporters. You meet them at 9:30.”“Yeah… thanks for the reminder,” she said softly.As she ended the call and set the phone down, Liam shifted behind her, pulling her closer with a sleepy murmur.“Where are you going…?” he whispered, his voice husky.She turned to face him, brushing her fingers through his hair. “To tell my truth.”“I don’t want you to leave yet…” he murmured, resting his forehead against hers.“I have to.” She smiled gently and kissed him. “But I’ll come back to you.”He held her gaze. “Should I go with you?”“No,” she whispered. “This… I want to do myself.”He sighed, then reluctantly let her slip from his embrace.—A few hou
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 158: You Came Back to Me
The front door creaked open as Liam stepped inside, shoulders sagging under the weight of exhaustion. The house was quiet, too quiet. He called out softly, "Isabelle?"No response.He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. Maybe he was imagining things again, letting hope trick him into thinking she'd magically stay since she said she was coming to check the house. But then—there it was. The faint clinking of a spoon against porcelain, coming from the kitchen.Liam's heart jumped. He moved swiftly, quietly, not daring to believe.There she was.Standing by the kitchen counter, back turned to him, wearing his hoodie. Her hair fell over her shoulders in soft waves, and she was stirring tea. Calmly. Casually. As if nothing had happened."Isa?" he breathed.She turned.Their eyes met.It felt like the world slowed down. Her lips parted, her eyes welled with tears, but her expression was warm. Familiar." Wanted to see if your hoodie fits me now." She smiled, tugging at the hoodie she was w
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 157: Home.
The night was quiet, too quiet for Isa’s restless mind.She tossed in bed, limbs tangled in the sheets, her breath uneven. In the silence, her dreams stirred.In that dream, she was back in that cold, dark house.Richard’s voice thundered in her ears, cruel and venomous.“You think you can disobey me?” he snarled, hand raised. His palm connected harshly with her cheek. The sting was real. Her knees buckled, and she crumbled to the ground, sobbing.Richard towered over her with a face twisted by rage. He was yelling. No—screaming. Words she couldn’t decipher, fists clenched. She was crying, shielding herself from the blows he rained down on her like a stormThe pain. The shame. The betrayal.Isa gasped and bolted upright in bed, drenched in sweat. Her hand flew to her chest, her heart hammering like a drum. “It was just a dream,” she whispered. “Just a dream…”But it hadn’t felt like a dream. It was vivid. It was sharp. The emotions still clung to her like smoke after fire.She reache
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 156 – Twisted Heat
The living room was dimly lit, the soft hum of the air conditioning the only sound echoing through the space. Richard sat alone, nursing frustration in his chest like an old wound that refused to heal. A half-finished glass of water sat untouched on the table beside him. It wasn’t enough—not tonight.He stared blankly ahead, mind spinning with thoughts of Isabelle.She had gone to bed hours ago. Peaceful. Silent. Untouched.The problem was… he wanted to touch her. He wanted to kiss her until she remembered everything. Until she remembered him.But she didn’t. Or maybe she did—and was pretending.He wasn’t sure what was worse.Richard grabbed his phone and dialed a number he knew would answer. It rang only once.“Laura,” he said, his voice low, tired. “Can you come over?”A pause.“Now?” she asked, surprised.“Yeah. And bring something strong. Alcoholic wine. The kind that numbs things.”“I’ll be there in twenty.”---It was closer to fifteen.The doorbell rang, and Richard rose, brush
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 155 – The Room of Forgotten Memories
The air was warm, the scent of lavender faint and lingering. Isabelle stirred slowly, her lashes fluttering as she blinked her eyes open. A ceiling she didn’t recognize greeted her—a smooth white expanse with subtle carvings, the kind of detail that hinted at elegance and time. Her body was nestled into soft sheets, and as she shifted slightly, a faint sense of déjà vu pricked at her.She sat up slowly, confusion painting her face. This place—where was she?It wasn’t familiar… but it didn’t feel strange either.Her eyes scanned the room. Cream-colored walls, soft curtains swaying by the windows, a dresser lined with photos turned away, a full-length mirror positioned directly in front of the bed. Something about the mirror pulled her in. Her heartbeat quickened as a flicker of a memory danced through her mind—sitting in front of that mirror, smiling at her reflection. Then, a man’s reflection appeared behind her in the memory, lying on the bed, gazing at her with love in his eyes.Her
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 154: Finding Out The Truth 1.
Sunlight filtered through the curtains of the unfamiliar room, warming the side of Isabelle's face as she slowly opened her eyes. Her lashes fluttered, then her eyes fully opened, and she stared at the pale blue ceiling above her. The sheets wrapped around her were crisp and smelled faintly of lavender. Her gaze swept across the room—white walls, minimal décor, a large mirror on one end, and a single framed photo on the nightstand. A wedding photo of her and Richard.That was the only photo in the room. In fact, now that she thought of it, the whole house seemed bare, emotionless, like a showpiece rather than a lived-in home.Isabelle sat up slowly, confusion clouding her expression. If I’ve really lived here for four years… why doesn’t it feel like home? She hadn’t even figured out where the toilet was without exploring yesterday. The bed, the furniture, even the scent of the room—it all felt foreign.Her eyes dropped to the handbag on the armchair beside the bed. She reached for it,
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 153: Living in the Past
Isabelle looked at herself in the mirror. The reflection staring back at her wore soft blue jeans and a cream-colored blouse—finally something other than a hospital gown after weeks. It should’ve made her feel better. It didn’t.She forced a small smile and stepped out of the bathroom. Richard was seated on the couch in the hospital room, scrolling through his phone. He immediately stood up when he saw her."Hey, shall we go?" he asked, eyes lighting up.Isabelle hesitated. "Uhm, are you done with my whole discharge process?"Richard nodded confidently. "Yeah, I am. Why?"She frowned, feigning a pained expression. "Babe, I think I'm still having headaches. Can you tell the doctor and see if I can get some medicine from the pharmacy?"Richard's smile didn't falter. "Pain? I can't allow that. Let's go together, so you can explain to him well."She shook her head, pressing her fingers to her temple. "I'm a bit tired. I didn’t get much sleep last night. Can you go alone? I’ll wait here. J
Contract Marriage With My Childhood Best Friend Chapter 152 : Suspicions
Richard and Isabelle returned to the room, Richard still holding her protectively, like she would disappeare into Liam's arms if he doesn't hold her that way. Estella was in the room, pacing around, waiting for them. As soon as they entered, she sighed." When did you go out?! Do you have any idea how hard it was to look for you? I almost made a fool out of myself with the nurses." Estella shouted.Isabelle smiled slightly. " I told you I was stepped out for some air, you probably didn't hear me because you were so focused on your phone."Estella rolled her eyes. " If I didn't give you permission, you weren't supposed to step out! Isn't that how it works?"" Hey!" Richard shouted at Estella. " Don't talk to her that way. Because she's sick and you're watching over her for a while doesn't mean you're older or better. Know your place." He said with a stern expression on his face.Estella went quiet for a while before apologizing to Isabelle for speaking to her harshly, not that she me
