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Chapter 38 ~ Checkmate in Red
Huling Na-update:
2024-12-15 13:00:29~~~~
But the media wasn’t the only one on edge; Eric and Nora Black were perched on the edge of their seats as they each watched the big screen from their respective homes. They knew that if the world were to find out about what they had done, it would spell disaster for their family for generations to come.
The moment the press asked Mary about her marriage to the Blacks, Nora felt her heart leap into her throat. “No… I can’t watch this,” she said, pushing herself up from her seat. “Or I’ll die of a heart attack. I can’t believe I trusted her enough to choose her. I thought she was different. How could she do this to me?” she cursed. “I’m going to ruin her,” she swore, storming over to the bar. Pouring herself a drink—one that was high in alcohol—she muttered, “If this whole thing doesn’t kill me, I hope this wine does,” before downing the entire bottle.
In Ca
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Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 38 ~ Continuation
Continuation...There’s no way I’m letting someone like her bring me down. I smiled at her—but it wasn’t the kind of smile that warms hearts. Not by a long, short.“I’ve heard stories about you—the journalist who stops at nothing for a scoop. Once you latch onto a story, you hold on tight. I have to admit, I respect your commitment, but I can’t stand people like you who take pleasure in tearing others down.” I scanned the room, the cameras still focused on me. “You’re meant to bring truth and life into focus, not to shatter families or lives. Your constant invasion of privacy has devastated countless lives, leaving them unable to recover. Actors can’t truly be themselves; they can’t love freely or chase their dreams because they live in fear of what you’ll publish about them.” I snapped. “All for a damn paycheck. Maybe I should grab a camera myself, thanks to m
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-15Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 39 - A Turn of Event
~~~~Nora Black collapsed to the floor, wine spilling everywhere as she struggled to process what she’d just witnessed. She wasn’t sure if she should laugh or cry. “What… did… I just…?” she murmured, glancing around the empty room. She slapped her own cheek lightly, wondering if this was real or some drunken hallucination.After drinking herself into a stupor, Nora had braced herself for the brutal truths she expected Mary—and the press—to expose. But what she heard instead shocked her to the core.“No. My marriage into the Black family is not a scam.” Mary had declared live.At first, she couldn’t believe it. She leaned in closer to the TV, turning up the volume just to make sure she hadn’t misheard. This was indeed a live broadcast, and the world was watching Mary’s violent stand against that redheaded journalist, Rachel Berry.Her fearlessness and poise left Nora stunned, almost instantly sobering her up as her phone began to buzz nonstop.Call after call, reporters from all over w
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-21Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 40 ~ Butterflies
~~~~The next morning, I woke up with a resolve fit for a nation. Now that Eric wanted to cut the whole thing off, it was time for me to move out. With the money in my account, I could do a lot, but I needed to disappear before James came for me.Ignoring Mrs. Lola, who stared at me with a mix of concern and curiosity, I stormed off, brushing aside her offer of help. “I can take care of my own things,” I murmured to myself, the determination surging within me.“No doubt you can.” A male voice resounded from the corridor.Turning, I found Eric standing there, his glorious morning cuteness disarming even in my fury. “Morning,” I managed to say, forcing myself to focus on packing.“Morning,” he replied, running a hand through his tousled hair. “Are you going somewhere?”I shot him a glare. “What do you mean, ‘if I’m going somewhere? We were supposed to be in New York
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-22Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 41 ~ A New Deal
~~~~Eric froze in place, staring down at the woman beneath him. This was the first time since their wedding that he was really seeing her up close. Her plush lips—he had never noticed just how enticing they looked until now. Damn, he felt an undeniable pull toward them.He could feel her heart racing against his chest, its rapid tempo echoing in his ears. She was warm and vibrantly alive. He raised his eyes to her face, noting the shocked expression carved there.Was she scared? Excited? He couldn't quite tell, but the way her heart pounded made it clear she sensed what was about to happen.Just then, Mrs. Lola's voice broke through from outside the library. Eric felt a wave of relief wash over him, grateful for the distraction because if he hadn’t been interrupted, he might have done something impulsive. But before he could respond to her—“Yes… for Pete’s sake, just come in, will you?” Mary yelled, her
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-22Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 41 - Continuation
Continuations ~~~~~Eric regathered me for a second before replying. “Hmmm, no, not really; I just wanted to get that off my chest. To get this right, I want us to start all over.”“What? You want us to get married again?” I asked, shocked.“What? No, that’s not what I meant,” he replied hastily.“Good, because there’s no way I could go through that again,” I said, shivering at the thought. “Woooo, nope, never. I don’t even want to think about it.”“Pffffffff, oh come on, it wasn’t that bad,” he said, clearly enjoying my outburst.“Are you kidding me? It was more than bad. It was a total nightmare for me!” I finished, staring at him. For some reason, he had a weird look on his face. "Anyways, it’s getting late, and I need to move,” I said, starting to get up. But then he suddenly gripped my hands.“You don&rsqu
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-23Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 42 ~ For Them, I Rise
~~~~For the first few minutes, Eric was genuinely stunned as he watched Mary handle the pen with surprising ease. The confidence in her grip, the way her hand moved across the paper—it was like she’d been doing this all her life. According to the information in her documents, she supposedly had no formal education, so he’d assumed she wouldn’t even know how to spell her own name.It wasn't exactly far-fetched; he’d met countless people who acted smart and seemed well-educated, only to crumble when asked to prove it. Maybe she was the same—just putting on an act. After all, if his mother really had picked her off the street, she wouldn’t have a polished background. And, honestly, someone with an education wouldn’t take on a job like this, right? No matter how much they were being paid.His thoughts unraveled further as she handed him the paper, and he glanced over her writing, expecting to see sloppy handwriting and spelling errors. Instead, he was met with some
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-23Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 42 ~ Continuation
Continuation...~~~~Ah! This motherfucker...I stared at him, feeling an odd mix of irritation and relief. Fine, I thought. Might as well give him something. “Hope you’re ready for it,” I whispered. “I wasn’t born in Canada. Hell, I didn’t even know it existed until a few years ago.”He looked up, his curiosity piqued. “Then, where were you born?”I sighed, glancing at his attentive face. “Chicago,” I replied, watching him take that in.“So, some of the information about you was correct, then?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.“Not exactly,” I said with a slight smile, taking a sip of my coffee. “I come from a family of five, my parents included. They were, and still are, farmers. My mom and dad loved farming so much that even if they were sick, they’d be out there in the fields.”He placed the si
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-24Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 43 ~ Manipulated
~~~~Eric listened to Mary, her words slowly unraveling a side of her he hadn’t expected. She had clearly gone through so much, yet her strength and selflessness stood out more than anything else. It was like watching a movie, and the fact that he was so engrossed surprised him. He had never been one for sentimental tales, but there was something about hers that gripped him.When she spoke of giving up her own dreams for her siblings, it struck him deeply. He wouldn't have made that choice, no matter the circumstances. Sacrificing a dream? That was something he couldn't fathom. And yet, Mary had done it. Not out of obligation, but out of love for her family. She wasn’t just brave because of the action—she was brave because it was her character, her personality. It was who she was."That was brave, Mary Johnson," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Even I wouldn’t do something like that, no matter what was at stake."**** “I know…” I said, my voice softening, “I just couldn’t let
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-28
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Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 107 ~ Mama Problems
~~~~~~I continue staring at my mother, unsure of what to say or even how to react.This is insane.I mean… I only just introduced Eric as my boss. Just my boss. The man who’s offering us an opportunity that could change everything. And she already hates him?Sighing, I spoke in a softer tone, “Mom… he’s the man you’ll be working for, starting today. How can you not like him?”“Just because I’m working for him doesn’t mean I have to like him,” she fired back, her eyes still locked on me, sharp and unrelenting. “Like I said—boss or no boss.”“What?” I blinked, trying to wrap my head around it. “What exactly happened out there?” I asked, hoping she'd explain whatever it was that triggered her.“Enough, Mary!” she snapped, loudly. “I don’t like him, and I don’t owe you an e
Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 106 ~ Continuations
~~~~~~“This isn’t just between you and me,” he continued. “This is about the Enterprise as a whole. My decisions affect the entire future of the company. To officially sign you as a partner, I’d need the approval and signature of every board member. And while I could demand it, I think it’s best if they see why you deserve it—on your own merit—not just because of whom you are to me.”I swallowed slowly, feeling a strange mix of pride and pressure.“So for now,” he added, straightening up and turning toward my parents, “everything else you’ll need for the process will be made available.”Then he addressed them directly, his tone professional, “Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, for your salaries, you’ll each be paid $3,000 monthly.”My parents gasped at the figure—shocked beyond words.“What?” Mom blinked.“That’s mu&
Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 106 ~ Crossing Paths with the Johnson's (Part 3)
~~~~~~Even if his tone was challenging, I still had to say my piece—or this would all be for nothing.I took a deep breath and stood up from my seat. Quietly, I walked over to my parents and sat down beside them. If I was going to talk business with him—as a Johnson—then I needed to sit on the right side of the table. It was a small move, but one that mattered.From the corner of my eye, I caught Eric frown at my sudden movement, though he quickly masked it with a calm expression.Too late. I saw it.And I smiled.“Okay… here’s what I propose,” I said, placing the contract documents squarely on the table. “First of all, I’d like to be regarded as a partner in the Black Enterprise—not some rented employee,” I said firmly, letting every word land with meaning.He blinked. “What? That’s not possible, and you know it,” he said, clearly caught off guard.“Do I?” I asked, tilting my head. “Maybe you don’t see a future in this kind of business, let alone believe in signing a contract like t
Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 105 ~ Crossing Paths with the Johnsons (Part 2)
~~~~~~After spending over an hour going through the terms and conditions of the binding contract, I took a deep breath and smiled warmly at both my mom and dad, who were still sitting there, quietly gazing at me in awe.Without anyone saying a word, I could already tell—they were impressed.Not just with the whole business talk, but with me. And honestly, that silent approval from them… it hit different.Eric, my man—my secret husband—kept gently tugging at my thigh from under the table, a small but meaningful gesture of support. I didn’t look at him, but I felt it. And that was enough.I turned to face my parents again. “Before we wrap things up… do you have any questions?” I asked, keeping my tone formal but kind.My mother was the first to blink out of the trance. “Well, we have plenty of questions,” she said with a short, dry laugh, one of those laughs that makes you pause for a second and think, Uh-oh.I raised a brow at her calmly.“But,” she continued, her voice filled with th
Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 104 ~ Continuations
~~~~~~“Yes… the CEO is in the car, so we can’t keep him waiting,” I told my father, trying not to let my growing frustration show.Suddenly, my mother reached for my hand. “Okay then… drive with us,” she said quickly. “Since the place isn’t that far, he can go on his own. You’ll ride with us.”Wait—what?“Seriously, Mother?” I blinked at her.“Yes,” she insisted. “Ride with us. He can drive alone.”“Oh, for heaven’s sake.” I sighed and gently peeled her fingers from mine. “I don’t know what you’re thinking, but please… don’t. It’s not healthy.” I turned to Dad, forcing a smile. “We’ll wait for you to follow behind. See you there.” Without waiting for a response, I walked back to the car.Opening the door, I slid in and shut it firmly behind me, the
Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 104 ~ Crossing Paths with the Johnsons (Part 1)
~~~~~~He looked completely shocked—like the idea of coming with me had never even crossed his mind. Seriously? Did he really think I’d go alone? So much for standing by me.“Why do you look like that?” I asked, narrowing my eyes. “You are coming. You're the boss, remember? You're the one discussing the contract. I’m just the middle woman—the one who connected you guys.”“But…” he scratched the back of his head, visibly nervous, “you’re the actual boss, Mary. The land belongs to you, not me.”“I know,” I replied calmly, “but I also know my parents. They’ll only take this seriously if it looks official—if it feels like a real business deal and not some favor from their daughter. They’ll work their hardest if they know it’s a proper contract and they’re earning from it.”Eric looked like he wanted to argue, but I reached for his hand.“I already planned to pay them for their work, but they won’t take my money. You know how they are. Please… do this for me. Just play the part, okay?”“Yo
Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 103 ~ Between the Lines
~~~~We moved from the dining table, our fingers meshed together, silent but connected.The house felt quieter now that Nora had left, and maybe that’s why my heart beat louder. Every step toward the sofa felt heavier than it should have.Eric dropped onto the big white couch, casually leaning back like he had no idea my brain was in knots. I sat beside him and faced him fully.“I… I don’t really know how to say this,” I started, voice low. “But I was wondering… that piece of land you showed me the other day—does it still belong to me? Is the contract still valid?”His reaction was instant, but not what I expected.“Huh?” he muttered, staring at me with a strange, unreadable expression. His brows drew together slightly, but it wasn’t confusion—it was something else. Something darker.What the hell?That look alone made my stomach tighten. He’s
Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 102 ~ Stirred, Not Settled
~~~~~~Eric collapsed onto the bed, breathing hard, his chest rising and falling like he’d just run a marathon. He dragged a hand through his hair, dazed and a little stunned. He had never—never—done something like this before.Not even back when he was single. Masturbation? That just hadn’t been his thing. He’d never needed it. But tonight? Tonight was different.Who would've guessed that giving someone else so much pleasure could leave him this breathless, this wrecked?He sighed, turning his head to glance at Mary—curled up beside him, flushed, glowing, looking like something out of a dream. And the way she moaned his name… the way she came undone beneath him like he was the only man in the world who could make her feel that way…“Damn,” he muttered under his breath.He wasn’t just drained—he was gone for her. Emoti
Mary Johnson ~ The Paid Bride Chapter 101 ~ Love knows no bound
~~~~Or so I thought.When I woke up the next morning, my entire body was sore—like every muscle was personally protesting the wild passion of the night before.“Ouch,” I winced, slowly turning my head to the side.There he was, Eric—sleeping peacefully beside me. He looked like an angel. Honestly, since we got married, this was the first time I had the chance to really just look at him while he slept. No business calls, no press, no drama—just him, wrapped in soft sheets and peace.I blushed, memories of last night flooding back in a rush of heat.Gently, I slipped out of bed and tiptoed into the bathroom like a mischievous teenager sneaking off after curfew.After a long, hot bath, I stood in front of the mirror and blinked. “Wow… that’s a lot of bite marks,” I muttered, lightly touching one on my collarbone. My skin looked flushed and... well-loved.Then I reali
