A Bargain With The Devil のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 91 - チャプター 100

MAEMy grip tightened as I stared at the phone in my hand. The screen revealed a damning image that appeared out of nowhere—a picture of me and Jace locked in whatever seemed like a kiss.This was the same outfit from yesterday, the one I had worn to the ceremony. Who would have done this and why? The air in the room felt thin and suffocating like the walls were closing in on me. My heart pounded hard against my chest, I could hear the sound of my blood rushing to my ears. Without a second thought, I stormed out of my room to Ethan’s room. He wasn't there. He must have seen the picture. Oh God. I rushed to the balcony, his usual comfort place but he wasn't there either. I strode back to the room, lost in thoughts, picking on my new growth strouts nervously. Where must have he gone? My phone trembled in my hands as I stood in the middle of his room wondering where he might be when a familiar voice called out to me. Ethan.I turned hastily in the direction of the voice and walked to

MAEEthan’s eyes locked in mine as I entered the living room. He hung up on the other person on the line as I approached. His face was masked with the same unreadable expression, the “business mode” expression. I usually find it hot but at the moment, it made my stomach turn. This wasn't business, but us or what is left of us hanging by a tiny thread.“Mae,” he started. His voice was steady and cautious as though I was a fragile object he didn't know how to handle. I didn't answer immediately. I stood there halfway in the room, between the couch opposite me where he was standing by the side. His hair strands were slightly out of place, a few falling down his forehead almost touching his orbs, his shirt which seemed he had just picked out from the wardrobe without any thoughts, was wrinkled, and his trousers were wrinkled in a way that seemed he had clutched at it out of frustration. Good, at least he wasn't entirely unbothered by all this.I'd be frustrated too. This was supposed to

MAEMy fingers trembled as I stared at the email again, the words blurring through the tears falling down my cheeks. This could not be happening.My chest felt tight, like I couldn’t breathe, and my head pounded. Who would do this? How did they even get the contract? My vision blurred, and my knees felt weak and it felt like I'd fall. Oh God.Before I could fully process what I was seeing, Ethan’s hand shot out and snatched my phone from me. “Hey!” I yelled, but my voice came out shaky. I reached for it, but he stepped back, holding it out of my reach. His eyes scanned the screen quickly, his face hardening as he read the email.“Mae…” His voice was soft and then, before I could say anything, he pulled me into his arms and hugged me tightly. I froze for a second, caught off guard, but then the situation hit me again. I sobbed into his shirt, my hands clutching it tightly.“Hey, it’s okay,” he murmured, his voice low. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”“Ethan…” I choked out, my voice muffled

MAEI woke up the next morning to the soft light spilling through the curtains. For a moment, I blinked at the ceiling, trying to remember what had happened the night before.My thoughts were still fuzzy when I shuffled into the kitchen, hair tousled, wearing an oversized sweater and socks that didn't stop the cold. I was greeted by the sight of a half naked Ethan already there, leaning casually against the counter with a coffee mug in hand. His dark hair was still damp, and he looked far too put together for this early hour. “Morning,” he said, his voice smooth and weirdly comforting. How can someone look and sound so hot without even trying?“Morning,” I mumbled back, heading straight for the coffee pot. After everything that had happened yesterday, I needed coffee.“Don’t forget, we’ve got our date today.”I froze mid-sip, the coffee suddenly too hot on my tongue. I didn't expect that he'd actually follow his grandfather's advice. He’d said it so casually, as though it was the m

MAEThe car ride was already awkward enough without Ava opening her mouth, but of course, she couldn’t keep her little mouth shut. She leaned forward slightly, her voice had a hint of fake concern, more like mock concern.“So, Ethan,” she began, “how have you been holding up after, you know, the photo?” I tensed in my seat, my hands gripping my bag a little too hard. She didn’t even bother looking at me when she said it, like I wasn’t even there. I mean I was cool with her ignoring me but bringing that up was crossing the line. Probably because I suspected she was responsible for releasing the photo.Ethan’s hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel, but his voice was calm when he answered. “I’m fine, Ava. You should probably be asking Mae how she's holding up. She is the one being bombarded by stupid people online.” Her eyes flicked to me in the rearview mirror, and I caught the way she rolled them before quickly looking away. She didn’t say anything after that, though, whi