บททั้งหมดของ A Deal With The Devil: บทที่ 271 - บทที่ 278

ElenaI watched Dominic and Julia cut their mouth-watering three-tiered wedding cake amidst loud cheers and laughter. Everyone was ecstatic except me. The last few days had been everything a dream vacation should be. We enjoyed what Santorini offered us: yachting around the Vlychada Marina, exploring the Red Beach, horse riding at Eros Beach, discovering the LA Ponta Castle, and enjoying the caldera views. The nights, however, were only for us. Damien had been insatiable and unstoppable. Every night, he tried different ways to please me. It became a challenge for me to think of ways to please him in return. Despite the sexual satisfaction, I couldn’t stop the ache in my heart.I had expected more from this trip. I had expected him to seal our relationship with a proposal. He hadn’t. Now that the wedding was over, we would have to return to New York the next morning. All my hopes were dashed. What was stopping Damien from taking the plunge?After a week, Drake and Daniella’s wedding wa

ElenaMy heart sank with despair. I didn’t want to hurt my dad after what he was going through. But I couldn’t agree to his wishes. “But that’s not what I want, Dad. I can’t do justice to your business. There’s too much interference from Uncle Gerard and his family.” Uncle Gerard was my dad’s domineering youngest brother. He and his two sons handled the business successfully. There was no place in it for a novice like me. They didn’t want my presence, and I wasn’t interested in battling it out with them.“I want you to take over, Elena.” He sat with a grim look on his face.“But I can’t do it. I’m not capable enough, Dad.” Why couldn’t he do it himself?He shook his head, giving me a disappointed look. “Why are you backing out without listening to my proposal? I know what I’m doing. Just agree, and things will go smoothly as planned.”I was instantly wary of his plan. “Okay, I’m listening.”He leaned forward excitedly as if he had been waiting for this minute all the time. “Good. You

Damien I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. When I opened them and focused on my mom, I knew this was my only chance. I had to do this tonight. “Mom, Grandpa, I’m sorry I have hidden something from you.” Grandpa nodded, waving me off. “Yes, we know about the post-traumatic stress disorder you were suffering from. I’m sure you’re better now.” I sighed, feeling more confused. They had no idea what else I had hidden from them. “Yes, I’m better, but that isn’t the only thing I have hidden from you.” Grandpa’s eyes widened as he waited for me to elaborate. Mom, however, sat patiently. Somehow, I had the feeling she knew about Ryan. “Goodness, Damien! You’re a sly one. How many secrets have you kept from us?” Drake winked at me. It was a relief Dominic wasn’t back from Santorini yet. Or he would have taken offense. “Just two secrets, that’s all.” I tried to smile to lighten the atmosphere. “Alright, let’s hear it, son,” Aunt Sarah chimed in.“I have an eight-year-old son, Mom.”

ElenaA Year Later“Mom, do you need anything? Diego and I are going down for football practice.” Ryan gave me a concerned look.“No, sweetie. I’m fine.” I smiled and leaned back to rest my pregnant belly. At 34 weeks, I had difficulty moving around. But with everyone taking care of me, I sailed through the pregnancy successfully. Ryan and Damien pampered me, taking care of my unborn baby girl and me. Ryan was the most excited, having already named her Rayne.“Why don’t you lie down a little? You’ve been working on your laptop for the last two hours, Mom. I think Rayne wants to rest.” He held my hand to help me to bed.I smiled and allowed him to help me. He wouldn’t go without ensuring my comfort. With Damien at work, Ryan looked after me since the moment he returned home from school.I rested my tired back and smiled at him. “I’ll catch up on some sleep. You can go for your practice, sweetie.”He hesitated a little. “I can’t leave you alone, Mom. Hang on, I’ll call Aunt Serenity and