All Chapters of Just for Fun, He Said: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

10 Chapters

Chapter 1

I lifted my head from Rhys's arms, his strong chest rising and falling against my cheek.Silk sheets tangled around our naked bodies, the air thick with the scent of our passion.After a passionate night with my childhood friend, the Mafia heir, I was jolted awake at three in the morning by the shrill ring of a phone.It was the Don, ordering me to bring Rhys back to the estate for an arranged marriage.I figured it was just another heiress trying to claw her way into the Griffin family, so I kissed his forehead, pressing myself against him and whispering with a low laugh. "Rhys, what's your plan for this boring princess?"He arched an eyebrow, wrapping a lazy arm around my waist. "Baby, make sure you pick out a good tie for me. I need to make a good impression on my future father-in-law."Seeing me freeze, Rhys sat up and shot me a casual glance, his voice laced with indifference."Maeve, what's with that reaction? We're just having fun.""You didn't actually think you were going to

Chapter 2

The crystal chandeliers in the Griffin family estate cast a warm glow, but they couldn't dispel the chill in my heart.Even with my parents by my side, I had never felt so out of place.This was supposed to be the place I knew best. Rhys and I once discussed family business here, even found excuses to sneak into his private office for secret trysts.But now, everything had changed.Several Capos sat around the long table, eagerly discussing the benefits of the coming marriage."This alliance will bring us three new ports, not to mention their arms network in Europe.""The Noa family's political influence is nothing to scoff at either," another Capo added."If you ask me, all this formality is unnecessary. Getting both families' consent, visiting her father beforehand, preparing all these pleasantries… it's all so traditional."I looked at the meticulously decorated main hall, filled with white roses flown in from Sicily.The table was set with vintage Cuban cigars and whiskey; even th

Chapter 3

Before anyone could stop me, I turned and left, just before I completely broke down.For five years, I had cherished and carefully preserved this ring, waiting for the day Rhys would marry me so I could wear it openly.I just never imagined this would be the day it left its hiding place in my bedside table.When I returned to the main hall, Rhys was standing by the window, adjusting his tie.He started walking toward me when he saw me.I held the ring out to him. He froze, clearly not expecting me to actually bring it back.He looked stunned for a moment as I placed it in his palm, but he took it."Maeve." He then leaned in and lowered his voice. "I'm warning you, don't screw anything up tonight.""Noa is a woman who deserves to be respected and cherished. Remember your place, and don't embarrass me."I didn't even want to respond.In his eyes, Noa was to be respected and cherished. And what was I?I looked at the bastard I had loved for over a decade and felt like I'd been blind, but

Chapter 4

In front of so many family leaders, and with Noa still there, my face burned with rage. I yanked my arm free from his grasp. "Who I go on a date with is none of your business.""Let go," I said, my voice cold. "My own father doesn't question me like that. What right do you have?""Maeve, I'm asking you a question," Rhys said, his voice low, his brow furrowed.Just then, Don's voice came from behind us. "Rhys."At his father's stern glare, Rhys instantly released his grip, but his eyes remained locked on me.I quickly nodded to the elders. "Don, Donna, I'll be leaving now.""My apologies, Papa," Rhys said, turning to Don with a nod. "I was just worried about Maeve going out so late by herself."Don's gaze shifted between us, finally settling on Rhys. "A young man should keep his focus on the matter at hand."I strode out of the main hall, hearing Noa's cloyingly sweet voice behind me. "Rhys, your friend is so interesting.""What do you mean?" Rhys sat back down, but his eyes were still

Chapter 5

I locked myself in my room that day.My parents returned not long after I did."Paris is a long way away. It won't be easy to come back once you're there," my mother said, watching me carefully, as if trying to confirm something.My father, hiding behind his financial newspaper, was also sneaking glances at me.I put on my coat. "The lifestyle there is so much more relaxed than in New York. Isn't that the kind of retirement you've always wanted?"I smiled and linked my arm through Mama's, trying to charm her. "I can pursue my passion there too. I'm thinking of opening a music studio…""As for whether I'll have the chance to perform at family events in the future, you know I don't really care about that."I glanced down at my watch. "Alright, I've made up my mind. I'm serious.""You don't need to worry about me. You two should be thinking about handing over your family responsibilities."I kissed Mama's cheek. "I have to go, I have things to do."In truth, I was just hoping that time an

Chapter 6

"You're the one who started this." I shrugged. "You changed the password and blocked me."Rhys stepped over the shattered antiques, crossed the living room, and tossed the gift bags for Noa into a cabinet.He rubbed his temples and explained, "I was with Noa. What if she found out we were still in contact and got the wrong idea?"So that's what I was to him. A dirty little secret. A lump formed in my throat, but I forced it down.When we were together, I used to beg him for his attention, but he always had time for the family's dirty work.And now, seeing him with another woman, I finally understood that Rhys Griffin was capable of devotion, just not to me."Things are going well with her. Noa comes from a prestigious family, so I have to be careful and slowly earn her family's trust.""She's not like you. When I'm with her, I can't have any ties to other women..."He sighed, and seeing my lack of reaction, he dropped the subject. "Maeve, you must be hungry."He walked over to the mill

Chapter 7

Two weeks later, at a private gathering of the Five Families, Noa approached me.The party was held at a private club on the Upper East Side, attended by core members of each family and their wives.I chose to ignore her, focusing my attention on my conversation with Mrs. Romano.She had considerable influence in the underworld and was telling me about her connections in the European music scene."Maeve, it's been a while." Noa appeared before me, gracefully holding a champagne flute. "You look well."She was wearing a white evening gown from my favorite designer."Thank you." I gave a polite nod and turned back to Mrs. Romano.Publicly dismissed, Noa's practiced smile faltered.After two glasses of Dom Pérignon, I was still relatively clear-headed.When I went to the restroom to touch up my makeup, everyone was discussing a joint operation between the Griffin family and several others, scheduled for next month.Once I was sure my makeup was perfect, I pushed open the door to find Noa

Chapter 8

After the recording made the rounds that night, I packed my bags and went home, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders.I paid no mind to the shifting power dynamics of their world; I was completely focused on buying property in Paris and setting up my music studio.After a month of handling asset transfers and paperwork, my family and I boarded a private jet to Paris.On the plane, my parents couldn't hide their relief. From now on, they could enjoy a peaceful life, far from the blood and betrayal.And I was determined to be their rock as they started over.For a solid week, Rhys's men tried to contact me through various channels.First came a blood-red envelope from a family messenger, which I returned unopened.Then came messages through intermediaries, which I politely declined.Finally, even old friends of the Griffin family were enlisted to act as go-betweens.I refused to see any of them.Rhys has sent you a friend request.Message: Where are you?Message: I heard you left New

Chapter 9

Maybe it was retirement, or maybe the Parisian air simply agreed with them.My parents were looking much better.If it weren't for having to return to New York to handle the transfer of some old properties, they wouldn't have wanted to leave Paris at all."I'll go back and handle it myself," I said, looking at the legal documents in my hand. "I can manage."My parents exchanged a look. "No, we're not comfortable with that. Besides, the Griffin family invited us for Christmas. It'll be nice to have more people around. We'll all go back together."It had been almost half a year since I'd last seen Rhys.I used to think I could never live without him."Maeve?! Oh my God, is that really you?"The moment I stepped into the Griffin estate's grand hall, Rhys's mother was as warm as ever, grabbing my hand as soon as I entered. "It's been so long, I've missed you to death, sweetheart!""Donna." I greeted her with a polite nod."You've gotten even more beautiful!" She held on to my hand, unwilli

Chapter 10

"No! You're lying!"Rhys shot up from the floor, his face ashen."You don't have a boyfriend!" His voice trembled. "You're just trying to get revenge on me!"I looked at him calmly. "Why would I lie?""Because you love me!" Rhys practically roared. "You couldn't have forgotten everything between us this quickly!""Who is this so-called boyfriend? I want to meet him!"My father could no longer contain himself and stood up abruptly. "That's enough, Rhys!""Sterling is the heir to the Blackwood family, and a true gentleman. He's also shown great respect for our family. Although Maeve has only just accepted his courtship, we all approve of his character and standing."Rhys was stunned. "The Blackwood family...""Yes, the very same Blackwood family that has built a formidable empire in the legitimate business world," my father continued. "Mr. Sterling shows Maeve a level of care and respect you will clearly never understand.""Papa, don't," I said, gently touching my father's arm. "There's

SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP