The Christmas Contract のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 121 - チャプター 130

The movers were sweating, they've been moving boxes for a little over twenty minutes now. One of them nearly tilted a box too sharply and Melody’s voice cut across the half-empty café before she could stop herself.“Careful! Please, those boxes have fragile glasses. They’re imported. If one of them breaks, I will actually cry.”The man steadied the carton immediately and nodded. “We got you, ma’am.”She exhaled and brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face. The space still smelled faintly of old varnish and dust, the previous tenant had run a small print shop here, and the ghost of ink seemed to cling stubbornly to the walls.“Counter side,” she directed, pointing toward the far wall. “Not too close to the window. I want room for display shelves there.”Outside, the rumble of the moving truck idled low. Through the open door she could see James speaking to the driver, his posture relaxed, one hand in his pocket, the other gesturing casually. She couldn’t hear what they were sa

Half-packed boxes were scattered everywhere, some neatly sealed, others open with clothes spilling out of them. Melody sat on the bed, cross-legged, scrolling absentmindedly through her phone. A pile of folded jeans rested beside her. She had been trying to focus, but her mind kept drifting.They were moving next week, and she was checking some home decor and DIY decorations online. She's seen so many nice things and now she could barely make a choice.It felt strange. This house had held too many memories, good ones, painful ones, confusing ones. She hasn't been here for long, but this house saw her grow from the woman she was when she came to New York, to the woman she is now.Tara appeared at the doorway. She was holding something carefully with both hands. It was a china plate. She didn’t step in, she just stood by the door.“Hey,” she said softly. “Do you remember this plate?” She raised it up for Melody to have a better look.Melody glanced up lazily, then her eyes widened. “Is

The first thing Melody heard was footsteps, and her eyes fluttered open slowly. For a moment, she was trying to make sense of where she was. Looking at the unfamiliar high ceiling and the luxurious lights in the room, she turned and realization hit her.Logan was right beside her, sleeping peacefully, with one hand stretched over his head. She shifted slightly under the grey sheets.Memories from last night came flooding back, she and Logan having sex like they've been sex starved for years. He fucked her everywhere in this room and the flower vase on the floor was evidence.Last night she wasn't thinking, but this morning she hated herself. She hated that she allowed herself to be used again by Logan. Yes, he was mourning the death of his father, but her pussy was no consolation.She closed her eyes tightly, they had just crossed a line. She pressed her fingers against her forehead. “I need to get the fuck out of here.” She whispered to herself.She slowly lifted the sheets and slipp

Melody didn’t realize how tightly she’d been gripping the steering wheel until she pulled into the narrow lot beside the café. The first thing she noticed was the empty wall beside the entrance. The electrical box the artisans were supposed to have mounted yesterday still wasn’t there. Wires hung loose where something should have been installed. She frowned, they’d promised to finish this week. Their company business wasn't here either, that means they're running late. Parked across the lot was a white Range Rover Sport. James was here.Her stomach tightened again, but for a different reason this time. He was inside.She straightened her blouse, adjusted her bag on her shoulder, and walked toward the door. The bell above it chimed when she pushed it open, and the scent of fresh paint wrapped around her instantly. The place still felt unfinished, but at least they were making progress.He was seated near the front window, long legs stretched out, a magazine open in his hands like he h

Logan’s hand froze halfway to his lips. For a moment he thought he was imagining it. What was she doing here? Hanni stepped out of the SUV slowly, smoothing the fabric of the black dress she was wearing. The gown hugged her body in a way that was both elegant and understated, the square neckline framing her collarbone while the soft fabric fell in graceful lines down to her ankles. Her hair was pulled back neatly, and the absence of bright makeup made her look angelic.Yet even in mourning black, she looked breathtaking. Logan hated that he noticed.He dragged deeply on his cigarette, the smoke filling his lungs as his eyes followed her movements.She closed the car door and looked toward the house, then she saw him. For a second, something flickered across her face, maybe guilt, as she walked towards him.When she finally stopped in front of him, the distance between them was barely a few feet. “Hey,” she said softly.Logan exhaled a slow stream of smoke before answering. “Hey.”The