All Chapters of Bride by Debt: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Ella POV I held my brother’s hand, his eyes still heavy with sleep as we slipped through the bush behind the house. Every step was calculated, ducking beneath low branches, pressing our feet softly into the ground to swallow any sound that might blow our cover. My father’s guards rotated every twenty minutes. I had spent enough sleepless nights memorizing their patterns to know exactly when the guard passes. “Ella, where are we going?” Aaron breathed, his small fingers tightening around mine. “Somewhere better than here.” “What about Dad?” His brow creased with worry. “You know how he gets when he comes to us leaving the house.” Somewhere behind us a guard’s radio crackled. We froze. The sound faded and I exhaled quietly, loosening the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “Nothing is going to happen.” I whispered, then softened my voice. “Besides, you’ve always wanted to go to the park. Congratulations you just ruined my surprise.” His eyes sparkled. “We’re goin

Luciano POVWater dripped down my face as I stared at the debtor’s daughter, her chest heaving, as she stared at me with fury. I smiled.“I suppose your father has done his part.” I said coolly, almost to myself. “Taking over from here won’t be so bad.”She stared at me, unsure of what she heard.“Are you not normal? Is something wrong with you?” Her voice rose, disbelief and fury fighting each other on her face.“Well.” I reached into my breast pocket and retrieved my handkerchief, pressing it slowly against my jaw. “I suppose we’ve met earlier than intended. No formal introduction necessary.”“Why didn’t you ask for my opinion before making an insane request like that?” She stepped forward, the disgust on her face completely unfiltered. “Who the hell do you think you are?”My guards moved between us instantly.My smile grew.“Ask your father.” I said simply, turning toward the door.I heard her breath catch behind me, whether from anger or disbelief I didn’t particularly care.

Ella POV The words landed somewhere in my chest but I kept my face still. “So? why are you telling me? It’s your loan not mine. Fix your own mess.” I said flatly. “Fine.” He shrugged. “Then I’ll decline their offer and use your brother as collateral instead.” My stomach turned. Mom’s letter flashed through my mind. “Give me till morning.” My voice came out quieter, carefully constructed. “Let me think about it.” “That’s my girl.” The excitement in his voice was immediate and noticeable. “Get some rest, I am expecting your decision in the morning.” I turned toward my room. His door clicked shut behind me. I stopped. Waiting for any sound from behind. When I heard none, I turned back around and walked straight to the study. The room greeted me with darkness and dead air. I slipped my phone out of my pocket and switched on the flashlight, sweeping it slowly across the room until the bookshelf came into view. I crossed the room carefully, counting my steps, making sure the

Luciano POV “Are you that scared?” He studied me for a moment. “Don’t worry, you are the only one they have left. I will say nothing for now. But I will be watching.” He patted my shoulder and turned toward his car, pausing briefly without looking back. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. It was your fault, so it’s only natural to bear the consequences of your actions.” I watched him leave the compound without a word. Then turned and fixed a sharp gaze toward the entrance. Luca. Still half hidden behind the doorframe, doing a very poor job of pretending he wasn’t there. The moment I started walking toward him, he bolted. “You don’t have to run. I can see you.” I called after him, my voice carrying a hint of irritation. “What are you doing out here?” He slowed to a reluctant stop and turned around, shoulders already caving slightly. “I wanted to talk to you.” He said carefully. “But you were talking to that creepy man who was playing with Lovie. So I decided to wait.” “Y

Luca POV I stared at my Dad waiting for an answer. During his conversation with the strange man outside I hadn’t been able to make out everything they were saying. Some of the words were far too low. But I was certain I heard the man mention mom. And another woman. And I wanted to be sure. But the look on my father’s face when I asked made me regret it immediately. “You don’t have to answer.” I turned back to the window. “My ears were probably just playing tricks on me. Forget I said anything.” The moment the words left my mouth the tension in the air shifted. I let out a slow breath I hadn’t realized I had been holding. “The woman who came today.” I said after a moment, keeping my voice even, hiding the curiosity I didn’t want him to see. “How long are they be staying?” “A few months most likely. Do well to get along with her and her brother.” “I don’t want to.” I said finally. “Getting along with someone who is just going to leave anyway is like reading a book you alr