The Loveless Marraige Contract

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ry class. The professor was talking about ancient civilizations, but Serena couldn't help but steal glan

tried to concentrate on the lec

o leave. Serena and her friends stood up, stretching their limbs after being seated for what felt l

ectly into place, and his mischievous smile was enough to make any girl weak in the knees. Serena couldn't help but feel a jolt of nervous e

a smirk, he walked over, completely disregarding Louella and Rowan. "

eir eyebrows raised in mischief. Louella nudge

ry moment. Jason motioned for her to follow him, and she c

corridor within the school. Jason leaned casually agai

rawing out her name teas

ix of embarrassment and excitement. "May

as if sharing a secret. "So, d'you thi

y from a challenge, especially not with someone like Jason

led out a deck of playing cards from his pocket. "Ho

s his way of getting to know her better. She nod

or, engrossed in their impromptu game. Serena's laughter echoed throu

been quietly watching from a distance, thei

SION - LIVING

iefcase at the entrance. He sighs heavily, feeling

the kitchen with a glass of whiskey in his hand. He notices C

ugh day at the

ollapsing onto it with a groan. He

thinking about the marriage contract l

ouch next to Chester, his

about this, why would your dad want to force

is forehead in

ill attract more customers and publicity, but

t on the coffee table, and turns to Chester,

rbucks, the man behind its success. And as your best friend, I believe in y

aze, his eyes filled with

lingly enter into a contract that will dictate my personal life? It feels li

a way to make this work. Together. Remember, contracts can be negotiated, and you

on his chest seeming a little lighter. He reaches f

I'd do without you. Your unwaverin

s with Chester's, offer

ome fun in the cl

h, ain't

said as he dragged Chester

S ROOM

ing her worries from the day melt away. Tonight, she's decided to treat herself to a much

INUM

ncer grants her entry with a nod, and Serena steps inside, eyes widening at the lights and energetic beats.

tapping her foot to the infectious rhythm of the music. Lost in the moment,

ere. masked figures burst into the club, releasing gunfire, commanding every

te. She spots a dimly lit hallway, Gathering her courage, she rises f

a loose floorboard, and her body falls forward. She braces for a painful impact with