2026-01-20 23:30:12
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chapter 27:
Drake looked at her. She was hugging her arms around herself, her body shaking in silent tremors. For some reason, his heart twisted at her fragile state. “Every family has rough sides. It's part of life's experiences,”“You don't understand,” This time, there were tears in her eyes. “My mum will make you a target. And who knows what Kelvin might do? I'm…I'm just— I hate it. I hate myself for putting you at a disadvantage every single time,”“It's fine, Aria. I can take care of myself,” Drake found himself consoling her.She stood up and walked closer, her words spilling out in a rush. “No. You shouldn’t have to deal with this because of me. I’ll talk to my mum. I’ll give her enough reasons to—”She couldn't continue. Her voice failed her.She stopped right in front of him. So close that their chest were almost touching. Drake felt her tremble against him. She hugged her body tighter as if trying to disappear from him. “I'd understand if you want to take a step back from my life and—”
Chapter 26:
Kelvin frowned at her. “I don't understand why you're doing this. I'm helping you. I honestly want the best for you, so why're you still taking this loser's side? Can't you see he has nothing to offer?” His voice was sharp, uneasy, as if trying to understand why she was defying him.“He's not a loser. He's my boyfriend,” Aria said firmly, turning to exchange looks with Drake.The room went rigid, like there was some invisible force sucking the air out of everybody's lungs. Mrs Shane jerked forward, shock written on every line of her face. Aria's aunt gasped, her eyes widening. Kelvin flinched like he had been slapped.What the hell?!“Y…your what?!” Mrs Shane spluttered, unable to find her voice. “Yes, Drake and I are in a relationship and we're getting married,” Aria maintained her tone. “And that's why you should quit whatever plans or matchmaking or suitors you have in mind. I'm not interested,”“You can't be serious!” Kelvin's anger flared. “I'm…I'm willing to offer you the world
Chapter 25:
“Mum? What're you doing here?” Aria frowned. “And how did you get into my house? I don't remember giving you the key,”“The damn door was unlocked,” Her mother snorted. “Don't try to skip my question. I asked what was going on here? And who's this guy?” She questioned, her eyes taking in Drake from head to toe.Aria brushed a hand through her hair. “Mum, this—”“Meet us in the living room. I can't stand this,” She cut her off and walked away, Aria's aunt and Kelvin following closely behind.Aria turned to him, water dripping from her hair. The air was awkward, but she forced the words out of her mouth. “I…I have some spare clothes you can use and a towel to dry yourself,’ She paused. “Sorry about this, and—”“It's fine,” Drake nodded. “Let's go,”In the living room, the air was tensed. Mrs Shane, Aria's mother sat on the sofa with a straightened back. The perfectly tailored suit she wore did nothing to soften the rigid posture she held, arms crossed tightly as her lips pressed tight.
Chapter 24: Close Moments.
Drake had never been good at waiting. It had been up to ten minutes he'd been sitting inside his car, one of his arms resting above his head and his fingers tapping slowly against the steering wheel. After a minute of waiting, he glanced at his watch. “What is she still doing? She should be here by now.” He cussed under his breath and honked his car. The sound was too loud even to his own hearing.Drake rubbed his temple with his middle finger and told himself she might be fixing her makeup or maybe calming her nerves as family dinners were rarely easy. But the longer he waited, the more restless he became. After no sign of Aria coming down, Drake got out of his car at once, entered the small gate of Aria’s apartment and climbed up the stairs with quick strides. He opened the door and called her name but there was no response. “She shouldn't keep me waiting like this.” He cursed under his breath and walked in further into her apartment. He pushed a door open and the sight inside
Chapter 23: Play Pretend.
Drake's screen buzzed as it lit up –Incoming transfer from Silas.A text message popped up: Young master, the transaction has gone through. Leo Conner has completed the payment for the penthouse. 150 Million Dollars. Please confirm payment.Another text message followed: I looked into the source of the funds. Leo borrowed the money from a loan shark. His total outstanding debt is now as high as $300 million, and the repayment deadline is within one month.Drake chuckled coldly. That loser, he had fallen for the trap just as he had predicted —Drained everything he owned and gone bankrupt, all to pretend he was successful and still maintain his lie of owning the apartment.Desperate to keep a perfect facade before Lydia, he didn't mind shooting himself in the leg. Pathetic.He snorted. Truly, a Leopard truly doesn't change its spot. Once Leo failed to pay up this time, then it was over. His life would be screwed. The truth would finally come out and Lydia would see her new toy for the s
Chapter 22: No Going Back.
An hour later, Leo arrived at the apartment manager’s office, a modestly furnished space at the ground floor of the building. He knocked once before pushing the door open.“Mr. Leo,” the apartment manager greeted. “You’re right on time.” He gestured towards a sofa. “Please, have a seat. The paperwork is in front of you. Take a look,”Leo nodded curtly and picked up the document, his eyes reviewing every term. When he was done, he reached for the pen beside him, paused for a brief second, before signing his name at the bottom of the pages. “I just signed,” He announced.Thomas looked up with a pleasing nod. “Good. Now, you can go ahead and transfer the money to the owner's account. Once the payment is confirmed, we will give you access and ownership rights to the apartment,” “Where do I transfer to?”Thomas pushed the tablet in his hands to him, but when Leo's eyes caught the holder's account name, he stilled. Drake Harrison?He knew only one person with that name.A frown creased hi
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