{"id":481,"date":"2026-01-21T15:33:52","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T15:33:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/?p=481"},"modified":"2026-01-21T15:33:52","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T15:33:52","slug":"paper-vows-novel-chapter-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/paper-vows-novel-chapter-5\/","title":{"rendered":"PAPER VOWS Novel Chapter 5"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
PAPER VOWS<\/div>\n
CHAPTER 5 (SPONSORED BY Anonymous)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
A part of me is starting to warm up to Dante\u2019s proposal. It has been the only thing on my mind since I left his house. I am having a huge conflict with myself. Half of me is thinking about how this could be the best thing I ever do. The other half is thinking about how this could be the worst thing I do. Dante has already openly admitted that love is not his thing. I am a hopeless romantic. I want to be loved like I am in a romance movie.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
I am still where Dante left me \u2013 not in the exact spot, but I am on the couch, overthinking. It\u2019s not like I have anything to do anyway. Maybe I should take a walk and clear my head. Try not to think about the job I lost and Dante with his fine self and tempting proposal. I look for slip-ons, grab my phone and head out of the apartment.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cJade! Good morning!\u201d Mr Meyers greets me as I am locking the door.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cMr Meyers! How are you today?\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s really going on with you? Why are you really not at work?\u201d He is giving me that worried look. He knows something is up \u2013 I work Mondays to Saturdays, I never skip work. Not even when I am dying.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cI\u2026\u201d I try to think of a lie, but nothing comes to mind. \u201cI got fired.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cOh my God, what happened?\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cDo you remember my annoying boss?\u201d I used to vent to him about my job and bosses. To be honest, I vent to everyone, my sister, my parents, even Mr Meyer. \u201cHe tried to get me to sleep with him. I said no, he fired me.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cWhat? That\u2019s unfair dismissal. Can\u2019t you take him to court or something?\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
I shake my head. \u201cI cannot afford a lawyer at the moment. I guess I have to start looking for another job.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cI am very sorry to hear that. I hope something opens up for you. And that man, if I catch him, I will kick his ass. How dare he treat a lovely lady like you like that?\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
I smile, knowing very well that Mr Meyer would kick his ass for me. \u201cI am headed out for a walk to clear my head. I will see you around.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cDon\u2019t beat yourself up, Jade. You did a good thing by saying no – even if it cost you your job.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
I nod and walk away. If I am being honest, I wish I had said yes. It\u2019s hard being unemployed in this economy. Things are tough, and everything requires money. I know my sister and parents can step in and help, but I am used to doing things on my own.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cEllis!\u201d I exclaim when I find him parked in front of my apartment building. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
He gets out of the car and says, \u201cMr Lyon told me to wait here in case you need a ride somewhere.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cYou have been here all morning? Aren\u2019t you tired?\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cI am not tired. Do you want to go somewhere? I will drive you,\u201d he says, already opening the car door.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cI want to take a walk.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cI can walk with you, if you don\u2019t mind,\u201d he offers politely. \u201cIt\u2019s not like I am doing anything.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
I want to say no, but at the same time, I don\u2019t want to be rude. I tell him that he can walk with me. Elis is a coloured boy who is almost my height but bulkier. He looks like he is in his twenties. I will make sure to ask him his age as we walk. I wonder why Dante told Elis to wait outside my apartment. Should I ask him? As Elis locks up the car, I send Dante a text message asking why Elis is outside my apartment.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Elis and I walk for five minutes in silence. I expect him to say something since he offered to join me, but he is quiet. Dante hasn\u2019t replied to my message. I am sure he is busy with work. That reminds me, I have a date to prepare for tonight. What should I wear? Do I need to undo my braids? I have had them for four weeks. Usually, I go for six or seven weeks.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cHow long have you been working for Dante?\u201d I ask Elis, since he won\u2019t say anything.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cYesterday was my first day.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
That\u2019s weird, Anne said the same thing. She said it was her first day. \u201cWhat do you do for Dante?\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cI am afraid I cannot disclose that. You would have to ask Mr Lyon.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
What is really going on with these people? Even Anne wouldn\u2019t say anything. I ask Elis to give me a second to call Dante \u2013 I need a word with that man. Dante picks up his phone on the third ring.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Me: Dante!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Dante: Jake Marshall.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Me: What are you up to?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Dante: I don\u2019t understand your question.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Me: Can you talk? I have a few questions.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Dante: I am in the middle of something important, but I can answer a question or two.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Me: Why was Elis waiting for me outside my apartment?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Dante: I told him to wait there in case you need to go somewhere.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Me: I can drive myself. I have a car, even though it\u2019s still at your club, but I have a car.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Dante: Until then, Elis will drive you.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Me: I don\u2019t have anywhere to go. So Elis is going to spend the day in the car?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Dante: He gets paid to do that.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Me: Isn\u2019t he your driver? He is supposed to be driving you.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Dante: I don\u2019t need a driver – I can drive myself.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Me: This is pointless. Goodbye.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Dante: You sound stressed. Is losing your job stressing you?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Me: Wouldn\u2019t you also be stressed if you lost your job?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Dante: I can\u2019t lose my job, I own the businesses.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Me: Goodbye Dante.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Dante: Let me make your day. Give Elis the phone.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
I don\u2019t question him. I hand the phone over to Elis, who has been listening to me talk about him like he is not there. I watch curiously as Elis talks to Dante. All he is saying is \u2018Yes, sir.\u2019 \u201cYes, Mrs Lyon.\u2019 After what feels like five minutes, Elis hands me back my phone.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cWhat did he say?\u201d I ask him.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cI have to drive you somewhere. Orders from Mr Lyon.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
I try to ask him where, but he says he only got orders to drive me. Is this how things are going to be when Dante and I are official? Elis and I walk back to the car. I make sure to send Giselle a text message updating her about what is going on. Since Elis won\u2019t say anything to me, I sit back and enjoy the ride. An hour late, we reach our destination.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
I know this place, but why is Elis taking me to Ravi Hotel and Spar? Elis parks the car and comes to open the door for me, but I am already out by the time he gets close.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cPlease let me get the door next time,\u201d Elis says to me. I can open doors for myself, but I nod.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cWelcome, Miss Marshal,\u201d says a feminine voice behind me. I turn to look at who just greeted me. I am welcomed by four smiling faces \u2013 all females.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cHi,\u201d I say, then look at Elis. Maybe he can provide me with the answers I seek, starting with how this woman knows my name and why I am here.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
The woman says, \u201cMy name is Natasha. Mr Lyon told us to expect you. To my left is Zara, who will handle your hair; next to her is Alice, who will do your eyelashes. Then the last one is Abby, who will handle your nails. We all will make sure you have a lovely time at Ravi Spar.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d That\u2019s all I say. What else can I say? They already mentioned Dante, I assume this is his doing. I am escorted in, while Elis remains in the car. When inside, I am asked what I would like to drink. I am not sure what I want, so I tell Natasha to choose for me. She brings me a glass of their most expensive champagne \u2013 on the house.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
I sit down, and Abby does my eyelashes to the length that I want. From there, Natasha and Zara start undoing my braids while Abby gets started on my feet \u2013 I am going with baby pink colour. These people are being overly nice to me – I know it\u2019s all because of Dante and his deep pockets. When my hair is undone, Zara washes it and gives me a nice scalp massage. For my hair, I go for a hair treatment and to straighten it. I want to let it breathe a little bit.<\/div>\n
\u201cDo you have any specific design you want on your nails, Mis Marshal?\u201d Abby asks me.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cI don\u2019t have a design, but I trust you to do something cute,\u201d I answer with a smile.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cLet me refill your glass,\u201d Natasha takes my glass to refill it. Are these people trying to get me drunk? The champagne tastes amazing.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
When done with everything, I stand in front of the mirror looking at myself. I feel and look amazing. I look at the ladies and say, \u201cThank you so many ladies. You guys are amazing.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cThank you for gracing us with your presence. We hope to see you again.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cUhm, the bill?\u201d I don\u2019t even have my card. I am crossing my fingers that Dante is handling the bill.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cMr Lyon handled it,\u201d Natasha says, leading me to the car. I don\u2019t know if she is kissing my ass because of Dante or if she is a nice person but I think I like her. Elis opens the car door, and I get in and wave at the ladies as we drive away.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\u201cI feel refreshed, and I am ready to call it a day,\u201d I say to Elis.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
He answers, \u201cI still have to take you to get lunch and shopping in case you need something to wear tonight.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
I find myself smiling. A point for Dante for cheering me up.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

PAPER VOWS CHAPTER 5 (SPONSORED BY Anonymous) A part of me is starting to warm up to Dante\u2019s proposal. It […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-481","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-paper-vows-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/481","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=481"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/481\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":491,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/481\/revisions\/491"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=481"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}