Chapter 2
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Ellie, unable to bear the intensity of Alex’s stare, lowered her head. Tm sorry, but I need to get back to work, she said softly. With a sharp movement, Alex tossed the phone aside and left, the door slamming in his wake.
In the aftermath of Alex’s exit, Ellie rushed to the changing room, seeking solace in privacy. She couldn’t believe that after three years apart, he had come to her, asking for help in pursuing her best friend. Her heart felt shattered, more so than the screen of her broken phone.
However, his anger was the least of her concerns–Haley Owens was her brother Aaron’s girlfriend. They were in love, even planning to move forward. Alex’s request was a betrayal she couldn’t fathom.
At 5:30 PM. Ellie clocked out, ready to head home. As she walked to her car, she spotted Alex leaning against his sleek silver sports car in the temporary parking area outside the hospital. He looked sharp, his dirty blonde hair glinting in the sunlight.
Feeling a bit self–conscious in her faded jeans, Ellie quickened her pace.
But Alex’s voice called out, “Don’t you see me?”
Before she could respond, he playfully ushered her into the car.
During the drive, he bombarded her with questions about Haley. The two families had been close for years, and Alex knew Haley well. It was strange–he used to barely acknowledge her, but now he seemed genuinely interested. What had changed?
When they arrived, Ellie snapped back to reality as Alex opened the passenger door.
He finally noticed her red, puffy eyes. “What happened? Your eyes look rough. If someone’s bothering you, just let me know. Ellie felt flustered and quickly brushed off his concern, pushing his hand away. “It’s nothing, really. Just some work stress.” Alex playfully poked her forehead. “I told you med school would be tough! You should’ve listened to me
! You show
His poke was a bit too firm, and Ellie instinctively tilted her head away, trying to shake off the moment.
Alex looked at Ellie, shaking his head with a mix of amusement and frustration. “Just look at you,” he said, a smirk on his face. “Let’s go grab some food. He turned and headed toward a nearby restaurant without waiting for her response.
Ellie hesitated, her feet firmly planted. “I’m on a diet, so I don’t eat at night,” she murmured, barely audible.
Her mom had always warned her that accepting favors could make you feel indebted. Even though she hadn’t chosen to join the Warren family, she was determined not to be a burden.
Alex had waited for her after her shift and driven her out here, but it was clear he had one goal: he wanted her help to win over Haley,
Ellie had secretly liked Alex for seven years, a quiet crush she never intended to reveal. If she did, it would turn her private story into a messy drama. Ironically, the girl Alex was after was her brother Aaron’s girlfriend.
Just kee
arm.
me company while I eat, and afterward, I’ll take you out for some fun, Alex said, reaching out to gently tug at her
Ellie deftly stepped back. I really should head home. I have work early tomorrow.”
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Fri, Jan 24
Chapter 2
That wasn’t just an excuse. Professor Bell hall a big surgery scheduled for the morning, and as his assistant, Ellie needed to be well–rested and ready. Plus, she knew Alex’s invitation was really about impressing Haley.
After being turned down twice, Alex’s expression darkened. He pressed his lips together and fixed Ellie with a piercing stare.
The July heat was stifling, making the air feel thick and heavy, Lillie couldn’t meet Alex’s intense gaze, feeling the weight of his attention pressing down on her.
A low rumble of thunder echoed as Alex glanced up at the sky. Let’s go. We can talk at home,” he said, his impatience. evident as he walked toward the sleek silver sports car parked nearby.
Ellie stood her ground, watching him leave. Taking a deep breath, she called out, “I rented a place outside, so I won’t be bothering anyone by coming back.”
When Alex stopped in his tracks, Ellie felt a knot tighten in her stomach. Even though the Warren family treated her like one of their own, she knew she didn’t truly belong.
Her real home was in the poor village, with a father who couldn’t walk, a mother who couldn’t read, and a brother wearing hand–me–downs from Orion, the eldest Warren, Alex’s brother.
Ever since she secretly applied to an out–of–town college and left the Warren family, she had no intention of going back. And when he mentioned talking at home, she knew it was about Haley.
Alex’s expression darkened as he narrowed his eyes and approached her slowly. Ellie instinctively clenched her hands, feeling the tension in the air.
“Where is your place? Show me,” he said, his voice firm.
Ellie looked down, trying to keep her composure. “No need,” she replied quietly.
In an instant, Alex grasped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. The distance in her tone was unmistakable, making him uneasy and igniting a desire to confront her. “You’ve got some nerve, not coming home?” he said, a hint of anger in his voice
Ellie’s lashes fluttered as she stammered, “It’s not… not proper.
“Ha, Alex scoffed, a smirk forming. “Hiding a guy, are we?”
Ellie shook her head quickly. “No, I’m not hiding anyone. It’s just closer to the hospital, that’s all.”
As he released her chin, Ellie rubbed the sore spot with her hand. They stood face to face on the sidewalk, Ellie looking down like a kid caught doing something wrong.
Alex’s frustration was clear. “Cancel the lease and come back home, or I swear I’ll make you regret it.”
Ellie simply forced a bitter smile, choosing silence over a response.
Alex was furning, his chest visibly rising and falling. “Just tell me straight up, why won’t you back me up with Haley?” he challenged.
Ellie hesitated, her lip caught between her teeth. “You’ve got the right to chase whoever you want,” she finally said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. She just couldn’t be the one to mess with Aaron and Haley’s relationship.
“Can’t lend a hand at all?” Alex pressed, not ready to let it drop.
Im out, Ellie replied, her tone leaving no room for negotiation
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Fri, Jan 24
Chapter 2
“Care to explain why?” Alex’s question was sharp, demanding an answer.
“Not really,” Ellie said, her gaze fixed on the ground.
With a sudden, angry flick, Alex sent a small red box flying into a trash can by the roadside. The sound of it hitting the bottom was a loud, echoing statement.
Ellie stood there, rooted, as Alex walked away. The box, which he’d tried to give her earlier, was now just another piece of trash. She hadn’t accepted it, knowing it was a bribe to get her on board with his pursuit of Haley. His quick disposal of it w
a shock
The summer rain started to pour, big, heavy drops soaking Ellie as she stood there, lost in thought. The rain felt cold again her skin, a physical echo of the unexpected hurt she was feeling inside.
Ellie looked around and spotted Aaron’s law office just a short distance away. Gritting her teeth, she dashed through the pouring rain toward it.
As she took shelter under the awning of a nearby shop, she saw Aaron stepping out of the office. She was about to call out to him when she noticed Haley’s white Mercedes parked nearby. Hesitating, she decided not to interrupt them.
The rain kept coming down harder, and Ellie moved further under the awning to stay dry. Suddenly, she felt a solid chest bump against her back. Startled, she instinctively stepped forward to create some distance.
“Alex?” she said, turning around to see him standing there. Relief washed over her, but it quickly turned into anxiety.
Alex stood under the awning while Ellie remained out in the rain, just a step apart. Following his gaze, she saw her brother getting into the car with Haley.
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