Chapter 31
Alex had come in angry, only to find out that Haley had returned the necklace to him.
“She gave it back to you. Why don’t you ask her? Why are you asking me?” Ellie said, looking up at him.
Alex’s grip on Ellie’s chin tightened. “You were crying about how the bracelet I gave you was just a freebie, right? You’re just trying to get this necklace. If you wanted it, just tell me instead of complaining to Haley! He suddenly let go of Ellie.
Losing her balance, Ellie stumbled back until she hit the counter. Her eyes turned red, but she stubbornly held back her tears–she couldn’t shoot back because she was so poor.
“Whether it’s a freebie or not, I don’t want it. I didn’t say anything to Haley–you can believe it or not, it’s up to you,” she said, struggling to meet his gaze.
Alex walked over, his eyes falling on the soggy bowl of noodles. He picked it up casually. “So you don’t want the ring? Are you upset about how I treated Aaron last night?”
Ellie’s heart felt bitter. Last night had been tough, and of course she was upset. But to Alex, her feelings didn’t matter.
“Don’t think that just because you and your brother went to school and met a few rich people, you can change your social status,” Alex said.
“Even if you work your whole lives, you’re only fit to eat junk like this and buy the cheapest trinket rings. Don’t ever dream. of things that are out of your reach,” he continued and dropped the bowl into the trash with a clatter,
ou one last chance. Are you going to come home with me, or do you want to
As he was leaving, Alex said, “Ellie, I’m giving you live in poverty with Aaron!”
Without hesitation Ellie replied, “No matter how poor he is, he’s still my brother”
“Fine, if you want to mess up your life, go ahead! But stay where you belong and don’t come around to gross me out,” Alex said, slamming the door behind him.
Ellie felt as if all her energy had been drained, her body slowly sliding down the counter. Tears poured out freely, and her cries filled the air. At that moment, she felt thankful for Alex’s harshness, as it pushed her heart farther away from him.
Standing at the door, Alex listened to Ellie’s uncontrollable sobs his eyes reddening. He clenched his teeth and muttered, “Ellie, if you just come after me. I’ll forgive you”
He stood there for a long time, waiting until her sobbing stopped, but she never came out to apologize. Turning on his heel, he left without looking back.
As dusk settled, Ellie headed to the bar where she worked part–time.
Whitney noticed Ellie looked a bit off. “Hey, if you’re feeling under the weather, you can take the night off, she offered.
Ellie quickly shook it off, not wanting to miss out on the evening’s earnings. “I’m good, Whitney. I can handle it,” she assured. Whitney didn’t push it. “Alright, the makeup artist is here. Get yourself ready in the back,” she said.
Meanwhile, at the Earl Hotel, Layton was trying to convince Alex to go put “There’s a new singer at the Encounter Bar in Old Alley. She’s supposed to be really hot. Let’s check it out,” he suggested,
Sat, Jan 25
