Chapter 517
Thank you, Mark. I look forward to working with you, Ellie said, raising her juice glass to clink with his.
Mark added, “Diana is over there too, it’s good that you’ll have her looking after you.
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Hearing that Diana was in Ameria, Ellie couldn’t help but feel curious. “Mark, is Diana going to stay in Ameria for a long time?
Mark sighed. “I’m not really sure about her plans, you can ask her when you see her”
“Mark, Ellie, so you two are here, Lacey called out cheerfully as she skipped over and plopped down next to Ellie.
Mark ondered a glass of juice for Lacey, who batted her eyelashes at him while smiling. Mark raised an eyebrow. “What’s on your mind?
Lacey replied shyly, “How about a bet, Mark?”
Mark looked at her with a smile but said nothing. Ellie watched Lacey curiously. Lacey was known for pestering Layton for bets. Lacey, famous among her friends for her wealth, was more of a collector, gaining mostly through gambling.
Among those Ellie knew–except for Alex–no one had ever won a bet against her. Layton had been one of her biggest victims, and now Mark seemed to be next.
Lacey said, “Mark, in a few days, there’s an auction. The ‘Crown of Wings‘ is said to be worth a fortune and is one–of–a–kind. If you win, I’ll buy it for you. If I win, you’ll buy it for me. What do you say?”
Lacey’s eyes lit up with excitement as she mentioned the item. Ellie tugged on Lacey’s sleeve and whispered, “Aren’t you worried about losing with such a high stake?”
Lacey gave Ellie a smug look and whispered back, “Mark is inexperienced; I won’t lose to him. Don’t worry.”
“You two keep going; I have some things to take care of, so I’ll head out,” Ellie said, sensing it was best to leave. Upon returning home, Ellie packed her bags for her trip abroad.
“Don’t worry, only we know about your pregnancy. We will keep it a secret. If it becomes too much for you, I will help take care of the baby, Whitney said while helping Ellie, her eyes filled with compassion and concern.
Whitney continued, “Alex no longer remembers you; he will never know about this child’s existence. Quinlee’s body is still missing, as long as you remain quiet, no one will ever know Alex is the father.
“Try to stay positive; everything will settle eventually.”
“Thank you, Whitney,” Ellie replied gratefully, her eyes misty. “I’m going downstairs to see my Mom.”
That night, Ellie stayed in Joanna’s room and did not come out. She spent hours talking with Joanna and eventually fell asleep in her embrace.
On the day Ellie was set to leave, Nalani and Layton came to see her off at the Thompson residence. Nalani cautiously asked, “Ellie, aren’t you going to say goodbye to him at least?”
Ellie stood at the door, looking at the garden. After a moment of silence, she shook her head. Layton asked, “Nancy has fallen ill; do you want to visit her?”
Ellie shook her head again, confident that Jason would take good care of Alex’s parents. Aaron took Ellie to Jaslands International Airport. “Call me when you land and let me know you’re safe,” he requested, and Ellie nodded.
“And once you see Diana, make sure to call me too,” he reminded, and Ellie nodded again.
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Chapter 517
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“If it becomes too much, come back. I’ll help you with costs,” Aaron added, tears welling up in Ellie’s eyes as she nodded once
more.
“Aaron, I have to check in now; you should head back,” Ellie urged, afraid of breaking down. She turned quickly, knowing that true farewells are often the quietest.
On such a normal evening, some remain lost in yesterday, while others bravely move toward tomorrow. Despite the growing distance from Alex, the kindness he once showed her was still a reality, as were the hurts and regrets.
She had truly felt happiness, yet also regret, If she had a chance to turn back time, they should never meet again. Because she no longer had the strength to face such an ending once more.
Five years had passed.
AD
