Chapter 56
ANG
Ellie forcefully pulled her arm away from Alex’s grip. “I can’t do!” She met his gaze, summoning every bit of courage she had, refusing to back down.
+5
They stared at each other for a moment until Alex nonchalantly pulled out his phone and opened a video from the hospital. “You promised me you’d let me go with you to get a tattoo if I deleted the video!” Ellie exclaimed in disbelief.
Alex shot her a sidelong glance, smirking. “Ellie, you don’t have the right to negotiate with me!”
Ignoring the furious color draining from her face, he continued I know that Haley dumped Aaron for me, and it stings.”
He leaned in closer. “Just agree to help me this time, and I’ll delete the video!”
Ellie furrowed her brow, her eyes fixed on th
video playing on his screen.
Seeing her hesitation, Alex raised a finger to the sky. “If I’m lying, may I be struck down by lightning!”
Ellie’s mind raced. If that video remained in Alex’s hands, who knew what he might do with it? Reluctantly, she finally conceded, “I can help you get her to meet up, but I won’t apologize!”
If bowing her head meant regaining some peace in her life, she was willing to do it.
“Tomorrow at 4 PM, there’s a movie Haley wants to see. I’ll buy the tickets, and you can invite her,” Alex said, a grin finally spreading across his face.
Seeing his smile, Ellie nodded. She declined his offer to drive her, hailing a cab to head back
to
her apartment.
To make her life better, she first needed to distance herself from the wrong person. She would take it one step at a time, slowly pulling away from this man named Alex.
The next afternoon, Ellie took a rare half–day off. Every time she met with Alex, something bad seemed to happen. Before heading out, she pulled a red string bracelet from her drawer and slipped it on, believing it could ward off misfortune.
Arriving early at the movie theater, she held the tickets Alex had given her and waited for Haley.
“Ellie!” Haley arrived quickly, looking both excited and awkward
“Haley, I don’t get it. Why do you want to reconcile with me? You have so many friends; you don’t need me,” Ellie finally blurted out, voicing the question that had been stuck in her throat.
Haley’s eyes darted around nervously before she finally said, “Ellie, you’re different from my other friends. You grew up in the Warren family. Alex’s parents spoiled you like their own daughter, and Alex treats you like his little sister. Not to mention how much Carlos dotes on you.”
Seeing Ellie’s brow furrow deeper, Haley continued directly, “Alex’s parents have already been to my house. Alex and I are headed toward marriage, and you’re his sister. I don’t want us to have a falling out!”
So that’s why!
“It’s time. Let’s go inside,” Ellie replied coolly, turning toward the entrance.
No wonder Haley could so decisively ditch Aaron but still wanted to be friends! She was worried about her connection to the
12:20 Mon, Jan 27
Chapter 56
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Warren family! A bitter grin tugged at Ellie’s lips; the irony was lost on her.
Since it wasn’t the weekend and the workday hadn’t ended, there weren’t many people in the theater yet. As Ellie watched Alex walk toward her, holding a bouquet of roses, she stepped agile, fully aware they weren’t for her.
