Chapter 630
Alex’s words hung in the air, thick with unspoken tension. Ellie quickly averted her gaze and pulled her hand free from his grasp. If the kiss earlier had been just for show, as Alex claimed, then his actions now were a clear attempt.
I’m not a naive teenager anymore. I know exactly what Alex is after, Ellie thought. She reached for the serving forks and placed a piece of pastry on Alex’s plate, trying to steer the conversation in a safer direction. “Try this, Mr. Warren,” she said.
Alex, ever composed, set down his wine glass and leaned back in his chair, Even as he took a sip, his eyes never left Ellie. The intensity in his gaze was unmistakable, his intentions laid bare without the need for words.
The table fell into an awkward silence, the air between them heavy with unspoken tension. Ellie kept her head down, pretending to focus on her food, but her mind was in turmoil. I just need to get through this dinner and leave, she thought.
“Having dinner with me is that unbearable, huh?” Alex’s voice cut through the silence, sharp and unexpected,
Ellie looked up, her eyes meeting his. “No, of course not. It’s an honor to dine with you, Mr. Warren,” she replied, forcing a smile. She quickly returned to her meal, using it as a shield to hide her discomfort.
“Really?” Alex set his glass down with a soft clink, his tone challenging.
“Of course,” Ellie said, her smile strained.
“Then give me your hand,” Alex demanded. When Ellie hesitated, he stood up, prompting her to reluctantly extend her hand. He sat back down and pulled out the red cord bracelet adorned with the olive–shaped diamond, sliding it onto her wrist.
Ellie’s breath hitched as the bracelet triggered a flood of memories. She tried to pull her hand back, but Alex held it firmly.
“It’s just a cord. Not worth much,” Alex said casually, though his eyes were locked on hers, watching her reaction.
“I can’t accept this. Even if it’s not expensive, it’s still too much,” Ellie protested, trying to remove the bracelet. But Alex stopped her, his grip unyielding.
“It’s said to ward off bad luck,” Alex said, his voice low and deliberate.
Ellie’s expression froze. “The red cord… for protection… she thought, her mind flashing back to the past.
“Wearing this for protection? You’d be better off asking me to protect you,” a voice from her memories echoed.
“Hold these flowers properly. If even one is missing, you’ll hear from me!”
“Here, all accounted for.”
She forced herself to stay calm, removing the bracelet and placing it on the table. “Thank you for the gesture, Mr. Warren, but I really can’t accept this,” she said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her.
Alex’s expression darkened as Ellie rejected the gift again. She kept her eyes down, focusing on her plate, while Alex sat across from her, his piercing gaze never wavering. The tension between them was palpable.
“I thought you were different from other women, Ellie,” Alex said, his tone tinged with disappointment.
Ellie stood up, grabbing her bag. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Warren. I’m feeling tired, so I’ll take my leave now,” she said, her voice firm. She walked out of the restaurant without looking back, her steps quick and purposeful.
