Chapter 631
‘I thought I could handle this. I thought I could face him calmly after all this time. But that red cord… it brought everything back, Ellie thought, her chest tightening as she stood by the roadside, trying to hail a cab.
Ellie stood by the roadside, waving her hand to try and catch a cab. Suddenly, Alex rushed out from behind her, grabbing her arm to stop her. They both stepped onto the sidewalk, their eyes locking in an intense gaze.
“Did I do something to upset you?” he asked, his voice low but edged with frustration.
In the store, when he had suddenly kissed her, she hadn’t been angry at all. But just now, when he simply gave her a small gift, she suddenly turned cold and walked away. Alex was completely bewildered by Ellie’s behavior.
Ellie subtly averted her gaze. ‘He can’t remember anything, so it’s not fair for me to get upset over things he doesn’t even recall, Ellie thought, ‘I need to calm down and handle this rationally!
Slowly calming herself down, Ellie tried to keep her voice as steady as possible. “You’re overthinking it, Mr. Warren. I’m just really tired and want to go home early to rest.”
Alex studied her face, noticing the exhaustion in her eyes. “Let me drive you home,” he offered.
“I’ll take a cab. You’ve been drinking–call a driver,” Ellie replied, her voice firm. She needed space, and she wasn’t about to let Alex invade it further.
Alex’s jaw tightened as he watched her, his frustration mounting. The air between them grew heavier, the silence stretching uncomfortably. When a cab finally pulled up, Ellie turned to leave, but Alex grabbed her wrist. “Let’s talk somewhere,” he said, his voice low and insistent.
“Sorry, Mr. Warren. I have work tomorrow. Goodnight,” Ellie said, pulling her hand free and stepping into the cab. As the car drove away, Alex stood on the sidewalk, clutching the red cord bracelet in his hand.
‘Adults don’t need words to understand each other. I thought she’d get what I was trying to say. But I guess I was wrong, Alex thought.
*****
Later that night, at the Earl Hotel’s private lounge. Alex sat in a dimly lit booth; his mood as dark as the room. He downed his drink in one gulp. Layton and Carl exchanged glances.
“Alex, you’re not yourself tonight,” Layton said, taking the glass from Alex’s hand. “Is it the board giving you trouble again?” Alex shook his head, reaching for another drink.
“Did
you and your girlfriend have a fight?” Carl chimed in, leaning closer.
“No. I’m Jaslands‘ most eligible bachelor,” Alex shot back, glaring at Carl.
“A girlfriend?” Layton asked, intrigued. Alex pushed him away.
“Alex, Zeke Sullivan will have a concert in Jaslands in a few days. I can introduce you to a celebrity. She’s gorgeous, sweet, and has an amazing figure. You’ll love her,” Carl said, his eyes lighting up at the thought.
“Don’t lead him astray,” Layton warned, giving Carl a pointed look.
“Layton, you’re married young. Otherwise, I’d introduce someone to you too,” Carl teased.
“If you dare say that in front of his wife, I’ll make sure you lose that mop of hair,” Alex said, his tone sharp.
Carl raised his hands in surrender. “Just joking, just joking.”
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05:51 Tue, 4 Mar
Chapter 631
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“My wife is kind and understanding. Don’t get the wrong idea, Layton said defensively. Carl and Alex exchanged a look, both rolling their eyes.
“Layton won’t go. Alex, you’re coming to the concert, right?” Carl whispered. “I promise it’ll be worth your while.”
“Of course I am.” Alex said, clinking his glass against Carl’s.
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