Chapter 273
“Go to the market and help Luck pick out a girlfriend, Alex instructed from the backseat of the luxury car. He then leaned back, closing his eyes for a brief moment of rest
The driver exchanged a look with Barry, who nodded for him to start the engine. Stealing a sidelong glance at Alex, Barry thought, ‘Finding a girlfriend for a neutered cat? Is Alex alright?
Zerikith Market is the largest open–air market for pets in the city, especially busy at this time of year. In late July, the sun wasn’t too harsh yet in the early morning, but the outdoor temperature was already nearing 86°F.
Ellie rushed along, clutching two pots of pothos. After a sleepless night, she needed to stop by the hospital later that afternoon, so she had to deliver the plants to her new home before heading back to the Thompson residence for some much–needed rest.
As she passed by, she heard two young girls arguing with a vendor selling cats. “We really did not drop it, one of the girls insisted. Ellie paused for a moment, gathering context from their heated exchange.
Her gaze wandered over the various cats and dogs displayed in cages, finally landing on a frail Ragdoll cat that looked like it was on the verge of death.
It was no older than three months, weak and gasping for breath as if its time was running out.
Cats are known for their incredible balance and jumping skills, so even though the girls dropped it, there was no way the kitten could have gotten such injuries from a fall.
Reluctant to get involved, Ellie resumed her brisk pace, but when she overheard the vendor demanding a thousand in compensation from the two girls, she felt she had to step in.
She discreetly tugged on one girl’s sleeve and whispered, “There’s a pet hospital just around the corner. Go grab a few feline parvovirus test strips and check on that cat.”
After giving her advice, Ellie prepared to leave, but the girl, filled with gratitude, kept thanking her. “Stay here with the cat while I go get the test strips,” she told her friend.
“Who the hell are you?” the cat vendor shouted. “Who invited you to meddle in my stall?” His wife screamed obscenities while he advanced on Ellie, wielding a stick.
The girl guarding the cat burst into tears, causing bystanders to step back in fear. Several nearby vendors began to circle around Ellie, echoing disparaging comments.
In the chaos, a scuffle broke out; Ellie’s two pots of pothos fell to the ground and were trampled.
“If you keep this up, I’ll call the police,” Ellie shouted, noticing their deliberate actions as she grabbed her phone, ready to report the incident.
The vendor’s wife, joined by several stallholders, lunged at Ellie’s phone. “It’s early in the morning; how dare you report us and cause trouble?” she yelled.
Suddenly, she was kicked away, her bulky frame crashing into a dog cage, which prompted pained screams and curses.
Ellie spun around, still dazed by the unfolding chaos, only to find herself pressed against a firm chest, a hand gripping her shoulder. Looking up, she found Alex’s gaze, which shifted from concern to a hint of mischief.
Ellie thought to herself, ‘What an unlikely encounter. She averted her gaze and took a step back to create some distance.
“Damn it, where did this fool come from?” the vendor with a stick approached Alex, swearing loudly. Just as he swung at Alex, he found himself unexpectedly sent flying backward with a swift kick.
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Mon, 24 Feb
Chapter 273
Ellie watched as Alex unleashed a series of well–aimed strikes against the vendor couple. She sighed and stared at Barry, who was hurrying toward them. She thought, ‘After spending five years in prison, Alex’s temper hasn’t cooled a bit
Seeing Alex defend Ellie, Barry quickly rushed over to help. “How much did you pay for that?” Alex asked Ellie after subduing the couple, who were cowering and pleading for mercy.
Ellie glanced down at the trampled pothos and replied, “Ten.”
“Pay her a hundred, you hear me?” With one foot pressing down on the man’s groin, Alex applied pressure. The woman scrambled to pay.
After a moment of hesitation, Ellie accepted the money. Once Alex finally let the man go, she urged the two girls to leave quickly. “Thank you,” she called back to Alex as she made her way out.
“I helped you, don’t you want to return the favor?” Alex caught up with her, tilting his head as he studied her face.
Ellie paused and glanced at Barry. Although she was sure Alex had forgotten her, everyone around him still remembered what had happened between them.
If someone brought it up in front of Alex, he might lose control again.
I’ll keep ten; I’ll transfer the rest to you,” Ellie said as she pulled out her phone to send back the extra money to Alex.
Alex’s gaze lingered on Ellie’s delicate hands, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes as he asked, “Are you a vet?”
Since he declined the money, Ellie put her phone away and corrected him, “I can treat both human and animal ailments.”
“Perfect. Then help me pick out a better–pedigreed cat as a token of your appreciation,” Alex suggested, looking deeply into Ellie’s eyes. “Will I hold your hand and lead you, or will you follow me?”
Ellie glanced at the time, feeling a bit cornered. “Let’s go,” she muttered reluctantly.
She knew Alex’s temperament well; if she refused, he would lose his temper. Completely exhausted, barely able to keep her eyes open, she trudged after Alex, fighting to keep her eyelids from closing.
Forty minutes later, feeling overheated, fatigued, and drowsy, she finally admitted defeat. “I need to go; you can manage on
your own.”
She chose a male cat, while he wanted to pick a female cat. She liked cute faces; he preferred sleek builds. She valued purity; he complained about dull coats.
She cared about temperament; he objected to the cat’s eagerness to eat. Ultimately, their preferences clashed at every turn.
“You didn’t help me find a new cat, but at least can I expect you to treat me to a drink?” Ellie tried to leave again, but Alex blocked her way and said.
Sweat soaked Alex’s back; his shirt sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, and beads of perspiration ran down his cheek as he continuously dabbed his face with a tissue, all while checking his hair in the reflection of his phone.
Ellie pointed to a nearby shop. “Let’s go get something to drink,” she suggested. She ordered three cups of freshly squeezed lemonade over ice and paid.
“I’m not used to drinking on the go; wait until I finish,” Alex remarked and intercepted her once more when she tried to leave.
“I’ll wait in the car,” Barry said, wanting to avoid being the awkward third wheel. He grabbed his lemonade and hurried off.
Under the sunshade, Ellie and Alex sat facing each other, each with a cold drink in front of them. Alex took a deep sip from his cup and then adjusted the shop’s fan towards their table.
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17:26 Mon, 24 Feb
Chapter 273
Turning back to look at Ellie, he found her slumped over the fable, fast asleep.
Alex scrutinized her, smirking as he said, “It’s only eight, and you’re this tired? Looking all meek, but this little widow must be out having sex the whole night.”
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