Chapter 3
Ellie turned to face ham, their eyes locking. She could feel the tension in the air, and the mocking smirk on his face was unmistakable.
Soaked to the bone. Ellie tricil to find her footing under the awning, but before she could steady herself, Alex pushed her back out into the rain.
The shove caught her off guard, and she stumbled, falling hard onto the pavement. Wincing in pain, she looked up at Alex, disbelief written all over
her Lice
She knew Alex could be harsh, but he had never actually hurt her before. Seeing him push her down like that just to impress Haley, 1 home deep his feelings rath
made it clear
Alex loomed over her, his expression dark and intense. “Is this why you’re not helping me he denunded, his wore low and threatening
Ellie clenched her hands in the muddy water as she struggled in get up and move under the awning to escape the rain. She wasn’t one to wallow in self–pity, standing out in the rain to talk to him was the last thing she wanted.
Covered in maid and looking a mess, she quickly checked the scrapes on her hands and arms, then pulled out an alcohol wipe froen her bag to clean
them
“Seriously? A little scrape and you’re making such a big deal out of it” His voice was cold and laced with sarçasın.
Ellie looked up, meeting his gaze. Despite her best efforts to hold back her emotions, her eyes began to water. She knew her place, but bearing it from him still birt
The dangerous look in Alex’s eyes made her uneasy, but since he already knew, she figured it was better to be finnest. Under his intense stare, took a deep breath and said. “Haley is Aaron’s girlfriend. They’re happy ingriber and will be meeting the parents soon.”“
Alex’s laughter was sharp and mocking. “What does your brother have that could compete with me?”
Aaron doesn’t need to compete because Haley likes hum,” Ellie shot back, her voice rising with urgency
Alex looked at her like she’d just told the funniest joke. “Haley’s bags alone cost a fortune. What can your brother possibly offer her
Ellie was at a loss for work. Aaron was juggling his job at a low firm while pursuing his PhD, sending most of his paycheck home to their parents.
Since he started dating Haley, he had been saving for ages just to take her out to a regular restaurant, let alone buy her anything nice.
“Even if she’s your brother’s girlfriend, you sull have to help me Alex insisted. “Set up a meeting with Haley for morrow morning”
His commanding tone made Ellie feel both anxious and angry. But her frustration gave her unexpected courage, and she met his gaze without flinching. “You know Haley is with Aaron. Why should I help you? If you really like her, go after her yourself. You know where she lives”
Alex seemed taken aback by her boldness, but didn’t take long for his arrogance to resurface, With a proud look, he said. “The more she’s with your brother, the more I want to win her over.
“Ellie, the less you want to help me, the more I want you to help,” he added.
“I won’t help you,” she replied firmly, then turned and dashed into the can
He was a wild spirit, impossible to tame. Even his grandfather Carlos had ended up in the hospital several times a year because of him.
In the past, Ellie had always been obedient, but this time, she wasn’t going to follow his lead anymore.
As she ran into the rain, Alex smirked to himself. Ellie, what do you think you can use to stand up to me? Without hesitation, he picked up his phone and sent a test,
Ellie trudged back to her apartment feeling every bit of the day’s grind. She managed a quick shower, her hair still wet as she flopped into bed and flicked off the lights
Sleep should have come easy, but instead, she was haunted by the memory of Alexs disdainful look and his harsh words.
Shrid braced herself for the worst where he was concerned. But the idea of him going head–to–head with her brother, Aaron, over a girl! And then, to top it off, asking her for help! It was too much.
She could have had her pick of guys, many of them great catch, but her heart had other ideas.
Sleep cluded her, and she
early, beading to the hospital as usual. Like any adult facing a tough day, she put on a gume face, ready to juggle
whatever life threw her way.
“Morning, everyone,” she chirped, greeting her coworkers with a forced brightness.
Chapter
One of her colleagues gave her a sympathetic look. “Ellie, word is Professor Bells assistant gig is gone. They want you in the director’s office.”
Exiting th
the director’s office, he kept her cool, hastily gathering her stuff and making her exit.
Just yesterday, everything was hunky–dory, today, she was told the internship was a no–go and she should just wait for a call. It was a gentle way of saying she was out of a job.
Recalling Alex’s resolute expression from the night before, she felt a pang of heartache. For Haley, he’d really put her in a tight spot. It was a lot to take in, but Ellie knew she had to find a way in move forward.
Ellie emerged from the hospital’s outpatient building, her outfit as unassuming as ever: gray, loose–fitting pants and a crisp white top with sleeves that hit mid–way between her shoulder and elbow
Her hair was pulled back into a simple ponytail, and a canvas bag hung casually over one shoulder. It wasn’t a look that turned heads, but it was one of the few ensembles she felt comfortable wearing out in the world.
The morning sun was a bit too intense for her taste, so she used her bag to shield her eyes, the brightness bringing a sting to her nose. She glanced back at the hospital, hesitating for a moment, not wanting to leave.
It was supposed to be a big day for her her first time in the operating room. But now, with her job gone, even the thought of the celebratory dinner her brother and Haley had planned felt like a distant dream.
Pashing her sadness aside. Ellie started the walk to her apartment, the sun’s rays beating down on her. There was a silver sports car parking by the curb. The car’s sleek body seemed to glow in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the rain from the night before.
Alex was inside, one hand holding a cigarette, the other resting on the window frame. Sweat glistened on his forehead, darkening his shirt in patches.
Ellie was deep in thought, not reghtering the car until she was right next to it. She stopped short, and Alex turned to her, his gaze meeting hers.
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