Chapter 22
As Haley and Alex chatted about fashion brands Ellie had never heard of, she kept quiet, watching Haley enjoy the attention.
Staring at her iced water, Ellie suddenly stood up. “You guys go ahead and chat; I need to use the restroom.”
She couldn’t drink iced water because of her health, but that was all she had. She couldn’t join the conversation, and they were so engrossed in their own world that it felt like she wasn’t even there.
She felt self-conscious in her simple outfit, and people passing by gave her curious looks. She felt like she didn’t belong. This wasn’t her scene.
After sending a message to Haley, Ellie left the café and walked down the pedestrian street toward her apartment. Just then, she spotted Aaron coming out of a jewelry store.
It was a rare moment for the siblings to be out together, and Ellie couldn’t help but notice the small square box in Aaron’s hand. She had a pretty good idea of what it was.
“So, have you made a decision?” she asked.
Aaron looked determined and said, “Yeah, I have. I know there’s a big difference between me and Haley, and her parents aren’t exactly fans of mine, but I don’t want to let her down.
“I quit my job as a hotel bellboy and found something better. I’m planning to propose to her on her birthday.”
After parting ways with Aaron, Ellie felt a rush of emotions. She was surprised and a bit anxious. Haley’s birthday was coming up, and usually, she would mention it ahead of time. But today, Haley hadn’t said a word about it.
When Ellie got home and kicked off her shoes, the doorbell rang. I just moved in and only shared my new address with Aaron. Who could be visiting me at this hour? she wondered.
Her phone buzzed in her hand, and seeing the familiar caller ID, she quickly declined the call. She wasn’t in the mood to talk to him right now.
“Ellie, open the door!” A loud bang echoed through the hallway, and Ellie could feel Alex’s anger even from behind the door. Reluctantly, she opened it.
Alex stormed in, shooting her a look that could freeze fire. “I’ll deal with you later,” he said, striding straight toward her bedroom.
Ellie watched as Alex searched the room like he was on a mission. She stepped in front of him at the bathroom door. “What are you doing here?” she demanded.
Alex looked down at her, his voice firm. “Pack your things. You’re coming home with me.”
Ellie shook her head. “I’m fine living here.”
Alex glanced around the room. It was a bit better than her last place, but still pretty bare. He turned and unplugged her laptop. “I didn’t ask for your opinion. You’re coming home with me right now.”
Ellie stepped in front of him, blocking the way. “I don’t want to go back.”
“Ellie, this isn’t up for discussion,” Alex warned, his eyes narrowing.
She reached for her laptop, her voice steady. “I’m not discussing it either. I’m not going back.”
With a loud crash, the laptop fell to the floor, and the room fell silent.
Ellie stared defiantly at Alex, reminding herself not to back down.
Seeing her eyes glisten with tears, Alex shrugged it off. “It’s just a laptop. I’ll buy you a new one tomorrow. Come home with me.”
Ellie fought back her tears. Sure, a laptop wasn’t worth much, but it represented months of hard work for Aaron, who had delivered takeout late into the night to save up for it. To her, it was priceless.
She bent down to pick up the damaged laptop, and Alex softened his tone. “Out with the old, in with the new. Why bother with that junk?”
When Ellie didn’t respond, he continued, “You’re just a young girl who’s barely started in life. Don’t you realize we’re worried sick about you living alone out here?”
Ellie stood up slowly, her voice trembling. “Alex, what does home mean to you? What is family? You broke my bed and left me with nowhere to stay. It took you a whole week to even check on me. Did you really care?”
