Chapter 80
Amidst the clamor of excitement, Ellie watched in numb silence as Alex leaned in to kiss Haley. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, but all Ellie could hear was the pounding of her own heart in her ears. Her mind was spinning, her chest tightening with each inch that brought Alex’s lips closer to Haley’s. She fought to keep her composure, determined to watch, to somehow bring closure to her lingering feelings for Alex.
But then, just as the tension peaked, Alex suddenly pulled back with a soft chuckle. “They want to see, so we won’t let them,” he said playfully, releasing Haley from his hold. The room, once buzzing with eager energy, filled with disappointed murmurs.
Haley opened her eyes, her face showing the unmistakable signs of disappointment. The teasing continued around her, but she forced a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
Ellie’s mind, already racing, struggled to comprehend the situation. She had always seen Alex as a man full of charisma, the kind who would easily sweep anyone off their feet. But this restrained, playful interaction with Haley was a stark contrast to how he had pursued her — passionately, with intensity, showering her with gifts and attention, yet never fully allowing things to progress. She had thought after Aaron, Alex would rush to claim her, but he didn’t. And now, she was left questioning her own worth.
Sitting nearby, Haley observed Alex, noting how his gaze lingered for a moment longer than usual in Ellie’s direction. His attention seemed almost involuntary, and though he casually played with his drink, Haley’s sharp eyes didn’t miss it.
Suddenly, Haley stood and approached Ellie, a smile that was just a little too sweet curling on her lips. “I’m going to the restroom. Ellie, do you want to come along?”
Ellie, desperate for an excuse to leave, quickly agreed. The two women exited the room together, and once they were out of earshot, Haley stopped Ellie by a corner in the hallway.
“Ellie,” she began, her voice dropping in seriousness, “I know you might have some misunderstandings about me, but I’m with Alex now. And soon, I’ll be your sister-in-law. I’ll be honest with you, even if it’s not what you want to hear.”
Ellie stiffened but remained silent, listening intently. Haley continued, her tone becoming almost condescending. “Even though you and Lacey are friends, Lacey is the heiress of the Mosley family. I don’t need to remind you of your position.”
Ellie met her gaze without flinching. “Just speak your mind, no need to beat around the bush with me,” she responded coolly.
Haley, showing off her freshly manicured nails, smirked. “Do you know why all those rich guys got so excited when you walked into the room tonight?” she asked, as Ellie frowned in confusion.
“Because,” Haley continued with a sharp laugh, “all those men in the room tonight are in the same circle as Alex. Playing with girls like you is as easy as having a meal for them.”
Ellie’s stomach turned, but Haley wasn’t done. “At most, they’ll throw some money your way, and that’s it. Even if they like you, you’ll just be a side piece. These men are all about reality. When it comes to marriage, they only choose someone from their own class.”
Haley’s words were laced with venom, a clear warning. “It’s nothing personal if you spend time with Lacey privately, but in these fancy elite circles, you’re better off not coming again. None of them will be sincere with you. You’ll just be their amusement. Their toy.”
Ellie’s lips curved into a sarcastic smile. “Thanks for the warning,” she said flatly, before turning on her heel and heading straight to the elevator. She didn’t bother with the restroom.
As she stepped outside the club into the cool night air, Ellie breathed in deeply, allowing her body to relax. She had thought Haley’s words might sting more, but instead, they only confirmed her suspicions. Haley was trying to push her out, ensuring that Ellie wouldn’t get close to Alex or their high-society circle. The way Haley and Alex’s breakup had been handled — scandalous and messy — was something everyone whispered about, but no one dared bring up.
Ellie walked down the street and started typing a message to Lacey, planning to call a cab and head back to her apartment. But before she could finish, two men suddenly staggered into her path. The smell of alcohol hit her before she could react, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw Trevor, the same man Alex had helped after the bar fight.
Ellie’s instincts kicked in, and she turned to flee. But Trevor was fast, grabbing her by the hair with a cruel yank. The other man joined in, and together, they began dragging her toward a car parked nearby.
“Help!” Ellie screamed, struggling against their grip, the sharp pain from Trevor’s hold on her hair making her vision blur. As she noticed the hotel security guards running toward them, Trevor slapped her so hard that everything went dark.
