Chapter 86
After getting off work that evening, Ellie received a call from Alex. Remembering Layton’s earlier words, she decided to talk to Alex. She didn’t want him to end up seriously hurting someone because of her.
Following the address Alex gave her, Ellie arrived at an entertainment venue in Earl Hotel. As she stepped out of the elevator, she was greeted by arches made of flowers and balloons, lining a red carpet. She pushed open the door and entered a hall filled with a romantic atmosphere, clearly decorated with great care.
At that moment, Alex, dressed in a formal suit, slowly walked toward Ellie. Under her surprised gaze, he suddenly dropped to one knee in front of her.
Ellie jumped back in shock, but Alex firmly held her left hand. Startled, her voice cracked as she said, “What are you doing?”
“Marry me.”
Alex gazed deeply into Ellie’s eyes and said, “I won’t question your past, but I’ll be by your side for the future. From now on, I’ll protect and care for you with my life. Marry me, Ellie.”
Ellie’s mind went completely blank. As she stared into the deep affection in Alex’s eyes, she opened her mouth, feeling like she was in a dream.
When her fingertips felt the coolness of a ring, she looked down in shock. Her heart raced as she realized he was gently slipping a diamond ring onto her finger.
Alex stood up and gently pulled her into his arms. Their breaths mingled as he lowered his head, his eyes full of emotion. Slowly, he leaned in toward her lips.
Ellie’s entire body tensed, her mind too confused to think. Her breath quickened, and she felt like her heart might leap out at any second.
“He has feelings for Haley, so why is he proposing to me?”
Just then, Alex’s triumphant laughter suddenly rang in her ears, snapping her back to reality.
“Judging by your reaction, I’m sure my proposal will be a success,” Alex said, pulling the ring off Ellie’s finger. “Stand still—I need to practice a few more times.”
Ellie stared at Alex in disbelief. So all of this was just practice? And everything here was for Haley?
She stood there awkwardly, feeling foolish. Thinking back on her reaction, she wished she could slap herself. After everything I’ve been through, after all the tears I shed, I still held onto some fantasy about Alex.
Quickly, Ellie took two steps back, putting distance between them. “I have a meeting with Lacey tonight, and it’s almost time. I just came to tell you to stop and let that jerk go.”
Alex carefully put the engagement ring away. “I’m proposing to Haley this Saturday. Can you help out a bit earlier?”
“I have a part-time job on Saturday,” Ellie replied, handing Alex a bottle of liver detox pills. “Eat less spicy food, cut back on alcohol, and try not to lose your temper. Follow the instructions on the bottle. I’ve got to go.”
Alex stared at the bottle in his hand, feeling confused. Before he could say anything more, Ellie had already walked away.
On Saturday night, Ellie arrived at the bar right on time for her shift. In the dressing room, her phone buzzed relentlessly on the vanity table, but she ignored it. She knew it was Alex—probably calling to rush her to the proposal scene.
Whitney dismissed two makeup artists and came over. “Don’t keep it all in. Talk to me.”
Before Ellie could say anything, tears filled her eyes. “Whitney…” she sobbed, her voice breaking with emotion.
After over half an hour, Whitney patted Ellie’s shoulder. “You should still go. You’re young; you can take the loss.”
Ellie wiped her tears and nodded numbly. Maybe it would be good to go. After seeing their happiness firsthand, she could finally let it go completely.
When Ellie arrived, it was almost ten o’clock. Standing outside the clear glass doors, she saw Alex down on one knee, proposing to Haley.
She watched as Alex made a genuine promise to Haley, and Haley happily nodded in agreement. The crowd erupted into cheers as Alex stood up and excitedly kissed Haley on the forehead.
At that moment, all of Ellie’s dreams about Alex completely shattered.
Her seven-year secret crush had finally come to an end.
Just one glass door away, she couldn’t bring herself to move closer.
