Chapter 8

As I lay there with only an hour left to sleep, I finally dozed off in a haze. Even in my dreams, I felt restless, Lucas‘ voice echoing in my ears.

“You can’t leave; you can’t walk away from me! I won’t allow it!”

“Who permitted you to get married? You can only be with me! I was wrong before; please give me another chance, alright? Ellie, please forgive me.”

Tears soaked my cheeks as I sobbed uncontrollably until my mom called me awake, pulling me from the nightmare.

“What’s wrong, Ellie? What were you dreaming about? Why are you crying like this? Do you not want to get married?” she asked worriedly.

“If our baby doesn’t want to get married, then you shouldn’t force yourself. I’ll talk to them; don’t worry.”

I quickly grabbed my mom’s hand. “No, I do want to marry; I just had a nightmare. I’m fine.”

After a quick wash, I prepared to do my hair and makeup when my phone buzzed. The caller ID showed Celine. She was probably calling to gloat. After all, she was the winner, while I felt like a coward.

I didn’t answer, coldly tapping the hang–up button. But she sent several messages right after.

[Ellie, I’m so sorry; it’s all my fault. Please forgive me; it’s all my fault. Can you talk to President Haskins and ask him not to fire me?]

[I have elderly parents to support; I really can’t lose this job! I can‘ t even afford the rent here on my own, and I’ve drained all my savings. I really can’t hang on any longer!]

[I admit I had some feelings for President Haskins before, but nothing ever happened between us. I swear on my life! When you left, he stopped answering my calls and deleted my contact info. I’m left with no choice but to beg you! The other employees said he likes you the most, and he’ll listen to whatever you say…]

Mom brought in breakfast and saw me staring at my phone, confusion crossing her face.

“What’s wrong? Is something bothering you?”

I shook my head and didn’t reply to Celine’s messages. I didn’t believe a word she said and didn’t want any more ties to my past. After the wedding, I would get a new phone number. I didn’t have many friends anyway, so changing my number wouldn’t make much difference, but it would save me a lot of trouble.

Just as I took a bite of breakfast, the doorbell rang. Mom grumbled as she went to open the door. “Who could it be this early? Didn’t Isaac just message that he hadn’t left yet?”

Soon, she came back in with a cup of milk tea. “Who ordered takeout?” She glanced at the name on the receipt, and her brows furrowed. “Baby El. Ellie, your milk tea is here. I’ll set it aside for you. You shouldn’t drink too much of this; if you want some, just let the maid brew it fresh for you.”

Mom placed the milk tea in front of me and then left the room. My heart raced as I dug my nails deep into my palm. I hadn‘ t ordered any takeout; my orders never had my name on them. “Baby El” was a nickname Lucas had used to cheer me up with takeout before. But it had been a long time since he‘ d used it. Did he know I was back home? But how did he know my address?

Shaking my head, I sighed. I couldn’t think too deeply about it. I picked up the cup of milk tea and took a closer look, and the thought solidified even more. Even the flavor was exactly what I loved–less ice, no sugar. I inserted the straw and took a sip, the sweet milk flavor spreading in my mouth. Tears filled my eyes, and the makeup artist gasped, quickly grabbing a tissue to wipe my tears.

“Miss Ellie, please don’t cry! We finally got the base makeup on; it will smudge!”

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