LOGINEllie's P.O.V.Thirty minutes later, Theo, Zack, and I sat in my room, two wedding invitations placed on the table neatly. One was for me, and the other had Zack’s name on it. Zack picked up one of the invitations and examined it carefully.“Thoe, why didn't you tell me you were getting married? Or dating Maria? Or planning to bring her home?”His voice was sharp. “Do you even know who her father is? The Jeffersons are old money. Extremely conservative old money. You won't even stand a chance.”I shook my head, still processing the situation.“I'm so mad right now. We shared everything with each other. And she couldn't even mention she was dating Theo.”Theo cleared his throat.“Actually, I want…”I cut him off. “How long has this been going on? Who approached whom? Have you met her family? When did you get engaged?”My questions came out in a frenzy.“And what kind of wedding invitation doesn't mention the venue?”Theo raised his han
Ellie's P.O.V.The ride to the White Mansion was completely silent. But the moment we crossed the main gates, I forgot to breathe.The long driveway had transformed into a lively festival.People dressed in colorful traditional costumes danced along the path, accompanied by lively music. Some carried decorated lanterns, while others performed dances from different cultures. Flowers, ribbons, and colorful fabrics adorned the trees.I rolled down the window, unable to hide my excitement.“Wow! This is amazing.”Zack glanced at me from the other side of the car.“Do you like it?”I nodded eagerly, watching a group of dancers perform near the fountain.“It's beautiful!”His lips curved in a satisfied smile.“It’s for you, Ellie.”The melodic symphonies filled the air with glee, the colors scattered around us. By the time we reached the mansion, I was practically grinning from ear to ear.The white balconies were covered in red flowers,
Ellie’s P.O.V. What was he doing here? I tried to straighten my back, determined not to look as pathetic as I felt. “It's… just cramps.” A whimper escaped before I could finish. Zack's expression darkened. “Just cramps?” He dropped the flowers and chocolate box onto the floor and rushed to support me. “You can barely stand! Let’s go to the hospital.” I leaned against him instinctively. “But who goes to the hospital for period cramps?” “You will.” Zack bent down and scooped me into his arms, his movement swift and precise. I cried out in disbelief. “Zack! Put me down!” “Nope!” I wanted to kick him, but another wave of pain twisted through my abdomen. Biting my lips, I grabbed his jacket instead, pressing my face against his chest. By the time we reached the elevator, Theo was waiting outside his condo. Zack ordered. “Hospital. Now!” Theo didn't w
Ellie’s P.O.V.Zack flinched so hard that he nearly dropped the phone. His face had turned crimson. Before I could react, he grabbed my shoulders.“Where did you see it? Who was it? Tell me everything!”His eyes burned with desperation. For the first time since he'd shared his past with me, the cool, composed Zackary Walton looked genuinely shaken.My voice wavered. “I… I know the symbol, not the person.”His grip tightened.“Anything. Tell me anything you remember, Ellie.”Calming my racing heart, I explained. “You said the symbol was engraved on an envelope. I've seen it on paper, too. At Walton Lux's head office.”I added carefully. “There's a vault where they keep original contracts and financial records. Once, Jared left me alone with files while he took a client's call. I wasn't snooping around, but I noticed this symbol on the bottom-right corner of a contract he'd signed with Everbest Clothing Company.”“Fuck!” Zack released my shoulders a
Zack’s P.O.V.That woman never failed to amaze me!Of all the questions Ellie could have asked, this was the last one I expected.She could have demanded to know why I was called the infamous lecher of Rex City. She could have asked whether the rumors about me were true.Instead, she wanted to know what had happened to me.Why?Ellie had a strange way of getting under my skin. She had done it when she told me she was interested in the man I was now. And she was doing it again.Silence hung between us, heavy and suffocating. Ellie reached for my hand, holding it between both of hers.“I've seen your medical reports, Zack. I know your health isn't good.” Her voice softened. “Something terrible must have happened that night.”Her thumbs brushed over my knuckles.“Take your time. I'm here to listen, not judge you.”A lump formed in my throat.For years, I'd wanted someone to say those words. Gosh, I wanted someone to look at me without see
Ellie’s P.O.V.An involuntary scream escaped me as I stumbled inside. My back hit the cold wall, and I almost dropped my flowers. “What the hell? Who are you?”The room was pitch-black. I couldn't see anything. The faint click of a switch followed the loud thud of the door, the light flooding the door. I shielded my eyes instinctively, my heart racing as I peeked through my fingers.A glimpse of Zack’s face relieved a part of me. But my fear instantly turned into anger.“You?” I gasped. “Didn't you go to Milan?”“No.” Zack released my wrist and crossed his arms. “Apparently, you were still functioning under the assumption that I wasn't in the city.”I stared at him, struggling to steady my breathing.“What are you doing here? And why did you drag me inside like that?” I clutched my chest. “I nearly had a heart attack!”His gaze dropped to the flowers in my hand. His expression darkened.“Well, I had to come. Who knows what else you're getting
Zack’s P.O.V. The Hunt family sent a bride to the White mansion? That matter alone was suspicious! I leaned back in my chair, fingers resting lightly against the armchair as the city stretched beneath the glass office of my house. Quiet and controlled, unlike the situation of this arrang
Ellie’s P.O.V. The moment I looked up, my heart paused. That man was not old. He wasn’t weak, fragile, or anything like the rumors surrounding Zackary Walton. The young man standing near the door looked handsome in a way that felt illegal. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in a blac
Ellie’s P.O.V. “Leave? No!” I blurted out before I could organize my thoughts. “Dad, please. Grandma is dead. I don’t have anywhere to go…” But my dad didn’t even let me finish. “You should have thought about it before, Ellie.” His face darkened with fury. “Do you have any idea what you have
Ellie’s P.O.V. The first whisper didn’t reach me. It brushed past me like wind, disappearing under the soft melody of violins and the scent of flowers decorating the grand hall. But the second whisper lingered. And then the third one… grew teeth. “…did you see that?” “…is that really her?” “…p







