THE REJECTION のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 31 - チャプター 40

Ella’s POV “Mother, I haven’t seen Luca today. He didn’t come yesterday either,” I say, my voice laced with a mix of worry and disappointment. My parents had arrived early this morning to take me home, and the thought of leaving without seeing him left an uncomfortable ache in my chest. “Who is Luca, baby?” my mom asks gently, her brow furrowing in concern as she glances at me with visible confusion. “The boy who saved me,” I explain softly. “He’s the one who brought me to the hospital and the one who’s been looking after me all this time.” “Ohh, I see,” she responds, nodding slowly. “I want to meet him,” my dad chimes in warmly. “So I can thank him personally, for rescuing my precious gem.” I smile at his words, touched by the way he always calls me that. Since I was a child, my father has spoiled me endlessly. No matter how old I get, he continues to see me as his little girl. I’m certain he’ll shower my baby with the same unconditional love and affection. I’ve truly been bless

Luca’s POV I’m happy, genuinely happy, that Ella is finally out of the hospital. Seeing her leave that place alive and well feels like a victory, not just for her, but for me too. When her father invited me to accompany them home, I couldn’t refuse. Something about his sincerity, the kindness in his voice, made it feel wrong to say no. The moment we arrive at her home, I’m left speechless. Her house is massive, far bigger and grander than I ever imagined. It’s nothing like the modest place I live in. My home has just two bedrooms, a kitchen, a small living room, and a single washroom. But here? Every corner radiates luxury. Just from the outside, I could already guess that each bedroom probably has its own bathroom. Everything looks so classy and well-maintained. Ella is truly lucky to come from such a wealthy and loving family. The gates swing open as the security guard ushers us inside, revealing a spacious, beautifully manicured compound. The flowers are perfectly trimmed, t

Ella’s POV After five years. “Mommy, where are you? I’m out of school already!” I hear my daughter’s cheerful voice from the other room. She’s in baby school now, almost five years old, a big girl, truly. So beautiful and full of life, her presence brings an instant warmth to my heart. “I’m here, my baby. Come hug me,” I call out as I step out of the bedroom. She rushes toward me with open arms, and I welcome her into a gentle embrace. “I miss you, Mommy,” she whispers, and the words melt my heart every time. She has been my greatest source of strength, my light in the darkest moments. Whenever I’m with her, a deep happiness and contentment settle inside me, pushing away every worry. “I miss you too, baby girl. How was school today?” I ask, brushing a soft strand of hair behind her ear. “It was good, Mommy. I made many friends today, and Lucy is one of them. She’s so pretty! I want you to meet her one day,” she says excitedly. Her friendliness and warmth remind me so much of mys

Ella’s POV I know today was supposed to be our date, Luca and I. We had planned it earlier, and he was looking forward to it. But deep down, I just didn’t feel like going anymore. The thought of spending time with him in a way that might suggest something more than friendship made me uneasy. I know how he feels about me, it’s written all over his face every time he looks at me, but I can’t allow myself to fall into that trap again. I’ve sworn never to love a man again. Not after what Felix did to me. And not even Luca, no matter how kind or patient he is. I watched Luca walk away earlier, and though he said nothing, I saw the heartbreak in his eyes. A part of me wanted to stop him, call his name and ask him to stay, but I didn’t. Because I knew this was for the best. He’s done so much for me already. For five years, he’s been a constant in my life, attending to my needs, checking on me, showing up for Laura like a father would. But it’s time I let him go. He doesn’t deserve to be stu

Luca’s POV We arrived at the school, and I immediately noticed that most of the parents were already present. The parking lot was full, and the school hall appeared quite packed from outside. It seemed like Ella and I were among the last to arrive. I could feel her uneasiness, and truth be told, I was a bit anxious too. As soon as we entered the school hall, a friendly teacher approached us. “Please sir, madam, come and sit over here,” she said warmly, gesturing toward an empty row of seats close to the front. We nodded politely and followed her lead. Laura had already dashed off to join her friends. I watched her skip joyfully to where the other children were gathered, her little uniform swaying with every step. The joy on her face made me feel at ease, she was clearly thrilled I was here, and that alone made everything worth it. I turned to Ella, hoping to bridge the silence growing between us. “The school is perfect, Ella,” I said, offering a soft smile. I was trying to lighte