บททั้งหมดของ Ripples And Hills: บทที่ 71 - บทที่ 80

Elviira Hills. Saturday. 18th July. Next day. Night. It’s a few minutes to the guests arriving. All morning, the house has been bustling with activity. Caterers, decorators, and the rest of the team. Despite the pain still lingering in my arm and body, I’m excited for tonight. Because tonight, we announce Alexa’s survival to the world. And hopefully, begin to fight for her name to be cleared. I don’t know what Helia has planned, but he says I should stay calm and watch. My assistant, Muriel, one of Helia’s trusted employees, is just about to fix a pair of diamond earrings to my ensemble when a knock sounds at the door. She’s done nearly everything for me since my discharge. Courtesy of Helia, of course. How many employees does that boy even have? He’s become more than a friend to me. I can almost call him family after everything he’s done for me and mine. “Come in,” I call when the knock comes again. The door opens, and Scarlett steps inside. Carefully. Measured steps, nothing

Helia. The last time Alexa was in this ballroom, she was humiliated. Fleeing from the stares, covered in chocolate and wine, after crashing into the refreshment table. She ran into me then. Shaking. Embarrassed. Trying to disappear. That was two years ago. Tonight, she walks tall. Regal. Different face, yes, but the same soul. Maybe even stronger. And more beautiful than ever. She’s a vision in blue, a stunner who steals the breath of every man in the room. But I only see her. We close the distance between us. “You clean up nice, yourself.” Her voice is playful, flirtatious. It sparks something in me. I match her tone with a smirk. “Don’t I always?” I grin. “At least I didn’t show up naked like I sleep.” Her cheeks flush instantly. I laugh softly, relishing her discomfort, because God, she looks like an angel in that blue. That bob. Those sapphire earrings. I want to buy her the world. “You look really stunning, Alexa,” I whisper. Our breaths mingle as we stand toe to toe. T

Hulio. My eyes see no one but Ashley tonight. My goal is to get her away from men like my brother and Richo Kendo. She’s across the ballroom beside Helia, wide-eyed, staring directly at me. My legs cross to her before I can stop them. I’m going to make her mine tonight. When Mum and I arrived minutes ago, I caught Ashley mid-argument with Helia. They didn’t see me. I stood in the crowd, watching them, rage bubbling under my skin, even though I couldn’t hear a word they argued about. Familiar faces swarmed around Mum and me, business partners blabbering about profit margins and trade offers. All I could think about was her. I was scrambling for the perfect opportunity to propose. I needed it to be public, undeniable by the world. Something she couldn’t walk away from. She looked too beautiful tonight in that sea-green dress. Elegant. Expensive in those emeralds on her neck and ears. Then Elviira took the stage. That was it. The moment I’d been waiting for. The universe handing me

Pier.Sunday, July 19. Next day...Morning.Seated at the hospital beside Alexa, I just watch her. Her eyes haven’t moved from the ICU door. Not once. Hulio’s been in there since they wheeled him in from the OR last night. Lower spine surgery. Braces fitted. Stabilization. Six months minimum for recovery, the doctor informed us.Six months.And that’s if he doesn’t lose his mind first before then. I remember the surgeon’s tone, neutral, practiced. I remember Helia and their mother staring at the floor like it had swallowed their souls. And Alexa, she sobbed through it all. Wordless, breathless sobs. Her body curled into mine, soaking my blood stained shirt in tears. Now she just sits, hollow-eyed, lips pale, hands clenched.She didn’t sleep. Didn’t blink.Didn’t breathe properly. Didn’t let go of what happened.And I can’t forget either. Can’t erase the image of her bolting after him last night. That look in her eyes. I’d followed her out of the ballroom, my chest burning with every

Ashley. Monday, July 20th. Next Day. “For the last time, officer, I need to make a phone call.” I snap, my voice cracking with frustration. I've been here since Saturday night. No one has spared me any glance. The smug faced man across from me only raises a brow, a slow, mocking smile tugging at his lips. “And what makes you think you get to give orders here, Miss Hills?” He sneers. “This ain’t your gilded ballroom. You’re in my domain now.” I flinch. He’s right and I hate that he is. Here, he’s the one in control. And I’m just trapped. So I soften. “Look, officer… I need to make a call. My family, my friends, they’ll be worried sick. Please…” My voice breaks into a desperate cry. His gaze dances with mischief. Then he rises, boots echoing as he crosses the room. “First of all, I’m Detective Dean.” His voice is sharp, clipped. “Second, we can play this game all day, sweet cheeks. But you need to tell me how that weapon and necklace ended up in your late sister’s room the day