All Chapters of Dear Ex, I Am Not Your Backup Anymore : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Ellie's P.O.V.I stood frozen where I was while Zack glared at me from across the room. His chest rose and fell with restrained anger.“Why can't you just listen?”His voice raised an octave."I sent you to one damn board meeting, and you turned it into a battlefield."He threw the file on the table again.“Why? Who asked you to play the hero there?”My heart hammered like a frantic drum. I'd never seen this side of Zack before. He had teased me, mocked me, and even uttered cruel words. But he never raised his voice on me.My voice quivered.“I thought…”The words barely left my mouth before he cut me off.“You thought what?”He stepped around the desk, his polished shoes echoing against the wooden floor as he walked toward me.“That humiliating your ex in front of the board would solve everything? Or that one dramatic speech would magically fix years of problems?”His laugh was cold.“This isn't some high school argument, Ellie. This is business.”Zack’s words stung more than I wante

Ellie's P.O.V. For the first time in what felt like forever, I was actually looking forward to the next three days. Just me, my sketchbook, and two dresses that could change everything. However, that dream lasted exactly three minutes. The servants barged into my room with a small office table along with a chair and files, arranging another setup in the empty corner. A moment later, Zack walked in without even asking permission. He placed his coffee mug on the newly arranged desk before taking a seat as though he owned the room. “Morning.” What? I looked between him and the office that had magically appeared inside my bedroom. “What exactly is going on?” He sat down and answered casually. “Temporary branch office.” I frowned. “You moved your office into my bedroom?” Zack opened his laptop. “Yes. This project has the highest priority.” I protested. “But this is my room.” “And this is my house. So get to work.” Well, that was true! Groaning inwardly, I sat down at my s

Ellie's P.O.V.The moment I stepped inside the grand boutique, I froze. The crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead. Elegant mannequins displayed the latest collection, each outfit looking as though it had walked straight out of a fashion magazine.I had admired this most luxurious store countless times from outside. But never once had I imagined walking in as a customer.Before I could admire another display, Zack's deep voice echoed through the boutique.“She needs a new wardrobe.”Every sales assistant immediately sprang into action.“Right away, Mr. Walton.”Excuse me?I gently pulled my wrist free before stepping closer.“I appreciate your concern.” My voice dropped to a whisper. “But I don’t need new clothes.”Zack made himself comfortable on a nearby sofa. Crossing one leg over the other, he looked at me calmly.“Now that's a lie.”He gestured toward me.“Your wardrobe looks like a sad graveyard.”I raised my brow.“My clothes aren't that bad. They're comfortable.”“They are depr

Ellie's P.O.V.I had bragged far too much last night!By morning, reality came crashing down on me. I had to prepare two dresses, one board presentation, and a hell lot of paperwork for the meeting. And there was absolutely not a second to waste.I stared at the mess in my room and groaned.“How am I supposed to do all of this alone?”Well, the answer was simple.I couldn't.So, I instantly called two seamstresses I'd worked with before. We divided the work equally and started stitching the delicate fabric. I worked on the patterns, measurements, fabric placement, and detailing, ignoring all the other things in my world.One odd thing happened that day. Zack didn’t annoy me at all.He appeared once in the morning and remained standing outside the room, his eyes moving over the scattered fabrics, sketches, threads, and sewing equipment.I expected him to say something, but he simply watched for a few seconds and then left with a quiet nod.For some reason, that silent approval gave me

Ellie's P.O.V.Friday morning arrived, and I set out on “Mission Designs” an hour before the meeting time. Even after sitting in the car, I kept checking the files and my laptop to avoid any mistakes.Today was different. I wasn't going to the Walton Lux as a designer or a part of a team. My sole responsibility was to prove myself as Mrs. Zackary Walton because if I failed, this would be the defeat of White Mansion. I wanted to take Zack's help for the presentation, as he was more knowledgeable than me. But that man didn't come out of his room for dinner and even hung a “Do Not Disturb” sign on his door in the morning. I couldn't ask him for tips for the first-ever presentation in my life.Taking a deep breath, I walked past the massive glass doors of Walton Lux. Theo followed closely behind me, the only person from my new world. It was great to have him by my side when every single person in the Walton Lux reminded me of my past with Jared.My stomach twisted as we entered the conf