All Chapters of Dear Ex, I Am Not Your Backup Anymore : Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

Ellie’s P.O.V.I was already missing Lucky. The little furball had somehow managed to steal my heart in less than an hour.As I sat in the back seat beside Zack, I scrolled through the pictures I'd taken of him, smiling at every ridiculous little face.I'd always wanted a pet. But whenever I brought one home, Alice would suddenly develop some terrible allergy, even if it was a cat, a puppy, or a harmless little bird.Every time, Dad would eventually force me to send it away because Alice was "sick."Now things were different. I was free from such restrictions, and Lucky was mine. I'd make sure he was spoiled rotten.I was deep in my thoughts when the car suddenly stopped. My brows knitted together.“What now?”I looked up as Zack said, “We're here.”Already?I'd barely noticed the drive.As I looked outside, my confusion deepened. We hadn't even left the area around the White Mansion.“What are we doing here?” Zack didn’t hear my query as he was already stepping out. He fastened the

Ellie’s P.O.V.My heart raced as Zack's gaze slowly turned toward me. He placed his spoon down with such deliberate calm that somehow it made me even more nervous.“You know how to cook?”“Yes.” The answer escaped before I could think. “I cooked this.”Zack nodded once.Then, without taking his eyes off me, he said,“Call Chef John here.”His face was completely expressionless, his voice flat and cold like the scary CEO. The man who could make an entire boardroom fall silent with one look.The chef hurried into the dining hall.“Yes, Master Zack?”Zack leaned back in his chair.“How old are you?”The chef looked confused.“Fifty-two, Master.”“What are your qualifications?”The poor man's forehead immediately began to glisten with sweat.“I have a diploma in cooking modern cuisine. I've also worked in Michelin-starred restaurants for nearly twenty years.”Zack's forehead creased.His voice rose slightly. “If you're that experienced, how did a twenty-one-year-old girl cook better than

Ellie’s P.O.V.My heart stopped beating at once.I read the email over and over again, but the words remained unchanged.“We regret to inform you that we are unable to approve your stall application.”“No.” A startled scream escaped me. “How is that possible?”I submitted my application on the first day. It was supposed to be first come, first served.My paperwork was complete. Every certificate, every document, every required attachment had been submitted. Then why did they reject my application? There was no explanation in the email, so I grabbed my bag and rushed out.The Expo venue was already buzzing with activity.People carried tables, display stands, boxes of merchandise, and rolls of fabric through the halls. Several applicants were already setting up their approved stalls.My heart hammered as I joined the line at the registration office. When it was finally my turn, I stepped toward the representative.“Excuse me. Why was my application rejected?”The man looked at the ema

Ellie’s P.O.V.“Welcome to My Dress, My Style.”My gaze darted between Zack and Theo as I tried my best to process this stunner.Theo looked completely serious. Zack was harder to read as he was wearing a black mask, oversized sunglasses, and a cap pulled low over his face. Earlier, I assumed it was to avoid public attention, but right now, I desperately wished I could see his expression.I hugged Lucky closer.“You're joking, right?”Theo shook his head.“No. It's your spot.”“How?” My voice came out louder than I intended. “My application was rejected!”A few people nearby turned to look at me. I immediately lowered my voice.“The submission deadline is closed. They rejected my application. How… How is this possible?”Theo looked at Zack.Zack didn't answer. He simply pointed toward the enormous stall beside mine.I followed his finger and froze to see the massive black-and-gold banner standing proudly above the neighboring display.“ASTOR JEWELS”My hand flew to my mouth.“You gav

Ellie’s P.O.V.Well, that wasn’t breaking news. I nodded hesitantly.“Yes. I have fertility issues. My previous doctor told me to lose weight and take medicine.”The female doctor looked up from my file. “You already know about your hormonal problems?”The male doctor exchanged a glance with his colleague.“What medication are you taking?”I lowered my eyes.“Just multivitamins for deficiencies.”“Can you show us your prescription?”Prescription?I didn't have one.Jared had always managed my medical appointments. He would take me to the doctor, collect the medicines, and tell me when to take them. The last time, he'd bought enough medicine for six months.“I… I don't have the prescription with me. But I remember the medicine names. Can I write them down?”The female doctor handed me a notepad. I carefully wrote every name I could remember and passed it back.As she read the list, her eyebrows drew together.“How is your menstrual cycle?”My fingers twisted in my lap.“It's irregular.