Strangers To Lovers

Chapter Fourty

By the time Levi heard my yell, he had whirled around to face me, his hand clenched as though he were fighting the urge to throw my phone across the room. His other hand instinctively moved to his chest, steadying himself. For a brief moment, our eyes locked. The intensity in his gaze, filled with both concern and frustration, made me pause.

His phone vibrated again, breaking the tension. He clenched his fist tighter. “Ella, what are you doing? Why are you letting this get to you?”

Despite the fact that I was pleased Levi was trying to help, his words stung. I was hurt, more than I cared to admit. "I don’t think Luke even cares anymore. He says he loves me, but if he’s so in love, why is he doing this? Why is he letting his mother control everything?"

Levi sighed heavily, his brow furrowed with frustration. "It's not that simple. You know that."

“I’ve tried to understand,” I continued, my voice trembling as the emotions spilled out. “I’ve tried, but every time he disappears, it gets harder. Every time he’s with someone else, I’m left wondering why I’m still waiting. Why am I the one left behind?”

Levi’s expression softened, and he stepped closer, his hand reaching out to gently grip my shoulder. “I’m sorry, Ella. You don’t deserve this, but Luke—he’s just as lost. I’m not saying it’s right, but it’s complicated.”

I felt a mix of anger and sadness twist inside me. “Complicated doesn’t mean it’s okay,” I mumbled, looking down, unable to meet his gaze anymore.

Levi released a long sigh, checking his watch. “You know what? Let’s go.”

I blinked at him, confused. “Go where?”

“To my mother’s office. I’m done letting her control everything. You need answers, and I have some of my own. If we don’t do something, nothing’s going to change.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “Are you serious? We’re just going to... march in there?”

“Why not?” Levi’s voice was calm but firm, a stark contrast to the chaos I felt inside. “It’s time to stop letting her manipulate everyone.”

"But what’s the point? It’s not like she’ll just back down."

Levi’s lips pulled into a tight line. "Maybe not. But I’m tired of letting her dictate how our lives play out. And trust me, she needs to hear that."

I hesitated for a moment, the weight of Levi’s words sinking in. Then, without another word, he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the door.

"Levi, wait—" I stammered, trying to keep up as he tugged me out of the kitchen and toward the front door.

"I won’t apologize for this," he muttered as he put on his shoes. "I’m doing this for Luke, and whether he likes it or not, this needs to be dealt with."

I had no idea what I was getting into, but the determination in Levi’s voice made it hard to argue. Before I knew it, we were in my car, Levi in the passenger seat, already putting the keys in the ignition.

As I reached out to stop him, he batted my hand away gently but firmly. "Ella, trust me. This has to be done."

I let out a shaky breath as the engine roared to life. “And what happens after? You just confront your mother and hope she doesn’t completely lose it?”

Levi smirked. “She’ll lose it, alright. But I have a plan.”

The way his eyes gleamed with determination made my heart race. I had no idea what kind of confrontation we were walking into, but there was no turning back now.