Ella sat alone in her room, the memories of Zoey's proposal still fresh in her mind. She wiped away a tear as she reviewed the videos and photos she had captured during that magical moment. Each image held a special place in her heart, a testament to the love shared between Zoey and Peter.
Feeling a surge of emotions, Ella decided to change into her nightdress. She slipped out of her clothes, exchanging them for something comfortable. With the nightdress hugging her body, she moved towards the couch, laptop in hand. Placing the device on her lap, she opened it, ready to delve into the details of the project.
Recollections of her encounter with George, the CEO of Lee Groups, flashed through her mind. The memory of his dismissive attitude and rude behavior towards her and Zoey fueled a determination within her. She typed George Lee's name into the search bar, curious to learn more about the man who had treated them so callously.
As the search results populated the screen, Ella couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and understanding. Numerous articles appeared, each painting a different facet of George Lee's persona. Headlines ranged from "Handsome CEO of New York City" to "Mr. Rude of Lee Groups," capturing the contradictory nature of his public image. The articles revealed stories of his success, his ruthless business tactics, and the arrogance that seemed to accompany his achievements.
A heavy sigh escaped Ella's lips as she digested the information before her. She realized that George's behavior was not limited to their encounter; it was a reflection of his character as portrayed in the media. She murmured to herself, "No wonder why he treated us like that."
A flicker of determination gleamed in Ella's eyes as she made a silent promise to herself. She knew that she and Zoey were capable of greatness, and it was time to show George Lee and the world what they were truly capable of.
With renewed purpose, Ella set to work. She began researching, gathering information, and formulating plans. She was determined to carve a path of success and accomplishment, not only for herself but also for Zoey and their shared dreams.
As the night wore on, Ella delved into the world of designing, seeking inspiration and knowledge. Her laptop screen illuminated her face, casting a glow of determination.
At George's Residence....
Later that night, George found himself back at his residence, sinking into the comfort of the couch. As he closed his eyes, the scene flashed before him—a bustling Times Square, alive with vibrant energy. Amidst the sea of faces, a sudden eruption from the crowd caught his attention, pulling him into the present moment.
His gaze landed on Zoey and Peter, a couple standing side by side. But it was Ella, standing beside them, who stood out. She wore a radiant smile, her eyes glistening with tears of joy. George's eyes remained fixed on Ella, lost in that moment, as he stood there. The applause from the onlookers gradually brought George back to reality, and he slowly moved away from the scene.
Just as George settled into his thoughts, a soft knock interrupted his solitude. It was Margaret, his mother, standing outside his bedroom door.
"George, are you in there?" Margaret's voice carried concern, seeping through the closed door.
"Yes, Mom, come on in," George replied, his voice tinged with a hint of exhaustion. Margaret entered the room and settled herself on the couch next to him. She asks, "How did the meeting go today?"
"Yeah, it went well," George responded, attempting to sound composed. He knew what question would follow, and he braced himself for it. "What did you decide?" She asked calmly, her eyes searching his.
Letting out a sigh, George replied, "Mom, not again." Weariness seeped into his voice.
But Margaret refused to back down. "Come on, George. Why don't you just go see her once?" she urged, her tone unwavering.
George's frustration resurfaced. "Mom, please. I've already told you I'm not interested. Why do you keep asking me over and over?"
Margaret's patience wore thin, and her voice trembled with emotion. "Because you're my son, George," she replied, her tone firm yet filled with compassion. "I can't bear to see you suffer any longer. You have to let it go. She's gone, long gone, and she's not coming back. You should stop blaming yourself for what happened."
A silence enveloped the room, each word hanging in the air like a delicate thread. George's gaze met his mother's, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. He paused, the weight of his guilt and grief pressing heavily upon his shoulders. He couldn't bear to see his mother in tears any longer. Rising from the couch, he moved closer to her, kneeling before her. Tenderly, he took her hand in his and pressed a gentle kiss upon her weathered skin.
Margaret's trembling hand cupped George's cheek, her touch a comforting gesture. "George, I know it's hard, but you should at least try to come out of it. I want to see you happy again," she implored, her voice filled with maternal love.
George clung to his mother's hand, feeling the weight of her words and the depth of her love. In an effort to bring solace to his mother's heart, he finally relented, his voice filled with resignation and a glimmer of hope. "I'll go," he conceded, wiping away her tears. Margaret embraced him tightly, a mixture of relief and joy washing over her.
YOU ARE READING
Pretend Perfect
Romance"The line between reality and pretense is fragile; it takes courage to cross it and find what's real." ***** Ella Young is a talented and hardworking Interior Designer who runs her own studio in Springfield. Her dreams of making it big in the indu...
