When Damien pulled up to the towering gates of Ellie’s estate, two butlers appeared almost instantly, bowing before swinging the wrought iron gates open. The sleek car glided into the driveway, tires crunching against the gravel, before coming to a smooth stop in front of the grand entrance.
Damien unbuckled his seatbelt and leapt out, circling the car with exaggerated elegance. With a flourish, he opened Ellie’s door, bowing dramatically. “Your chariot has arrived, milady,” he teased.
Ellie stepped out, her expression caught somewhere between amusement and exasperation. “Thanks, Damien. You really helped me out today. Drive safe, okay?”
“Don’t mention it,” Damien said, leaning casually against the car door. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he added, “But if you really want to thank me, a kiss on the cheek wouldn’t hurt.”
Ellie froze, her jaw dropping slightly as her brain scrambled to process what he’d just said. “Excuse me?!”
Before Damien could blink, Ellie delivered a swift, well-placed kick to his knee. He yelped in pain, hopping on one foot as he grabbed his leg. “It was a joke! A joke! Calm down!”
“Serves you right.” Ellie smirked, crossing her arms.
Still grimacing, Damien straightened up and rubbed his knee. “You’ve got a violent streak, you know that?”
“And you’ve got a death wish,” Ellie retorted, her tone dry but tinged with humor.
Damien grinned despite himself. “Fair enough. Bye, Ellie. Have a nice day.”
She waved as he climbed back into his car and drove off, watching until his taillights disappeared beyond the gates. Turning back toward the mansion, she was greeted by a line of bowing maids and butlers. With a polite nod, she acknowledged them before stepping inside.
The grand living room was bathed in warm evening light, the scent of freshly brewed tea wafting through the air. Her mother sat poised on an elegant couch, a porcelain cup cradled in her hands, exuding an air of effortless grace.
“Good evening, Mom,” Ellie said with a bright smile as she approached.
Her mother’s eyes lingered on her for a long moment, her gaze sharp and assessing. Finally, she spoke, her voice calm but laced with curiosity. “Who was that boy?”
Ellie froze, caught off guard by the question and the faint edge of disapproval in her mother’s tone. The smile on her face faltered. “What boy?” she asked, feigning ignorance.
Her mother placed her teacup on the table, leaning forward slightly. “The boy who just dropped you off.” Her expression was calm, but her piercing eyes demanded answers.
Ellie’s stomach tightened. She could already tell this conversation wasn’t going to be an easy one.
YOU ARE READING
The Accepted Outcast
Teen FictionEllie Malcolm was born with unusual features: she had no body hair, pale skin, and wide blue eyes, which made her seem unattractive to others. As a result, her classmates bullied her, and she felt unloved by her parents. However, everything changes...
