Deception

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

ELLIE'S POV

My second date with Ryan seemed to be the best I have ever experienced. Being with him somehow made me feel lighter. The way he looks at me, the way he listens like every word I said mattered, the way he makes me laugh when I least expect it, and his cooking, have been the most amazing moments of my life. Being with him felt... natural.

Just like breathing.

I didn't really know what to call this or where to assume that it was going, but I took a mental note to allow myself enjoy it because for the first time in a long time, I felt like I didn't have to carry everything alone. I felt like I was finally alive.

And more importantly, because I liked it.

And him.

" Ellie." His soft voice echoed in my ears, but I wasn't ready to leave. Not yet.

" Ellie, we're here." He repeated, placing his palm on mine. I flinched and finally succumbed, making him grin at me. I sighed and picked up my bag, and was about to open the door but he stopped me.

" Hold on," he said and reached into the backseat, pulling out a bouquet of lilies and roses. " For you."

I blinked, completely caught off guard. " You bought me flowers?"

" Was that the wrong move?" He teased lightly, but there was a hint of genuine nervousness in his tone.

" No,no." I quickly said and took the flowers from him. " It's just unexpected, but in a good way." I added as I took in their pleasant scent. " Thank you." I said softly, meeting his gaze.

" You're welcome." He replied, his tone low and warm. His gaze intensified, and I felt a strange flutter in my chest. Not wanting it to go any further, I tore my eyes away and pushed the door open, stepping out.

" Goodnight, Ryan." I said, pausing at the open door to look back at him.

" Goodnight, Ellie." He replied with a steady smile, watching me.

With that, I turned and headed to the front door, the flowers clutched tightly in my hands. As I stepped inside, I turned back just in time to see his car pull away, the taillights glowing softly in the distance.

My heart felt unusually light as I closed the door behind me, the scent of the flowers filling the quiet space around me.

——————

JAMES POV

I swirled my glass of whiskey, watching the golden liquid catch the dim light of the bar. Ethan was grinning from ear to ear, as he toasted to our recent ' victory'.

" Here's to Diamond Glow finally seeing the light and giving us what we deserve!" He cheered, raising his glass.

" Here's to the beginning of the end for Ellie!" I smirked, raising my glass.

Yes. The beginning of the end for Meera and Ellie Brown has officially begun.

Ethan chuckled, downing his drink in one go and pouring himself another. I smiled and turned my gaze to Laura, who has been sitting quietly and stirring her cocktail with a straw absent mindedly.

" What's with you, Laura? You're ruining the mood." I said, narrowing my eyes at her.

" Nothing. I'm just tired." She said and I chuckled internally, because I knew she was lying.

Ethan leaned close to her. " Tired? Or distracted? Come on, whatever that's on your mind can wait. Let's celebrate."

" It's really nothing. Don't worry about it." Laura said with a forced smile.