hapter 4
I forced a smile. I hadn’t worn that dress because it held too much sentimental value for me. In all the years I’d known Elijah, he’d only given me one birthday gift. After he discovered my crush on him, he never gifted me anything again. So, I kept that dress tucked away like a treasure. But now, I nodded casually, “Sure, it doesn’t fit me anymore anyway. I was planning to give it away or donate it.“>>
For the next few days, Juliette clung to Elijah, flaunting their relationship as if to rub it in my face. The day Elijah got down on one knee to propose, I was so distracted that I ended up in a minor car accident. It wasn’t serious, but some kind strangers took me to the hospital. They all came to see me together, and Juliette looked like she was about to cry.-
“Eli, could it be that because we’re getting engaged, Anastasia did something reckless like getting hit by a car? It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t insisted on you proposing, Anastasia wouldn’t have gotten hurt.” She was overwhelmed with guilt, and Elijah comforted her tenderly, “It’s not your fault, honey. I ordered you some coffee, why don’t you go grab it?”
As soon as Juliette left, Elijah turned to me, his brow furrowed in anger. “Anastasia, did you have to cause a scene on the day I proposed to Jules? Are you so obsessed with breaking us up? I’ve told you before, put those feelings away. There’s no future for us!“>
I smiled faintly. “Eli, you’ve got it all wrong. I only ever saw you as a brother. And you’re overthinking it. My accident had nothing to do with you.”
Elijah didn’t believe me, but he continued, “I’m getting married to Jules soon, Anastasia. If you could just let go, maybe find yourself a boyfriend, stop hanging onto this fantasy.”
Inodded, “I already have a boyfriend.”
“There’s no need to fie about that if it’s not true!” Elijah’s eyes bore into mine, frustration evident in his expression.
Just then, Juliette returned with coffee, proudly flashing the diamond ring on her finger. “Anastasia, give it up. No matter what you do, you’ll only make Eli hate you more. See this? Elijah only has eyes for me. He put this ring on my finger himself. You should just move on.”
As they were leaving, Elijah gave me a long, searching look. “Even if you don’t have a boyfriend, it doesn’t matter. You’re Dominic’s sister, which makes you like a sister to me. As long as you stop with these crazy ideas, I can look after you forever.”
Juliette shot me a venomous glance, then pretended to be understanding. “Yes, you can think of me as a sister too. Eli and I will always be there for you.”
But I wasn’t lying. I really did have a boyfriend. My eyes softened as I looked at the gardenia on the nightstand, a gift from Benjamin. Initially, I agreed to a blind date just to satisfy my brother, only to arrive at the café and find out Benjamin was the same guy I’d spent that night with.
Seeing him there made me blush, but he seemed to have expected it. He chuckled, playfully pinning me against the wall. “Shy now? You were quite forward the last time we met.“>
I felt mortified and wanted to avoid him, but then one night I was followed by some thugs. Benjamin appeared, threw a few punches, and escorted me home. On the way, I asked, “Aren’t you a model?“>
He drove, eyes on the road, raising an eyebrow, “Who told you I was a model? You were the one who was eager that night, pulling me into something wild. Lucky for you, I was just there for a club inspection, or who knows which guy you would’ve ended up with.”>
I punched him in frustration, but he caught my hand, holding it close. “Anastasia, I’ve been in love with you for a long time. Be my girlfriend, please.$%
Even my little accident happened because I was so overwhelmed by Benjamin’s proposal that I didn’t see where I was going. Every time I thought of him, a gentle joy filled my heart. After being discharged, I started coming home late, usually after eleven. One evening, Elijah was waiting at the door in casual clothes.
He looked at me, his expression conflicted, “Anastasia, have you been avoiding me?“>
I paused, chuckling, “You’re overthinking it.”
Yet, Elijah blocked my path, gripping my wrist tightly, “You better be right. Our wedding is coming up, don’t try any funny business.“}
I pulled my hand away, sincere in my words, “I wish you both the best.“}
Elijah’s expression softened, but his eyes fell on my neck, and his face changed again. “Who gave you that mark? Don’t tell me it’s just a mosquito bite.”
Benjamin had insisted on leaving that mark earlier, claiming it was to declare his territory. In the past, I would’ve worried about misunderstandings, but now that I was openly in a relationship, there was no need to hide. “It’s none of your business.”
Elijah’s face grew darker still.
As I turned to leave, I didn’t notice Juliette hiding in the comer, her face pale and her eyes filled with jealousy.
[Sweetheart, I’ve got a special place to show you,] read the message I received from Benjamin. I was excited and ready to meet him when I noticed Juliette in the yard, swinging on my swing.
“Anastasia!” Elijah’s voice called out, but I pretended not to hear it.
Chapter 4
Later that evening, Elijah stormed into my room, his face contorted with rage. Without warning, he slapped me hard, his anger palpable.
‘Anastasia! How could you be so cruel? Juliette was just using your swing, and out of sheer spite, you sabotaged it, causing her to fall. She’s in the hospital now. Are you happy?”
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