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“If you torment me this much, I won’t marry you!”
Sawyer’s expression shifted, his jaw tightening as her words reached him. He stopped immediately, his hand hovering over her chest, his eyes dark and intense. Ellie’s heart raced. But before she could take another breath, he was gone from her body, moving with a speed that made her head spin.
He suddenly dragged her off the bed, tossing her effortlessly over his shoulder, and stormed out of the room.
“Stop it, Sawyer! Where are you taking me? Hey!” Ellie squirmed, trying to free herself, but his grip was ironclad.
Sawyer’s hand slapped against her ass, the sharp sound echoing in the room. A growl rumbled in his chest in response to her protests.
“To get married right now!” he declared.
Epilogue
Ellie rushed into Licious, her heart pounding as she tried to escape Sawyer. Ever since he found out she was Olivia, he had been following her everywhere, fear in his eyes like she’d vanish at any moment.
It was a small, cozy café with warm lights and the rich scent of coffee in the air. Wooden tables, white brick walls, and a glass counter filled with cakes made the space feel inviting.
With a tired sigh, Ellie headed straight to the counter.
"Ivy?" she called out to the new hire.
The pretty girl with brown eyes and a petite frame turned to her. "Yeah?"
"A coffee, please. Strong." Ellie exhaled. "Latte?"
"Of course," Ivy muttered, turning away to prepare it.
Ellie spun around and hurried over to Stella, who was sitting at a table with Tony. His gray hair and light stubble made him look older, but his tired eyes still held warmth. He was in a wheelchair ever since he came out of his coma three weeks ago, but the doctor had said he’d recover soon.
"Tony!" Ellie ran up and hugged him from behind, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. "I was wondering where you disappeared to!"
"I brought him with me." Stella grinned. "Figured he was getting bored at the hospital, so I talked to Damion and the staff and brought him along. Sorry I didn’t tell you in advance."
"All good." Ellie blew her a playful kiss. "The doctor already told me about it. Thanks for getting him out for some fresh air."
Stella flashed her a grin in return.
Ellie then leaned in between Stella and Tony, lowering her voice. "Stella, why is Ivy always so quiet? It kinda scares me every time I look at her."
Stella snickered and glanced at Ivy sneakily. Tony followed her gaze.
"Guys, stop staring! That’s embarrassing!" Ellie hissed.
Stella shrugged. "She’s nice, though. Quiet but hardworking. Never skips work, always eager to help. Really sweet. Just… I don’t know, sometimes she seems like she’s sad about something but can’t express it. I rarely see her smile."
"Right? I got the same feeling." Ellie frowned. "Should we ask if she needs help?"
Stella bit her lip, then shook her head. "I’ll ask her discreetly, maybe, but I don’t want to come off as nosy. I feel like we’re starting to become friends. Once we get closer, she might open up on her own, and then we’ll know how to help."
***
The Stark Manor was alive with celebration, glowing with lights, music, and laughter. The grand hall brimmed with joy as people danced and toasted to the newlyweds.
Ellie stepped out of the manor in a breathtaking white wedding dress—off-the-shoulder, lacy, and exquisite. Her hair was styled in a half-updo, soft curls cascading down, making her look like a vision. She was, perhaps, one of the most beautiful brides anyone had ever seen.
Sawyer held her hand as they approached the sleek limo, ready to leave for his house after their wedding. But Ellie’s other hand was clutched in a death grip by Jenelia, who was sobbing uncontrollably.
"Enough now, Jenny!" Liana scolded lightly, attempting to pry Jenelia’s hands off Ellie. Behind them, Ellie and Sawyer’s friends stood in stunned silence, watching the scene unfold.