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Sawyer’s tone grew colder with every word. “So, don’t get any unrealistic expectations out of this relationship. Don’t try to act like you are my real girlfriend again.” His eyes searched hers, demanding a response.
Ellie’s lips thinned, her gaze dropped to the floor. After a brief pause, she nodded obediently.
Sawyer let out a satisfied breath, releasing her face. But as he stepped back, his eyes caught the faint imprint of his fingers on her skin, and for a brief moment, he froze. ‘Did I hurt her?’ His hand moved instinctively toward her face, but before he could touch her, Ellie turned quickly and headed to the kitchen.
She busied herself with the soup, stirring it calmly to pour in the bowl as though nothing had happened. But Sawyer was already following her closely behind.
“I know,” she said softly, not looking at him. “I know I’m just a temporary replacement for the woman you love. What right do I have to feel upset?”
As soon as she spoke the words, Sawyer’s hand grasped her waist, spinning her around. He pressed her against the kitchen counter, his frown deepening as he looked at her face.
"Don’t worry," he said, his tone softer now. "There are benefits to being Sawyer Stark’s temporary girlfriend. After all, not everyone gets the privilege of sharing a bedroom with me." He smirked, glancing down at the fading imprint of his fingers on her cheek, a satisfied glint in his eyes.
“I’ll take you shopping tomorrow,” he added casually. “You can buy whatever you want.”
Ellie’s eyes lit up briefly before she quickly masked her excitement with a solemn expression. She gave a small, sad nod. “Alright,” she murmured.
“I can give you everything, Ellie.” Sawyer said quietly, releasing her and stepping back, “but not my love.”
With that, he turned and walked away, tossing a final instruction over his shoulder. “Bring the soup to my room. I’m going to shower.”
Ellie waited until he disappeared up the stairs.
The moment he was out of sight, Ellie rolled her eyes. Turning back to the soup, she muttered under her breath, dripping with sarcasm, “Mhm, if it weren’t for your ‘everything except love,’ I wouldn’t be dumb enough to play ‘house’ with you in this ridiculous acting show, SNS.”
Her gaze shifted to the shiny card sitting on the counter—the very one he’d handed her at the private party.
“I already have everything I love most about you,” she said with a smile.
Chapter 2 Husband
It was late in the day when Ellie stepped into the jewelry store ‘Satire’, located in the heart of Max Mall—one of Manhattan’s most luxurious malls in Manhattan. Despite there being other high-end shopping centers, Max Mall stood out—not only for its elite clientele but also because it was owned by the prominent Empire family, one of the wealthiest in the world. If you were to shop here, you were among the elite, and Ellie was no exception, thanks to Sawyer.
As she walked through the polished glass doors of Satire, her eyes roamed over the glistening gold and diamonds on display, their beauty almost overwhelming. Her gaze wandered over the fine pieces, an almost dream-like glaze in her eyes as they swept over the shiny things
Spotting an assistant near the counter, Ellie walked up, her purse tucked under her arm. "Hi," she greeted with a smile, her voice soft but confident. "I booked a necklace last month when I came here with my boyfriend. I’d like to pick it up now, please."
The assistant’s smile faltered for a brief moment, hesitation flashing across her face. “Oh, yes, Ms. Madden. I remember,” she said carefully. But her eyes darted past Ellie’s shoulder, her voice dropping slightly. “The necklace was kept aside for you, but it seems one of the other assistants didn’t notice the hold and allowed another customer to try it on.”
Ellie turned, following the assistant's gaze.
There, Alina stood in front of a full-length mirror, the very necklace Ellie had reserved draped elegantly around her neck. Alina turned her head this way and that, her fingers brushing the diamonds as she admired her reflection from every angle, completely absorbed in herself.
Ellie clenched her jaw, her hand tightening around the strap of her handbag. She closed her eyes for a moment, forcing herself to take a deep breath. When she opened them again, her frustration was clear, but her steps were quick as she marched straight toward Alina.
"That’s mine. Give it back." Ellie said coldly, barely sparing Alina a glance.
Alina’s attention shifted to Ellie.
Her eyes raked over Ellie with disdain before her lips twisted into a disgusted sneer. “What the hell are you doing here?” she spat, her voice dripping with annoyance. She turned her glare toward the assistant. “Since when do you let beggars shop at Satire?”
Ellie’s eyes narrowed. She exhaled a frustrated breath, her patience running thin. "You’re the beggar, you brainless bimbo. I booked that necklace a month ago. Unless you want to be arrested for theft, give it back."
Alina’s face flushed with rage, her eyes bulging. "What did you just call me?"
“A brainless bimbo,” Ellie replied casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. “Should I say it slower so your brain can process the words?”
Alina’s face turned an alarming shade of green, her expression twisting with anger so exaggerated it was almost comical—like a cartoon character ready to explode.