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But she couldn’t afford to stay here. If she got caught trespassing, she could be handed over to the police.
She forced a polite smile and quickly explained, “I just came to drop off a painting, madam. Thank you. Goodbye.”
With that, she turned and bolted out of the house.
Behind her, she could still hear the couple talking.
"What’s wrong with you?" Olivia’s father, Jack, asked, his voice gentler now. "Our daughter is living with us."
“I don’t know, Jack,” Jessica whispered, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. “I don’t know why I did that. She just… she looks so much like our Olivia.”
Jack exhaled heavily. "I know. But that doesn’t mean we can call anyone our daughter. You’ve already noticed how insecure Olivia is. She doesn’t even let us keep any pictures of her past in this house. And now, you’re mistaking another girl for her? Do you realize how badly Olivia will take this?"
Jack placed a comforting hand on his wife’s shoulder, speaking softly to calm her down.
Meanwhile, Ellie slipped away, her heart still throbbing painfully in her chest.
She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to shake off the image of Jessica’s devastated face. The woman had looked so broken, so utterly miserable.
Ellie clenched her fists, squeezing her eyes shut as if that could block out the ache pressing down on her.
Her phone rang again, pulling her out of her thoughts. Annoyed, she pulled it out of her pocket and glanced at the screen.
‘Jeremy.’
She exhaled sharply, pressing the answer button as she walked away from the house.
“Hi,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
“Hey! Where are you? Busy?” Jeremy asked immediately.
Ellie bit her lip, casting one last glance at the grand house behind her. She hesitated for a moment, then shook her head.
“No, not busy,” she said. “What’s up?”
“How about you meet me on Sixth Street in an hour?” Jeremy suggested. “I want to treat you to a meal for helping me out and teaching me to dance today. I nailed it, and everyone was super impressed! Now I’m actually looking forward to the show next week. It’s going to be a big hit—I can feel it!”
Ellie grinned at his excitement. She couldn’t remember the last time she had felt this kind of accomplishment—this kind of praise.
“Thanks, but it’s really not necessary,” she assured him. “I was just doing my job. Besides, I had fun. I love dancing.”
“Good to know,” Jeremy said, his tone playful. “But listen, I don’t keep favors hanging. You already owe me one, remember? If you refuse tonight’s dinner, then next time I see you, you’re repaying that favor.”
Ellie gritted her teeth. "For God’s sake, when are you going to forget about that kiss?!"
“Never.” Jeremy’s laughter rang through the phone. “I’m going to hold it over your head for as long as I can—use it to blackmail you into whatever I want.”
“Devil,” Ellie snapped.
Jeremy only chuckled.
She sighed. “Fine. I’ll meet you there, but I might not be able to stay long. It’s getting late, and I need to head home early.”
“Deal. Just come over,” Jeremy said, then hung up.
***
“Mr. Stark, your suspicions were right.”