Chapter 208
When Ella got home, she could barely keep her eyes open. Exhausted, she trudged upstairs, but her fatigue got the best of her, and she missed a step.
Just as she braced herself for a fall, a strong arm caught her.
The familiar scent of peppermint shower gel filled the air, and Ella looked up to see her boyfriend’s face.
Zack, two years younger at 25, had the kind of boyish charm that made him seem younger than he was.
He had started out as an idol singer, debuting in a group that struggled to make it. Eventually, the group disbanded, and Zack decided to go solo.
But his solo career didn’t take off, and he quickly found himself slipping to the bottom of the industry.
Now, he was trying to pivot into acting, hoping for a fresh start.
Ella had met him through work. Willow Group was looking for a new spokesperson, and she had gone to the production team to promote the brand.
To her frustration, the supposed big shot they had lined up acted like a diva and completely ignored her.
Furious, Ella spotted Zack in the crowd, pointed at him, and said, “Terminate the contract. I want to sign him instead.”
Ella was powerful now–wealthy and influential. Terminating the contract was nothing to her; she could handle the penalties without even blinking.
Losing money might have seemed like a setback, but the top celebrity ended up losing even more.
His arrogant attitude annoyed the client so much that they canceled his contract. But Willow Group’s popularity didn’t suffer at all. Not long after, Ella and Zack made their relationship public in a bold way.
Zack was ambitious but lacked the right opportunity to make his mark, so it was a win–win situation for both of them.
Ella arranged for Zack to move in with her and made sure the media was all over it. Zack even went so far as to stir up some controversy to get more attention.
Meanwhile, Ella’s stocks were soaring–she knew exactly how to leverage publicity.
Right now, Zack stood half–naked, fresh from filming a sports–themed drama. His skin was tanned, and his muscles were more defined than ever, practically making anyone’s blood rush just looking at him.
“Careful, Ella,” Zack said with a smile.
He had the kind of looks that could turn heads, with naturally seductive eyes and a small, blood–red mole under his right eye.
Landing lead roles was tough for him; he usually ended up as the second or third male lead. But Ella saw potential in him and had been carefully selecting good scripts that suited him.
He was finally gaining popularity, and the sales of his endorsed products were climbing. Everything was falling into place.
“Why aren’t you asleep yet?” she asked.
“I just got back from some extra training and hopped in the shower when I heard you were home. I really wanted to see you, so I rushed over without even getting dressed.”
Zack had a way with words, always sweet–talking his way into her good graces. Ella couldn’t help but like how charming he could be, even if it was a bit over the top.
“Don’t worry. I haven’t been messing around outside,” she said, knowing exactly what was on his mind.
Zack was still trying to establish himself, and their fake relationship was part of the plan.
Ella didn’t mind it either–Zack was easy to be around, and she wasn’t looking for anything serious right now. It was all just business.
Zack let out a sigh of relief. “Then get some rest.
“Hold on,” Ella said. “Clear some of your schedule tomorrow. I want you to come with me to meet someone.”
“Who?” Zack asked, curious.
“An elder who saved my life and looked out for me. He’s divorced and lost a daughter, so he’s sensitive about family stuff. You’re good with words, so I need you to make him feel comfortable.”
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Chapter 208
“No problem. I’ll make sure you’re happy,” Zack said, confident as ever. He had a knack for getting on people’s good side.
“And you should get some sleep too, Ella. Staying up late will give you acne and fine lines,” he teased.
“Got it. Goodnight.” Ella headed back to her bedroom, took a quick shower, and was asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.
It had been ages since she’d slept so well.
Early the next morning, she headed to the hospital with Zack. Before leaving, Zack asked the kitchen to prepare some soup, and he carefully poured it into a thermos.
When they arrived, Zack handed the thermos to the man. “Sir, I made this soup myself. I’m so thankful you saved my girlfriend.”
But Jaden’s expression darkened, clearly unimpressed. He didn’t seem to care about a word Zack said, and the hostility was obvious.
Zack was puzzled, wondering if he’d somehow offended him. But he remembered what Ella had told him–he needed to win this man over, or he’d be useless to her.
Determined to make a good impression, Zack went all out. He ran up and down to get the prescription, fetched coffee, peeled an apple, and even bought a bouquet.
When Jaden licked his lips, looking a bit thirsty, Zack noticed right away. He quickly poured a glass of water, perfectly warmed to 115 degrees
Fahrenheit.
“Mr. Griffin, here’s some water to soothe
Our throat,” Zack said with a friendly smile.
When Jaden rubbed his shoulder, clearly uncomfortable, Zack jumped in to help. “Does your shoulder hurt, Sir? Let me give you a quick massage.”
Jaden felt increasingly frustrated, wondering if this pretty boy was just using his charm to stay in Ella’s good books.
As soon as Ella stepped out to take a call, Jaden’s mood soured. “Cut the act. What are you really up to?”
“What do you mean, Mr. Griffin?” Zack asked, playing the innocent card. He was still good at acting, after all.
“Is this your idea of winning her over? I see right through you. You’re only where you are because of her. If you ever hurt her or let her down, I won’t forgive you.”
“Don’t worry,” Zack said earnestly. “I would never hurt Ella. Our relationship is entirely genuine. I swear to God.”
“Mr. Griffin, you clearly care about Ella. I’m just curious–are you from her mom’s side or her dad’s? She’s been pretty lonely these past with no family around. It’s nice to have you here now. Don’t worry, we’ll look out for you too!” Zack added.
few
years
“I don’t need your fake kindness!” Jaden shot back, clearly annoyed.
“Sir, there’s no need to be formal with me. I’m on Ella’s side and fully committed to supporting you. If you need anything, just let me know—I’m here to help,” Zack said with a sweet smile, his eyes full of sincerity. He was good at smoothing things over and being patient.
But Jaden felt like he was hitting a brick wall. The whole situation felt hopeless.
When Ella returned, she noticed the tense atmosphere and asked, “What’s going on?”
“I don’t need anyone taking care of me. You all can leave. I’m fine on my own,” Jaden said firmly.
Ella was a bit puzzled. The old man seemed fine just a moment ago.
Ella glanced at Zack. He blinked, silently signaling that he hadn’t done anything to provoke Jaden.
Zack had a gut feeling that this guy really didn’t like him. No matter how hard he tried to be charming, it didn’t seem to make any difference. The old man seemed to dislike him even more.
‘What’s going on with this guy?‘ Zack couldn’t help but wonder.
Ella then said, “Zack, why don’t you head back for now? I’ll stay here.”
Zack nodded and headed out, feeling frustrated but knowing he’d done his best.
“Mr. Griffin, is everything okay? Did Zackie do something to upset you?” Ella asked.
‘Zackie?‘ Jaden thought, noticing how intimate it sounded. He was so angry that he just stared coldly, not saying a word.
Ella was even more confused by his reaction. “Mr. Griffin?” she tried again.
“Just don’t bring people like him to see me in the future,” Jaden said gruffly.
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10:15 AM
Chapter 208
Ella was completely confused. ‘Didn’t he ask to see my boyfriend himself?‘
She wondered, ‘Is he getting old and going through andropause or something? Is he just not himself today?”
“Okay, I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. Do you need the nurse to come and adjust the drip?” she asked.
Outside, Ella turned to the nurse and asked, “How does a middle–aged man typically act when he’s going through andropause?”
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