Part 24 ( Ellie )

I step out of the Baldwin Lux headquarters, I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the tension clinging to me. The sharp city air fills my lungs, but it doesn't do much to clear my head.

That meeting was a disaster.

I run a hand through my hair, my fingers still trembling slightly. I shove them into my pockets before anyone notices.

So I do the only thing I can.

I call my brother.

It rings a few times before he picks up, his voice groggy. "Ellie?"

I check the time. Right. It's past midnight for him.

"Shit, did I wake you up?"

Edd lets out a half-laugh, half-groan. "It's fine. Just didn't expect a call from you in the middle of the night. What's up?"

I hesitate for a second, then sigh. "I need you to come over."

There's a brief pause on the other end. Edd might be tired, but he's not stupid. He knows me too well.

"What happened?" His voice is more alert now, more serious.

I shake my head, even though he can't see me. "Just—can you come over?"

Another pause. Then, without hesitation, "Yeah. Give me a few hours."

I exhale, some of the tightness in my chest loosening. "Thanks, Edd."

"You good?"

I almost laugh at that.

"No."

Edd doesn't push. He just sighs. "Alright. I'll be there soon."

I nod, even though he can't see me. "See you soon."

I hang up before he can ask anything else.

The streetlights stretch out in front of me, neon reflections bouncing off wet pavement.

I take another deep breath, but it still doesn't help.

Edd will be here soon. I need to talk to someone.

-

The stoplights, the streets slipping past my windows. My mind is stuck.

I shouldn't have gone to that meeting. I wasn't ready.

Now, I have another one at 8.

I park in my usual spot, cutting the engine. I just sit there, breathing through the heavy ache in my chest. The silence inside the car is suffocating.

I force myself to move.

The elevator ride up is slow, and by the time I step into my apartment, exhaustion hits me like a freight train.

I strip out of my blazer, tossing it onto the couch as I walk past. My shoes follow. The air feels heavy, clinging to my skin, pressing down on me like a weight I can't shake.

I make it to the bedroom, peeling off the rest of my clothes as I go. My limbs feel sluggish, every movement slower than it should be.

I step into the bathroom and turn the shower on, as hot as it will go.

Steam fills the space instantly. I step under the water, letting it burn.

My body sags against the tiled wall, forehead pressing against the cool surface as the heat scalds my skin.

I exhale shakily, closing my eyes.

I don't mean to.

But the tears slip out before I can stop them, hot and bitter, mixing with the shower spray. My chest heaves, my shoulders shaking as everything I've been holding in finally cracks.

Bella.

Juliet.

My father's hands, my father's voice, his anger curling around my ribs like something I can't escape.

The slap still echoes in my mind. The moment it sent me spiraling back into memories I swore I'd buried.

I press the heels of my hands against my eyes, breathing through it, forcing myself to get a grip.

But I can't. Not this time.

I slide down against the wall, curling my knees to my chest, letting the water cascade over me.

I feel raw.

Hollow.

Like I don't belong to myself anymore.

I have another meeting tonight. Another fucking meeting with Juliet, like this day hasn't already taken enough from me.

I don't know how much more I can take.

I let out a choked breath, gripping my hair, trying to pull myself back together.

But nothing works.

So I stay there, on the shower floor, water scorching, tears falling.

And I wait for it to stop.

-

At some point, the tears stop.

Not because I've pulled myself together, not because I feel any better, but because my body is too exhausted to keep breaking apart.

I stay there for a moment longer, letting the scalding water pound against my back, the heat seeping into my muscles, loosening the tension that won't quite leave. My skin feels raw, my limbs heavy, but I push myself to move.

I shampoo my hair, fingers working through the knots mechanically, scrubbing away the remnants of today.

I rinse, wash my body, going through the motions as if muscle memory alone can keep me from spiraling again.

By the time I step out, the mirror is fogged up, steam curling around the air like a ghost. I grab a towel, rubbing at my damp skin before wrapping another around my hair. My reflection is blurred, indistinct, and for once, I'm grateful for it.

I don't want to see myself like this.

Moving on autopilot, I step into my bedroom and pull on something casual, a hoodie, sweatpants, loose, comfortable.

I step back into the living room, the only sound the low hum of the city outside. It's too quiet. My thoughts are too loud.

I grab the remote and turn on the TV.

The show that comes up first is Friends.

The laugh track fills the space instantly, the familiar voices settling into the silence like an old habit.

I sink onto the couch, stretching my legs out in front of me, my fingers tightening around the remote as I force my mind to focus on anything other than the weight pressing down on my chest.

The episode is one I've seen before. Ross is being an idiot, Chandler is making some sarcastic comment, and Joey, well, Joey is Joey. It's easy, mindless, something I don't have to think too hard about.

I exhale slowly, sinking deeper into the cushions.

Edd will be here soon.

I just have to hold on until then.

I pick up my phone from the coffee table, my fingers hovering over the screen for a second before I type out a message.

Me: Can we push the meeting to 10:30?

It doesn't take long for Anthony to respond.

Anthony: Everything okay?

I hesitate. I could lie. I could say something about a scheduling conflict, about needing more time to go over the deal, but Anthony would see right through it. So I keep it simple.

Me: Just want some time with Edd.

His reply comes almost immediately.

Anthony: No problem. I'll let Baldwin know.

I exhale, some of the tension easing from my shoulders.

Me: Thanks.

Anthony: Get your head on straight, Crawford. See you at 10:30.

I huff a quiet breath, shaking my head. Of course, he has to throw in a comment. But I don't reply. I set my phone back down, stretching out a little more on the couch.

The episode of Friends is still playing. I focus on the screen, letting the familiar rhythm of the show pull me in.

The laughter. The banter. The stupid drama that somehow feels bigger than it actually is.

It's easy. Light.

I desperately need that right now.

So I let myself relax.

-

The knocking pulls me out of sleep like a gunshot.

My eyes snap open, disoriented, my body jolting upright. The TV is still on, the glow of Friends illuminating the dimly lit room. I blink at the screen, heart hammering, my brain struggling to catch up.

I don't remember falling asleep.

But the knocking doesn't stop.

Shit.

I bolt up, my legs nearly tripping over themselves as I rush to the door, my pulse thudding against my ribs. I fumble with the lock, yanking it open so fast I nearly stumble.

"Edd."

He barely has time to react before I throw myself at him, my arms locking around his neck, holding onto him so tightly it's almost desperate.

His body stiffens for a half-second before he lets out a breath, his arms coming around me just as tightly.

"Lee," he murmurs, and the second I hear that stupid nickname, my chest clenches painfully.

I squeeze my eyes shut, burying my face into his shoulder, breathing him in. He smells like cheap cologne and cigarettes and something distinctly him.

"I got you," he mutters, rubbing slow circles into my back. "I got you, kid."

I let out a shaky breath, my fingers digging into the fabric of his jacket. My eyes burn, and before I can stop it, the tears spill over, hot and quiet against his shoulder.

Edd feels it immediately. He pulls back just enough to look at me, his hands still firm on my arms. His dark eyes scan my face, sharp and knowing, his brows furrowing. "Hey, hey—" His voice drops lower, more urgent. "What's wrong?"

I shake my head, trying to swallow the lump in my throat, but my body betrays me. My shoulders shake, my breath comes out uneven. Edd sees right through it.

"Come on." His voice is softer now, but firm, the way it always is when he's looking out for me. "Let's sit."

I nod wordlessly, stepping aside to let him in. He kicks the door shut behind him, glancing around the apartment before his eyes land on the TV. I reach for the remote and turn it off, plunging the room into silence.

Edd watches me carefully as I turn back around. "Alright," he says, crossing his arms. "Tell me everything."

I exhale shakily, rubbing my hands over my face. "It's... it's a mess."

"I figured," he deadpans. "I mean, you called me in the middle of the night, didn't even try to pretend it was a casual check-in. So, go on."

I let out a weak laugh, but it's humorless.

He nods toward the couch. "Sit."

I do. Edd sits beside me, turning so he's facing me directly, his expression unreadable. Waiting.

I stare at my hands for a long moment. Then, quietly, "I saw Juliet."

I feel the way his energy shifts. But he doesn't say anything yet. He just waits.

I force out a breath, rubbing at my temples. "At the gala a few weeks ago."

His brow furrows. "Was that... expected?"

I shake my head. "No."

Edd watches me carefully. "And?"

I hesitate. Then I tell him everything.

I tell him about how I saw her, how it felt like my entire body went haywire the second our eyes met. How we danced around each other, sharp words, old tension, the way nothing between us has ever been simple.

I tell him about the kiss. How I kissed her back.

And then I tell him about what happened a few weeks after that. The way she was chasing me. Even though she knew i had a girlfriend. But i don't blame her. I was doing the same thing. I liked the attention she was giving me. I told him that we hooked up. I told him about the gala a few days ago. How she confronted me. Then i tell him about my practice. How I overworked myself.

Then i tell him when i told bella. What she did after i told her.

Edd's expression darkens. "She hit you?" His voice is quiet, but there's an edge to it.

I nod, swallowing. "Yeah."

His jaw clenches. "Ellie."

"I—" My voice breaks before I can finish. I inhale sharply, pressing my fingers against my temples. "I don't even know what to say, Edd."

He doesn't respond immediately. His fingers drum against his knee, his gaze locked onto mine. "Did she do anything else?"

I shake my head. "She locked me in."

"She locked you in?"

I nod.

His breathing slows, measured, like he's forcing himself to keep his composure. He runs a hand over his face, exhaling harshly. "Jesus Christ."

Edd is quiet for a moment, and I know him well enough to know he's choosing his words carefully. He finally speaks. "Ellie," he says, watching me carefully, "you know that wasn't okay, right?"

I sigh, rubbing my hands over my face. "I cheated, Edd," I mutter. "I kissed Juliet. I slept with her. I deserved it."

Edd's rare flash of anger show. "No," he says sharply, his voice cutting through the room like a blade. "No, Ellie. You don't get to justify that."

I blink, startled.

"You cheated," he continues, his voice firm but not unkind. "And that's not okay. I'm not gonna sit here and pretend like it is. But Bella hit you. She locked the door. That's not okay either."

I open my mouth, but Edd shakes his head. "Don't," he warns. "Don't try to defend her. You both fucked up."

I press my lips together.

Edd sighs, his posture relaxing just slightly, but his eyes stay sharp. "Look, you fucked up. I'm not saying you didn't. But cheating doesn't give her a free pass to put her hands on you, to trap you in a room like that."

I swallow.

Edd shifts forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Listen to me, Lee. This whole situation? None of it is okay. Not what you did, not what she did. You need to break up with her."

I tense instinctively, but I don't argue.

Because I know he's right.

Edd exhales, running a hand through his hair. "You're already halfway out the door, aren't you?"

I let out a slow breath, slumping back against the couch. "Yeah," I admit quietly.

Edd nods. "Then do it. You don't love her as much as you think you do."

That makes my chest tighten. "I did," I whisper. "I do. I think."

Edd tilts his head. "But not the way you should."

I don't answer. Because deep down, I know the truth.

I love Bella. But I've never loved her the way I loved Juliet.

The thought makes my stomach turn.

Edd watches me carefully. "You already know what you need to do."

I nod slowly, dragging my tongue over my teeth. "Yeah."

Silence settles between us for a moment.

Edd leans back, rubbing his hands over his face. "Fuck," he mutters. "This is a mess."

I let out a dry, humorless laugh. "No shit."

He glances at me. "What are you gonna do?"

I shake my head. "Break up with Bella. Eventually."

Edd raises an eyebrow. "Ellie."

"I will," I insist, running a hand through my hair. "Just—give me a second to breathe, alright?"

Edd exhales, but he doesn't push. "Fine."

I lean back against the couch, staring up at the ceiling. "God, my life is a fucking disaster."

Edd huffs out a small laugh. "Yeah, but what else is new?"

I roll my eyes, but there's a small, tired smile pulling at my lips. "Asshole."

Edd grins. "You love me."

I scoff. "Debatable."

Edd nudges my shoulder. "So. Juliet, huh?"

I groan. My hands on my face.

He smirks. "I'm just saying. That's interesting."

I glare at him. "It's not."

Edd tilts his head. "So you didn't kiss her? You didn't sleep with her?"

I groan again. "You're a prick."

He laughs at me.

I sigh, dragging my hands down my face. "It was a mistake."

Edd hums. "Sure."

"It was," I insist, but my voice lacks conviction.

Edd studies me. "You still love her."

I don't say anything.

Edd doesn't break eye contact. "You do."

I inhale sharply, shaking my head. "It doesn't matter."

"Doesn't it?"

I exhale slowly. "She told me she's done chasing."

Edd raises an eyebrow. "And?"

"And I believe her."

Edd nods slowly, like he's piecing something together. "So now the question is—are you done running?"

I freeze.

Edd holds my gaze, his expression unreadable. "You've been running from her for six years, Ellie."

I swallow hard. "It's not that simple."

"Maybe it is."

I shake my head. "Edd—"

"You're scared," he cuts me off, his voice gentle but firm. "You don't want to admit it, but you are."

I press my lips together.

Edd leans back, watching me carefully. "You can figure out the Juliet thing later," he says, and I don't miss the way his voice softens just slightly. "But Bella? You know what you have to do."

I nod slowly. "Yeah."

Edd exhales, reaching for his phone. "Good. Now, are you gonna feed me, or am I supposed to survive on brotherly wisdom alone?"

I let out a weak laugh. "I'll order something."

Edd grins. "Atta girl."

I shake my head, reaching for my phone. But Edd's words stay with me.

Are you done running?

I don't know.

I need to figure that out. Soon.

-

Edd leans back in his chair, stretching his arms above his head with a groan. "Alright, I take back all my complaints about getting dragged out here in the middle of the night. Free food almost makes up for it."

I roll my eyes as I stack the empty takeout containers. "You act like I never feed you."

He grins. "Yeah, but this time you actually paid."

I flick a crumpled napkin at him. "Hey. I always pay."

He stands up, stretching, " As you should. I am your favorite brother."

I shake my head, carrying the trash to the bin. "You're my only brother."

Edd smirks. "Exactly. Means I win by default."

I huff a laugh, wiping down the counter. The conversation feels lighter now, the weight that had been pressing against my chest all day finally starting to lift.

We move around the kitchen in sync, like we've done a hundred times before.

When everything is put away, Edd claps his hands together. "Alright, that's my cue to get out of your hair."

I smirk. "You've been in my hair since the moment you got here."

"That's what I'm here for, kid."

I roll my eyes but don't fight the warmth curling in my chest.

He grabs his jacket from the couch and shrugs it on, adjusting the collar as he turns back to face me. "You sure you're good?"

I nod. "Yeah."

He studies me for a second longer, then exhales. "Alright." He steps forward, wrapping his arms around me in a tight hug. I sink into it easily, resting my chin against his shoulder.

"Get your shit together, Lee," he says, his voice filled with humor but something softer underneath. "Seriously."

I smile against his jacket, squeezing him one last time before pulling back. "I will."

Edd searches my face, then nods like he believes me. "Good." He steps back, reaching for the doorknob. "If you need anything, you know where to find me."

I nod. "I know."

Edd grins. "Try not to cause more disasters before I get back, alright?"

I smirk. "No promises."

He huffs a laugh, shaking his head as he pulls the door open. "Later, Lee."

"Later, Edd."

I watch as he walks down the hall, his hands stuffed in his jacket pockets, his shoulders relaxed in that effortless way he's always had.

The door clicks shut behind me, and for the first time in days, I feel like I can finally breathe.

The heaviness in my chest is completely gone, it's lighter.

I know what I need to do. And I feel ready. I glance at the clock. It's almost time for dinner with Juliet and Anthony.

I exhale slowly, rolling my shoulders back, shaking out my hands.

No more avoiding. No more running.

I can handle this. I will handle this.

I grab my phone and head to my room to get ready.