Part 25 ( Ellie )

The city glows around me. I left my apartment at ten, knowing I'd get there early. But I needed the drive, needed the steady hum of the engine.

Edd's words still linger in my mind, looping on repeat.

You need to break up with her.

You don't love her as much as you think you do.

Are you done running?

I grip the steering wheel a little tighter, exhaling through my nose.

I know what I need to do. I do.

But that doesn't mean I'm ready for everything else.

I pull into the private lot of the restaurant. It's tucked away from the city's usual chaos, high-end but discreet, the kind of place where billionaires sign deals over imported wine and never make the headlines for it.

I park, turning off the engine. The dashboard clock reads 10:17.

Still early.

I sigh, stepping out, adjusting my jacket as the night air hits me. It's crisp, cool enough that I can see my breath in the dim glow of the overhead lights. The restaurant's entrance is quiet, no paparazzi, no unwanted attention. Just how I wanted it.

I walk inside, nodding at the host. "Reservation under Vasquez."

The man smiles politely and gestures toward the back. "Your table is ready. but your party hasn't arrived yet."

I nod in acknowledgment and follow him through the intimate dining space. The lighting is warm, the clink of glasses and conversations filling the air. It smells like truffle oil, aged wine, money.

I settle into my seat, resting my hands on the table, glancing toward the entrance.

I know they'll be here soon.

Anthony texted me earlier, confirming everything. 10:30 sharp. No delays.

Juliet knows, too.

I tilt my head back slightly, staring up at the golden glow of the chandelier above me. My fingers drum idly against the linen-covered table.

I should feel restless.

But I don't.

I feel like I know where I stand. I know what needs to happen next.

And I'm not running anymore. Not from this. Not from Juliet.

I exhale, glancing at my watch.

10:25.

I sit back in my chair.

A waiter approaches and asks if I'd like anything to drink while I wait. I ask for water, not trusting myself with anything stronger just yet. He nods and disappears, leaving me alone again.

I tap my fingers against the edge of my plate, eyes drifting back toward the entrance.

Juliet walks in.

Five minutes early.

Her entrance is as effortless as always. The restaurant lighting casts a warm glow over her, highlighting the sharp lines of her black tailored blazer, the way it fits snugly over her frame. Her blonde hair is perfect, not a strand out of place. The kind of precision only Juliet Baldwin could maintain after a full day of running an company.

Her gaze sweeps the restaurant before settling on me.

I hold my breath.

She walks over. No hesitation, no wasted movement. She pulls out the chair across from me and sinks into it with that same poised grace, crossing one leg over the other.

I shift slightly, clearing my throat.

"Hey," I say first.

Juliet lifts a brow, but there's no sharpness behind it. "You look a lot better than you did in our last meeting."

I blink at her, caught slightly off guard. "Yeah?"

She hums, reaching for the glass of water the waiter just placed in front of her. "You do," she confirms, lifting it to her lips, taking a sip. "More put together. Less like you were about to unravel in front of me."

I huff a quiet laugh, shaking my head. "That bad, huh?"

Juliet tilts her head, studying me. "You tell me."

I exhale, leaning back in my chair. "I feel better."

Her eyes flick over my face. A slight curl on her lips.

My chest flickers at the thought, warm, unexpected.

I shift in my seat, pushing past the thought. "Anthony's running late?"

Juliet shrugs, glancing at her watch. "Looks like it. He should be here soon."

I nod, drumming my fingers against the table again, trying to think of something to say.

The silence between us is comfortable.

Juliet watches me, her fingers resting against the stem of her glass. "Did you figure things out?"

I meet her gaze. "What do you mean?"

She tilts her head slightly. "You were barely present in our meeting earlier. You looked like you were seconds away from disappearing into thin air."

I swallow, glancing away for a moment before looking back at her. "I just had a lot on my mind."

Juliet hums, taking another sip of her water. "And now?"

I roll my shoulders. "Now, I have a better idea of what I need to do."

Juliet arches a brow. "Care to share?"

I hesitate. Not because I don't want to tell her, but because I don't know what it'll mean if I do.

She waits, patient as ever, like she already knows I'll answer.

And I do.

"I'm breaking up with Bella." I say, voice quieter than I intended.

Juliet stills, her fingers pausing against her glass. She watches me for a long moment.

"Good," she murmurs.

I blink. "Good?"

Her lips press together, eyes steady on mine. "You're not happy." she says simply.

I swallow, caught off guard by how sure she sounds.

She leans back slightly, tilting her head. "You were going to do it anyway, weren't you?"

I let out a slow breath, nodding. "Yeah."

Juliet doesn't gloat, doesn't smirk like she's won something. She just nods, like she understands something I don't.

I study her, watching the way her fingers tap lightly against the base of her glass.

"Do you think I'm a terrible person?" I ask suddenly.

Juliet's eyes flick up to mine. "No."

I let out a humorless laugh. "I cheated on my girlfriend. And now I'm leaving her."

Juliet's gaze doesn't waver. "You shouldn't have cheated," she says, blunt but not cruel. "But staying in a relationship you don't want just to avoid hurting someone? That's worse."

I exhale, rubbing a hand over my face. "I didn't mean for it to happen."

Juliet tilts her head, studying me. "You never do."

I look at her, searching for something in her expression. "And what about you?"

Her lips curl slightly. "What about me?"

"You kissed me back," I say, watching her carefully. "You wanted it just as much as I did."

Juliet doesn't flinch. "Yes."

I blink. "Just like that?"

She lifts a shoulder in a small shrug. "I don't lie to myself, Ellie."

I huff out a laugh, shaking my head. "Must be nice."

Her lips twitch, but her gaze is softer. "You should try it sometime."

"I'm still learning how to do that." I say, my voice filled with humor.

Her gaze steady. "You'll figure it out."

Something about the way she says it makes my chest tighten.

I shake my head, exhaling through my nose. "You're being nice."

Juliet smirks. "Don't get used to it."

I chuckle under my breath, looking down at the table.

For a moment, it's just the two of us. The noise of the restaurant fades into the background, the weight of everything else. Bella, my mistakes, the uncertainty of what comes next, sitting just outside the bubble of this conversation.

I glance up, meeting Juliet's gaze again.

"You still meant what you said?" I ask quietly.

Juliet lifts a brow. "Meant what?"

"When you said you were done chasing."

Juliet doesn't hesitate. "Yes."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "You know, for someone who likes to act unbothered, you sure do have a habit of keeping me in your orbit."

She lifts a brow, amusement flickering in her expression. "Is that what you think this is?"

I lean forward slightly, lowering my voice just enough to make the words feel heavier. "I think if you really wanted to push me away, you would've done it by now."

Juliet doesn't answer right away. She just watches me. Then, slowly, she lifts her glass, taking a sip. "Or maybe I just enjoy watching you try to figure me out."

I scoff, shaking my head. "That's cruel."

She smirks. "It's entertaining."

I exhale, running a hand down my face before settling back against my chair. "You really don't make things easy, do you?"

Juliet leans in slightly, just enough to blur the distance between us. "Would you want me to?"

I hold her gaze.

No.

I wouldn't.

Juliet watches me for a moment. I open my mouth, but before i can say anything,

Anthony walks in.

"Apologies," he calls as he makes his way over. "Got caught up in a call."

Juliet leans back in her chair, her composed mask slipping back into place.

I sit up a little straighter, as Anthony pulls out his seat.

The moment between us is gone.

Anthony settles into his seat with a familiar, easy confidence, setting his leather-bound folder onto the table with a satisfying thud.

"Alright," he exhales, adjusting his cuffs. "Let's make this official."

Juliet reaches for her glass, taking a slow sip. I roll my shoulders back as Anthony flips open the folder, revealing the final documents.

"This is it," he says, tapping the top sheet with the end of his pen. "One last signature, Crawford, and the land's officially yours."

I glance at the papers, then at Juliet. She's watching me, but there's no resistance in her gaze. No last-minute hesitation. She's already decided to let this deal happen.

I nod, reaching for the pen Anthony slides toward me. "That's all?"

"That's all," Anthony confirms. "Baldwin Lux gets an eighteen percent stake in the club, and you get your land."

I hesitate for a brief moment, pen hovering above the signature line. Not out of doubt, this is exactly what I wanted, but because this moment is bigger than I realized.

This is the beginning of my club.

Juliet watches me, her chin resting lightly against her palm. "You're making history, Crawford," she murmurs, her voice smooth. "Don't overthink it."

I huff a quiet laugh. "You saying I overthink things?"

Juliet smirks. "I'm saying, if you stall any longer, Anthony might actually start sweating."

Anthony groans. "Please, God, just sign the damn thing."

I smirk, shaking my head, then lower the pen to the paper, my signature flowing easily against the contract. A simple motion, but it cements everything.

It's done.

The club is happening.

Anthony exhales in relief, snapping the folder shut. "That's what I like to see." He leans back in his chair, stretching his arms behind his head. "Congratulations, Crawford. You're now the proud owner of one of the most valuable land in the city."

I sit back, exhaling.

Juliet tips her glass toward me, watching with quiet amusement. "You're not regretting it already, are you?"

I scoff. "Not a chance."

Anthony claps his hands together. "Then let's talk logistics."

I raise an eyebrow. "Already?"

Anthony grins. "Come on, Crawford. You don't get to sit back and celebrate just yet. You've got a club to build."

I shake my head, but there's no real irritation behind it. He's right.

"You have a name for it yet?" Juliet asks, tapping her fingers against her glass.

I glance at her, then at Anthony. "I do."

Anthony's brows lift in surprise. "Really? You've been sitting on it this whole time?"

I smirk slightly, nodding. "Yeah."

Juliet tilts her head. "Well?"

I let the words settle on my tongue before speaking them aloud. "Lee's Haven."

Anthony pauses mid-reach for his glass, brow furrowing. "Lee's Haven?" He tilts his head, considering it. "Not what I expected, but I like it. Got a nice ring to it."

Juliet doesn't react right away. Instead, she watches me, her fingers lightly tracing the stem of her wine glass. Her expression curious.

Then, she asks the question I knew was coming.

"Why Lee's Haven?"

I don't know why I feel hesitant to answer. Maybe because it's personal. Maybe because saying it out loud makes it feel more real.

I glance at Anthony, who's watching me with mild curiosity but none of the weight Juliet's gaze holds.

I clear my throat. "Lee," I start, pausing for a second before continuing, "it's a name that means something to me."

Juliet's brow lifts slightly. "It's not the name you go by."

"No," I admit. "It's not."

Her gaze doesn't waver. "Then why use it for something this important?"

I exhale through my nose, leaning back against the chair. "Because it's the name my brother calls me," I say finally. "It's... a part of me that not everyone gets to see." I run a hand through my hair, shrugging like it's not a big deal. "And Haven—well, that one's self-explanatory."

Anthony hums, tapping his fingers against the table. "Damn. That's actually solid." He grins. "A personal touch. Makes it feel like more than just another rich-person club."

"That's the point," I say. "It's not just another rich-person club."

Juliet doesn't say anything right away. She just keeps watching me, something flickering across her face before she finally speaks.

"Lee's Haven," she murmurs, almost like she's testing the name on her tongue. Then, she nods once. "It suits you."

I swallow. "Yeah?"

Juliet lifts her glass, her expression softer than before. "Yeah."

Anthony grins, reaching for his own glass. "Alright, then. Lee's Haven it is." He tilts his head at me. "You breaking ground soon?"

I nod, grateful for the shift in focus. "As soon as possible. Now that the land is secured, we're finalizing everything. I don't want to waste any time."

Juliet hums, swirling the liquid in her glass. "And you're ready for that?"

I meet her gaze. "Yeah," I say simply. "I am."

She fixates her gaze on me but she doesn't press. Instead, she lifts her glass slightly.

Anthony grins, already raising his. "Then let's drink to that."

The champagne arrives just in time, the waiter popping the cork with ease. Bubbles rise as he pours into our glasses, the quiet fizz filling the momentary silence between us.

Anthony raises his glass first, his grin widening. "To Lee's Haven," he toasts. "And to making history."

Juliet lifts hers next, her eyes locked onto mine as she murmurs, "To a place that actually means something."

I raise my glass last, the weight in my chest lighter than it's been in a while.

"To Lee's Haven."

We drink.

The champagne is crisp, expensive, the kind of luxury I once thought I'd never be a part of.

I lean back in my seat, letting it all sink in.

The deal is done. The club is real.

I glance at Juliet. She's watching me again, her gaze impossible to read.

-

After a couple more drinks, Anthony's phone vibrates against the table. He sighs, glancing at the screen before pushing back his chair. "Gotta take this," he mutters, already standing. "Try not to kill each other while I'm gone."

He doesn't wait for a response before striding off, leaving just me and Juliet.

Juliet takes a sip of her wine, gaze unwavering on mine over the rim of her glass. She's watching like she's in no rush to fill the silence. Like she knows exactly how to make me squirm without saying a damn word.

I exhale, leaning back against my chair. "You've been staring at me all night."

She sets her glass down with deliberate ease, her fingers trailing along the stem. "You always think people are looking at you, Crawford," she muses. "It's that ego of yours."

I smirk. "Can you blame me?"

Juliet smirks, tilting her head slightly. "Blame you?" she echoes, her voice smooth, calculated. "For assuming the whole room is in love with you at any given moment? That's a little much, even for you."

I chuckle, drumming my fingers against the table. "Didn't say the whole room." I level her with a look. "Just you."

She lifts a brow, unimpressed. "You really have no shame."

"None," I admit easily, taking a sip of my drink. "Makes life more fun."

Juliet shakes her head, leaning forward slightly. "And here I thought you might've matured since college."

"Disappointed?" I quip.

She hums, considering. "Not surprised."

I exhale a quiet laugh, tapping the edge of my glass. "You say that like you don't enjoy it."

Juliet doesn't bite right away, just watches me, eyes sharp. "I enjoy a lot of things, Crawford," she murmurs, "but stroking your ego isn't one of them."

I let my smirk linger, unbothered. "Could've fooled me."

Juliet hums, tilting her head like she's considering something. "Maybe I just enjoy watching you wonder."

That gets a huff of amusement out of me. "That's a fancy way of saying yes."

She lets out a quiet laugh, but it's barely there, just the curve of her lips and the glint in her eye. "You're so sure of yourself."

I smirk, dragging my tongue along the inside of my cheek. "I know you."

Juliet studies me for a long moment, something flickering behind her gaze. "You used to."

That shouldn't hit as hard as it does.

I swallow, setting my glass down. "Still do."

She tilts her head, her blonde waves slipping over her shoulder. "Oh?" There's a challenge in her voice, subtle but unmistakable. "Then tell me. What am I thinking right now?"

I lean forward, resting my arms against the table, closing the space between us just slightly. "You're thinking about how much easier this would be if you hated me."

Juliet stills, her fingers tightening around the stem of her glass. It's small but I catch it. I always do.

"Wrong."

I let out a quiet breath, shaking my head. "Liar."

Juliet smiles, but it's that slow, razor-sharp kind, the one that's always meant trouble for me. She traces the rim of her glass with a single finger, her nails tapping against the crystal. "If I wanted you to know what I was thinking, Crawford, you would."

I scoff. "Bullshit. You just like making me guess."

She tilts her head slightly. "You keep playing."

There it is.

That same pull.

The one that's always existed between us, even before either of us knew what to do with it.

I drag a hand down my face, shaking my head. "You love this, don't you?"

Her smirk deepens. "Love what?"

"This." I gesture between us, between the charged, invisible thread tightening the air. "The push and pull."

Juliet lifts a shoulder, her gaze never leaving mine. "Maybe."

I exhale sharply. "Just like old times."

She hums, swirling the wine in her glass. "Just like old times."

We stare at each other for a long beat, something thick and simmering between us. The restaurant fades into the background, the sound of clinking glasses, murmured conversations, the low hum of music. It's all just noise.

It's always just been noise when she's in front of me.

Anthony strides back toward the table, looking way too pleased with himself.

"Alright, crisis averted." He glances between us, pausing for half a second before smirking. "What'd I miss?"

Juliet doesn't look at him. She just picks up her glass again, taking another sip.

"Nothing." she murmurs.

But the curl of her lips says otherwise.