Chapter 2 Fake Cousin

• In that moment, their eyes met. A face both familiar and unfamiliar came into view.
• It didn't feel the same, but the same memories came rushing back from their past.
• Alexander's heartless and cruel actions four years ago reignited Fellis's turbulent heart filled with hatred. The pain of her nails digging into her palms snapped her out of her trance.
• Alexander, she could never forgive that man, she simply did not want to provoke him. It would be better if the two of them never crossed paths again. Even if they accidentally encountered each other in the future, they would be nothing more than strangers.
• In an instant, Fellis pondered deeply.
• Finally, she briefly glanced at Alexander with a neutral gaze, then promptly made her way to the restroom.
• Of course, Alexander was also taken aback the moment their eyes met. Fellis had changed. Her chubby cheeks from when she was twenty years old and married had completely disappeared. Her already beautiful face, enhanced by subtle makeup, appeared even more captivating.
• Most importantly, Fellis' aura had transformed. If four years ago Fellis was like a delicate lily with glistening water droplets, then Fellis now resembled a captivating rose. With a mere flutter of her petals, she could mesmerize anyone who laid eyes on her.
• However, Fellis' eyes, shining with hatred, left Alexander feeling frozen, for he was the one at fault. On that fateful night four years ago, he had forced Fellis to leave him, and when she departed, she did not take a single penny with her.
• Throughout these four years, Alexander often reminisced about Fellis' foolish smile, the hangover soup she made for him, and especially the stormy night four years ago.
• He had hurt her, that much was true.
• Sometimes Alexander wondered, if only Fellis had taken the divorce settlement money, would he have been able to completely forget about it?
• In the next moment, Fellis decided to leave. Witnessing her departure, Alexander immediately stepped forward.
• "Alexander!"
• At that moment, Ellie suddenly appeared beside Alexander, her pale and slender hand gripping his strong arm.
• Ellie sensed something peculiar about Alexander. Whenever his gaze fell upon a woman, it never lasted more than ten seconds.
• But this time, Ellie noticed that not only were his eyes fixed on the woman for an extended period, but his emotions also ran deep.
• Ellie shifted her gaze towards Fellis, but all she saw was her hurried departure. Ellie acknowledged that this woman had a good posture and a modern sense of style. From behind, her face must be beautiful!
• Since Alexander never mentioned Fellis and erased all traces of her after signing the divorce papers, Ellie had never met Fellis. Even if Fellis were standing right in front of her, Ellie wouldn't recognize her.
• However, despite her unfamiliarity with Fellis, Ellie's eyes remained clouded: although many girls had attempted to seduce Alexander, Ellie knew that he remained loyal. So why was the woman before him able to effortlessly capture Alexander's attention?
• Ellie couldn't suppress her cough. She turned to Alexander and casually asked, "Alexander, is everything alright?"
• "No, it's fine," Alexander immediately turned his head and gently held Ellie's hand in his arm with a warm smile.
• "That woman just now, do you know her?" Ellie inquired, observing Alexander closely.
• Alexander paused for a moment, then shook his head. "No."
• Five years ago, Alexander and Fellis had married. In order to avoid causing harm, their marriage was kept private, unknown to the media. Ellie had only heard of Fellis, but they had never crossed paths.
• Now, by chance, they had encountered each other. Alexander had no intention of divulging this to Ellie. He knew that Ellie was a suspicious and sensitive person. Considering her deteriorating health, it would be detrimental if her condition worsened due to excessive contemplation.
• "Okay," Ellie nodded and refrained from further questioning. However, her gaze remained fixed in Fellis' direction.
• "Alexander, I should take Ellie home first. After all, this is Mr. Lindolf's birthday celebration, and it wouldn't be appropriate for you to leave the event early," suggested Wayne.
• "But Ellie..."
• "Alexander, I'll be fine," Ellie understandingly shook Alexander's arm. "Otherwise, I'll stay with him until the party concludes. However, it wouldn't be suitable for you to leave the event."
• "But your health doesn't permit it either!" Wayne grew slightly anxious. Taking a step forward, he addressed the two, "As I mentioned earlier, Alexander will stay here, and I will accompany Ellie home to rest."
• Alexander pondered for a moment before finally nodding. "That's the only option."
• Alexander also didn't want Ellie to exert herself. He gently caressed Ellie's cheek and softly said, "Go home and remember to rest."
• "Okay," Ellie kissed Alexander's cheek. "Please apologize to Warren on my behalf."
• "Ellie, Warren is already aware. You need not worry."
• "Alright, I'll go now," Ellie smiled at Alexander. Her beautiful brown eyes brimmed with affection.
• After bidding farewell to Alexander, Ellie departed under Wayne's guidance.
• Upon leading Ellie to the Rolls-Royce limousine, Wayne did not assume the driver's seat, but instead sat beside Ellie.
• Wayne surveyed his surroundings before placing his hand on Ellie's shoulder and expressing concern, "Ellie, why did your stomach suddenly ache? Is it better now?"
• "Please remove your hand quickly, we are in public!" Ellie's body trembled as she promptly pushed Wayne's hand away.
• "Isn't there anyone around?" Wayne turned his head, scanning the vicinity. Disheartened by Ellie's swift rejection, he spoke in a sorrowful and disappointed tone.
• "That is also not permissible! If anyone sees us, it could spell trouble for both of us!" Ellie's face, initially pale, reddened slightly due to tension. "Wayne, you must exercise caution."
• "Ellie, do you have any idea how tormented I am? I witnessed your illness but couldn't be the first to show concern. Do you comprehend the sadness I experienced? For your sake, I had to pretend to be your older cousin. Every day, I witnessed you and Alexander being affectionate, yet I couldn't intervene. The pain I endured was unbearable!" Wayne gazed at Ellie's beautiful face, which appeared pale, and once again grasped her shoulder with fervent emotion.
• "I told you, we won't be together forever. I also informed you that if you no longer wish to be by my side, you are free to leave!"
• "Ellie, you know I cannot leave you!" Wayne looked up, his eyebrows almost forming a deep furrow.
• "Then please refrain from speaking and be of assistance to me, dear cousin! Assume the role of Gunner's company manager, become the caretaker of the villa! Then you may indulge in a life of luxury!" Ellie glared at Wayne while speaking in a cold and detached manner.
• Wayne gazed at Ellie's heartless countenance, then slowly lowered his gaze: it had been four years since Ellie married Alexander. Four years during which he witnessed Ellie and Alexander, inseparable and deeply in love, causing his heart to ache as if being torn apart.
• Despite the brief moments of intimacy he shared with Ellie during Alexander's absence, it was not enough to alleviate the heartache she had caused him for four long years!
• What is so remarkable about Alexander? He and Ellie only met in college, whereas Wayne had been protecting Ellie since her earliest memories! He witnessed Ellie's journey through elementary school, middle school, and college! He always followed in her footsteps, accompanying her, protecting her, and loving her!
• And Alexander? Besides his wealth, power, and handsomeness, what else does he possess? On what grounds did Alexander subject Ellie to such bitterness?
• "Wayne, do not trouble me, alright?" Ellie's tone softened as she observed Wayne's sorrowful eyes. She held Wayne's face in her hands and looked into his eyes, "Wayne, you promised to protect me for the rest of my life. Whatever I desire, you will undoubtedly provide."
• "Yes, I made that promise, and I shall undoubtedly uphold it," Wayne sadly nodded. This was the woman he had loved since childhood, even if she asked him to die, he would willingly comply.
• So, what if he saw Ellie with another man? At least he could still be in her presence!
• With this thought, Wayne's emotions gradually eased. He took a deep breath and forced a smile at Ellie, "Ellie, I allowed my emotions to get the best of me earlier."
• "It is alright," Ellie lightly shook her head, "I understand that you act out of concern for me," she said with understanding.
• "Yes, I shall immediately take you back to the villa to rest!" Wayne nodded. He exited the back seat and settled into the driver's seat.
• Ellie sat in the back seat, her lips curving into a smile. She observed Wayne, who hurriedly drove her home, with satisfaction.
• This is also good, to have a man who is willing to sacrifice himself for her, and to have someone she cares for. Not to mention being cared for by a wealthy and influential man, let alone the one she desires to pursue.
• As Ellie contemplated Alexander's warmth towards her, her heart filled with contentment.
• However, suddenly, the image of the woman in the bathroom flashed in Ellie's mind, the woman who captivated Alexander's thoughts.
• Although Ellie could not recall what that woman looked like, witnessing Alexander lost in thought earlier, Ellie could not forget her.
• Ellie gritted her teeth, feeling the need to be proactive. The woman had already captured Alexander's attention, so in order to maintain her position and prevent it from being threatened, the best course of action was to deny the woman any opportunity to reappear before Alexander.
• Ellie blinked, then raised her head. She addressed Wayne, who was focused on driving the car, "Wayne, do you still remember the woman we encountered in the bathroom?"
• "Which woman?" Wayne furrowed his brows. He had never paid attention to other women all this time, as in his eyes, there was only Ellie.
• "The woman who intruded when I was experiencing stomach pain earlier."
• Ellie's words triggered a faint recollection in Wayne's mind, "I vaguely recall, why?"
• "Assist me in dealing with her. Since Alexander regards her with a different gaze, I hope she never appears before him again, for eternity."
• An evilness that did not align with her usual demeanor surfaced on Ellie's beautiful face: typically, she never took action against women who sought to approach Alexander, but this woman who captured Alexander's attention would be an exception.
• "Ellie, are you not going too far?" Wayne looked at Ellie's beautiful face through the rearview mirror, secretly pondering: Ellie, is Alexander truly that important to you?
• "Wayne, you previously assured me that you would do whatever I asked of you," Ellie pressed on upon witnessing Wayne's disapproving expression. "Was that all a lie?" she asked, feigning sadness.
• Hearing Ellie's disappointed tone, Wayne panicked, "Ellie, how could I ever deceive you? You know that everything I do is for your benefit!"
• "Then please assist me this time, alright? Aid me in removing that woman from Houston!" Ellie continued.
• Wayne took a deep breath and nodded, "Alright, after I bring you to the villa, I will promptly take care of it."
• "First, please inform me of your plan," Ellie remained unconvinced and requested Wayne to explain his plan in detail.
• Wayne moistened his lips and resignedly said, "Similar to before, I will investigate the woman's workplace, then inform her superiors that Alexander desires her departure."
• Wayne paused for a moment, then continued, "I will also disseminate information to other companies. Any clothing design-related companies should refrain from hiring her, and it would be preferable to force her out of Houston."
• Upon hearing Wayne's words, Ellie finally nodded in relief. "Thank you, Wayne," she said happily.
• Wayne remained silent, responding to Ellie's gratitude with a faint sigh.
• At the party hosted by Lindolf's Big Company...
• After Alexander finished attending to the bosses who sought to establish connections with him, he sat alone at the far end of the room, silently sipping his wine.
• His gaze wandered, observing the passing individuals. His heart remained preoccupied with concern for Ellie's well-being.
• Simultaneously, the memory of his encounter with Fellis in the bathroom clung tightly to his mind.
• Four years, four years had passed.
• On that rainy night, in his anger and intoxication, he had hurt Fellis. And since that day, Fellis vanished.
• Alexander's attitude towards his marriage with Fellis was solely exploitative.
• However, gradually, Alexander discovered that no matter how coldly he treated Fellis, the girl always regarded him with a beautiful and radiant smile, a smile that compelled people to love her.
• When he presented the divorce papers to Fellis, he could not forget the girl's sorrowful and disappointed expression. Alexander also could not forget the feeling of regret that welled up within him upon returning to the villa and discovering the signed divorce papers alongside the check.
• And now, four years later, today, Fellis had become a stranger, a stranger who despised him.
• If that was the case, then let them remain strangers. When Alexander made this decision, a tinge of sadness lingered in his heart. He could not discern whether it stemmed from his longing for Fellis or from his regret.
• "Hey, Alexander, what occupies your thoughts!" called Warren, the general manager of Big Lindolf Company. He sported a striking pink suit, holding a light blue cocktail glass in his hand. He approached Alexander.