ELLA'S POVI rushed into the restaurant, already running late after staying behind at school. As soon as I stepped inside, the workers who were wrapping up for the night immediately stopped what they were doing. Hushed murmurs rippled through the group. "Oh my god, do you see how handsome he is?" one waitress whispered loudly to her friend, fanning herself. "I wouldn't mind him taking my order, if you know what I mean."Her friend giggled before leaning in. "I heard he's coming in to look for work here. Can you imagine having someone like that on our staff?"Who were they talking about? I frowned slightly, turning to try and spot the supposed new potential hire. That's when the harsh voice of Agatha cut through the chatter."You," she barked, jabbing a finger at me. "Why are you stumbling in this late? Your shift started over an hour ago."I swallowed hard, caught off guard. "I'm so sorry, Agatha. I had some delays after school that set me back and--""We don't allow lateness here,"
ELLA'S POV. "What are you doing here, Lucinda?" Ryan's firm voice cut through the noise of the restaurant.I looked up from where I was assisting with some prep work to see Lucinda standing there, hands on her hips as she leveled her gaze at Ryan. "It happens that we have some people coming in to book reservations for a celebration," he continued sternly. "This really isn't the best time."Lucinda tossed her hair over her shoulder. "I actually came to discuss our class project," she stated in a sugary-sweet tone that immediately set me on edge. "And well...to see my love since I heard he's started working here too."Her eyes bored into mine as she said the last part. My love? Did she actually just refer to Trent that way?Ryan pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Look, this really isn't the appropriate place or time for that kind of thing right now. We're incredibly backed up with work as you can see. Please leave.""Not until I see Trent," Lucinda stated, crossing her arms.
ELLA'S POVMr. Donovan's slow smile spread as his eyes searched me. "Who would have believed we'd cross paths again in such a manner?"I tensed, swallowing hard as unease prickled my skin under his stare. "So I see you're working here," he remarked.My mouth felt dry as I forced out a stammered, "Yes."Mr. Donovan's gaze sharpened. "Did you happen to be the server who waited on us yesterday in the VIP lounge?Panic surged through me, but I forced myself to meet his stare evenly. "Yes, that was me.""Excellent." He laced his fingers together atop the table. "Then you must have overheard part of our private conversation as well."My breath caught in my throat as the implication hit me. They knew. But how?Forcing a tight smile, I shook my head. "No, sir. I simply dropped some plates by accident which caused a loud noise. But I didn't hear anything from inside the lounge." Mr. Donovan's smile only seemed to widen further. "Is that so?" He reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved his
ELLA'S POVMy heart pounded hard in my chest as I scanned the hallway, finally spotting Damien at his locker. This was my chance. I had to warn him, no matter how awkward it might be between us.Taking a breath, I started towards him, dodging between the clusters of students. "Damien!" I called out once I drew closer.He looked up at the sound of my voice, brows knitting together slightly. There was a pause before he responded. "Ella? What's up?"I came to a halt in front of him, gnawing on my lower lip. How was I supposed to phrase this? "Look, I...I need to tell you something. In private."Damien's frown deepened, but after a moment's hesitation he gave a slight nod and stepped away from his locker. "Okay, let's talk over here."He led the way to a secluded place, out of earshot from the other students walking about. Once we were alone, I turned to face him fully, struggling to maintain his stare."I'm just going to cut right to it," I began in a low tone. "You need to warn your dad
ELLA'S POVWe seemed to hold our breath as Mrs. Winslow cleared her throat, shuffling the papers in her hands. "And the letter of recommendation goes to..."My heart leapt into my throat, the silence pressing down on me. I could practically taste the anticipation in the air."I'm definitely going to be the one," Lucinda's voice cut through the silence. She was beaming at Trent, her smile widening. "We crushed that Romeo and Juliet scene."I suppressed an eye roll, ready to simply accept defeat gracefully. There was no way Mrs. Winslow would endorse our...unprofessional display out there as the winner thoughMrs. Winslow's throat clearing made the entire class sit up straighter. "The team I've selected to receive my highest endorsement is..." She paused, building the anticipation as she broke the seal on the envelope.My palms grew clammy, a sound filling my ears. Just get it over with already! Then finally, the name passed her lips:"Ella Thompson and Trent Donovan."A stunned silence
ELLA'S POV"Okay from the top again," Ryan instructed, clapping his hands together.I sighed deeply, rolling my eyes as the music filled the room once more. "Ryan, I don't think this is a good idea," I said again. "You can't just assume I have some hidden dance talent just because of one drama performance."Ryan chuckled lightly. "Trust me Ella, I know raw talent when I see it," he murmured, eyes twinkling.Stepping forward, he grasped my hands, his fingers tightening around my waist as he pulled me flush against him. Our bodies moved together seamlessly in the intimate proximity."Just feel the rhythm and let your body move," Ryan breathed, his lips close to my ear. "You've got a natural grace."A flush crept up my neck at the compliment. Swallowing hard, I met Ryan's intense gaze and gave a slight nod. Squaring my shoulders, I tried again to mirror his steps, letting the pulsing beat of the music guide me.Ryan kept one hand splayed at my lower back as we moved. "That's it, nice and
ELLA'S POV"Ella, you have to explain what's going on," Ryan said, his brow furrowing. "Why do you suddenly seem so shaken up over an old photo?"Without responding, I pivoted on my heel and hurried across the room, scooping up the duffel bag I'd brought over from the chair. I had to get to the bottom of this - now."Hey, what are you doing?" Ryan moved to block my path, catching my arm to halt my movements.I shook him off. "I need to see him," I murmured, more to myself than Ryan. "He definitely knows about my father."Ryan held my hand once more and stilled me. "Talk to me, Ella. What's this all about?"I gestured wildly towards the photo again. "You said you don't know the relationship between the man in that picture and your father, right?"He nodded slowly. "Right...""Well then I need to go ask your father myself," I stated, already turning to grab my jacket. "Because that man receiving the award from your dad...is my fucking father, Ryan."His lips parted on a soft exhale as r
ELLA'S POVTaking a deep breath, I extracted the contents and began to read the documents from the envelope. My heart stuttered as the words on the top page leapt out at me - 'Divorce Decree'.A divorce decree? Between who? My trembling fingers flipped through the stack until I froze, eyes widening as I stared at the names - Daniel Thompson and Patricia Thompson. My parents' names...divorced?My mind spun as I rapidly flipped through the official documents. The listed date of legal separation, details of the division of assets and custody arrangements. It was all there in black and white.What the hell? How was this possible? All my life, Mom had spun the story that Dad simply up and left us, abandoning his family without a trace. She'd never once breathed a word about going through an actual divorce proceeding with him.Rage sparked within me as the realization sank in - I'd been lied to, by my own mother no less, for years upon years about the truth surrounding my father's disappear