My contracted lover

Chapter 6

As I stood at the charity event, sipping my champagne, I heard a voice in my head. "They're doing it again," it said. "Alex and Sophia, they're cheating on you."

I tried to brush it off, but another voice chimed in. "Who sent that message? What do they know about you? Are you being stalked?"

I shook my head, trying to clear the voices. But they just got louder. "Your symptoms are getting worse," a third voice said. "You need to get your medication adjusted."

I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. I was done listening to these voices. I stood up, not bothering to say goodbye to anyone, and made a hasty exit.

As I drove home, the voices finally silenced, I felt a sense of relief. But it was short-lived. I realized I was feeling lonely and tired.

That's when I remembered the dress I had left in Alex's car. I had wanted to give it to Sophia as an apology gift.

Feeling a bit better after resting, I decided to go back to the event and get the dress. As I arrived, I spotted Rachel Drewgett, a friend from way back.

"Hey, Rach," I said, walking up to her.

Rachel turned to me, a concerned look on her face. "Ella, what's wrong? You left so suddenly."

“I had a bad headache so I had to go” was my curt reply

Rachel's eyes widened in concern as she grabbed my arm, pulling me into a quiet corner. "Ella, babes, what is going on with you?" she asked, her voice low and gentle. "How could you even think that Alex was cheating on you with Sophia? Your sister, Ella! That's a grave accusation, girl!"

I sighed, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I know, Rach, I know it sounds crazy. But there's just something about them that's off, you know? They're always whispering and laughing together, and it's like they're hiding something."

Rachel shook her head, her blonde hair swinging with the motion. "Girl, you're reading too much into it. Alex loves you, and Sophia is your sister. Why would they do something like that?"

I shrugged, feeling a bit defensive. "I don't know, Rach. I just can't shake off this feeling that something's going on. And then I got that weird message..."

Rachel's expression softened, and she put a hand on my arm. "Ella, you need to calm down, okay? You're letting your imagination run wild. Alex is a good guy, and he would never cheat on you. And Sophia? Come on, she's your sister! You two are like two peas in a pod."

I took a deep breath, trying to let go of my doubts. "You're right, Rach. I'm just being paranoid."

Rachel smiled, giving me a hug. "That's my girl. Now, what's going on with you? You seemed really upset when you left earlier."

I smiled, feeling a bit better. "I was, but I'm okay now. Actually, I got Sophia a dress as an apology gift. I left it in Alex's car, that's why I came back."

Rachel's eyes widened in surprise. "A dress? Ella, you didn't have to do that!"

I grinned, feeling a bit more confident. "I wanted to. I realized I was being ridiculous, and I needed to make it up to her."

Rachel smiled, nodding. "That's my girl. Now, let's go find that dress and get you back to enjoying the night."

“But.. she paused and started me dead in the eye I also paused in my tracks she continued gravely

“Suspicion is not also a crime yunno, but just be cool do your underground work and not just empty threats that sound like an insecurity speaking”

I stood there, feeling a mix of emotions as Rachel's words hit me like a ton of bricks. "You were right, Rach," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I was wasn’t wrong to suspect them but the way I went about it without proof or anything but to make up for that I even got Sophia a dress ."

Rachel's sighed. " I didn’t think you needed to go through that stress Ella, you didn't have to do that!"

I smiled, feeling a bit awkward. "I wanted to. I left it in Alex's car, actually. That's why I came back to the event."

Rachel's expression changed, and she leaned in closer. "Ella, Alex and Sophia left a while ago. I thought they might have gone together."

My heart skipped a beat. What did she mean? I felt a shiver run down my spine as I excused myself and made a hasty exit.

I had to find Alex. I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

As I made my way through the crowd, I was stopped by the chef, who thanked me for bringing the event to his attention. The owners of the charity also stopped me to thank me for my support.

I smiled and nodded, trying to be polite, but my mind was elsewhere. Where was Alex?

Finally, I managed to break free and made my way to my car. I drove around, trying to think of where Alex might be. His phone was off, and I was starting to get worried.

That's when I remembered the penthouse. It was our special place, where we used to go to escape the world.

I drove there, my heart racing with anticipation. As I pulled up, I heard sounds coming from inside. Music, laughter...and something else.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I got out of the car and approached the door. I knew that voice. It was Sophia.

And then I heard Alex's voice, low and husky. "Sophia..."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I pushed open the door, and my eyes landed on them.

Alex and Sophia, wrapped in each other's arms, kissing.

The world around me crashed