Theo sauntered in giving his phone back to Byran. His gaze never left Ellinor. He moved to her side, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear as if she were a child âEven if we donât see eye to eye, we can still respect each other and live in peaceâ
Ellinor was taken aback.
She grinned unwittingly Did he hear that? Would he get mad?
Haillie was equally shocked by Theoâs words. She struggled to accept it but didnât dare to show it. She could only awkwardly explain, âTheo, I was just joking with Ellinor!â Theo casually shifted to stand beside Ellinor, casting an icy glance at Haillie âIf the joke isnât funny, it can hurtâ
Haillie forced a smile. âTheo, Iâm sorry. I just thought that girls like Ellinor, who grew up in the countryside, are usually innocent and kind, thatâs why I was joking. Ellinor, are you mad?â
Ellinor raised an eyebrow. If she got mad now, wouldnât she be seen as petty?
She was about to respond when Theo lifted his arm around her shoulder, giving it a light squeeze as if to silence her.
With a poker face. Theo said, âIndeed, my wife grew up in the countryside. Her innocence, kindness, and lack of fussiness are her strengths. But these are no excuses for others to bully herâ
Upon being addressed, Ellinor blinked and turned to face him.
Haillie hurriedly explained, âTheol You misunderstood, why would I bully Ellinor? She just fixed my foot, I havenât even thanked her yet! Sheâs amazing! She cured my foot. using traditional medicine. Thatâs why I can walk now. I was just marveling at how strong and capable girls like Ellinor, who grew up in the countryside, are. Unlike me, so delicate, canât do a thing! Of course, I suggested she adjust her values to match ours to avoid future conflicts between you two.â
âNo need.â Theo replied He turned to Ellinor, giving her a faint smile. âMy wife doesnât need to change anything Itâs me who should be more humble. Right, darling?â
Ellinor looked at Theo, puzzled. Why was he talking to her like this? She felt uneasyâ¦
Haillieâs smile vanished, her eyes filled with hatred as if all the bitterness wanted to burst out, all aimed at Ellinor, the girl she had looked down on!
Theo gently stroked Ellinorâs cheek, his voice softer. âDidnât Collin say he would take you home first?
Why are you still here?â
Ellinor lowered her eyes, âOh, Iâll leave now.
She turned, slipping from Theoâs arm, âCollin, we can go now.â
Collin finally got the hint, glancing at Theoâs expression before responding, âYes, Ellinorâ
Suddenly, Ellinor stopped in her tracks.