Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 115: Suspicious Joanne

Chapter 115: Suspicious Joanne

The evening passed in a blur of stories, laughter, and more desserts than I should probably admit to consuming. Eventually, I stretched, realizing it was time to go.

I turned to Mrs. Davis and hugged her tightly. "Thank you for putting up with me tonight. You’re officially the best."

She patted my back warmly. "You’re welcome anytime, Kate."

Grabbing my coat, I looked at Ella and Arec, standing side by side with matching smiles. "You two take care of each other, okay? And don’t forget—next week, I’m bringing my followers for a full tour of this palace."

Arec just shook his head, amused but resigned. "Goodnight, Kate."

"Goodnight, favorite Mrs. Davis!" I called over my shoulder as I stepped into the elevator, dragging Ella along with me so she could see me off properly.

As the doors closed and we began descending, I leaned against the mirrored wall, my usual humor fading just a little. I glanced at Ella, noting how relaxed she looked, how genuinely happy she seemed.

"You’re really glowing, you know," I murmured, my tone less teasing this time. "Arec must be doing something right."

Ella chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I’ll be sure to let him know he’s been approved by Kate’s Council of Standards."

"Oh, he’s more than approved," I said dramatically. "I might have to steal him if you ever mess up."

Ella rolled her eyes, but her smile didn’t fade. "Sure, Kate. He’ll fall for you and your chaos in no time."

I smirked. "Who wouldn’t?"

The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped into the lobby with Ella by my side. The polished marble floors reflected the warm glow of the chandeliers, and for a second, I felt like I was stepping onto the set of a ridiculously expensive movie.

I let out a low whistle. "Even the lobby looks like it belongs in a film about billionaires with tragic love stories. I don’t think I can ever get used to it."

Ella chuckled, looping her arm through mine as we made our way toward the parking garage. "You’ve been here a million times, Kate. You act like it’s your first visit every time."

"Can’t help it." I swung my car keys in my free hand, eyeing the grand space one last time. "This place is a dream. But enough about your fairytale penthouse. There’s something I need to talk to you about."

Ella’s brows lifted slightly at my sudden shift in tone. "That sounds serious."

I sighed, my usual lightheartedness fading into something heavier. "It is—kind of. It’s about Joanne."

At that, Ella’s steps slowed just a fraction. "Joanne? What about her?"

As we reached my car, I stopped and turned fully to face her, gripping my keys a little tighter. "She came to see me last week. Unannounced, by the way—just showed up all smiles and excitement, like we were besties or something."

Ella blinked. "She did?"

"Yeah. And guess what she wanted to talk about? You. More specifically, throwing you a baby shower."

Her expression shifted to something unreadable. "A baby shower? That’s... thoughtful of her, I guess?"

I narrowed my eyes, watching her reaction carefully. "Sure, if we ignore the fact that she was oddly insistent on it happening before the wedding. That’s what doesn’t sit right with me."

Ella frowned, leaning back against the car door. "Why? What’s so odd about that?"

I hesitated for a moment, debating how to put it into words without sounding paranoid. But this wasn’t just me overthinking things—something about Joanne’s eagerness, her timing, it all felt off.

"Because, Ella," I said, keeping my voice even, "My gut tells me that Joanne isn’t just being ’thoughtful.’ She’s planning something. I’m sure of it."

Ella’s lips parted slightly, as if she were about to argue, but then she hesitated. She looked away, her brows knitting together in that thoughtful way she always did when she was trying to make sense of something she hadn’t considered before.

"Kate," she started, her tone measured, "maybe you’re overthinking this. I mean, yeah, it’s a little unusual, but what if Joanne is just trying to be helpful? Maybe she’s leaving the bridal shower planning to you since you’re my best friend. And the baby shower—maybe that’s her way of solidifying our friendship, or showing support for Arec as her childhood friend."

I let out a sharp breath, shaking my head. "Ella, think about it. If Joanne really wanted to celebrate you, wouldn’t a bridal shower make more sense right now? Baby showers are usually done later, like when you’re seven or eight months in. You’re barely showing!"

Ella’s arms instinctively wrapped around her belly, her fingers smoothing over the fabric of her dress. A habit I’d noticed she’d developed lately—like she was subconsciously reassuring herself that this was real.

She frowned. "I mean... I guess that’s true."

"And," I pressed on, sensing the small crack of doubt in her voice, "Joanne was weirdly insistent about the timing. She didn’t just suggest it—she already had this whole plan laid out, like it was urgent. And you know how I feel about her. I’ve never trusted her, and this? This isn’t helping."

Ella sighed, shifting her weight against the car as she stared at a spot on the pavement. "Maybe she just wants to do something nice for me. I know she’s... complicated, but maybe this is her way of making amends. Of proving she’s changed."

I scoffed, folding my arms. "Sure. Or maybe she just wants the spotlight on her terms. Look, I get that you want to believe the best in people—you always do. That’s one of the reasons I love you. But Joanne? She’s not just people. She’s Joanne."

Ella bit her lip, deep in thought. I could see the internal war playing out in her head, and for a second, I almost felt bad for pushing so hard. But someone had to.

I softened my tone. "Just answer me this—why does it have to be before the wedding? It’s not like the baby’s going anywhere. And honestly, it feels like she’s trying to shift focus away from the wedding itself. Doesn’t that strike you as odd?"

Ella exhaled slowly, her fingers still tracing circles over her belly. She didn’t answer right away, and that told me everything I needed to know.

I reached out, resting a hand on her arm. "Look, I’m not saying you have to agree with me right now. But I am asking you to think about it. Joanne doesn’t exactly seem like the most trustworthy person, and the last thing I want is for her to mess up something as important as your wedding. You deserve better than that."

Ella finally looked up at me, her expression still uncertain but tinged with something else—understanding. She nodded. "I’ll think about it, Kate. And I do appreciate you looking out for me, even if I don’t see things the same way as you right now."

I forced a smile, though deep down, I wanted to shake her. I wanted her to see what I saw, to feel the same gnawing suspicion in my gut. But I couldn’t force her. All I could do was warn her and hope she’d listen before it was too late.

"That’s all I ask," I said, squeezing her arm lightly. "Just... be careful, okay? You mean too much to me to let someone like Joanne mess with your happiness."

Ella’s expression softened, and without another word, she pulled me into a hug. I hugged her back just as tightly, because no matter how frustrating she could be, she was my Ella. My best friend.

"Thanks, Kate," she murmured. "You’re the best."

"I know," I said with a small laugh, pulling back. "Now get back upstairs to your prince charming before he starts thinking I kidnapped you."

Ella rolled her eyes but smiled. "I’ll see you soon."

I climbed into my car, watching in the rearview mirror as she stood there, arms crossed, looking deep in thought as the parking garage lights cast long shadows around her.

Something was definitely up with Joanne. I just hoped Ella would realize it before it was too late.