Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 48: Ella Would Regret

Chapter 48: Ella Would Regret

Joanne POV:

I strode into the office with purpose, my heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. The moment I entered the building, I saw her, Ella. She greeted me with a cheerful smile, her eyes lighting up like we were old friends. How nauseating.

"Good morning, Joanne!" she chirped, her voice way too pleasant for my liking.

I didn’t even spare her a glance. I walked right past her, my focus on the office door ahead. Let her pretend to be sweet. Let her think she’s won. She’s only playing this part because she thinks she’s secured Arec, but she’ll soon learn that I’m not someone to be dismissed so easily.

As soon as I pushed open Arec’s office door, I transformed. My frown flipped into a bright, warm smile. "Hi, best friend!" I said cheerfully, my voice a little too high-pitched. Arec looked up from his desk and smiled warmly when he saw me.

"Joanne, you look amazing as always," he said, standing up to hug me. The smell of his cologne hit me, and for a moment, I closed my eyes. That familiar scent always made my heart flutter. His strong arms wrapped around me briefly before we pulled apart, and he gestured for me to sit down.

"Oh, stop it," I said, playfully swatting at him, though secretly I relished every compliment he gave me. Arec always knew how to make me feel special. That’s why it was so infuriating that this... woman thought she could take him from me.

We exchanged pleasantries, catching up like old friends. It was easy, comfortable, as if everything were normal, before Ella came into the picture. And then, like clockwork, she entered the room, carrying snacks for me. Always playing the perfect little hostess.

I shot her a cold glare, making sure she felt it. Arec, of course, was oblivious. Ella set the snacks down in front of me and left without a word, though I could tell from the way her hands shook slightly that my message had been received.

As soon as she was out of earshot, I turned back to Arec, all smiles once more. "So," I began, leaning back casually, "I saw the video."

Arec’s face darkened slightly, but his calm remained intact. "Yeah, we’re handling it," he replied, brushing it off as if it were just another business matter. That’s Arec, cool, composed, and always in control.

I tilted my head, feigning concern. "But are you sure about Ella? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m sure she’s a nice girl and all, but with everything that’s happening... Are you sure most of the things in that video aren’t... true?"

Arec’s eyes met mine, and I could see the flicker of annoyance there. I quickly covered my tracks, adding, "I’m only saying this because I care about you. I just don’t want to see you make a mistake."

Arec exhaled and ran a hand through his hair, frustration clear on his face. "Joanne, I appreciate your concern, really, but this video is just Klaus being bitter. He’s trying to ruin her reputation, and I’m not going to let him."

I pressed my lips together, pretending to be deep in thought. "I know. It’s just... a lot of people are talking, you know? You’ve worked so hard to build everything you have, and I wouldn’t want her to..." I stopped myself. I didn’t need to say more. The implication hung in the air.

Arec leaned forward, his voice firm. "It’s going to take more than a bitter ex and some gossip to make me change my mind. I’m marrying Ella, Joanne. And I’ll stand by her no matter what."

His words felt like a punch to the gut. Inside, I was boiling. How could he be so blind? But I forced a smile, nodding like I understood. "You’re right," I said finally, "I’m sorry. I’m just protective of you, you know?"

He smiled back, the tension easing in his shoulders. "I know. And I appreciate it. But trust me, I’ve got this."

For a moment, I thought about pushing further, but I knew it wouldn’t work. Arec was dead set on this decision, and there was no point in trying to convince him right now. ’Fine’, I thought to myself. ’But this isn’t over’.

When it was time to leave, I plastered on a bright smile as we stepped out of his office. Ella was back at her desk, working diligently like the little worker bee she was. The sight of her sitting there, all confident and comfortable, made my stomach churn. ’You don’t deserve him’, I thought bitterly.

I walked toward her, watching as she looked up, smiling at me again. That same fake, innocent smile.

"I don’t know what you did to manipulate Arec," I whispered coldly, leaning close enough that only she could hear me, "but I will make sure he sees your true colors. Mark my words."

Ella’s smile faltered, her eyes widening in shock. "I...I don’t..." she stammered, but before she could get another word out, Arec stepped out of the office behind me.

I quickly shifted gears, smiling sweetly again. "See you later, Ella," I said in a sing-song voice, as if nothing had just happened.

Ella just sat there, stunned, unable to comprehend what had just unfolded. I followed Arec to the elevator, making sure to grab his arm as we walked, leaning into him like we had been friends forever. He smiled down at me, completely oblivious to the venom I had just spat at Ella.

As the elevator doors closed behind us, I turned to Arec, smiling up at him. He smiled back warmly, completely unaware of what I had done. ’He’ll never know’, I thought to myself, clinging to his arm just a little tighter.

As the elevator descended, I felt a dark satisfaction growing inside me. Ella could smile and pretend all she wanted, but I would not let her steal Arec from me. I had known him far longer, cared for him deeply. I was the one who belonged by his side, not some nobody like her.

Arec turned to me as the doors opened. "I’ll walk you out," he said.

I smiled, pretending to be the perfect friend. "You’re such a gentleman," I cooed, giving him a light squeeze on the arm.

As we stepped outside, I glanced back up at his office window. I knew Ella was sitting there, probably shaken and unsure of what had just happened. ’Good,’ I thought. ’Let her squirm’.

Arec turned to say goodbye, and I gave him a quick peck on the cheek, something we’d done a thousand times before, but this time it felt different. "Thanks for everything," I said sweetly, locking eyes with him for just a moment longer than necessary.

He smiled again, but as he turned to walk away, I knew this wasn’t over. Not by a long shot. Ella could play her innocent game, but I was in this for the long haul. And I always win.

As Arec’s figure disappeared into the distance, I clenched my fists, my smile fading. I would not lose him to her. I would do whatever it took to make sure of that.

And Ella? She would regret ever stepping into my world.