The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 220

Ella hurried back to the dorm and found Lilly lying on her bed, looking a little pale but smiling.

“Ella, I’m really fine,” Lilly said, waving her off. “I just twisted my ankle while I was walking earlier. It’s swollen, but I already put some medicine on it. Monica really didn’t need to freak you out and call you back. It’s nothing serious.”

So it was just a sprain. Monica had sounded so urgent on the phone, Ella thought something terrible had happened.

“Just stay put and rest, okay? No running around for you,” Ella said, pulling up a chair next to the bed.

Lilly nodded. “I know.”

Ella carefully checked Lilly’s ankle, relieved to see it was only a little puffy, nothing broken. Satisfied, she grabbed her pajamas and headed for the shower. Her muscles ached, and her skin still tingled with the marks David had left last night. It was like a map of memories, still fresh and impossible to ignore.

Images from the night before kept flashing in her mind. David above her, his eyes locked on hers, burning with that honest, hungry look. She’d tried to cover his eyes with her hand, whispering, “Don’t look.” He’d just caught her hand, pressed it aside, and kissed her. “Ella, you’re beautiful,” he’d murmured against her skin. She could still feel the heat of his kisses, the way she’d melted under his touch.

Ella squeezed her eyes shut under the hot water, trying to wash away the memory. Was he awake by now? Would he look for her? She’d left so quickly this morning. Would he even bother to call?

After her shower, she slipped into bed, exhaustion pulling her under almost immediately. When she opened her eyes again, the afternoon sun was streaming through the window. She reached for her phone, hoping for a message, even just a missed call from David. The screen was blank. No calls, no texts, nothing at all.

A dull ache settled in her chest. She forced herself up anyway. Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Lilly answered it and found a few strangers waiting outside. “Uh, can I help you?” she asked, puzzled.

“Is this Monica’s dorm?” one of them asked. “We’re here to move her things.”

Lilly stared, still trying to make sense of it. “Ella, did Monica just get famous overnight or something?”

They both knew how hard Monica had worked just to get by. Yesterday, she was juggling part-time jobs and worrying about next month’s rent. Today, she was moving into a place most people could only dream of. And she hadn’t even come back herself, just sent people to pick up her things.

Ella watched the movers leave and frowned, thoughtful. “I honestly have no idea what happened. But those people looked pretty important. I think Monica’s luck has finally turned around. She’s probably doing better than ever.”

Lilly nodded, her eyes softening. “I hope so. She deserves it.”

They both knew how much Monica had struggled, how her tough upbringing had made her careful and insecure. They’d always wanted the best for her. Now, it finally looked like she was getting it.