The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 57

How much pain must she have felt back then?

David’s hand came to rest on her waist, fingers gently pressing into her soft skin. He couldn’t help it. Suddenly, he felt this wave of tenderness for her, more than he expected.

He leaned in, his face so close to hers. His voice was husky, still heavy with sleep as he murmured, “Ella, did I hurt you? I’m sorry.”

He apologized quietly, almost afraid she’d hear him.

Ella stayed sound asleep. Her breathing was soft and even. Even her hair, spread across the pillow, seemed to carry the sweetest scent.

David’s throat felt tight, almost burning. He knew he shouldn’t let his eyes wander over her, not when she looked so young and full of life. Still, he couldn’t help himself. He leaned down, wanting to press his lips to her silky hair.

Just as he was about to, Ella let out a sleepy sound and slowly opened her eyes.

She was awake.

It was like someone had thrown a bucket of cold water over him. David snapped back to himself, shocked by what he’d almost done.

He’d actually wanted to kiss Ella’s hair.

He’d met so many beautiful girls in his life, but right now, none of that mattered. Ella made him lose his mind.

He let go of her in a rush, tossed aside the blanket, and jumped out of bed.

Ella sat up, clueless, rubbing her eyes with her small fist. “You’re awake? Is your fever gone?”

She got up and reached toward his forehead to check his temperature.

But David stepped away, blocking her hand before she could touch him.

Ella blinked, confused. What was his problem?

She just wanted to check if he was still burning up, but he acted like she’d shocked him.

David didn’t say anything. He just walked straight to the bathroom. “I’m going to take a cold shower.”

A moment later, water was running in the shower. He was really dousing himself in cold water.

Ella stared after him, still dazed. “David, why are you taking a cold shower this early? You can’t get your back wet, you’ll make your injury worse. Are you even listening?”

He didn’t answer.

Ella huffed, feeling silly for worrying. She had no idea what was up with him this morning, but if he wanted to act weird, fine.

But then he saw Atlas, his close friend, already making his way to her.

“Ella,” Atlas called, stopping her. “Fiona told me about your back. Here, this is for you.”

Atlas handed Ella a bottle that looked exactly like the one David had gotten.

Cedric’s eyes went wide. “Wait, what? Atlas asked for that medicine too today. Said it was for Ella.”

He turned to David, realization dawning. “Hold on, David. Don’t tell me you wanted this for Ella too?”

Up ahead, Ella accepted the bottle from Atlas, giving him a sweet smile. “Thank you, Atlas.”

David’s face darkened. He tossed his own bottle back to Cedric. “You talk too much.”

He turned to leave.

But then someone slipped their arm through his. Jessa had arrived. “David, there you are.”

David looked up, and in that moment, he caught Ella’s cool, clear gaze from across the room.