Chapter 15: I Won’t Be a Soft Target
“Hey, since you still haven’t become his ex-wife yet, we should call you Mrs. Hudson a few more times while we have the chance!” Bree laughed, joining in. “Mrs. Hudson, what do you think?”
“From a star to nobody! No, it’s more like a fallen star to less than nobody!”
Listening to the two of them mock her back and forth, Ellis kept her face impassive while feeling a storm of emotions within, mixed with a touch of self-pity. Everyone knew how important Victoria was to Easton; yet, in Easton’s eyes, Ellis was worth less than a hair on Victoria’s head. Now that Victoria was back, she knew she would be discarded by Easton.
She tried not to dwell on how hurtful the rumors were or care about others’ judging looks. Still, being reminded that Easton didn’t love her and only loved Victoria made her feel as if her entire existence was so pathetic, and that sense of powerlessness threatened to consume her like the abyss.
Maya had wanted to take her friend out for food and fun to lift her spirits, not to be publicly insulted. Fighting back the urge to hit them, she snapped, “If you have a problem, get it fixed. Stop with the passive-aggressive remarks!”
“Who’s being passively aggressive?” We’re just stating the facts!” Bree put her hands on her hips. “Ellis, don’t be too arrogant. Enjoy your time as Mrs. Hudson while it lasts. In a few days, you’re going to get dumped! Returned to sender!”
“Even if I do get dumped by Mr. Hudson, at least I can say I was Mrs. Hudson for a while,” Ellis said, stepping closer to Bree. “What about you? You’re still the same—you’re an ugly duckling stuck on the sidelines, angry and jealous while the other swans get to enjoy themselves.”
She had a history with these two and knew they were deliberately looking for trouble. Who could blame them? Easton was too outstanding. Even though he had temporarily lost his place as heir in the Hudson family, his handsome looks, cold and noble aura, and exceptional work attitude still captivated many. Bree was one of those captivated. She had once tried to pursue Easton and never gave up; she was still hung up on him and always thought Ellis wasn’t good enough for him. Every time they met, Bree had to mock her, and Deborah, being Bree’s friend, naturally joined in.
“Who are you calling an ugly duckling?” Bree’s face twisted slightly with rage. “Don’t push your luck.”
A loud slap rang out. Immediately, Bree felt a sharp sting on her face. The impact left her mind blank as she stared in shock at Ellis standing in front of her.
Ellis stood at about 5’6” tall, and she had never experienced the advantage of her height around Easton. But among women, her height was definitely outstanding. She easily looked down at Bree while retracting her raised right hand. “Even a nobody like me has her pride. Every time you see me, you can’t help but spew nonsense. I didn’t bother to argue with you before, but now I won’t let you get away with it.”
Already in a bad mood, compounded by all the pent-up frustration, she felt compelled to take action. I won’t let Bree think I’m just a soft target to be bullied.
Taking advantage of Bree’s shock and Deborah’s fear, she added, “Besides, if anyone’s getting dumped, it’s me dumping Easton! Whatever happens between us as a couple is none of your business. If this happens again, I won’t be so polite!”
With that, Ellis turned to leave. Seeing this, Maya and the server quickly followed her. Once Bree regained her senses, she screamed after Ellis’s back, “Hey! Ellis, you little brat! How dare you me! Stop right there!”
“Exactly! Ellis, you’ve hit her! Stop right there!” It seemed as if Deborah was attempting to block Ellis’s way, but she was actually firmly rooted to her own spot, too afraid to even move. No matter how much they screamed behind her, Ellis didn’t look back. If they had the guts, they should come and fight her. If not, they could just stew in their anger.
The server led Ellis and her friend to the best private room, their attitude even more flattering than before. When guests got into a conflict, the staff’s protocol was to avoid getting involved directly and to quietly support whichever side had a higher status. Ellis was a wealthy socialite, after all, with the influential businessman Easton Hudson backing her, while Bree and Deborah were just ordinary rich girls, so they couldn’t compare to Ellis’s status. The server had to keep Ellis happy to avoid any trouble. Ellis didn’t notice the server’s careful demeanor as she focused on the menu.
Meanwhile, Maya pointed out the change in attitude once the server had left. “Oh my god, what were those two? They were so rude! Thank goodness you slapped Bree; I would not know how to manage the situation otherwise.”
“That won’t change anything,” Ellis replied, sensing that Bree and Deborah would definitely come back even more aggressive next time.
She couldn’t understand Bree’s obsession with married men; Bree even wished to be Easton’s mistress. Just where is her dignity?