Chapter 267: The Best Apology Is Absence

Although Ellis had no idea what had gotten into Easton, she should have realized that the best apology would be to simply not show up in her life. Clearly, he didn’t understand that; or, to be precise, even if he did, he wouldn’t act on it. She was utterly fed up with his clingy behavior toward his ex-wife. Every time she saw a trash can, she fantasized about stuffing him into it and sending him off to be incinerated as hazardous waste. That way, her world would be blissfully peaceful, free from Easton’s nauseating presence.

Meeting Ellis’s disdainful yet puzzled gaze, Easton felt a bit embarrassed. He wasn’t good at apologizing and rarely did so—it was usually others apologizing to him. After a hint from Sophia, he realized that his previous actions had been over the top and hadn’t considered Ellis’s feelings. He was here specifically to apologize to her for that.

“Yes, I’m apologizing to you,” Easton answered earnestly, but Ellis was utterly confused and slightly nauseous. She pondered. If he’s going to lose it, at least don’t do it near my office. It is quitting time, and the place is bustling. If her coworkers saw them, it would be like personally feeding them gossip.

Her gaze shifted away, slightly annoyed. “Alright, I’ve received your apology.” She dismissed him blatantly, clearly just trying to get rid of him.

“I haven’t even said what I’m apologizing for yet.” Easton moved to stand face-to-face with her, instinctively staying within her line of sight.

“No matter what you’re apologizing for, I forgive you, okay?” Not wanting to talk further with her ex, Ellis immediately walked away. But like a solid wall, Easton firmly blocked her path, impeding her progress.

Losing her composure, she hissed at a slightly lower volume, “Will you ever stop?” She didn’t need his so-called apologies. She just wanted him to leave her alone.

“Come to the cafe with me, will you?” Easton glanced sideways at his car parked nearby. “Or, if you’d prefer, what do you want to eat? Just get in my car, and I’ll take you there.”

His persistence was infuriating. Ellis, unable to contain her anger any longer, retorted, “Look in the mirror. Do you look like you’re here to apologize? You’re just here to make my life harder!”

Knowing she didn’t want to see him or be in contact with him, Easton felt the stark contrast to the past when she would happily stick close to him no matter what. The huge difference was disheartening, and he felt still, unsure of what to do. He awkwardly furrowed his brow. “I didn’t… I’m not…”

Just as she was about to lay into her ex in a volume only the two of them could hear, a female voice greeted them, “Ms. Harper, Mr. Hudson.” It was her boss, Lois. Wanting to keep her job, Ellis couldn’t afford to insult Lois. She forced a thin smile and turned back, “Madam Lois.”

Lois said nothing further and, after exchanging a glance with her, walked away. While others might politely say hello and leave, Ellis was left with Easton, feeling more enraged than embarrassed, struggling not to lash out physically.

Already furious, Easton stepped closer, reaching out his right hand toward her. His gesture seemed like an attempt to hold her hand without any sense of boundaries.

Driven by anger, she didn’t think twice before raising her hand and sharply slapping his. With a stern look that screamed warning, she glared at him. In the past, she would’ve moved close to him effortlessly. Now, even a slight approach on his part made her fume.

Easton had no choice but to withdraw his hand, pretending he hadn’t intended to hold hers. In truth, he didn’t just want to hold her hand; he wanted to pull her into his embrace. Having endured a longing that felt like torture, he realized how much he loved having her by his side day and night. Being able to see her and touch her was not as simple as meeting; it was countless times more precious. But for now, just being able to see her was a happiness in itself. At least, she wasn’t miles away. The distance between them was close. For a moment, both were silent, their emotions clearly displayed on their faces.

Inside the car, Lois observed the two for a bit before instructing her driver to drive away. Unbeknownst to Ellis, she had given Easton some face. She had bumped into Easton at her company, and although curious, she knew better than to linger after a brief greeting.

Unaware of what Lois had just done, Easton looked at Ellis for a moment longer, knowing full well she would never go to the cafe with him. After a pause, he said, “Asking for a prenup and leaving you with nothing was too much of me.”