?Chapter 313:


    Elliana let out a crooked smile, her voiceced with mockery as she said, “Why don’t you worry about the lump on your skull first? Stay out of our business. Do you ever realize how irritating your white knight act is?”


    Merlin’s expression turned grim. Her sharp words echoed in his head, triggering a fresh pulse of pain at the back of his skull. But because she was the woman Cole loved, all he could do was shoot her a venomous re before storming off in silence.


    As soon as he disappeared from sight, Hailee let out a quiet breath of relief.


    Elliana reached out and gently took her hand. “Come on, let’s go.” While they stepped out of the banquet hall, Hailee turned to her. “It’s still early, just past eight. How about I buy you dinner at my family’s diner? Last time, you didn’t even get to eat because Cole showed up just to pick a fight.”


    Elliana nodded without hesitation, unaware that this small, innocent choice would soon pull her into serious trouble.


    Elliana had been craving the spaghetti from Hailee’s family restaurant for days. That night, she’d only managed to catch a fleeting trace of the rich, savory aroma before being whisked away—she never actually got to taste it. The regret lingered, surfacing at odd moments and making her stomach grumble in protest. So, when Hailee floated the idea of heading over for spaghetti tonight, her craving exploded into full-blown obsession. Just the thought set her mouth watering, and nothing was going to quiet her hunger until she finally had that te in front of her. If she didn’t get her fill tonight, she doubted she’d sleep a wink.


    Slipping into the car, Elliana turned to Paulina without preamble, her tone leaving no room for debate. “Paulina, take me to Willow Lane. I need that spaghetti tonight.”


    Paulina hesitated for a heartbeat, her reluctance flickering in her eyes. She was keenly aware of how much Cole hoped Elliana woulde home early, but her instructions from him were clear—whatever Elliana wanted, she was to make it happen.


    After a brief pause, Paulina’s lips curled into a polite smile. “Of course, Mrs. Evans.” She leaned forward and quietly told the driver to head for Willow Lane. The engine purred to life, and they were off.


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    As the car rolled away from the curb, Elliana quickly tapped out a message to Cole. “Coley, I’m heading to Hailee’s for spaghetti. I’ll be home a littlete.”


    She half-expected his usual prompt reply—a teasing quip or an emoji sent in seconds. But tonight, her screen stayed stubbornly nk. Minutes ticked by with no response. Shrugging it off, she figured he was probably swamped with paperwork or trapped in some endless meeting. He always texted back when he could. He’d see her message and reply soon enough.


    With her phone tucked away, Elliana turned her attention to Hailee, theirughter filling the car as they sped down Willow Lane. But what she didn’t realize was that her casual text had sent ripples through Regal Grove.


    Cole, who had been waiting for Elliana to return since she left, hadn’t budged from the living room sofa.


    After Myles finished his lengthy report on the engagement banquet and casually mentioned that Elliana had already slipped out of the banquet venue—Cole’s mood had soared. He stepped outside, settling on the front steps of the vi, eyes fixed on the winding driveway, heart full of restless anticipation. But then, her messagended. Just a simple note about spaghetti and being homete, but it blindsided himpletely.


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