Page 244 of Love Unwritten
All of us break out into laughter except for Ellie, who looks about ready to grab a shovel and start digging her own grave. She mumbles something about needing to use the bathroom before rushing away.
I follow her down the hallway and find her standing at the end of it with her head in her hands.
I drag her against my chest and force her to look up at me. “No need to be embarrassed. I think it’s cute that you had a crush on me.”
“Let’s pretend this conversation never happened, okay?” She doesn’t wait for me to agree before saying, “Okay.”
I chuckle. “I don’t think that’s possible.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’ve been fantasizing about me for half your life.”
She glares. “That’s not true.”
“Are you sure about that, Ellie Lopez?” I brush my knuckles across her cheek.
Her body shudders as her eyes close. “Never repeat that.”
“No promises.”
Her eyes snap open. “Why?”
“Because one day, I plan on making your high school fantasy a reality.” I brush my mouth over hers and seal my promise with a kiss.
CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE
Ellie
SIX MONTHS LATER
On the day of my court hearing, I’m a nervous wreck. If it weren’t for Rafael sitting in the gallery behind me, close enough to give my shoulder a squeeze every now and then, I might have crumbled under the judge’s harsh stare.
Ava looks poised and proper in a designer blazer and pants. She doesn’t acknowledge me, let alone look in my direction once. I prefer it that way, although my heart does a betraying squeeze when we accidentally lock eyes while she takes the stand.
I do the same soon after, along with some other eyewitnesses, including Darius. Rafael looks murderous during his testimony, although my boyfriend’s temper cools slightly when Darius admits that I played a major role in Ava’s songwriting process.
The opposing counsel calls Cole to testify as well, although their plan on catching me in another made-up cheating scandal backfires when Cole explains his breakup with Phoebe.
The final witness—the record label’s accountant—seals my future as a millionaire. According to their reports, the profits Ava made from my stolen songs grossed money beyond my wildest dreams, and it turns out her original settlement offer was only a drop in the bucket, especially when music streaming platforms, royalties, and touring revenue are considered.
I’m not surprised when the judge rules in my favor, although I find it hard to believe, even after she slams the gavel and makes her final ruling.
“Congratulations, Ms. Sinclair.” My lawyer holds her hand out, and mine trembles as I shake it.
Based on the money I was awarded, Ms. Copper is going to be buying a lot more designer clothes, that’s for sure.
“I’m so fucking proud of you.” Rafael pulls me into a hug.
I blink a few times. “I didn’t do anything.”
“You could have taken the settlement money and avoided court altogether.”
“I couldn’t.”
He cups my cheek. “I know.”
Willow yanks me away from Rafael, throws her arms around me, and whispers into my ear, “You won!”