"Ella… Ella, please! We need to talk. I really need to talk to you," Ben pleaded, gripping her hands tightly, refusing to let go.
Ella froze, caught between shock and unease.
"I've never felt this way before. You make me happy. I can't stand seeing you happy with someone else," he continued, his voice trembling with raw emotion.
"Let me be the man who makes you happy," Ben added, and Ella's heart skipped a beat.
"What do you mean? I'm… I'm confused," she asked, her voice wavering.
"I'm in love with you. All the acts of kindness toward Rita, being rude to you, shutting you up, not being there for you, and even bringing her into this house… that was only to keep you safe. I never loved her," he confessed, eyes searching hers for understanding.
"My safety? After everything… after all the humiliation and the way you treated me, ignoring the fact that this may harm me both physically and mentally… is that what love means to you? You amaze me," Ella said sharply, her words laced with hurt and disbelief.
"I told Rita the truth about my pretense and warned her never to come close to you again. She agreed," Ben explained, his voice steady but heavy with regret.
"That's… that's good news. So she's gone?" Ella asked cautiously, relief flickering in her eyes as a part of her hoped to give Ben another chance, to love him the way he wanted.
Ben hesitated, his gaze dropping. "She… she…"
"She's what?" Ella's voice was calm but edged with curiosity and tension.
"She's pregnant," Ben mumbled, his words heavy with guilt and sorrow. "She told me today as I was sending her out. I couldn't send her away… she carries my child. But I promise… I'll let her go the moment she gives birth."
"You promise?" Ella asked softly, her heart sinking as reality settled over her. Despite everything, she realized she still loved him.
"No… no, I can't do this," Ella whispered to herself, stepping back. Her mind raced, and before Ben could respond, she turned and left, heading to Jasper's house.
Ben stood frozen, his face twisted in anger and frustration as he looked at Rita with disgust.
"Are you happy now? Are you?" Ben asked, his voice trembling, but Rita gave no answer. She watched silently as he stood, broken, and the weight of the day pressed heavily over everyone in the room.
Later, Ben retreated to his room, alone, drinking heavily. He threw bottles around, each crash echoing his deep hurt and frustration.
"Why me? Why me?" he muttered to himself, the cruelty of life pressing down like an unrelenting storm.
Meanwhile, Ella called Jasper to meet her at the beach. He arrived quickly, concern etched across his face. She poured her heart out, tears streaming as she leaned into his comforting hug.
"I'm so sorry for putting you through this… I know it's not easy for you, knowing how you feel about me," Ella said, guilt washing over her.
"I'll always be here… don't worry about me. Cry as much as you need, it'll help you feel better," Jasper said softly, his voice steady and reassuring.
They stayed at the beach until midnight, the sound of waves echoing their shared silences and confessions.
"Let me take you home," Jasper suggested gently.
"No… let's go to your place," Ella replied, seeking comfort in his presence.
At Jasper's house, he offered her his bed while he slept on the couch. Ella felt a rare, unspoken trust settle between them, comforted by his restraint. He initiated nothing; no kisses, no advances, and that made her want to know more about the man behind the gentle demeanor.
"You're a gentleman," Ella said the next morning, a soft smile lighting up her face as she looked at him.
Jasper merely smiled back, the silent understanding between them heavier than words, a subtle promise of patience, care, and respect.