Love Me Back

(In the hospital)

When the Doctor swung open the door to Erick's hospital room, Adeline clutched her dress, trying to hold back her tears. The doctor was surrounded by nurses, all of which were showing pitiful glances.

"Doctor, how is he?" Adeline cried, holding Nicholas' hands tight.

The doctor shook his head. "I'm sorry, he didn't make it."

"B-But you said that you could—"

"I'm sorry miss... He lost too much blood." the doctor bowed as he started walking away. "I'm sorry for your loss."

Adeline fell to her knees, covering her face. "No...he can't be gone! No! He promised me...that he'd make it..."

Nicholas hugged her tight. "Calm down..."

"I-I failed to protect him... He was just apologizing and—"

"It's not your fault. Don't worry, I'll have this investigated. I'm sure that all this wasn't an accident, Adele."

Several days later, Nicholas instructed Arthur to set up a meeting with Ella in a nearby cafe to ask her about the incident. At first, Ella refused to go, but because she still had some feelings for Nicholas, she approved of his request.

"I'm certain you've heard the news about Erick, Adeline's ex boyfriend." Nicholas folded his arms. "Tell me, who do you think is behind all this?"

Ella shrugged her shoulders. "Why you asking me? I have nothing to do with it."

"Oh really? I don't think that's like you."

"Believe it or not it wasn't me."

"Don't put all your hatred on Adeline." Nicholas took a deep breath. "You don't know—"

"Just because you like her?" Ella rolled her eyes. "Why would you fall in love with such a vacuous woman?"

"I'm not asking you to judge my taste."

"Well why not come back to me then?" Ella placed her hand on top of his and smiled. "You'll never know...maybe I can fulfill your desires."

Nicholas leaned back on his chair. "You instructed someone to do that didn't you? I saw the CCTV footage! It wasn't an accident!"

"I told you that it wasn't me."

"Who else could it be if not you? You're the only one that has—"

"I'm old enough to know what's right and wrong," Ella sighed. "No matter how much resent her, I'd never do such a despicable thing to harm her."

"You think that's enough to convince me?"

"Well what else do you want me to say then?"

"Admit that it was you."

Ella clenched her fist. "How many times do I have to repeat myself? Stop putting the blame on me! Among all the people in the world, why is your number one suspect always me?"

"You're the only person I know who has the audacity to do such a thing."

"Well why don't you try suspecting the people around you then?" Ella smiled. "Maybe their the one—

"I trust all my friends, including Adele."

"We'll see about that."

"Don't think that you can try to confuse me." Nicholas slammed the table. "Once I get the evidence, i'll be sure to see you in court, Ella."

(At Molly's apartment)

"How could she do that to you?" Molly sighed. "Abby... She just fooled us..."

"Forget it." Adeline sank onto her chair. "I don't even know if I should be mourning for Erick..."

"Isn't it obvious?" Jacob interrupted. "Just go back to Nicholas—"

"No!" Molly stood up. "Don't listen to him, Adele."

"Are you badmouthing him?" Jacob folded his arms.

"Well that friend of yours broke her heart more than once, so it's best if they—"

"Nicholas is different now. He's serious about Adele."

"As if." Adeline rolled her eyes. "He's just playing with me."

"Only Nicholas himself knows what he's feeling." Jacob took a sip of his coffee. "Trust me, he'll win you back."

"Then what about Abby? What if the news of Erick's death has—"

"She can't blame you. It's not your fault. You have to stop showing your weakness, Adele. She'll just use that against you."

"I believe she isn't that kind of person."