Chapter 229 - 228: I left my superhero cape at home
Ellie, who had been teetering on the edge of a breakdown moments ago, blinked rapidly and straightened up like someone trying to regain control of a runaway shopping cart. Her pink cheeks faded into a bright, bubbly grin as she bounced back into her usual energetic self.
"Yup! My dad works in a pretty big bank, and he got transferred to LA. Suddenly I was trading tea for avocado toast and rain for smog and palm trees," she said cheerfully, flashing a grin at Rex. Then she pointed playfully at Lena. "But this one never called me back unless it was to brag about meeting those famous celebrities."
"Well, clearly someone was living their best life," he said, his tone teasing but friendly.
"You have no idea," Ellie shot back with mock exasperation. "Meanwhile, I was dealing with new environments, college midterms, American fast food, and guys who thought ’British accent’ meant I must be royalty."
Lena chuckled, relaxing slightly as the tension melted back into easy banter. "You did enjoy the attention, though. I remember that one time you pretended to be a duchess just to get free dessert."
Ellie gasped in faux outrage. "Hey! That waiter offered it on his own! I never said I was royalty. I just... didn’t correct him."
Rex laughed. "Noted. So you’re cunning, dramatic, and food-motivated. I like you already."
"WOOOW! Where did you get such an understanding boyfriend, Lena?" Ellie teased, nudging Lena with a dramatic waggle of her brows.
Lena nearly choked on air. "H-he is not my boyfriend!" she blurted out, hands flailing defensively before she caught herself and tried to regain her composure. Her voice dropped into a lower, more controlled register. "He’s just... a friend. A very helpful friend. Who sometimes shows up at the right time. That’s all."