In Shock: Living as a Character in a Romance Novel

I played the plot in my mind as I responded to Tiffany, "I'm fine, and I'll get better in a few days."

Tiffany pulled a chair and sat beside me with a fake smile. "I heard you got hurt because of Ian."

Before I could say something, she pouted slightly, as if she was defending me, "Ellie, look at you. It had nothing to do with you since Ian got hurt, but why didn't you take care of your body? It's not worth it for you to do that for him."

Even though I didn't like Tiffany, I did agree with the last thing she had said at this moment. It was true that I was a secret admirer, but I wasn't a fool.

Now that Ian was obviously playing a trick on me, I couldn't let go of my anger.

Ian immediately defended me and retorted, "Do you think everyone is as vicious as you? Is Ellie's kindness something you can compare to?"

I sneered inside. If I didn't already know the truth, I might actually be fooled by Ian's words.

Tiffany replied, "You're right. I'm vicious, and I shouldn't have come over!"

Ian taunted, "Aren't you going to someone's party? Why are you available to come over?"

Tiffany said, "I'm not here to see you, so is it any of your business?"

Saying that, Tiffany held my hand. "Ellie, why is Ian speaking so obnoxiously? He can't tell good from bad."

Having said that, there was still an intimacy within Tiffany's tone that no one else could figure out.

"By the way, I just saw Ian's Instagram post. You guys aren't really dating, are you?"

Tiffany asked, pretending not to notice.

Ian looked a bit smug. "Can this even be fake?"

Tiffany was stunned for a moment and looked on the verge of tears. "Oh, yeah? You weren't touched by Ellie's heroic rescue, were you?"

Ian emphasized deliberately, "Of course it's because my girlfriend and I truly love each other."

I felt ridiculous hearing what Ian said.

Did we truly love each other?

If I didn't already know the truth, I could have been fooled by Ian.

After all, I genuinely adored Ian for three years.

But that was true. If Ian truly loved me, would he let me pursue him for three years?

Tiffany couldn't keep the smile on her face any longer as she turned and stood up. "I've thought about it, and I should go to James' birthday party. I'll leave now and see you next time."

Just less than three minutes after Tiffany left, Ian finally couldn't help himself. "I'll go out and take a walk."

I said considerately, "Okay, Tiffany didn't look well, so why don't you go talk to her and make sure nothing happens to her?"

Ian said, "What could have happened to her? Besides, it will have nothing to do with her if I go out. I'm just a little bored in the room, so I want to go out and get some air. Well, don't think too much about it, and I'll be right here later."

Of course I wouldn't believe Ian's lies, and I actually had my own thoughts in mind.

Had I been too weak these past few years before Ian dared to obviously take advantage of me?

After being discharged from the hospital, Ian held a party for me, and he wrapped his arm around my shoulders and announced, "From now on, Ellie will be my girlfriend."

For the past three years, everyone knew I had a crush on Ian, and his close friends were certainly no exception.

"Really? Ian, what's wrong with you? Don't you want Tiffany anymore?"