Ella hadn't known what to expect when Leo invited her to spend Thanksgiving with his family, but the experience left her with a kind of happiness she hadn't felt in ages. Their home in London was a blend of classic and cozy, with its white brick facade, bay windows, and the scent of cinnamon and freshly baked bread wafting through the air.
Rachel, Leo's mum, had gone all out to make Ella feel welcome. From the moment she stepped into the warm, bustling kitchen, Ella felt as if she'd stepped into a scene from a Christmas advert. Rachel had a knack for making even the simplest tasks—like stirring gravy or folding napkins—feel like cherished rituals.
"You're part of the family now," Rachel had declared with a bright smile, handing Ella a dish of roasted vegetables to carry to the table.
Tom, Leo's younger brother, had been equally entertaining. At thirteen, he was cheeky but charming, constantly asking Ella questions about her life at Kent Madison.
"So, are you like Leo's girlfriend, then?" he asked bluntly during dinner, earning a sharp look from Leo.
Ella nearly choked on her drink, her cheeks flaming. "We're... friends," she managed, though her heart raced when she glanced at Leo, whose faint smirk didn't help her flustered state.
The dining room itself had been a picture of elegance, lit with soft golden hues from a chandelier above. Rachel's carefully curated table settings—a mix of white china and gold-trimmed glasses—added a festive touch. Even Martin, Leo's dad, seemed in high spirits, regaling them with tales from his days at university.
"Leo was always the quiet type," Martin said, leaning back in his chair with a knowing grin. "But don't let him fool you. He's got his mum's stubborn streak."
"Oi, Dad, no need to embarrass me," Leo groaned, though his relaxed demeanor showed he didn't mind.
Ella couldn't help but admire the dynamics of Leo's family. They were close-knit, teasing one another with the kind of ease that only came from deep bonds. It was so different from her own family, where holidays were often quiet affairs with her parents more focused on work than traditions.
Later that evening, Leo had taken her on a walk around the neighborhood. The streets were lined with old Victorian houses, their windows glowing warmly against the chill of the night. They stopped by a small park, the air crisp and filled with the faint scent of damp earth.
"Thanks for coming," Leo said, his voice low.
Ella glanced up at him, her hands tucked into her coat pockets. "I should be thanking you. Your family's lovely. I had a great time."
He smiled, his eyes softening. "I told you they'd love you."
For a moment, silence hung between them, but it wasn't awkward. It was comfortable, the kind of quiet where words weren't necessary. Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, Leo leaned closer, his breath visible in the cold night air.
Ella's heart raced, and just as she thought he might kiss her, he pulled back, his usual grin returning. "Let's head back before Mum sends a search party."
The memory of that moment lingered as Ella returned to the hustle of college life.
Back at Kent Madison, the cozy family warmth of Leo's house felt like a distant dream. The intensity of the semester quickly took hold. Ella buried herself in her pharmacy coursework, spending late nights in the library with her study group from the café: Jake, Marcus, and Sarah. They had formed a bond over countless cups of coffee and shared frustrations about their respective courses.
"You were practically glowing when you got back," Sarah teased one evening as they sat in the café, books spread out on the table. "Thanksgiving with a boy's family must have been quite the experience."
Ella rolled her eyes, though she couldn't stop the smile tugging at her lips. "It was nice. His family's great. Very... warm."
Marcus smirked. "And Leo? Did he sweep you off your feet?"
"Alright, alright," Ella said, laughing. "Let's focus on the biochem assignment, shall we?"
As the group laughed and returned to their notes, Chloe walked in, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. She spotted Ella and the others, her gaze lingering on Ella a moment too long before heading to the counter.
"That one gives me the creeps," Sarah muttered.
Ella didn't respond, but Chloe's presence was like a storm cloud hanging over her. The café incident from weeks ago replayed in her mind—Chloe's possessive tone and the tension in her interactions with Leo. It felt like an unresolved thread in an otherwise steady relationship.
---
Later that week, as Ella packed her bag after a late lecture, she overheard two girls in her course whispering by the door.
"Did you hear about Chloe and Leo? Someone saw them arguing near the library yesterday."
Ella's stomach dropped. She tried to act unfazed, but their words echoed in her head as she walked back to her dorm.
When she got to her room, Tessa was already there, scrolling through her phone. "What's with the long face?" Tessa asked, glancing up.
"Nothing," Ella said, but Tessa's sharp eyes didn't miss a thing.
"Spill."
Ella sighed, dropping her bag onto her bed. "Some girls were talking about Leo and Chloe. Apparently, they had some sort of argument."
Tessa sat up, her expression turning serious. "Do you think there's something going on between them?"
"I don't know," Ella admitted, frustration bubbling up. "It's just... Chloe's been weird ever since I started seeing Leo. And now this? It's like she's trying to get under my skin."
Tessa crossed her arms, leaning back against her pillows. "Look, if Leo's serious about you, he'll set her straight. But if Chloe keeps causing drama, you might need to do something about it."
Ella nodded, though her mind raced with doubts. She didn't want to let Chloe ruin what she had with Leo, but the uncertainty was eating at her.