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Chris wasted no time in rushing over to Ella's home after he got off the phone with her. His heart was thumping at a fast pace, practically allowing him to hear his own heart beat in his ears. As he pulled into Ella's driveway he began to feel more at ease knowing he was moments away from being able to see her.
He jogged to her front door, wasting no time in ringing the doorbell. Not even a few seconds later the door opened, revealing Ella. She immediately wrapped her arms around his neck, nestling her head into his chest. His grip tightened on her as he slowly guided her back into the house.
"How are you holding up?" Chris asked her as he sat down on the couch with her. She scooted closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. "I'm better. I guess I was just really frightened in the moment and he really freaked me out"
"Well you're safe now. That's all that matters. I just wish I was there with you when it happened. I would do anything to protect you Ella". Ella smiled up at him as she placed a kiss on his lips. He smiled in between the kiss before pulling away and resting his forehead against Ella's forehead. "Thank you for coming over. I know how exhausted you must be and I feel awful for calling you but I just needed you"
"Stop apologizing all the time. I'm your boyfriend. You shouldn't feel like you're bothering me, because you're not. When your name shows up on my phone or when I hear your voice, it makes me so happy. When I see you, I feel at peace. I feel liberated and I feel alive with you. You're my person Ella, never forget that"
"Come here you giant teddy bear" Ella laughed as she jumped on top of him. Chris landed on the couch with a thump as Ella fell on top of him, laughing. "You're my happiness"
"We're so cheesy" Ella laughed. Chris shook his head as he kissed her forehead. "How about you go get dressed into something nice and we'll go out for dinner?"
"What's wrong with my outfit that I have on? Don't you like my jogging pants and my baggy sweater?" Ella said pointing to her outfit. Chris shook his head, his face becoming red. "No, that's not what I meant. I mean you look beautiful in anything, I just thought maybe you'd want to put something else on-"
"Chris! Stop talking-" Ella laughed as she sat on his lap. "-I'm pulling your leg babe. Obviously I'm not going to go out like this. I mean I'd love to, but next to you I'm the equivalent of a trash can"
"Ella! Don't say that! You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. Don't put yourself down like that". Ella planted another kiss on Chris' lips before heading off to her room to change.
***
"Oh my god! I will never get over how good Greek food tastes. I mean, no shade towards my fellow Italians because we sure as hell can cook good food but besides Italian food, Greek food is amazing" Ella gushed as she shoved another spoon full of food into her mouth. Chris shook his head, laughing as he looked at his girlfriend. "You get excited over the smallest things, it's adorable"
"It's food! Who doesn't get excited over food?" Ella questioned him in all seriousness. Chris couldn't help but laugh at her again as he looked at her facial expression. She huffed, a blush making its way on her face. "Stop making fun of me!"
"I'm not making fun of you! I'm just admiring you" Chris said defensively, placing his hands up in protest. "Yeah, right"
Just then Ella's phone began to ring. An unknown number flashed across her screen but nonetheless she answered it. "Hello?"
"Yes, hi, am I speaking to Ella Lombardi?"
"Yes you are" Ella said, confused. Chris furrowed his eyebrows in curiosity as he propped up his elbows on the table. "We're calling you in regards to Axel Donovan, we were informed to call you if there were any updates on his case"
"Yes, the officer that I dealt with told me I'd be contacted if there was anything. Is everything okay?" Ella's voice trailed off. Her heart began to race. Hundreds of thoughts racing through her mind.
"I don't know how to tell you this but—Axel Donovan has been released and no charges have been filled against him due to not having enough evidence to charge him properly. I'm so sorry"
In that moment Ella froze. Everything around her stood still, all the noises around her seemed to mute simultaneously. Her heart picked up its pace as her head began to pound. He was free. They let him go.
