?Chapter 996:


    That nickname must never see the light of day with Freya. Never.


    “Really?” Freya narrowed her eyes, suspicious.


    “If Eli counts, then that’s my nickname,” Ellis said offhandedly. “That’s what my family used to call me.”


    Freya thought for a second, then corrected him. “Nope, that’s not right.”


    “Hmm?”


    “Your uncle calls you brat.”


    Ellis gave a helpless chuckle.


    He pinched her soft cheek, his voice low and dangerous. “So, nning to call me that?”


    “Just kidding,” Freya said quickly.


    She hadn’t noticed, but her personality had been shifting ever since Ellis came into her life.


    She wasn’t as stiff as she’d been in the beginning. Now, she could even joke around.


    Ellis noticed the change and felt quietly pleased. “Call me that and I’ll send you off for a brutal training session.” Freya instantly zipped it.


    Still…


    Seeing him so calm, she couldn’t help but ask, “You’re really not mad I used you earlier?”


    “Do you misunderstand your boyfriend or the word ‘use’?”


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    “Huh?”


    “Go read a dictionary and figure out what ‘use’ actually means.”


    Freya wisely kept her mouth shut. As long as he wasn’t mad, that was good enough. Otherwise, living under the same roof would be one awkward mess.


    “Freya.”


    “Hmm?”


    “I’m happy to help you out,” Ellis said, sincerity clear in his voice. This guy was finally showing some heart. “Your boyfriend’s got this. You can stay behind me.”


    Freya pressed her lips together. She still preferred to handle things herself. That always felt safer. Still, she said, “Okay.”


    “I’ve packed everything. Should we move now orter?” Ellis asked, half-wondering if she’d throw a fit once she found out he’d moved her things without asking.


    “Now,” Freya said.


    “Okay.” Ellis nodded.


    The two of them grabbed their suitcases and stepped out of the house without a nce back. They didn’t have much to haul—most of their everyday clothes were already waiting for them at the new ce. All they really needed were theirptops and a handful of documents.


    After all, they might swing back here from time to time and crash for a night or two.


    Meanwhile, after being unceremoniously kicked out of Freya’s apartment, Felipe made a beeline for Kristian. He had to break the news—Kristian’s ex-wife had a new man, and it was high time Kristian stopped mooning over her. He also felt obligated to warn his friend: this new boyfriend wasn’t someone to take lightly.


    Kristian didn’t roll out the wee mat for Felipe—understandably so, since Freya couldn’t stand him.


    “What are you doing here?” Kristian asked, his brows knitting together, irritation flickering in his eyes.


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