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Chapter 70 - chapter 70

(She exhales, opens the door, and sits inside. She turns to Damian — ready to give the bouquet — only to see he's holding one too, a larger one filled with roses.)

DAMIAN

Oh… (awkward smile)

ELLA

Wow… (awkward smile back)

(Both pull their bouquets back at the same time. The driver glances at them, disappointed, and continues driving.)

DAMIAN

Uh… flowers… so sudden. (pauses awkwardly)

ELLA

Uh, I could say the same. (tries to cover, then mutters to herself) Oh shoot, that's not what I meant to say...

(She squeezes her eyes shut in embarrassment. Damian looks at her, confused.)

DAMIAN

Just a small thank-you token — for helping me with my problems.

ELLA

Oh… thank you.

DAMIAN (smiling, handing her the bouquet)

And you?

ELLA (in her mind)

What was I going to say? I forgot... ugh, nervousness, damn it.

(She blurts out)

Just a… welcome token! (smiles awkwardly) I mean, I hope that's a real thing.

(Damian's face lights up with a genuine smile.)

DAMIAN

How did you know I was planning to give you a thank-you token today?

ELLA

Of course I'd know — from our talk yesterday. You even said your scar was healing because of me. A shameless person wouldn't thank someone for that.

DAMIAN

Oh, thank God I'm not shameless then. (smiles softly)

Ella: No, I don't mean that, I mean… yeh… (hesitating)

Damian: I can be shameless if you want, though. (leans slightly toward her shoulder) Just kidding.

Ella: Jk… yeah, jk… (awkward laugh)

Damian: (in mind) Come on, it's now or never.

Damian: Well… I wanted to tell you something.

Ella: Oh, what? (She turns to him, but he forgets what he was about to say as soon as he sees her face.)

Damian: Well… uh… I…

Ella: You? What?

Damian: Nothing. (He quickly turns his head toward the window.)

Ella: What? Come on, say it.

Damian: Well… I just wanted to say that— (glances at the driver) —I'm not feeling well. (blurts out the first thing that comes to mind starting with "I")

Ella: What? Why? What happened? Headache? Chest pain? Oh wait— that pain in your neck came back, didn't it? (concerned)

Damian: No, well…

Driver: Should I take the car to the doctor first?

Ella: Yes, I'll inform Mr. Mah.

Damian: Come on, stop. I'm fine.

Ella: You just said you're not!

Damian: I mean… uh, I'm not feeling good because… it's been a long time off.

Ella: You want a holiday? (disbelief)

Damian: Yeah, I deserve some in a month.

Ella: Okay… so what can I do?

Damian: Can you ask Mr. Mah?

Ella: He'll agree if you say it yourself. Why do you want me to ask?

Damian: Maybe you can also fix things between you two.

Ella: What things? There's nothing between us.

Damian: I'm not blind or stupid, Ella. I think you two can work things out better.

Ella: Oh… okay then.

(Backstage — Damian is preparing to go on stage. Ella glances at Mr. Mah, who stands at a distance. Damian walks over and gently pats her shoulder.)

Damian: He'll understand once you share your point of view. He's a cool guy.

Ella: Yeah. Hey, go — they're calling you.

Damian: Good time's calling you too. Go. (He smiles and walks on stage. Ella takes a deep breath and walks toward Mr. Mah, who notices her and starts to walk away.)

Ella: Mr. Mah…

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