The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 781

Ella reached for David’s wrist, checking his pulse with practiced fingers.

David instinctively tried to pull his hand back, but Ella’s grip was gentle and firm. “Hold still,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

After just a moment, Ella’s brows knit together in concern.

Lilly noticed right away. “Ella, why are you frowning? Is something wrong with him?” Her voice trembled a little. No one ever wanted to see a doctor looking worried.

Ella turned to David, her eyes searching his face. “Talk to me, David. What’s really going on?”

David hesitated, then admitted, “Honestly, I have no idea. All I know is, it might have something to do with you.”

“Because of Ella?” Lilly sounded completely lost. “What does that even mean?”

David took a breath. “Whenever I’m not around you, I feel fine. Totally normal. But the second I get close to you, it feels like my head’s about to explode. Remember the day we planned to get our marriage license? I didn’t bail on purpose. My head started pounding all of a sudden, I blacked out. By the time I woke up and rushed to find you, you were already gone.”

Lilly’s eyes went wide. “Wait, that’s what happened? Ella, what’s going on with him?”

Ella kept her gaze on David. “I think you’ve been hit with something called Heart Connect.”

“Heart Connect?” Lilly repeated, clearly confused.

Ella nodded. “It’s a kind of dark magic from Castle Rock. If you’re cursed with it, you can’t get close me.”

“Castle Rock’s dark magic? How could David get cursed like that? Who would do that to him?”

Ella looked at David, her expression softening. “You already have someone in mind, don’t you?”

David met her eyes. “You figured it out?”

“The pain was sudden and weird. I was scared something worse would happen to you if I dragged you into it. I didn’t want to risk it.”

She pulled back just far enough to look him in the eyes. “David, I’m not as weak as you think. No matter what happens from now on, I want to hear it from you right away. We face everything together, okay? That’s how we’ll get through anything. No regrets.”

David nodded, his eyes soft. “Okay. I promise.”

Lilly piped up, impatient now. “Ella, David, can you two stop being all mushy for a second? I think it had to be Jessa. But how would she know dark magic from Castle Rock?”

Ella and David let go of each other. David pressed his lips together. “Jessa must have help. Someone’s helping her.”

“Who is it?” Lilly asked, glancing between them.

David and Ella exchanged a look, understanding flashing between them. “Let’s go find out,” Ella said. “We’ll know once we see her.”