Eivandes

Hello everyone!! 🤓 I'm so excited to share with you guys my first ever fanfic. It feels not real but here I am. I hope you enjoy it! 😇

(English is not my first language, so please try to ignore all the grammatical mistakes I made.)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Elena Ellsworth) x Tobias Carrick

Summary: After Elena learns that Tobias doesn't have any intentions of working with Ethan on their parternsip plan, she decides to talk to him to change his mind. But Tobias has other plans stored for her.

 ( it takes place after the funeral when Elena's still trying to adjust her life and when Tobias catching feelings for her )

Word Count: 4300+ 🙈 (oh boy!)

When Elena opened her eyes in the morning, she noticed that the sky was finally clear. The rain had stopped, but the air was still cold as ice. She clutched the blanket under her chin and shivered involuntarily. With evey other day, It was getting harder and harder to persuade herself to get out of bed. It was exhausting to see the horrible events that she had experienced recently in her nightmares. Over and over again, tormenting her in her sleep. 

Most of the time, when she was around her friends she was pretending to be okay and trying to be normal. But her heart was still heavy with the grief she felt for Danny and Bobby. She dashed the tears from her eyes with her shirtsleeve. Once again, the tears came without a warning, before she even realized that she was crying. Elena was overwhelmed by the burden of getting a second chance in life; while her friends were not given this chance...

She rolled in the bed and grabbed her phone lying on the nightstand. She was surprised to see two texts from Ethan. She swallowed down a surge of excitement and started to read it.

I talked to Tobias, about forming a potential partnership between Edenbrook and Mass Kenmore to be able to overcome the budget cuts. He cut short and told me that he was neither interested in with our plan nor with working together. But I had assumed that he would react this way, as he is well aware that I’m on the board.

The second message was short,

I’m sorry, Elena. We will find another way, I promise.

The darkness, that emptiness that has been covering her for days, gave way to a simmering anger. Her knuckles turned to white as she squeezed the phone in her hand. She was angry for what she’s been through, angry for feeling so weak and powerless, and she was angry with herself for admitting the defeat so easily.

‘‘Not this time.’‘ she murmured to herself as she climbed out of the bed. She took a quick shower and put on a nice sweater without even thinking. She let her rage lead her. She was ready to change the rules of this game.

* * *

The front doors of Mass Kenmore came into view. She stepped into the bright, well-furnished lobby and before she could appreciate the heat inside, Elena was instantly stopped by a familiar face.

‘’You are not allowed to enter this hospital, Ma’am.’’ His words were full of detest. ‘’Or should I call you so-called Dr.Joan Smith?’’

Oh crap! she thought. He was the same security. She’d totally forgot how they ran out of this place with Baz while Ethan waiting them outside, in the getaway car. She evaluated her options. She thought honesty was her best shot.

‘’I’m so sorry for the mayhem we created last time but I swear, I’m here today just to talk-’’

‘‘ Your apology doesn’t mean anything! I was almost losing my job because of you and the company you brought. ’‘ He was still blocking the road. She felt the anger burning through her veins again. But she decided to stay reasonable.

‘’ If you could just call Dr. Carrick and give him my name I’m sure-’’

‘’No!’’ he was spitting feathers. in a flash he clenched Elena’s arm hard and tried to shove her out of the entrance. She didn’t even have the time to protest.

Then she heard his slightly hoarse voice. ‘’ Let her go.’’

When she turned, Elena was expecting to meet Tobias’ usual wry smile but his expression was grave. He was not looking at her, instead he was studying the scene unfolding before him in silence. He clenched his teeth as he glared at the security's clasped hand on Elena's arm. Security’s face fell at those words. But he kept his firm hold.

‘’ But Dr. Carrick, you told me to-’’

‘’ I’m telling you to let her go.’’ Came the gruff reply. His gaze was stern. The man gave in and reluctantly released his hand. Elena instantly withdrew her arm and turned to Tobias, trying to look defiant. Her voice a little higher then she had intended and said,

‘’ It appears that as a hospital, your hospitality only got better since the last time I was here.’’ Before he focused on her, Tobias stared at the security’s unimpressed expression for a few second. Then he visibly softened and put a lazy smile on his face when their eyes met.

‘’So you do remember the last time you were here,huh? We decided to take some precautions after the little stunt you and Ramsey pulled.’’ Elena rolled her eyes. He gestured to the security inattentively with his hand to make him get back to his work.

‘’You mean you decided?’’ she said in disbelief. ‘’ I didn’t realize you find me so intimidating.’’

His playful grin lighted up his whole face. He got closer to Elena and stop right in front of her. He leaned slightly to her ear and whispered with his scratchy voice,

‘’ You would be surprised, Ellsworth.’’ Elena tried to ignore his piercing hazel eyes and the chill she felt in her spine. The air around her filled with the punget smell of his cologne, playing with her senses. She felt like she had no energy left to deal with him right now, but again, she kept her head held high. Took a step back and scowled at him.

‘’I’m not here to play your games. I came to talk to you.’’ she said with determined and fiery eyes. He snorted.

‘’Yeah, I can tell. It's clear that you're not here to offer your gratitude after all.’’For a split second Elena looked puzzled, not getting his point. He chuckled softly at Elena’s bemused expression and added,

‘’You know, I’m talking about this whole ‘I’m dying Tobias, come and save me’ story. Which for the record, I did.’’

Elena let out a humorless laugh. ‘’ It looks like you and I remember that story quite differently.’’ But then she didn't give Tobias a chance to talk in return, she continued with a bored expression.

‘’Enough with the chit-chat. Don’t waste my time if you’re not going to hear me out, Tobias.’’ He looked her over with an unreadable, incomprehensible glare. Lost in her lustrous eyes for a while then he said,

‘’I know exactly why you’re here, Ellsworth. But let’s continue this conversation in somewhere private.’’ He looked around. His penetrating eyes spotting the faces nearby and added,

‘’ away from prying eyes.’’ Elena was surprised to see a few onlookers, trying to stand close, hoping to catch a few words. She hadn’t realized they were causing a scene.

‘’Alright.’’ she said quietly.

He led her towards the elevator. She felt lighter for the first time since this morning, feeling like this can still be turned around after all. Tobias pressed the button to call the elevator. Standing close to her, giving her quick glances, watching her every move. But Elena wasn’t paying attention. A few seconds later, she spoke in a tentative manner to break the silence.

‘’You agreed to talk. Does that mean you’re going to collaborate on our project?’’ He crossed his arms in response, his unfailing smirk returned to his face again.

‘’Depends on how persuasive you can be, Ellsworth.’’ She tried to stifle a giggle and failed.

‘’ Consider yourself convinced then.’’

Tobias swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbed up and down when he heard her soft and light-hearted chuckle. Angry with himself, he immediately looked away. He muttered under his breath,

‘’We will see.’’ To his luck, elevator’s door slid open right after this. They got on the empty elevator together. He pressed the button 8 with his knuckle, the door closed and now they were alone under the soft lights of the elevator’s small cabin. The silence was deafening once more. Elena was biting her lip absent-mindedly, lost in thought. As for the Tobias... He was watching her intently, his face was taut. The tension between them was crackling, almost audible. His gaze roamed over her body again but this time Elena noticed his lingering gaze on her. She narrowed her eyes and looked at him without turning her head.

‘’ Why are you staring at me?’’ she inquired. Her voice stone cold. But his face betrayed no emotion. He looked right into her eyes, afterwards a mysterious smile spread from the corners of his mouth.

‘’It's just... nice to see you in one piece, Ellsworth.’’ Elena turned toward him. Her beautiful face was illuminated by the lights, her eyes sparkling like distant stars. She was surprised to see his own eyes were free from any pretence or deceit. She gave a long sigh, because despite the image, she felt utterly shattered inside. It was like being broken into thousands of pieces and Tobias just seemed to get how desperate she was. Lost for words, she held his gaze as if she saw him for the first time. Tobias had to look away from her intense eyes and cleared his throat as the elevator stopped. He walked out of it first without saying a word. Elena slightly lurched before pacing after him.  

He stopped in front of a white, panel door and let Elena in. It was a warm and plainly decorated room. The sun was visible through the windows, facing right at the city. She made herself comfortable on the sofa. Took off her coat. To her amazement, instead of sitting on his chair behind the desk, Tobias took the sofa opposite. He appeared as if that awkward moment in the elevator never happened. he sat with his legs crossed.

‘’So, Ellsworth I'm all ears. What are you offering?’’ he asked. His hazel eyes shone like polished stones under the sunlight but they were rather distant.

‘’I'm offering a way out.’’ said Elena calmly. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

‘’ In order to stave off the worst effects of the budget cuts Edenbrook and Mass Ken needs each other. If you agree with working together we will-’’

‘’ I already know all the details. Ramsey enlightened me earlier with his unusual phone call.’’ He smirked mischievously.

‘’I’m still waiting to be convinced though, Ellsworth.’’ He finished his sentence as if it was a question. Elena fixed him with a level and unfaltering gaze. Keep your cool, she reminded to herself and made another attempt.

‘’ You know it will be lucrative for both sides.’’ This time, he just yawned annoyingly. She took no notice of his frantic gestures and continued,

‘’It’s not any different from deciding to treat high profile cases. Don’t forget it’s still about saving your hospital. Even if that means you will be working side by side with... with Ethan.’’

He straightened in his seat and leaned mildly forward, sneering at her.

‘’What if I hate his guts and try to avoid him at all costs? Then what would you give,’’ He paused, his eyes fixed on Elena’s soft lips. ‘’to persuade me to work with him, Elena? ’’ He finished his sentence in a slightly hoarse tone. A peculiar feeling settled in her stomach when she heard her name from his mouth for the first time.

She tried to control her temper. It was clear that he was trying to turn this into a big show. She decided not to play by his rules. Elena also leaned forward, mimicking Tobias. She looked up and down with her arresting eyes before she spoke.

‘’Do I really have to remind you that both of you are adults and professionals? You can easily separate your personal life from work.’’ He just checked his watch, undisturbed.

‘’Have you finished? I have patients to check.’’

‘’ You’re not even listening!’’

‘’Because you're not saying anything worth listening to.’’

This time Elena started to feel like she’s out of her senses. For real.

‘’Stop being an asshole, Carrick!’’ She yelled hysterically, running her fingers through her hair furiously. ‘’You’ve already showed you are capable of working together under pressure. To save me and Raf, remember!?’’ He just smiled smugly.

‘’Did you really think I would change my mind if you called me an asshole?’’

‘’ Oh, believe me I’m thinking of calling you things much worse than that!’’

He visibly tried to contain his laughter but couldn’t stop himself.

‘’Jeez, Ellsworth! I forgot how feisty you are.’’

‘’It’s not funny.’’

He smiled crookedly as he studied her. She was still glaring at him furiously.

‘’Stop looking at me like that. I’ve already implied I find you intimidating. I don’t need further proof.’’

Elena ignored his words and watched the city outside of the window, trying to control her ragged breathing. She felt weak, powerless again. Suddenly missing Ethan; his comforting arms around her body. She understood why Ethan had hesitated to call him in the first place. Tobias was definitely hard to handle.

A few seconds later he got up and poured a glass of water for her.

‘’Okay, timeout.’’ His voice was almost apologetic. ‘’ You might need this for round two.’’

She didn’t take the glass and remained silent. With a long sigh, he put the glass on the coffee table and sat back. He laced his fingers under his chin, gazing her steadily.

‘’ Let’s choose a different path. Since you suck at being persuasive big time I’m going to offer you an alternative. It’s totally up to you, whether you accept it, or not.’’ Elena was sceptical.

‘’ What do you want?’’she asked, eyeing him suspiciously. Tobias looked solemn. His deep-set hazel eyes never leaving hers and said,  

‘’ I want you.’’ Unable to speak, she just gaped at him for a second.

‘’ WHAT?!’’

‘’ If you want me to agree with your project, you’re going to start working here and you will complete your residency at Mass Kenmore.’’ She stopped dead in her tracks.

‘’There’s no way in hell I’m doing that!’’

‘’If you’re worried about your spot on the diagnostics team, don’t. You will have a place in my team, me as your boss obviously, with considerably better privileges and-’’

‘’Are you serious right now?!’’ Elena spilled the water on the table when she got on her feet in a flash.

‘’Yes, I am.’’ said Tobias in a toneless way. ‘’ It’s your decision, Ellsworth. I’ve already stated that. A decision that might change everything.’’ She was in a towering rage.

‘’Stop playing your stupid mind games on me! Tell me, are you doing this just to punish Ethan?’’

His eyes glinted in the light ‘’Does it matter?’’

‘’Yes, it does. I won’t let you hurt him like this. My answer is NO!’’

Tobias didn’t look convinced.

‘’Before you give an answer ask yourself how bad you want to save your hospital. What you are you willing to sacrifice on this road. First and foremost, it will be lucrative for both sides.’’

‘’ SHUT UP!’’ She snapped at him and started to pace in the room with her palms pressed on her temples. Tobias leaned back in his seat, lips curling up into a small smirk. But he couldn’t tear his eyes from her.

It’s too much, Elena thought. It is all too much! The voices in her head were too loud that she needed a few minutes to let everything sink in while he was waiting patiently.

She wanted this partnership because she believed this was the only way. Only way to save Edenbrook. She was even ready to lose her job for this, that was what she had told Ethan and Aurora back at the Memorial service. Why was this any different? Why she just couldn’t bring herself to say yes? What would happen if she refused his offer?

Elena closed her eyes for a brief time. She thought about Ethan. He would never let her do this, let her go. Not after been waiting for so long to be together. She thought about Edenbrook and how special it felt to her; a home beyond question. And she thought about her friends. How her friends were always with her when she was down. All the things they’ve been through...

Then she finally returned to her seat with a cold expression on her face and said,

‘’ Give me some time to think.’’ her voice even colder.

‘’ No.‘’ He was dead serious. ‘’As soon as you walk out this door, you will lose your chance to take my deal.’’ Elena didn’t show her true colors. Deep down she already knew she made her decision but she was afraid of it to slip out of her mouth. She was afraid of saying out loud.

‘’Call Ethan and tell him that you changed your mind.’’she said, after a minute or two. Tobias raised his eyebrows, his eyes wide.

‘’So you’re saying yes?’’ he asked tentatively. Elena was quick to reply.

‘’Yeah, I’m transferring to Mass Kenmore. But call him now. I want to make sure you don’t play a trick on me.’’ Tobias’ honey-colored eyes sparkled. He grinned like a Cheshire cat.

‘’Oh,harsh! I'd better act like I didn't hear it.’’She only glowered at him, Her words like a threat when she warned him.

‘’ Don’t say a word about our agreement. I want to tell him myself.’’ He winked at her as he took his phone out of his pocket.

‘’Fair enough.’’

‘’And turn the speaker on.’’

‘’So demanding.’’ he said seductively. he found his name from the contact list and hit the call button.

‘’I knew you would make the right choice,Ellsworth.’’ he said, whispering.

‘’Give it a rest for God’s sake!’’ Elena snapped. He pressed his lips together to not laugh. Ethan Picked up the phone after four rings. Her heart sank when she heard his voice.

‘’What do you want?’’ Ethan’s voice was distant through the speaker.

‘’Straight to the point, I see.’’

‘’As you’re well aware, I'm actually on the clock right now and I have no time or patience or willingness to deal with you.’’

‘’Then it’s a relief Ramsey, that our feelings are absolutely mutual.’’ Ethan let out a long sigh. Elena pictured him in his office, pinching the bridge of his nose.

‘’Just state the purpose of the call,Tobias.’’

Tobias looked at Elena and she nodded in an agreement.

‘’I’m in. I accept your offer about the partnership.’’ Ethan trailed off for a second.

“What changed your mind?” he sounded cynical. Tobias gazed at Elena with fire in his eyes. A dark and unreadable expression passed through his face.

‘’I realized that this deal is more profitable for me than I thought.’’ His eyes shifted to her lips, lingered there, than to her eyes again. ‘’ I realized that this is all I want, all I need.’’ Elena didn’t catch what Tobias just implied. All she could hear was her own heartbeat. It was beating like a drum.

 Ethan kept his silence.

‘’ I didn’t expect you to be so... passionate about saving your hospital.’’ he said flatly.

‘’ I am. I want to make myself useful. Just like you are doing this just to make Elena happy.’’ she shook her head in disbelief and raised to her feet again, this time with panic and she put a finger on her mouth to make him stop talking. Then they heard Ethan’s next words from the phone.

‘’ You’re overstepping the mark, Tobias.’’ His voice was low and terrifying. Upon this, Tobias also got up and pace towards Elena. She gave another signal to hang up the phone. Tobias was clearly having a blast didn’t do such a thing.

‘’Whatever you say, Ramsey. Ah, by the way, she sends her regards.’’

‘’What?! Is Elena with you...-’’ He hanged up the phone. Elena was in a total shock.

‘’What the hell was that?!’’ He was enjoying the pure astonishment on her face. They were standing so close together.

‘’Relax, I didn't say a word about our little agreement Elena.’’ he said, as if he didn’t cause anything bad.

‘’You’ve done worse than that! How long do you think it will take him to figure out what's going on?’’ Elena’s phone rang right after she finished her sentence. She was afraid to look who’s calling. She was afraid to make explanations. Things got so far, she thought. Tobias grinned at her wickedly.

‘’ It appears not that long.’’

She grabbed her phone from her coat with shaky hands and she got a lump in hear throat as she read the name on the screen. It was him.

The anger was bobbling inside her. She blew a fuse when she charged toward Tobias, pushed his chest with all her might but he didn’t even move.

‘’I've never hated anyone before, more than I hated you!’’ He beamed at her with a playful  grin.

‘’ At least you’re feeling something.’’ he reached out to touch her hair but she shoved his hand.

‘’Don’t you dare touch me you little bast-’’ In a instant, he snatched her arm and he pulled her closer towards him until their lips were almost touching.

‘’Don’t forget, I still will be remembering these little cute things you say about me when I’m actually your boss, Ellsworth.’’ He put a dangerous smile on his face, as he took in all the small details of the beautiful face right in front of him.

‘’ Let me go!!’’ Elena tried to get away from him. He released her and sat to his chair behind the desk.

‘’We’re going to have so much fun together.’’ Elena grabbed her coat and bag from the sofa in a hurry.

‘’ GO. TO. HELL Carrick!! You’re much needed there.’’ She left the room, slamming the door behind her but that couldn't stop her from hearing his mischievous laughter.

Her heart was pounding in her chest. Her phone rang again. Tears started fill her eyes as she saw it was Ethan. She waited until she was out of the building to pick the phone.

‘’ELENA?! Thank goodness! I was worried sick. Where the hell are you? Are you okay?’’ It was enough for her to give in, hearing his voice again. She felt the hot tears rolling down her cheeks. She couldn’t say a word.

‘’ Elena please say something.’’ He sounded as if he was in a state of hopeless despair.

’’Tobias implied that you’re with him, I was just coming to your house to check you. He’s not answering my calls-.’’

‘’ Ethan.’’ she interrupted him.

‘’ What is it, Elena? Just tell me what you need.’’

‘’I... I did something.’’ There was no escape from the mess she made now. ‘’Something probably bad.’’

Tags: @ohramsey @openheart12 @schnitzelbutterfingers @colossalpainintheass @choicesstan1 @ethandaddyramsey @oofchoices @mayascherub @caseyvalentineramsey @mvalentine @akaishinkirou @openheartconfessions @drethanramslay @rookie-ramsey @valentinesdiaries @openheartincorrect @they-callme-ami @olivershens @senatorraines 

So,I've never played High School Story before, but now I noticed that new book is related so much with that app.Should I download app first and play the book after?Would it be more fun or whatever? I'm confused y'all!!! Help needed.

MC: Let me guess? When I fell from heaven? *rolls eyes*

mc: Alright Maxi, let's see your dark side.

maxwell: *makes a face*

CURSED!!