Ophelia Gets Thrown Out (Ophelia) novel Chapter 26

**Paths Lead To Purpose — Kevin Masters**
**Chapter 26**

Ophelia instinctively turned her gaze away, the familiar knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach.

‘Alaric, please, for the love of everything, don’t come over to say hi,’ she silently pleaded, her heart racing.

Her family was already aware of her talents in IT and design—those were impressive enough for them—but the thought of them discovering her true profession as a doctor filled her with dread. She wanted to keep that part of her life hidden, a secret that felt too precious to expose.

Feeling a wave of guilt wash over her, she lowered her head, hoping to blend into the background.

Dylan, her ever-watchful brother, narrowed his eyes at her. “Ophelia, what’s going on?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.

‘What’s with her sudden unease? Is there someone here she’s trying to avoid?’ he mused, his mind racing through possibilities.

His gaze followed hers, landing on the direction she was pointedly avoiding—right where Zoe was making her way over, a bright smile plastered on her face.

“Alaric! What a delightful coincidence! I’ve been trying to ask you out for dinner these past few days, but you’ve been so busy. I really didn’t expect to see you here. Is this your friend?” Zoe chirped, sliding into the seat beside him, her excitement palpable.

Across from them, Sebastian paused, an amused glint in his eyes. “Alaric, is this the rumored fiancée of yours?” he teased, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips.

Sebastian, despite spending five years abroad for his studies, had maintained his childhood friendship with Alaric. He relished the opportunity to poke fun at him, just as he always had.

Alaric’s expression darkened, a cold scoff escaping his lips. “That’s merely an old joke among the elders about a betrothal. Referring to her as my fiancée is utterly premature,” he stated bluntly, the chill in his voice unmistakable.

It was a jarring moment, the first time Alaric had openly dismissed their relationship in front of others, and Zoe’s face fell, the warmth of her smile replaced by an awkward frown.

“Oh? I heard the Rowle family recently uncovered a long-lost daughter due to that fire mix-up. So now there are two heiresses? I wonder how this will affect the engagement. That would certainly stir up some drama,” Sebastian quipped, his tone light, but the implications heavy.

Such family scandals were rare among the elite, and the gossip had spread like wildfire.

Zoe’s expression grew even frostier as she turned to Alaric, a sugary sweetness coating her words. “Alaric, even though Ophelia’s back, I’m still the Rowle family’s heiress. We’ve known each other for so long, and you’ve always treated me well. Even if we never formalized it, we’re good friends, right?”

With Sebastian present, she dared not ask for more than that. She simply hoped he would show her some respect, allowing the others to believe they shared a connection like before.

But today, Alaric was icy. “Ms. Rowle, I think you’re mistaken. We are merely acquaintances—not even friends,” he replied flatly, his words cutting through the air like a knife.

‘Perhaps I’ve given her too much credit in the past. It’s time to bring her back to reality,’ he thought, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his mind.

“Alaric?” Zoe’s voice trembled, disbelief coloring her tone. She had never anticipated that, in his eyes, she held no more significance than a mere acquaintance. Her face fell, embarrassment washing over her like a cold wave.

Nearby, Dylan couldn’t stand to hear his sister being treated in such a manner. His expression darkened as he stood, a protective instinct surging within him. “The Caldwell and Rowle families have always been close allies,” he asserted, stepping forward. “Even if you’re not friends, you should at least be on familiar terms. There’s no need for such coldness.”

As Dylan approached, Ophelia shrank back further, silently wishing Alaric would simply disregard her presence altogether.

Alaric, however, noticed her evasive demeanor and felt a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

‘Back at the hospital, Ophelia had been fierce with Aaron—confident, decisive during surgeries, seemingly unfazed by anything. Why is it that in front of her family, she pretends not to see me?’ he pondered, amusement mingling with curiosity.

Lost in his thoughts, Alaric suddenly rose from his seat. “Mr. Rowle, you have a point. The Caldwell and Rowle families have always shared a close bond. I shouldn’t have been so distant. After all, the Rowle family does have someone I can genuinely call a friend.”

Dylan blinked in surprise, his mind racing. Aside from the occasional party with Zoe, Alaric rarely interacted with his brothers. ‘If even Zoe isn’t considered a friend by Alaric, who in the Rowle family could he possibly be talking about?’ he wondered, confusion clouding his thoughts.

At that moment, a sense of foreboding washed over Ophelia, and she braced herself for what was about to unfold.

With that, she hurriedly dragged Alaric out of the dining area, seeking refuge in a secluded corner.

Dylan, who had been poised to defend Zoe, was left utterly dumbfounded.

“What’s happening here?” he murmured, confusion etched on his face.

‘How is it that Ophelia, who just returned, seems to be closer to Alaric than Zoe, who has known him for years?’ he questioned, bewilderment washing over him. ‘And with Alaric’s status, no woman has ever dared cover his mouth like that. Ophelia really has guts!’

Owen, standing nearby, wore a look of surprise as well. “Zoe, isn’t Alaric your boyfriend?”

Zoe had always boasted at home about being Alaric’s girlfriend, so Owen was accustomed to hearing it.

‘But why was Alaric so cold to Zoe just now, yet when Ophelia pulled him away, he had a faint smile?’ he wondered, confusion clouding his judgment.

Zoe’s expression turned dark, a deadly scowl settling on her features.

‘So Ophelia really knows Alaric. That damn girl,’ she fumed internally. ‘Could it be, like Chloe said, that Ophelia came back just to steal him away? Not a chance. Not in this lifetime.’

Meanwhile, Ophelia had successfully led Alaric into the hotel’s VIP lounge.

Once the glass door shut behind them, she spun around, her frustration boiling over as she delivered a sharp kick to his shin. “Are you out of your mind? My family has no idea I’m out here practicing medicine and helping people. Are you trying to give them a heart attack?”

Alaric had never experienced such a thing before; the pain made his brow crease, but he maintained his composure, refusing to utter a sound.

“Having such a talented doctor as a daughter and sister should be a surprise, not a shock, right?” he replied, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. ‘Does she really misunderstand just how exceptional she is?’ he wondered, a smirk playing on his lips.