I could feel things sliding back into place. Although Ellie hasn't said it, I can tell she's becoming more comfortable with me. She's letting me back in.

That all may change today.

There's only one thing on the schedule, going to my mum's house.

Of course, she wants to meet my assistant, the one who I handpicked from the States. I silently curse myself for hyping her up too much.

I love the idea of Ellie meeting my family, but I was hoping it would be after we got married. That way, it would be harder to drive her away.

I just wish she was meeting my mum as my soulmate and not some assistant.

Only two weeks remain in her assignment. After that, she can legally go back home if she wants. I don't know what that would mean for us. 

God, I hope she stays. 

I decide to check up on her, making sure she isn't losing her marbles about meeting my family.

I wish she had just kept the suite across the hall, it would make life much easier. Plus, I'd see her so much more.

Once I get to her door, I knock twice.

"Coming," she calls. I hear a loud thunk and a curse from her lips. She opens the door all frazzled. "Harry!" She smiles. 

She's not even done getting ready. She's in a tank top and grey sweatpants.

"You know we have to leave soon, right?" I ask, looking her up and down.

"Yeah, I know. I'm hurrying," she huffs. "I'll be done in like ten minutes." 

I'm not so sure about that. 

"Alright, would you mind meeting me in my room when you're ready?" 

She nods and shuts the door in a hurry. 

She seems fine. Definitely not panicking or anything.

I go up to my room and chill for a little. I have nothing but time on my hands. Knowing her, she'll take a while.

My mum calls, making sure I'm still coming. I love her, but mothers can be so naggy sometimes. 

A soft knock comes from my door. I go to open it and see Ellie awkwardly holding her dress from the back.

"Can you zip this up for me?" She asks sheepishly. I nod and pull her into the room, shutting the door with my foot. 

I grab the back of her dress, zipping it up slowly. My cold hand momentary touches her back. She flinches at my touch, but doesn't make a move. A shiver runs through her body. I subconsciously throw on a smirk, knowing she's still phased by my touch.

"What?" She asks when she sees my facial expression.

I make up an excuse quickly. "You just look so sexy in that dress."

Her face flashes a bright pink and I wonder if that was the wrong thing to say. I need to rebuild my relationship with her, and she's already stated she doesn't want me like that. Maybe I'm moving too fast.

The old Ellie would have curtsied at my compliment as a joke.

Her lips form a small smile, taking the compliment. That's better than her being upset and I'll take that any day. 

"Is it too fancy?" She asks, creasing down her dress. 

It is, but that's okay. "No," I lie, not wanting her to change. 

She nods and gestures for us to leave. I grab my keys. I'm keeping my own car for as long as she's here. It's much more fun to drive her around. 

In a weird, twisted way, I like having control of where she goes.

We drive out to my mum's house. It's in the countryside, away from the public eye. I don't want her being harassed by randoms.

When we get there, Ellie hops out before I can open her door. Unfortunately, my mum notices this.

"Harry Edward Styles!" She yells from the door. "I raised a gentleman, and a gentleman opens the doors for ladies." 

I roll my eyes so hard. Ellie's amused, giggling at the sight of my mother.

We both walk towards the door. I hug my mum and she squeezes me tight, mentioning my height and build as if she hadn't seen me months ago.

I apprehensively watch the interaction between her and Ellie. My mum pulls in for a hug and I sigh with relief. She's not the most welcoming when I bring random girls home. Ellie's important to me, and it's important that my mum sees that as well. 

"My, you're a pretty one! Far too pretty to be an assistant," my mum states, pulling her back and inspecting her. "You should be a model, not working for this rascal. Speaking of, is he treating you well? Nevermind. We'll talk over lunch. Come, come." She rambles on, pulling us inside. 

"Boo!" A voice screams, shaking me up. I look to see Gemma, my older sister, hiding behind the door.

Shit, I didn't expect, nor plan, for this.

"Gemma," I say through my teeth. "I didn't expect you here."

"What, you're not excited for me?" She fake pouts.

No. 

I would never have brought Ellie if I knew she was here. Don't get me wrong, she's amazing and I love her with all my heart. However, my mom and sister are deadly together.

"Oh my gosh, you must be his assistant! I didn't catch your name. Ella?" Gemma sneers.

I'm shocked at her sudden harshness. 

"Ellie," my soul responds, not even noticing the change in attitude. "Nice to meet you." She puts her hand out to shake, but Gemma fake smiles and turns back to me. 

What is going on with her?

My mum tries to change the subject. "The food is almost done. Come, let's all sit at the table."

We all walk to the dining room. I stay near Ellie, checking to see if she's okay. She seems unphased, not intimidated in the least. That's a good sign, right?

I make sure to sit next to Ellie before the others get a chance. Gemma sits across from me, glaring at Ellie. 

"So, how did you and Harry meet?" My mum asks, genuinely interested.

Ellie's puppy dog eyes look over at me. We had never really discussed a cover story.

"I held interviews..." I begin, being cut off by my mom.

"Honey, I want to hear Ellie's side of the story." 

I nod, defeated. 

"Well, as he said, he was holding interviews. I didn't take one though," she starts.

I bite my tongue, confused as to where she's going with this story.

She continues, "He actually attended one of my friend's parties. I was helping set up and he noticed. I guess I was impressive because he asked my friend about me. And now, here we are."

My mum looks to me, seeking confirmation. I nod, adding, "Yeah. She was amazing. She basically planned the whole party. I figured she'd make a great assistant."

"So, Ellie," my sister says in a nasty tone, "why'd you take the job?"

She has this answer prepared. "Oh, well. Honestly, I didn't want it. Mr. Styles has a way with words and convinced me. Besides, I really need the money and it's a once in a lifetime opportunity." 

Deep down, I hope that's not the only reason.

"Professional," Gemma scoffs.

Ellie throws on a fake smile. "I've heard so much about you! In fact, Harry took me to that cafe you used to work at."

My sister and mum are genuinely surprised. I never take anyone there. It's the one place I'm guaranteed peace and isolation with my thoughts. 

On cue, the cook begins bringing out the dishes and we begin eating. 

Ellie is the only one who thanks the cook. 

Gemma sees this and stares in awe. I guess we're so used to having help, we forget to appreciate them. 

As we finish the courses, we make small talk. I try my hardest to not exclude Ellie, but it seems as if Gemma is trying extra hard to.

Luckily, my mum is great at keeping conversation, especially with Ellie. 

Once dinner is finished, I excuse myself and Gemma.

"Great! Ellie can help me with dessert. Come, honey," my mum says before dragging my soul into the kitchen. 

Once she's out, I drop my smile. I grab Gemma's arm and drag her to another room.

"What the hell are you doing?" I yell when we're alone.

"What do you mean?" She asks innocently.

I scoff and roll my eyes. "Of course. You always do this. What, you enjoy hurting the people I'm close with?"

"Oh, drop the act, Harry! You know damn well that girl is a fan of yours who wants to get into your pants. I see the way she looks at you. All you have to do is have sex and then she'll ruin you."

"She wouldn't do that," I mumble.

"Oh? And why not? She's got nothing to lose. Unless you've already had sex..." She taunts me.

My blood is boiling at this point. "Stay in your fucking limits," I growl.

"Oh yeah?" She smirks. "Why don't you tell that to your personal whore."

"She's my fucking soulmate!" I yell, anger seething in me. 

Gemma's face goes blank. "W-what?"

I lower my voice before causing a scene. "Yeah, she is." I begin pacing around, a habit I've picked up during stressful times.

"Then why is she parading around like your assistant? She knows, right?"

"Of course she does," I hiss, annoyed at the obvious question. I soften and sigh, not wanting to get into it, but not wanting my anger to take over. "I'll explain later, but you need to stop being a bitch. And don't tell mum."

She nods, still trying to comprehend the new information. 

"Anyway, let's go back before mum harasses her to death." I leave the room, my fists still balled. I shouldn't have told Gemma about that, but I can't see her being so rude to Ellie.

I don't blame her, she's just trying to be a good older sister. Sometimes she really underestimates me though. 

We get back to the kitchen and I'm in awe. Both the girls are covered in icing and flour.

"It was her!" They chant in union, pointing to each other. 

At least they like each other.

Gemma is amused, staring at them from the door frame. "Mum, go get cleaned up. Harry, take her and give her some clothes." 

I nod and grab Ellie's hand, taking her upstairs to my bedroom. 

When I close the door, Ellie smirks and pulls me into an unexpected hug. At first, I lean into her, appreciating the gesture. 

Then I realize her intentions. 

"Oh, fuck you!" I groan, now covered in a mess. 

She giggles at my messy state. 

I hand her a t-shirt and guide her to the bathroom. Luckily, it's longer than the dress she was previously wearing. 

I'm not too messy so I just change. 

"Harry," her sweet voice calls from the shower.

"Yeah?" I respond. 

She pauses for a second. "Can you pass me a towel?"

Oops.

"Yeah, one second." I go to our linen closet and grab a fresh towel. I knock on the bathroom door. 

"Don't look," she yells. "Promise?"

"Okay, I promise." I sigh. She opens the door a crack and reaches out her hand. I debate messing with her, but I've already put her through so much. I just hand her the towel and watch as her hand recedes into the bathroom. 

I chill on my bed until she comes out. When she opens the door, I sit up. She looks around my room with amusement. 

"I thought it would be a bit more childish than this," she admits. 

I laugh. "Yeah, it's not my childhood home though. I bought this place for my mum a couple years ago."

She nods and looks around. 

"Hey," I pat the bed next to me, gesturing for her to sit. "Are you okay? If I had known my sister was here, I wouldn't have brought you."

She shakes her head. "Nah, don't worry about it. I mean, your sister is being a little bitchy, but I'm not taking it personally." 

"Why not?" I ask.

"Huh?"

"Why aren't you taking it personally?" 

She understands the question and thinks about it. "Oh. Well, I guess I get it? She probably thinks I'm a golddigger or something. I'm so used to it after being friends with Audrey."

Understandable. I'm sure people think she mooches off of her best friend. However, I know her and her inability to accept money. It's aggravating sometimes. 

She's too pure for the world.

My mum walks into my open room and smiles at us. "So, no dessert for us. Anyone want ice cream?" She asks.

Before I can answer, Ellie nods.

A/N:

Hehe, happy chapter! Opinions? Vote and comment!