The Billionaire Who Saved Me

Elice was now twenty-nine years old. She was no longer a teenage girl easily swayed by the sweet words of a man. Life experiences and a difficult journey had shaped her heart. No man’s words could be trusted. Not even Garrett.

Elice had proven it. She had even accused him without blinking an eye. That he was using her and working with Ariel. Even though in reality it was an empty accusation. Garrett was not who she thought he was. But Elice realized how her thoughts about men had changed. There was no longer an Elice who thought positively. There was only Elice who tried to be careful.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Elice knew that she had to protect herself. She could not rely on anyone. Especially not on a man she had not even known for a year.

“I knew you wouldn’t believe me.”

Garrett spoke calmly. He did not seem surprised by Elice’s reaction. There was a frown on his forehead, a hint of a disbelieving smile and a subtle snort.

“And I’m not going to ask you to trust me,” Garrett continued. “Trust is a very delicate thing. I know that very well. So… let it form on its own.”

For once, Elice took a deep breath. She nodded.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

“But ….”

As quickly as the feeling of relief at Garrett’s clarification had enveloped Elice, it vanished just as quickly. Because Elice knew. The word “but” never had a good meaning in conversation.

“I hope you continue to think about this marriage, Elice.”

Elice did not understand. “I thought you knew what I meant, Garrett.”

“I do. Trust me. I do understand. But I think you also understand my intentions, Elice.”

It seemed that Elice was missing something here. Specifically, Garrett’s confession, which had not even happened ten minutes ago.

“Regardless,” Garrett said awkwardly. “I was looking for you.”

Elice blinked once. Her gaze softened.

“I’m sure you know exactly who I am and my past, Garrett. And when you say that you…”

Elice didn’t know how to say it. She chose her words awkwardly.

“… looked for me, can you clearly see what kind of woman you are pursuing?”

Silence for a moment. As if Elice and Garrett needed time to absorb the moments that passed between them.

“Still, Garrett. Do you think it makes sense for us to be together with my past? Because now that I think about it, if there’s one woman who doesn’t deserve to be with you the most, it’s me.”

“Even when I first approached you that night and we were together, I already knew about your past, Elice.”

That was true. But, according to Elice, the circumstances were different now.

“And if you pointed the finger at me because of the gossip that made you famous in this country, then I guess there’s no other way for me to take responsibility.”

Elice widened her eyes. “By marrying me?”

“I won’t lie, Elice,” Garrett said. “Despite all these problems, I really do have feelings for you.”

Another time, this expression might have touched Elice. But not this time. Not tonight. Instead of making Elice feel flowers blooming in her heart, it was as if she heard warning signals ringing in her head. Signaling her to be careful. But Garrett would not back down.

“Let’s give it a try. Let us be close, Elice. And you will see the truth of my words. Then we can see together. Can marriage really be a way out for us, or the opposite?”

Saying this, Garrett was sure that this was his only chance. Despite the new Elice, Garrett realized that her past would make it difficult for her to accept him. Regardless of Daphne’s interference.

“Maybe time is indeed the way out.”

*

“What else is she thinking?!” Daphne slammed down the newspaper she had been reading. She looked furious; her age-ravaged face even more wrinkled. “Who does she think she’s up against?”

Carolus remained silent, not daring to speak.

“Maybe she thinks I’m an old woman who can be gentle with everyone. Hah! You try my patience, Elice.”

After a moment of silence, Daphne turned to Carolus.

“If Elice wants to play open, I’ll face her. Let’s go now, Carolus.”

Carolus nodded. “Yes, madam.”

It was not long before Daphne and Carolus were out on the street. Towards the Metro. To meet Elice for the umpteenth time, so that the employees there were no longer surprised. But unlike Elice, who once again had to hold her breath. Especially at the unpleasant whispers she heard.

“Ugh. She’s here again.”

Elice felt uneasy. But she had not expected Daphne to be so persistent and not hesitate to come back for a third time.

“Do you really not want to marry Garrett?” Daphne asked.

Elice swallowed her saliva, trying not to answer Daphne’s piercing stare. The look showed clear disapproval.

“Marriage is not a game, ma’am. I don’t want to get married just because of scandals and interests like this.”

Daphne’s eyes rolled dramatically. She seemed contemptuous.

“I thought you changed after Ariel broke your heart, Elice. Turns out you’re still the same Elice you were before. The one blinded by love and the dreams of a five-year-old girl.”

Elice’s face felt hot. Even her exotic skin could not contain the sudden flush. She felt stung by Daphne’s words.

“Do you still believe in love? A prince willing to give his life to protect his beloved?”

Daphne chuckled in a rhythm that made Elice even more embarrassed.

“Oh, Elice. You really haven’t learned from the past. Ugh. Honestly, I’m disappointed. Because when I found out about your relationship with Ariel, I thought you had changed. Well… this is not what I expected.”

Elice’s hands, resting on her thighs, slowly clenched. She had to gather her strength not to suddenly explode. But Daphne’s words really attacked her self-esteem. She felt helpless.

“Changed or not…”

Elice took a deep breath until her shoulders lifted briefly. Her face, which had been down for who knew how long, slowly rose again. With all her strength she tried to keep looking at Daphne. No matter how dominating the older woman’s aura was.

“… I don’t think it’s any of your business, ma’am. This is entirely my decision.”

*