The Billionaire Who Saved Me

Elice was clearly not well. Physically, perhaps. But mentally? Probably not so much. Because when she decided to return to work and found Daphne’s visit again, the pressure was undeniable.

She accepted some strange whispers and looks. When she turned around, they immediately put on a smile and acted as if nothing had happened. But just like those who put on a facade, Elice did the same. She acted as if nothing had happened, even though it was undoubtedly a difficult thing to do.

At that moment, when Elice realized for the umpteenth time that her situation was getting worse because of the pressure caused by a man, cynical thoughts appeared. flew through her mind.

It turns out that no matter how far I go, problems and scornful looks will always find me in the end. Who is to blame?

Elice kept asking herself. Whenever she tried to start a new chapter in her life, it seemed that problems always found a way to find her. No matter how many miles she distanced herself, she would eventually find herself in a situation that could back her into a corner. Just like now.

“Elice.”

Freddy’s voice interrupted Elice’s brief reverie. The woman turned and looked at Freddy, who approached her with a file in his hand.

“This is a hard copy for the Malven MI article. I sent the digital file to your email. Please check it.”

Elice took the file. “Alright, I’ll check it soon.”

The print file changed hands. Elice put it on the side of her desk and decided to continue her previous work until it was finished. She would check the file later.

“Is there anything else?”

Elice noticed that Freddy didn’t leave her cubicle immediately after handing over the file. Instead, he seemed to watch her. But when Elice asked, Freddy let out a long sigh.

“Nothing,” Freddy replied. “I’ll excuse myself.”

Elice watched Freddy walk away with understanding. She understood exactly what was on her colleague’s mind. At least it had to do with the news about her that was circulating again.

And for that, it was ironic. As someone who worked in a magazine, Elice found that she had successfully made history. It felt like there wasn’t much substance behind the media information that actually became a news story like hers.

Fortunately, Elice worked in a place that specialized in business and economics. Truly, she could not imagine if Metro presented scandalous news or something like that. Guaranteed, Elice would not be working right now. Instead, she would be the source of information for her colleagues.

Elice’s phone rang. She, who was concentrating on her work, turned around. Garrett’s name appeared on the screen. Elice decided to get up from her seat and answer the call in a more private place. Specifically, in the restroom, after making sure all the stalls there were empty.

“Hello.”

“Hello, Elice. I hope I’m not bothering you. I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Elice took a deep breath. She was not at all surprised that Garrett had reached out to her. To be honest, she had been planning to contact Garrett since Daphne had arrived a few days ago. Although, in the end, that plan remained just a plan. Work obligations during her two-day vacation made her forget about it.

“I apologize for contacting you just now. There’s been a lot on my plate lately.”

“I understand,” Elice said sympathetically. Considering Garrett’s position and the news circulating, he must be busy right now. “No problem.”

“So, are you free today? Afternoon? Or maybe evening? I’d like to meet you.”

Elice thought quickly and decided that the afternoon was not a good time for her. It would be like letting people see her openly.

“I think evening. I have a lot of work to do this afternoon.”

“All right then. I’ll be waiting for you at the 1991 House tonight at seven. How does that sound?”

“I’ll be there.”

When the call ended, Elice took a long breath. For some reason, her heart suddenly beat uncomfortably. She felt uneasy.

“Everything will be fine, Elice.”

Saying this to herself through the reflection in front of her, Elice tried to calm herself. She briefly remembered that she had been in her hardest times before. But she had managed to endure for more than a year. And this time she was confident. That she would get through it again.

Ten minutes before the clock on her wrist showed exactly seven and twelve, Elice had already parked her car in the area of the 1991 House. One of the upscale restaurants that not everyone was allowed to enter. It was as if there were unwritten rules to enjoy the food there.

“By the name of Mr. Garrett Alexander Morales.”

Elice mentioned the man’s name clearly, and a polite waiter escorted her. They went to a room on the third floor. Tucked away from the crowd, it provided the necessary privacy.

Upon entering, Elice found Garrett already there. Sitting alone, he rose when his eyes saw Elice.

With courtesy, Garrett pulled out a chair for Elice. He helped her sit comfortably before returning to his original position.

Glancing briefly at Elice’s appearance that night, Garrett noted how the off-white dress seemed to complement Elice’s exotic skin. It provided a simple yet comfortable look. Even in a style with minimal flair, the long-sleeved dress looked perfect on her.

Dinner arrived a few moments later. And during that time they didn’t have any meaningful conversation. Just small talk.

“I hope you’re well.”

Elice calmly cut a piece of meat on her plate. Glancing over, Garrett noticed her long, fluttering eyelashes moving gently. He nodded.

“You don’t have to worry,” Elice said, exhaling. “I’m fine. And you? You look tired.”

Elice’s words made Garrett reflexively let go of the fork in his hand. He rubbed his eyes, which were indeed sore.

“Is it that bad?”

Elice, who was about to enjoy the sauce-covered slices of beef, postponed her intentions for a moment. She lifted her face and looked at Garrett. She noticed that his eyes seemed reddish and his face showed signs of fatigue.

“It looks like you didn’t sleep well.”

Garrett made no objection to Elice’s assessment. He simply nodded.

“I’ve had a lot on my plate lately. And as I mentioned on the phone, that’s the only reason I could reach you today.”

“Of course. I don’t doubt your busyness at all,” Elice said without taking her eyes off Garrett. “So… what do you mean by inviting me to a meeting tonight?”

The time had come. When Elice asked that, Garrett knew that their dinner had subtly ended. There was a serious conversation looming that seemed to take up their time. And now not only the fork but also the knife slipped out of Garrett’s hand.

“First of all, I want to apologize again for what happened to you. I really didn’t expect that there would be more news about us in circulation. In addition, I didn’t expect you to meet my grandmother again. I apologize for that.”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Elice said nothing in response to the apology. She just nodded understandingly.

“But compared to apologizing to you, there’s something else we need to talk about.”

It seemed as if Elice could guess what else Garrett meant.

“It’s about marriage.”

*