"W-what did you say, Ariel? Elice is your lover?"
Daphne felt as if her body would collapse at any moment. But before that unfortunate event happened, Norah immediately approached her mother-in-law. She reached out and made sure the older woman didn't actually fall. Ariel's words had successfully caused both of her knees to wobble.
Ariel chuckled. His face mocked Garrett as he looked at Daphne.
"Ah, turns out you didn't know, Nana?" Ariel asked with a teasing grin aimed at Garrett. "Elice is my girlfriend. We've been together a long time."
Shock was immediately visible in Daphne's eyes as they turned to Garrett. The same was true for Norah. Both older women couldn't believe what Ariel was saying. But with such confidence on his face, who could doubt him?
A small laugh escaped Ariel's lips. Then, ignoring any form of etiquette, he sighed once.
"So desperate, Garrett? To get all that wealth, you didn't even think twice about stealing my girlfr
"How could you not check?!"A shout greeted Carolus that morning. Just as he visited the Morales residence after learning of Daphne's condition. Thinking that Daphne was really sick as reported, he was not prepared for the anger that erupted right in front of his face."This woman is Ariel's ex-girlfriend! Why didn't you check her background?!"Carolus swallowed hard. His hands clasped in front of him in a polite and accepting posture. He made no attempt to evade the accusations he had received."I'm sorry, madam, but everything happened so fast yesterday, and—""Silence!"Daphne snapped. The traces of emotion were clearly visible on her aged face. Her breath was racing, a sign that the current situation was truly testing her limited patience."Well, what can we do? What can we do? The whole world knows about Garrett and Elice's relationship! Everyone knows, Carolus!"Daphne clenched her fists. Then she slapped the arm of
"Elice, I beg you. Don't do this."Trying to calm Elice down, Garrett tried to block her way. But Elice did not give up. She pushed Garrett away even though it had no effect. Garrett stood firm. His strength was obviously no match for Elice."No, Garrett. I beg you. Please, I want to go, Garrett. So don't stop me."Garrett held on to Elice. "Not in this condition, Elice. No. You're a mess, and I won't let you go with your mind in such chaos.""Oh, God! Please. Just let me go, Garrett," Elice demanded. Unfortunately, it was not enough for her to free herself from Garrett's restraints. "Don't you know what caused this mess?""I—""You!" Elice cut Garrett off. "You're the one who made a mess of everything. And it got even more chaotic when I found out that you're Ariel's cousin."Garrett could not move. At first glance, what Elice had said was true.However, everything had not completely fallen apart for Garrett. At least no
When Elice entered Rita's residential area, the clock on her wrist already showed eleven. A long time had passed if she had not decided to pick up her car at the Metro first. But at least Elice could be sure to get home on time. The situation seemed calmer and more under control.Elice got out of the car. In the urgency of missing Wilda and worrying about her, she hurried to open the gate door. Only to find the bright light blinding her eyes.Elice blinked her eyes. At the same time, her hand spontaneously lifted from the gate key. Trying to ward off the glare that disturbed her vision.The sound of a car door opening was heard. Followed by the sound of the car door closing with the impression of being half slammed. As if the person was in a hurry.However, it seemed that this person was indeed in a hurry, for his steps were large and swift. Taking advantage of the glare that left Elice motionless in her standing position, he approached her, reaching out
"Miss Elice has left the apartment, sir."In the car parked not far from the apartment where Elice had stayed last night, Garrett was accompanied by Amber and the driver named Dariel Martin. It was unclear how long they had been there; it seemed like countless hours. During that time, Amber waited patiently for a report from her informants, while Garrett tried to remain calm and take the opportunity to work briefly on his laptop, which was open on his lap.Garrett sighed deeply. Without taking his eyes off several colorful graphs on the laptop screen, he said, "Follow her.”Amber looked back, seemingly incredulous at what her boss had just said."Quickly," Garrett said again. "Before she gets too far."Amber had no choice. She motioned to Dariel, and not long after, the car was speeding through the streets. Now it was getting harder and harder for Garrett to concentrate on his work."Is she going straight home?" Garrett could not conta
"No, Mom. This time I won't do what you say. And I beg you, just this once. Let me do what I want. I will defend Elice."As Ariel said this on the phone, Farrah's hysterical screams could be heard on the other end. She was shocked to find that her son had gone straight to Ashford City because of the articles and photos circulating. Without a second thought, he immediately went to see Elice. And now her son had another surprise for her—an earnest request that she would undoubtedly refuse."Ariel! I warn you not to even think about approaching Elice again. Let her be with Garrett! Let this lowly woman be with your cousin!"When Ariel heard how Farrah humiliated Elice, his hand moved involuntarily and slammed down on the steering wheel with such force."Ma, I beg you! Stop calling Elice that. She's not as low as you say.""Ariel, dare you defy Mom? Hahaha. See how Elice's bad influence has affected you? You should be thankful, Ariel. Because now
Garrett decided to call Elice. No matter if she would be angry with him. What was most important to him right now was to know Elice's condition. He had to make sure that Elice was all right.Waiting with an uneasy feeling, Garrett closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief when Elice answered his call."Hello, Garrett."Elice's voice calmed Garrett's emotions. It made the restlessness that had been plaguing his mind calm down."Elice," Garrett called. "How are you this morning? I..."Garrett couldn't finish his words. The growing guilt made him feel ashamed. How many times would he have to apologize to this woman?"I'm fine."At least Elice's words calmed Garrett's feelings."Have you been to the office today? Are you working?""Of course. I took an impromptu leave for two days, Garrett. If it's more than that, I think I'll get a warning."Garrett understood. But he couldn't imagine how much pressure Elice was
"Take responsibility for Garrett. Marry him."Elice must be dreaming or hallucinating. Because it seemed completely nonsensical that Daphne would say something so absurd. Marriage? Between her and Garrett?"W-what?"Daphne sighed deeply and reached for the teacup in front of her. Instead of answering the question, she savored her first sip of the now chilled, reddish-golden liquid. No longer too hot, as it had been when first served.There was a slight exhale as Daphne enjoyed the drink, letting each drop moisten her throat, which felt dry from the conversation they had just had."I'm sure I made myself very clear. But if you need a replay, that's fine. I'll say it again," Daphne said casually. "I want you to marry Garrett."Elice certainly didn't need a second shock to make her heart stop beating inside. She had heard it clearly. But she really did not understand."M-marry Garrett?"Daphne nodded. "Aren't you Garrett's girlfri
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 dis