CHAPTER SEVEN

The heavy downpour had passed, leaving behind a night draped in silver chills and mist. A faint, persistent drizzle lingered in the atmosphere, tapping softly on the skin.

The dark clouds had also shifted, creating a soft and silvery luminescence. The moon hung low and full, wrapped in a faint halo of mist, bearing the gentle ambience of a peaceful night and casting a pale aura on the earth. The stars shone brighter following the heavy rain. They appeared in the sky in their lots, scattering with a clear sparkle.

The cold night breeze blew back and forth causing Elise to rub her arms.

“You can have the jacket, if you don't mind” a deep voice rang from her side.

Elise jolted, goosebumps slowly rising in her skin, she gave the man a sidelong gaze and showed a small smile. “I am fine, thank you” she refused him.

She was different from her daughter who was just a child, not knowing when to accept kindness and when not to.

Declan did not oblige her further. From the little interaction he had with her, he could tell that although she appeared soft on the outside, she operated with a mind of her own, not easily swayed, and strongly principled. She knew when to draw a line wherever she should and that made her the exact person he needed.

Walking down the wet road, the two finally came to a small restaurant. They walked into the restaurant and were ushered by a waitress into the dimly lit room which carried a strong smell of barbeque and wine.

Elise could not help but glance at the man with her. Considering his status, which she fully could not comprehend yet, she wondered if the place was suitable but, seeing that he did not seem fazed by the cramped room, she visibly relaxed and took the seat they were offered.

The waitress attending to them proceeded to show the menu. Not standing in ceremony, Elise randomly picked two simple dishes for herself and the man did likewise. Just as he said, her last meal had been in the early afternoon and she was already exhausted by the day’s event. It would be pretentious not to eat a free meal when there's one offered.

Good thing they only had to wait for a few minutes before the dishes were served. Out of courtesy, Elise only picked her cutlery and began eating after the man moved his. The meal served at the restaurant was mediocre at most but at least filling. The dishes were quickly cleared after the meal.

Elise picked her juice-filled glass and lifted it to her lips. The sweet flavor relaxed her tongue and uplifted the taste of the food she just had. Slowly, she dropped the glass on the table and glanced at the man. He finished his meal before her and was currently scrolling on his phone. Working maybe – she thought.

She finally got the chance to look closely at his face after a long day, and most importantly when he was not looking back.

High cheekbone, chiseled jawline, naturally carved brows, long lashes, well styled dark luscious hair, and well-defined nose bridge. His dark-toned complexion gave him an effortless handsomeness. The typical men she had met, though few, don't always meet these complete standards of gorgeousness.

She was not one to covet beauty but she acknowledged one whenever she found it. Her gaze lingered away from his face and trailer to downwards, falling on his broad chest that was especially accentuated in the shirt he wore. The perfectly tailored shirt hugged his biceps with precision. A lone wristwatch inlaid with some gemstones that she could not identify adorned his wrist.

Perhaps an unconscious act of his, his free hand tapped the table in rhythm. It was unexpectedly distracting.

“Done looking?” A deep voice sounded above her head and she snapped back to reality.

Her eyes met his in an instant. Her cheeks flushed slightly in embarrassment, causing her to clear her throat and drown a glass of water. Her composure returned after a short moment and she looked back at him with seriousness.

Her brows knitted and her eyes narrowed briefly. She felt something familiar about his face that she could not place a finger on. However, she could bet she had never met him before and that was their first time meeting. The vaguely familiar feeling only lasted for a split second before it was tossed to the back of her mind. She believed that there was absolutely no way she could have met such a remarkable face and would not have committed it to mind.

“What do you need my help with?” She asked.

Elise felt more relaxed after the meal and most of her exhaustion depleted. Although her heart still arched for her daughter, knowing that there is a chance that her condition could be saved, she decided to remain positive.

Declan stared at her. His gaze was fixed and intent. It somehow made her uncomfortable in her chair and her heart pounded. While she pondered on reasons why he needed her help, the man carefully analysed why she would make a good choice for his plans.

And, in his opinion, she seems just right.

His eyes lingered on her silently for a moment longer causing Elise’s brows to knit in confusion. She could not help but part her lips.

“As long as it is something legal and within my power, I'd help you. However, if it is anything otherwise…” she pursed her lips, her unspoken words carrying her obvious intention.

No matter how much help she has received from the man, she can only do what is legal and whatever she is capable of doing. Anything else not within that scope, she would rather pay him back every dime than venture into anything incriminating.

Hearing her thoughts out loud, Declan's eyes slightly crinkled with amusement, of course barely obvious to others and it disappeared as quickly as it came.

“You think too far. I don't indulge in illegalities either” he made his stance clear.

Elise heaved a sign of relief. “That's better. What do you need then?”

“Let's get married”