Chapter 4

ELEANOR’S POV:

Anderson nudged at me, but I couldn’t say a thing. He leaned in and saw where the function was holding— New York. The one city where I’d lost it all and hit rock bottom before this amazing man found me.

“It’s in New York. We could stay back and“—

“No.” I cut him off. I refused to be the one holding him back. After everything he was doing for me, including working tirelessly to clear my name, I couldn’t afford to be the one person who’d hold him back. 

“We’ll go.” I could’ve sworn my voice cracked there, but that wasn’t just it. Immediately, the night everything had started flashed through my mind.

My plan for consummation, learning of my father’s death, seeing Robert get out of that car, the divorce, learning I signed it all away— every goddamn bad thing flashed through my mind like a bad dream, and I staggered, almost falling if Anderson hadn’t wrapped his arms around me to steady me.

I felt sparks travel through every single inch of my skin the moment I felt his touch. I pulled away instantly as I turned away from him. This was the closest we’d gotten physically since we got ‘married’. To everyone, we were the adorable married couple, and we tried to live up to that, but in private, we were just friends. Friends who worked together.

“I know it must be tough for you to return to New York, especially after everything. I’ve been preaching to you about moving on for some time now, but I really do understand if you don’t feel comfortable, and it’s fine. It’s step by step.” He told me as he planted his hand on my shoulder.

I gulped, my breath hitching. What on earth was going on with me? “Remember, Ellie, regardless of what happens, I’m always here for you.” That warmed me, and I smiled as I turned to him.

“I’ll get our plane tickets.” I told him, moving away as his hand came off my shoulder. I didn’t realise I was holding my breath till then. What sort of effect was this?

I ran my fingers through my hair as I hurriedly packed up. I was just stressed. The past few days had been hectic. That was it. That was all there was to it— it sounded like I was trying to make myself believe something that wasn’t real.

*****

So far, the party was going well. Charity sections, donations, dances, drinking— so far, everything was going well, and I hadn’t been as scared or paranoid as I’d thought I’d be, but all this was because I knew I had Anderson by my side. My whole sense of comfort disappeared the moment he took the stage for his speech.

Turning to the side, I could’ve sworn I caught a glimpse of Robert, but when I looked again, he wasn’t there. I clenched my fists as I gulped my alcohol in a single go.

‘Stop imagining things, Eleanor. Robert’s not here.’

“… Many people assume I’m the mastermind behind every successful investment I’ve made, but then, there’s a saying: behind every successful man is a woman. Behind me is my dearest wife.” I felt every eye turn to me as I gulped, my heart racing as it thumped in my chest. “She convinced me to make that investment, and I’m so glad to see it grow. This success is as much mine as it is hers, so here’s to more success.” Everyone cheered, and I did my best to genuinely cheer, too. That was until I felt my skin crawl from the presence of the one who’d just come beside me, passing me the filthiest smile ever.

“You look stunning tonight, Elle.” In that raspy voice that I would once die for, my ex-husband, the bastard who’d ruined my life, smiled at me as he leaned in for a kiss on the cheeks, but I stepped away. I’d be damned if I let that sinner come near me.

“Excuse me.” I turned to leave, but he held my hand back, his eyes instantly turning to pleading ones.

“At least listen to me, Elle—“

“Eleanor. My name’s Eleanor.” I cut him off, doing my best not to show the disgust that was piling on my face.

The ribbon cutting was done, but Anderson was still up on stage. I didn’t want to do anything that’d ruin the moment, but this bastard—Robert—he was pushing me, and there was only so much I could do to restrain myself, especially now that he was holding on to my hand. 

“I’ve missed you, El—Eleanor. Seeing you, all glamorous, your eyes glistening, you—“ once upon a time, I’d have killed to have Robert compliment me, but now, even his compliments felt like insults.

“Let go of me.” I murmured, trying to get free from him. I didn’t want to draw attention to us. Not at an event like this.

“Then just come with me. Please.” His voice reduced at the last word. “It’ll be quick. You know what effect you have on me, Eleanor. I’m dying to talk to you. Just five minutes. I only need five minutes to“—

I suddenly felt a hand on mine, and that hand seemed to cause Robert to shut the fuck up. Finally.

I raised my head to see Anderson, his side profile as marvellous as ever. Damn it. Focus, Eleanor.

“My wife said to let her go. Must she repeat herself, Mr Robert?” Anderson’s voice was so cold it sent shivers down my spine. How were these two even related?

“You should be ashamed of yourself. I’m your“— Before Robert could play the ‘I’m your nephew’ card, Anderson grabbed his hand, putting it off me as he pulled me to the side.

“You’re one to talk about being ashamed. Stay away from my wife, Mr Robert. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to cross the line.” This man was so different from the Anderson I used to chat with in conference rooms after our meetings were done.

This man was cold; his eyes looked so charming yet threatening. My gosh.

Robert nodded, taking a step back as he grabbed a glass of alcohol from the waiter, gulping it in an entire go. As he grabbed a fork, clinking the glass.

“Attention, everyone. I’ve got some important information. Something that’ll interest you all, so very deeply.” He announced in a loud voice.

He turned to Anderson and me in a threatening manner, but Anderson didn’t seem to be fazed.

“FME’s opening?” He scoffed. “I’ve got something that’ll interest the media more than that.” I felt my breath hitch.