"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
Elice's guess was undoubtedly correct. For Garrett didn't see any surprise on the beautiful woman's face."I never expected things to turn out like this. That Nana would meet you and ask you to marry me."Elice blinked. Even if she could guess where the conversation would lead that night, she still was not ready to discuss it."I won't pressure you, Elice. Don't worry. I know this is the strangest way for two people to be bound in marriage. And whatever your decision is, I'll deal with it."Frankly, a marriage pushed by Daphne was a good thing for Garrett. The man was clearly interested in Elice. Coupled with the diminishing time he had every day. But Garrett tried to suppress his selfishness.Marriage was always about two people. Even when two people had the same commitment, storms would still come. In the form of family and loved ones who sometimes felt more important. What about this one?"What about your decision then, Garrett?"A
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.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," Gar
Daphne snapped. She rose from the sofa, her back straight. As if preparing to face her opponent."You clearly know this is connected to me, Elice. Everything from Garrett to Ariel, whether you like it or not, will connect you to me. It's your destiny. You cann’t do anything for that."It feels as if Elice really wants to eliminate this one word from her life's dictionary. Fate? Elice feels that fate has never given her anything good. Only problems and tears."I don't know if you feel arrogant or what, but believe me. I will not force you to marry Garrett unless circumstances force me to.""Then don't," Elice replied without hesitation. "I'm sure there is no woman out there who would refuse Garrett's proposal. A man who is currently at the top of his game. With a great family background, I'm sure no woman would think twice about accepting him.""At least you can see that clearly."Elice felt her face suddenly stiffen at this sarcastic r
The facts shook Elice to the core. It was deeply surprising for her to face it. That Daphne was behind all the chaos. And now a question arose in Elice's mind. Does Garrett know?As if Elice had said it, Daphne seemed to growl. "Of course, Garrett doesn't know."Daphne really seemed to have the ability to read her interlocutor's mind. Something clearly made Elice shiver. Now she fully realized that Daphne was not to be underestimated."He is too absorbed in his work. Unfortunately, I only add to his burden. Uh... you won't mention this to him, will you?"It was not a casual question. It was an implied threat. Thanks to the newly acquired facts, Elice was able to gauge what kind of person Daphne really was.Elice shook her head. Daphne smiled."So... I think we've come to an agreement. You are still going to marry Garrett," Daphne said with a meaningful smile on her face. "How about that?"Could Elice back out at this point?
"Looks like a bright day."A comment Garrett received as he stepped out of the elevator made him cough for a moment. He turned to see Amber and Sherly greeting him."Good morning, sir."Garrett nodded at his two secretaries in unison. Then his briefcase changed hands and Amber took it."Good morning."Upon entering his office, Garrett, as usual, took off the jacket he was wearing and handed it to Amber to hang. That was when Amber spoke."I've rescheduled the meeting with Mr. Hugo for three nights from now, sir."Garrett loosened his tie slightly, turned on the computer, and nodded nonchalantly."Good."Amber scrolled through the tablet screen in her hands, carefully examining Garrett's schedule. Then she noticed something that was bothering her. About ten days from now, on the weekend to be exact.With a hint of hesitation, Amber raised her face to look at her boss, who seemed ready to start work that morning.
No matter how much Elice pleaded, it seemed to have no effect on Ariel, whose eyes had gone dark. His reason was gone, all blinded by the dark desire that forced Elice to resist relentlessly. He continued, undeterred, even when his efforts caused the table to break, he persisted. All to free himself from Ariel's grasp."Ariel, please. Stop!"Instead of stopping his actions, Ariel became more eager. One of his hands moved, grabbing the sleeve of Elice's shirt, and ripping it with a single tug. He did not care if his nails left scratches on her smooth skin.Elice screamed. The pain and fear made her even more afraid."No, Ariel. Please don't do this."Ariel grinned and held the torn piece of shirt to her nose, sniffing the scent.A shiver ran through Elice's body. Stiffly, she tried to shake her head, knowing she was hoping for the impossible."Don't, Ariel. I beg you, don't do this to me."But these pleas would be useless. They
Garrett had to calm himself before he could comfort Elice. But Elice's broken sobs in his embrace nearly shattered the usual calm that clung to him. Truly, he felt a threatening tightness that seemed ready to explode and crush his chest in the near future. It was agonizing.Elice's screams, tears, and the tightness of her hands wrapped around him, along with her face landing on his chest, were a perfect combination to darken Garrett's eyes. He would not ask what had happened. The fear and suffering Elice was going through was so vivid to Garrett."G-Garrett."Even her trembling voice conveyed unmistakably all the horrors that had enveloped Elice. Her body was cold. It felt so fragile."A-Are you okay?"Garrett's voice trembled just as much as Elice's, but for different reasons. While Elice was afraid, Garrett was angry.On Garrett's chest, Elice tried to nod, to give an answer without words. But it seemed useless. For Garrett clearly knew th