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

When Elice accepted Garrett's invitation, she had no idea of the consequences of her answer. That by agreeing to be Garrett's date to Brenda's birthday party, she would have to go through a series of activities. From picking out a dress, shoes, and a bag. Then moving on to checking out the salon and identifying some specific allergies she might have related to beauty products."One of the advantages of having exotic skin," Elice said with a stiff expression. "Usually more tolerant of allergies."The middle-aged woman serving Elice at the time was the manager. When she heard that an important person was setting foot in Cantique Beauty, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Especially since she also received a direct call from her boss.Treat her well. Make sure there are no mistakes.Two sentences that successfully made a woman named Tatiana adopt an extremely polite and friendly attitude. In reality, she and all the employees had always

"You bastard, Garrett."Garrett's jaw tightened. "Aren't you the bastard?" he retorted. "You should be grateful to Elice for not reporting you to the police. I wonder how Aunt Farrah would react if she saw your misdeeds."Ariel growled. He stood up, wiping the blood from his nose with his hand.Garrett held his breath, knowing he would get a third punch and a second kick if he decided to stay. He had to leave immediately. Before he lost control completely."We're leaving, Elice."Garrett grabbed Elice's hand and wanted to take her away right away. But Ariel's voice made him stop."You know, Garrett? Elice is my ex-girlfriend. She's my past."Even Elice could feel the emotions that had enveloped Garrett. Through Garrett's grip, which tightened, causing Elice to stifle her chuckle.Where he stood, Ariel chuckled."In the end, Elice will come back to me. Because from the beginning she loved only me. And only I will be the o

When consciousness returned, Elice opened her eyes and blinked a few times. She tried to adjust her retinas to the surroundings—bright and slightly blinding from the light that managed to get in through the ventilation.Elice remembered vaguely. It was one of the things she liked about the unit Garrett had prepared for her. The layout and equipment of the room allowed the light of life to enter, providing illumination that could disturb her peaceful sleep.Just like what Elice had experienced this morning. Although, in reality, it wasn't just the sunlight that was the sole reason for her awakening. Instead, there was also a faint touch that had been greeting her hair ever since. Something that had become a trigger.Elice turned and looked back to find Garrett staring at her with a pair of clear eyes. A clear sign that he had been awake longer than she had."Good morning."Garrett's deep voice greeted Elice's ears, making her brow furrow for a moment. Perhaps he was trying to gather fr

Garrett should have prepared himself better, so he wouldn't have been surprised when he heard Wilda's 'yes'.Garrett was taken aback, but Wilda's answer obviously pleased him. Garrett couldn't hide his happiness, and it showed in his smiling and beaming face.Now Garrett found himself at Wilda's house, prompted by a message from Elice that brought him back there. It was a bright Sunday afternoon, as bright as the reply he received.Garrett knew that a simple thank you wouldn't be enough to reciprocate Wilda's reply. But at least he was trying his best."Thank you. I promise I will always make Elice happy."Wilda smiled sadly when she heard Garrett's words. Whether she was used to that promise or not, an unconscious hope grew in her mind. She prayed that this time the promise would come true. Not overly ambitious, every parent just wants happiness for their child, especially Wilda, who clearly knew how love and men had once caused Elice pain and made her cry every night. Wilda only hop