Chapter 3 I Refuse
1021 Words
Backlit, the man seemed to have a golden halo around him, casting a majestic silhouette.
A playful whistle sounded, followed by another man's voice. "Merriman, that pick-up line is lame."
"Shut up!"
"Alright, alright, I’ll pick you up for the shooting range tomorrow morning."
"See you tomorrow."
"God bless you, my friend. Haha."
As the tall, handsome man stood in front of her, Lizzy, a bit flustered, missed his sarcasm. "Sorry, I didn't see you."
“It’s okay, I shouldn’t have stood so close to you.”
Lizzy blinked.She had never heard such a deep and magnetic voice. His voice was like a siren's call, deep and mesmerizing, echoing like an underwater current, and she could still feel the heat from his touch lingering on her back.
To cover up her discomfort, Lizzy flashed a polite, standard smile and prepared to leave.
The enchanting voice sounded in her ear again,
"Madam, forgive my boldness, but I overheard you rejecting the landlord’s extortion earlier, and I thought you might be in need of a new place. By coincidence,I'm apartment hunting."
Lizzy wasn’t fond of talking to strangers, especially not at such close proximity. However, his voice had a magnetic quality that made her want to draw closer.
"Is that so? Where is it located?"
"Right next to Water Park. I believe you've passed by there before."
Instantly, Lizzy recalled that apartment. Yes, it was right next to Water Park. The neighborhood was safe, and the transport was convenient.
The building's blue roof was quite beautiful, and every time she passed by, she couldn’t help but steal a few glances.
But what about the price?
Although she had just received Eric’s check, her upcoming investment plans would certainly cost a lot, and she needed to save some money.
"How about... you take me to have a look? Hmm... Merriman, right?"
Lizzy couldn’t help but feel her face flush after saying it. What was going on? She had just been thinking about saving money, but now she was asking to go see the apartment?!
Merriman flashed a faint smile.
He was so incredibly handsome, and his smile was even more captivating. His tall frame almost seemed to envelop Lizzy, but she didn’t feel the slightest bit oppressed.
"My pleasure. Please follow me." He responded, taking a step forward with long strides.
His pace was steady, matching the rhythm of Lizzy’s high heels, staying just ahead of her but never making her feel like she had to rush to catch up.
Lizzy watched his back, her heartbeat gradually calming down. The sunlight filtered through her hair, warm in a way that felt almost surreal.
Before long, they reached the building.
Merriman took out a key, unlocked the door, and twirled the key on his finger as he led Lizzy inside.
As he boasted about the views near the apartment, he sounded like he owned the area.
"You can see otters building dens, doves squabbling, nightingales singing at dawn, and even black swans gliding by."
"Sorry, I just want to rent a place to rest. Everything else is none of my business."
He looked at her regretfully, as if she had missed out on something truly wonderful in life.
However, he didn’t press her resistance.
“The apartment has five floors. The first floor is a shared space, and you can choose either the second or third floor for a room. I live on the fourth floor. If you’re willing, you could live with me.”
Before he could finish his sentence, Lizzy stepped back.
A wary and doubtful expression crossed her beautiful face.”What do you mean by that?”
Merriman immediately raised his hand, sincerely apologizing. "Just kidding, just kidding. I apologize..."
He quickly pushed open the door on his right. "Take a look at this one."
Brilliant sunlight flooded the room, and a gentle breeze carrying the fragrance of flowers swept toward her.
It felt like stepping into another world, every detail just like the home she had once dreamed of, too perfect to believe.
It was enough to erase all the unpleasantness!
After a long pause, Lizzy finally pulled her gaze away, opened her right hand, and said, “Give me the contract. I’ll rent it.”
“Aren’t you going to ask about the rent?”
"The 10th district, backed by Water Park, buildings about 70 years old, with poor transportation. The average rent is around $1,800 a month, unless you plan on charging an outrageous price to turn me away. Do you want that?"
He chuckled twice, his eyes holding a glint Lizzy couldn’t quite understand.
“Merriman… My name is Merriman Scott.”
“Lizzy Ryan.”
Everything was going according to her plan. Even if things veered off course, she could quickly correct them herself, including her life.
“…Oh, by the way, Miss Ryan, please take my number. If you need anything personal, just give me a buzz."After getting the signed contract, Merriman remarked with a bit of a cheeky grin.
Lizzy wanted to mock Merriman's vanity but found herself obediently saving the new landlord's number, as if she was under a spell.
When her new landlord Merriman's phone rang, Lizzy snapped out of her thoughts, realizing she had done something unnecessary—something completely uncharacteristic of her.
As she left, Merriman cheerfully said, "Looking forward to all our days ahead, Ms. Swan."
Lizzy smiled faintly but didn’t respond. "I have things to take care of. I’ll move my luggage in later."
"Then... may I invite you to dinner?" Merriman leaned against the doorframe, his gaze fixed on her intently.
Lizzy met his gaze for a second.
"No," she said.
Merriman, this guy dressed in a National Guard uniform, looked somewhat shabby, but the watch on his wrist was worth enough to buy the entire apartment building.
She had just managed to escape from Eric, that selfish and troublesome rich man, and didn’t want to turn around and get involved with another one.
NO MAN, NO TROUBLE!
The phone rang, and Christie's joyful voice came through the receiver.
"Lizzy, I did it! I got the invitation!"
- Writer
