Chapter 14
1376 Words
Ellie’s P.O.V.
A scream lodged in my throat as I lost my balance, and for one terrifying second, I felt myself tipping forward.
“ELLIE HUNT!”
That panicked voice sounded closer than before.
A strong hand locked around my arm. My world spun around its own axis as that powerful force yanked me back to the balcony.
I stumbled against his hard chest, breathing heavily as Zack pulled me up safely.
The second both my feet touched the floor, his grip tightened. His amber eyes glowed like fire.
“Now, I come to know why your family has sent you here.”
His voice was dangerously calm, a sharp contrast to his ashen face.
“You are a complete nut job, Ellie Hunt.”
Despite the horror of my adventure, his words hit my aching spot.
My jaw dropped.
“Excuse me?”
I straightened immediately, adjusting the fabric of my night pajamas.
“I am perfectly alright.”
“Oh, of course!”
His laugh was absolutely free of amusement. “It must be a new trend to call a suicide attempt perfectly normal.”
What?
I gawked at him.
“Suicide?”
Zack narrowed his eyes.
“Yes, suicide.”
His voice then rose sharply. “Or people have started climbing over the balcony railings for fun now?”
This accusation flabbergasted me. I spat instantly.
“I wasn’t trying to kill myself.”
“Really?”
Zack’s expressions remained cold. “Then explain what type of game you were playing here.”
I opened my mouth, but then closed it firmly. There wasn't a chance in frozen hell I would tell him that truth.
‘Like, hello, Zack. I was trying to break one of my legs to avoid attending the banquet.’
Obviously, he would make fun of my perfectly reasonable explanation.
So, to cover up my blunder, I came up with an excuse.
“Suicide isn’t a joke. People usually find a place where no one can come.”
I folded my arms.
“And I wasn’t alone.”
His brow lifted.
“You weren’t?”
“Yes!” I quickly added. “You came.”
Zack’s expression remained deceptively composed, but a brief gasp gave away his shock. He pointed at me.
“Seriously? This is your defense?”
My heart thumped, but I held my ground firmly.
“Of course, yes.”
“No!” His jaw clenched. “It’s a terrible defense.”
Before he could grill me further, I changed the topic with a question.
“Anyway, what are you doing in my room without my permission?”
Zack genuinely looked unimpressed, but he answered seriously.
“I knocked several times, but you didn’t answer.”
His gaze sharpened.
“Besides, your door wasn’t locked as well, Ellie.”
At that very moment, I took a mental note.
‘Always knock at the door.’
Taking a deep breath, I pointed at the exit.
“Ok, fine. You have saved my life.
Now, leave. I am busy.”
Zack’s gaze slid to the balcony.
“Busy?”
“Yeah!”
His voice hardened. “I can see that. You are very busy killing yourself.”
“You!”
I shot back at him. “I already told you… hey!”
I was in the middle of my explanation when Zack bent forward, and the next moment, the floor vanished beneath my feet.
“Zack!”
A startled scream escaped me as Zack lifted me in his arms, his grip firm.
My breathing stopped as I stared at him in horror.
How could he lift me so easily?
“Put me down!”
Panic exploded inside me as I started squirming against his hold.
“Is this a joke? Put me down!”
But Zack completely ignored my protests. His arms remained steady around me as he carried me to the room.
“Zack!” I shouted. “You arrogant jerk. Put me down.”
“Keep yelling.” He spoke coldly. “Maybe the neighbors will hear you.”
What?
I slapped his shoulder. “There are no neighbors.”
“Exactly!”
Gosh, I hated him.
He kept moving calmly, the brightness in the room suddenly feeling too much.
Zack paused before the bed and glanced down. Our eyes met for a brief second, and… the whole world seemed to stop for a moment.
The flicker of concern in those amber eyes was so shocking that it made me forget everything else, slowing down my struggle.
However, just as quickly as this concern appeared, it vanished, his expression becoming unreadable again.
Zack looked straight and tossed me onto the bed like a sack of potatoes. I bounced twice on the mattress before regaining composure.
Glaring hard at him, I snapped, my voice furious.
“You, jerk!”
And before I could launch my next attack, he was at the door, speaking toward the hallway.
“Lilly.”
The maid appeared hurriedly, as if waiting for his command.
“Yes, Master?”
Zack ordered firmly.
“Bring your stuff. You will stay here with Ellie.”
“What?” I shot up.
Lilly looked equally horrified, her gaze darting between us.
I pointed at him accusingly. “Why will Lilly stay with me?”
Zack turned around and spoke calmly.
“Because you have earned a roommate, Ellie.”
Then he went to the balcony’s doors and shut them next, putting the lock with more force than necessary.
“From now on, this will stay locked.”
An involuntary gasp escaped me.
“You can’t do that!”
“Actually, I can!” Zack argued with authority.
“No!” I snapped, punching the mattress angrily. “You absolutely can’t. This is unfair. Illegal!”
Zack slowly turned to face me. The icy look in his eyes made my protest die halfway.
“Don’t push it, Ellie.”
A chill ran down my spine as his voice dropped dangerously low.
“You have completely no idea what I can do!”
…
I couldn’t argue with Zack after his terrifying warning, so my privacy ceased to exist. Lilly followed me everywhere in the mansion, watching me like a hawk.
She even stood outside the bathroom, as if guarding the toilet.
And when I asked her, her response was the same.
“Master has said I shouldn’t let you go out of my sight.”
Apparently, this was my life now!
After trying the whole day for a moment to escape, I finally surrendered in the evening, looking for an activity to divert my attention.
Otherwise, a wild part of me suggested just pushing Zack from the same balcony!
I pulled out Maria’s dress from the cupboard and spread that navy designer piece over the table, sighing.
“Let’s at least make myself useful.”
I grabbed my tools from the box and started working, the familiar routine instantly calming me down.
It was always like this. Whenever my fingers touched the fabric, the noise in my head died.
However, Lilly was stunned to see me measuring the dress. She came closer and asked curiously.
“You can sew, ma’am?”
I smiled faintly. “Of course. It’s my profession.”
Her eyes widened. “I thought wealthy ladies didn’t work.”
Shaking my head, I marked the waist that needed alternation.
“I am not a wealthy lady, Lilly. Before marriage, I owned a small business.”
“Really?”
“Yes!” I nodded while adjusting a seam.
“At first, I worked at my grandma’s boutique and studied fashion. Now, I sell clothes online.”
Lilly looked totally impressed.
“You have a degree?”
“Yes!”
Her curiosity made me laugh. I was answering her questions when a sudden knock on the door interrupted the moment. A young maid entered, her tone respectful.
“Mrs. Walton!”
I looked up. “Yes?”
She spoke politely. “Please get prepared. A car is ready for you.”
Frowning, I put down the measuring tape and asked.
“But why?”
The maid smiled. “Mr. Walton has made arrangements.”
My stomach dropped immediately.
Which Mr. Walton?
The old one?
Or the annoying one?
- Writer
