Chapter 4 The Confrontation
994 Words
"You know I despise cheating," Elise said with a self-deprecating smile, "After three years together, I hoped we could separate on good terms. But since you insist..."
She pulled out her phone, waving it in front of Jack's face before pressing play.
A sultry voice echoed in the air: "Yes... Jack... faster, I'm almost there..."
Everyone leaned in, straining to hear the unmistakable sounds of carnal pleasure.
Pausing the recording, Elise looked apologetically at the reporters. "I won’t continue to poison your ears. I can only say, as you heard, my ex cheated on me with my colleague."
"But thankfully, after that, I met someone who truly loves me." With that, she turned and linked her arm with Arthur's, casting him a loving glance.
Jack's face drained of color, panic flickering in his eyes. He hadn’t expected Elise to have such an ace up her sleeve; his lips moved, but he could find no words.
Arthur, observing calmly, smirked slightly, clearly pleased with Elise's response.
Elise turned to Jack, expressionless. "If you don’t bandage that hand, it will be useless. And it’s over between us. Are you sure you want to keep this up?"
Jack trembled slightly, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He stood there, drained of strength, allowing security to drag him away from the spotlight.
As Elise watched his retreating figure, conflicting emotions swirled within her. To mask her feelings, she leaned against Arthur's shoulder.
His hand gently rested on her back, offering silent comfort and support.
Arthur cleared his throat. "Dear reporters, I believe you’ve all seen what just happened."
He paused, scanning the crowd of reporters. "I hope you can understand and respect the privacy of those involved and give us some space."
"Thank you for your concern. Despite the unexpected turn of events, I hope you'll focus on the romantic story between Arthur and me," Elise chimed in with a playful smile, "After all, true love stories are the most beautiful and worthy of sharing, right?"
She winked playfully, continuing, "I'm sure our wedding will have many beautiful moments, and we'd love for you to witness our happiness. Who knows, it might even make the headlines!"
The atmosphere shifted as reporters smiled, flashes of cameras illuminating the room. Arthur gently patted Elise’s arm, signaling her that it was time to leave.
They exchanged a knowing glance and, arm in arm, headed towards the exit.
*****
Once outside, Elise suddenly released his arm, scanning the area. "Where did that waitress go?"
Arthur replied nonchalantly, "Henry already gave her some money and asked her to leave." He settled into the backseat of the luxury car.
"How could you do that? What if she gets retaliated against?!" Concern flooded Elise's voice.
As the door closed, the outside noise faded. Arthur scoffed, pulling out his phone and handing it to her.
"It’s just a cheap trick. That woman was trying to get a breakup fee."
Confused, Elise took the phone, and as she watched the full surveillance footage, realization dawned—she had been used.
"Thanks to her, though," Arthur said casually, "that drunk was a partner of mine. Now, negotiations that were stalled are progressing smoothly." His nonchalant tone and the way he used the situation to his benefit made Elise shiver. She started to doubt whether this had all been part of his plan.
Silence enveloped them as Elise stared out the window, unsure of how many more troubles lay ahead or if she could play the role of the CEO’s fiancée well. Yet, despite everything, if she could go back a month, she would still agree to the engagement.
After all, compared to the hEliseh life she had had before, Arthur, the devil, at least offered a glimmer of hope for survival.
*****
A pair of Louboutins clicked sharply against the pavement as Elise stepped out of the black car parked at the company entrance.
Today, unlike before, she looked radiant and confident.
After the engagement party, this was her first day back at work—and likely her last time at this company.
In the past, she always wore inconspicuous flats and carried a cheap tote, crammed with essentials—an inexpensive lunch box, a folded umbrella, and heavy work documents—each a testament to her mundane routine.
The crowded and noisy subway often made her feel like a sardine, packed tightly in a can, unable to move.
Every time the train reached a stop, she’d get pushed out by the crowd, then she’d rush to ensure she punched in on time.
Her heart would always race at the thought of being late. Beads of sweat would form on her forehead. Her legs would ache from the sprint.
Her colleagues, effortlessly gliding in heels, seemed to belong to another world. She, on the other hand, would hurry past, head down, too afraid to look up.
But today, everything was different.
No more worries about clocking in late, no more being jostled in the subway.
*****
Glancing down at her heels, Elise couldn't help but smile wryly.
Before she could fully relish the moment, Arthur's voice cut through her thoughts. His stern face appeared at the car window, wearing his typical detached expression, but with a hint of warmth.
"Elise," his voice was low and steady, "I hope everything goes well today."
Elise looked up, meeting his gaze in surprise, then nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Locke."
"Remember, you're my fiancée now. Don’t be afraid," Arthur raised an eyebrow. "And I’m your fiancé, Arthur."
Elise chuckled, finding his demeanor oddly endearing. Despite the awkwardness after the engagement announcement, Arthur seemed more human and approachable now.
"Okay, Arthur. I’ll handle everything."
She waved off his concern, signaling that she was ready.
Arthur said nothing more, his deep eyes lingering on her for a moment before the window rolled up, and the car began to pull away.
Elise took a deep breath, straightened her back, and stepped confidently toward the company entrance.
- Writer
