The Merger

Chapter 5

(Elizabeth’s POV)

The events of the tumultuous evening weighed heavily on my shoulders as I sought solace beneath the cascading warmth of the shower. The torrent of hot water seemed to merge with my thoughts, soothing the ache that had settled in my body. With the steam enveloping me, I grappled with the labyrinthine maze of questions that consumed my mind. Was the proposed merger truly a wise path? Could Stephen's alleged affections be genuine? And what about Ben—his fervent declaration and the red-haired enigma, Deriah? The video Jen had shared, exposing Stephen's unexpected agenda, added a new layer of intrigue, unmasking a side of him I had never encountered.

As I massaged my body with the loofah, each stroke seemed to dislodge fragments of doubt and speculation. The doorbell's abrupt intrusion shattered the cocoon of introspection I had woven around myself.

"Who could that be?" My exasperated mutter punctuated the silence as I stepped from the tub, water cascading from my body. Hasty movements saw me tossing my damp curls into a messy ponytail, a towel snugly wrapped around me.

Opening the door revealed a surprising sight—an unsteady Ben, bloodied and battered, leaning heavily against the doorframe. Confusion and concern mingled within me.

"Ben? What brings you here?" My voice quivered with a mixture of curiosity and disbelief.

"I've come to apologize for disrupting your banquet," his speech slurred, a potent waft of whiskey preceding him as he struggled for support. My brow furrowed, bewildered by his unexpected appearance.

"Are you… intoxicated?" I inquired, disbelief tainting my tone.

"A few drinks at the bar, no biggie," his nonchalant response did little to alleviate my concern.

"You're bleeding," I pointed to his busted lip, my worry spiking. A realization dawned on him, and his eyes widened.

"Oh, s**t, I am," his words tumbled out, and a wry chuckle escaped me.

"Come inside, sit down. I'll get my first aid kit," I urged, extending my hand to guide him into the house. He staggered through the doorway, his gaze fixed on me as if I held all the answers to his unspoken questions.

"I'll just grab some clothes and then I'll help you," I explained as I retreated to change. In a simple t-shirt and shorts, I returned with the first aid kit, finding Ben slouched on the couch. My fingers gently unwrapped a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide. The pungent scent filled the air as I dabbed at his wounds, his eyes tracing my every move.

"You've got a cut above your eye too," I mentioned, preoccupied by the task at hand. Carefully, I cleaned the wound, securing it with a butterfly stitch. As I moved to tend to his busted lip, his grip on my hand startled me. Our eyes met, a charged silence hanging between us.

"Did I hurt you?" I asked, my voice tinged with concern.

"No," his answer was neutral, a playful glint in his eyes that caught me off guard. He smirked in a way that was strangely alluring, and my cheeks warmed, betraying my composure.

"Your eyes, they're a captivating shade of hazel," his candid observation left me flustered, my reaction drawing laughter from him. A shared moment of amusement and vulnerability lightened the tension between us.

"Thank you," I replied, a bashful smile tugging at my lips as I continued my ministrations.

"No, thank you, Eliza," his husky voice held a note of longing that resonated deeply. The atmosphere shifted, thickening with unspoken emotions as he uttered those words.

"I assure you, Eliza, I won't hurt you," his sincerity was palpable as he held my gaze, his thumb brushing over my cheek. The world around us seemed to fade as he drew me closer, his lips a breath away from mine.

"Would you consider spending the night at my place again?" His whispered invitation hung in the air, and my heart raced, my mind grappling with the sudden turn of events.

"Why?" I whispered back, as if secrecy was necessary in the wake of our charged proximity.

"I want you to come," he confessed, the intensity of his desire radiating through his words.

"Why?" I pressed, my curiosity mingling with intrigue.

"Because I want to watch Survivor," his playful tone mingled with a hint of desire. A coy smile played on my lips.

"We can watch it here," I offered, a teasing glint in my eye.

"Unless my humble abode makes you uncomfortable. It's no grand mansion, no army of servants to cater to your whims," I retort.

"I think your place is perfect. Let's watch Survivor here.” He says.

"Perhaps we should save Survivor for a time when you're less, well… intoxicated," I suggested, a playful grin accompanying my words.

"Are you trying to get rid of me?" His raised eyebrow and the mischievous twinkle in his eye provoked a chuckle from me.

"No, I just thought I'd spend the night trying to unwind on my own after this chaotic evening," I explained, my voice laced with weariness.

"Am I the source of all your stress?" His earnest inquiry touched a chord within me, revealing a facet of his character I hadn't fully comprehended.

"Not solely," I replied, my fingers absentmindedly twirling a strand of hair as I ruminated aloud. The specter of the disastrous banquet cast a shadow on my thoughts.

"That spectacle at the banquet was embarrassing and damaging, not just for me but also for my parents and the company. The struggle to earn respect from certain male colleagues has been an uphill battle, and the pressure from my parents to proceed with the merger is relentless, despite my reservations," my voice held a weight of frustration and vulnerability.

"I yearn for a relationship founded on genuine affection," I admitted, my voice wavering slightly. His gaze softened, his eyes locking onto mine with unwavering understanding.

"Love?" he interjected, his words resonating with my sentiments.

"Yes, love. I don’t know about you, but I've faced personal betrayal that has cast a shadow over my ability to trust. I thought I had found someone who would be my future, only to have him and a family member betray me in the worst possible way," my voice quivered, the raw emotion of past wounds resurfacing.

Ben's thumb brushed away a stray tear that trickled down my cheek, his touch gentle and comforting. The floodgates of my emotions burst open, and I surrendered to the vulnerability I had concealed for so long. Tears flowed freely as I sobbed against his chest, releasing the pain that had festered within me.

"I don't know why he did it. I was faithful, committed, and he still chose to deceive me with my own cousin," I confessed, the weight of my heartbreak echoing through each word. Ben's embrace tightened, his presence a refuge amidst my turmoil.

"I've struggled to trust anyone, to let them see the real me," I whispered, my voice a fragile admission of my deepest fears. Ben's gaze held mine, brimming with empathy and understanding.

He pulled me onto his lap, a gesture of solace that felt surprisingly intimate. I found myself immersed in his warmth, enveloped by his embrace, as the tears continued to flow. A shared vulnerability forged a connection between us that I hadn't anticipated.

"I've been growing fond of you, Eliza. I promise, despite my flaws, I would never hurt you if we were truly together. I want to care for you, to respect you. I hope we can nurture a genuine bond, whether it's love or friendship," his soft words carried a profound sincerity, his thumb gently lifting my chin.

My heart pounded within my chest, the proximity between us electrifying. "Is that your intention?" I whispered, my breath hitching as anticipation hung in the air.

"Yes, Eliza," his voice was a husky murmur, drawing us closer. His touch was gentle but demanding, a magnetic pull that intensified our connection.

His lips brushed against mine, a tantalizing tease that sent warmth tingling through my veins. With each lingering touch, a symphony of sensations ignited between us, our bodies inching closer in a hypnotic dance of desire.

As the world around us faded into oblivion, the abrupt intrusion of the front door flinging open shattered our moment. In a swift and comical twist of fate, Jen and Andrew stumbled in, lost in their own passionate embrace. They tore each others clothes off as they shut the front door behind them. My cheeks flushed as Ben and I disentangled, our shared moment of intimacy abruptly halted by the spectacle before us.

Laughter bubbled from my lips, contagious and effervescent, as Jen's astonished exclamation filled the air. Our amusement echoed through the room, transforming the charged atmosphere into one of mirthful camaraderie. Jen hurried behind Andrew hiding her half naked body.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" I quipped, pointing playfully at the disheveled duo. My words were met with a mix of embarrassment and unabashed humor, the scene unfolding before us nothing short of comedic.

"Looks like our friends are friends," Ben remarked, a smirk playing on his lips. Jen grabbed Andrew and tried to hurry up the stairs.

“Wait! You’ll need these.” I shouted grabbing a handful of condoms from the end table drawer and tossing them to Jen. They landed on the ground with a low plop and Andrew’s eyes bulge with bewilderment and embarrassment.

Jen scoffs as her face turns bright red and she ushers Andrew up the stairs quickly. Rolling my eyes, I retrieved the remote, my playful retort dancing in the air. Just then Andrew eases back down the stairs and picks up a handful of the condoms off the floor before flashing us a cheeky grin and hurrying off. Ben and I both burst into laughter.

"Suddenly, Survivor seems like a less wild adventure," I suggested with a wry grin. With a nod of agreement, Ben settled back, fatigue evident in his features. The events of the day had taken their toll, the collision of emotions and physicality leaving us both drained.

Within minutes, Ben's snores resonated through the room, a tranquil soundscape accompanying my thoughts. I draped a cotton throw blanket over him, my gaze lingering on his features. The edges of my mind were hazed by fatigue, yet his rugged jawline and newly lined goatee seemed to captivate my attention. The undeniable attraction I had been trying to suppress threatened to consume me.

Could it be that my parents had seen something in Ben that I had been too blind to notice? Did his vulnerability mirror my own? The questions swirled like a tempest in my mind, elusive yet impossible to ignore. With a gentle touch, I brushed his hair from his face, the tactile sensation sparking a cascade of emotions within me.I dimmed the living room light and left him to his slumber on my couch.

As I slipped into the cocoon of my own room, headphones in place, I let the soothing sounds of white noise embrace me almost immediately I drifted off to sleep the stresses of the day finally overcoming me.

(Ben’s POV)

Consciousness seeped back into my awareness like shards of glass piercing through a haze. Blinking against the glaring light, I gradually sat up, a symphony of aches echoing through my body. Had I drifted off on Elizabeth's couch, and had she allowed me to stay? I wondered, my mind still swimming in a cocktail of grogginess and residual alcohol-induced fog.

"Damn," I muttered, my voice a mere whisper as I rubbed my temples, my fingers brushing against my eyelids in a futile attempt to dispel the disorienting haze. The sharp pang in my head was a stark reminder of last night's revelry, the persistent aftermath of the liquor I had consumed.

My gaze shifted toward the kitchen, where Jen stood at the island, her attention focused on pouring coffee into two cups. The aroma wafted through the air, enticing my senses.

"You're up," she quipped, a playful smile curving her lips as she reached for a third cup. Her offer was met with a mixture of gratitude and relief.

"Much needed," I murmured, my voice tinged with appreciation as she placed the cup on a coaster before me. My fingers wrapped around the warm ceramic, seeking comfort in its familiar embrace.

"What's the time?" I inquired, the notion of the early hour pulling me from my thoughts. With a quiet response, Jen revealed that it was around four in the morning. A jolt of surprise coursed through me—had Elizabeth truly allowed me to spend the night on her couch?

"Guess I should be heading home soon," I mused, taking a tentative sip of the freshly brewed hazelnut dark roast. Its rich flavors flooded my senses, momentarily soothing the residual effects of the alcohol.

"Why not stay upstairs in the guest room?" Jen's offer was met with a hint of consideration. I gestured toward the cup in my hand, a playful grin forming.

"This is good! What's your secret?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued by the exquisite taste. Jen's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes briefly locking with mine.

"Liz is a tender-hearted soul. She falls deeply and easily, but she's also been hurt before. She puts up walls and engages in fleeting flirtations to protect herself. Yet what she truly craves is genuine love—someone who will cherish her without causing harm," Jen confided, her words imbued with a mixture of concern and affection for her friend.

"Why share this with me?" I asked, genuinely intrigued by her candid revelations.

"Because Liz is like family to me. I want to see her happy, and if you hold that potential, I need you to understand the responsibility. She hasn't opened up like this since her ex, and I don't want her to suffer again," Jen's earnest gaze held a weight of conviction, her protective instincts shining through.

"I can assure you, I would never hurt Elizabeth. My intention is to care for her, to keep her safe and make her happy," the words spilled from me with an unwavering sincerity that surprised even me. Jen's smirk hinted at her approval as she gathered the cups and headed toward the stairs.

"Vanilla," she whispered conspiratorially, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "My secret ingredient."

"What?" I questioned, perplexed by her cryptic statement.

"Vanilla extract in the coffee. It's our little secret. Don't tell a soul," she chuckled, her laughter dancing through the air as she ascended the stairs. Left alone, I savored the coffee a moment longer, relishing the warm comfort it brought.

With a sense of purpose, I climbed the stairs, the muffled sounds of Jen and Andrew's laughter echoing from behind a closed door. Faced with multiple choices along the hallway, I hesitated before turning the knob of the second door, entering a dimly lit room. However, it wasn't the guest room—it was Elizabeth's bedroom.

My gaze fell upon her form, sprawled across the bed with white headphones nestled in her ears. A hint of a smirk tugged at my lips; she appeared so small in the expanse of the bed. But the sight took an unexpected turn when I noticed the sadness etched across her features, tears glistening on her cheeks.

"Mumbling something about Henry…" I muttered to myself, the unfamiliar name igniting a flurry of thoughts. Who was this Henry? Had he caused her pain? I brushed my fingers lightly over her damp cheeks, a gentle touch to wipe away the traces of her tears.

The room was steeped in silence, save for her restless murmurs. As I withdrew my hand, a rush of thoughts flooded my mind. Did she still carry feelings for this Henry? Could I truly hope for a connection with her if her heart still held onto someone from her past?

My resolve wavered, uncertainty gnawing at the edges of my thoughts. Swiftly, I retreated from the room, my fatigue momentarily forgotten. The hallway enveloped me in quietude, Jen and Andrew's laughter fading into the background. My suit jacket lay draped over the sofa, a reminder of the night's events.

Retrieving my phone, a barrage of missed calls vied for my attention, a testament to the chaos that had unfolded. Ignoring them all, I navigated to the Uber app, summoning a ride with a few deft taps. The anticipation of returning home tugged at me, yet I spared a final glance at Elizabeth's house, imprinting the memory in my mind.

As the sleek car pulled up, I slid into the back seat, the cool night air brushing against my skin. A heavy sigh escaped me, the weight of the evening's tumult finally crashing over me. The gentle hum of the engine signaled our departure, the distant view of Elizabeth's house fading into the distance.

In the quiet of the car, my thoughts swirled like a tempest, grappling with the complexities of the night and the enigmatic woman who had entered my life.