Chapter 4 | Cold Favor from Behind: His Preference Quietly Exposed
1039 Words
After the party, Natalie sat in the backseat of the Rolls Royce, her strength finally starting to crumble.
She turned her back, not wanting Elijah to see the tears in her eyes. Tonight's humiliation had been even more brutal than she'd imagined, the vicious words cutting into her heart like knives.
It wasn't Emily's viciousness that hurt her the most, but Elijah's indifference. He chose to stand by when she needed support the most.
"Like I said, don't take it easy on yourself." Elijah handed her a clean silk handkerchief, his voice still cold.
The handkerchief smelled of his familiar cedar scent and a hint of mint. Such meticulous care contrasted with his indifference a moment ago.
"Are you trying to look at me funny?" She turned around angrily, tears in her eyes, her voice trembling with anger, "Why didn't you help me? Why did you leave me to suffer all that humiliation alone?"
Elijah watched as her teardrops rolled down his face and a wave of emotions welled up in him that he had never felt before. She cried so pitifully that he wanted to pull her into his arms and comfort her.
But he didn't. He just looked at her quietly, his eyes unfathomable.
"If I stepped in to protect you every time, you'd never learn to survive in this circle." His voice was still calm, but listening closely one could detect an imperceptible hint of softness, "The world is a cruel place, Natalie. if you want revenge, you'll have to learn to live with that cruelty."
"I don't need to survive in this circle!" She pushed away the handkerchief he offered, "I just want George Harper to pay!"
"But you need to destroy someone who has survived in this circle for decades." His voice lowered even more, "To destroy someone, you have to be stronger, more ruthless, and more able to withstand pain than they are."
He paused and reached up to caress her cheek, "You did well tonight. That comeback was smart and effective."
His compliment made Natalie freeze. She hadn't realized that he had been watching her performance, much less that he was so appreciative of her comeback.
"You ...... you testing me?" Something dawned on her.
"Smart woman." Elijah's mouth curled into a barely perceptible smile, "I needed to make sure that you were worth my investment."
The car slowly drove into the mansion district of Beverly Hills, eventually stopping in front of a modern style villa. This was Elijah's private residence and only a handful of women had access to it.
"Where is this?" Natalie looked at the magnificent building in front of her.
"Your new home." Elijah spoke lightly, "Starting tonight, you're staying here."
The interior of the villa was breathtakingly luxurious. The marble floors imported from Italy, the crystal chandeliers, and every piece of furniture was from a master craftsman. But it wasn't the expensive touches that shocked Natalie the most; it was the details.
The vase in the living room held fresh white jasmine - her favorite flower. The coffee table held the financial magazines she loved to read. Even the cushions on the couch were in her favorite shade of blue.
"These ......" she pointed to the items that were obviously meant for her.
"Nosy secretary." Elijah took off his jacket and moved gracefully to pour himself a glass of whiskey.
But Natalie noticed that his eyes flickered as he said this.
She walked toward the stairs, wanting to see her room.Elijah didn't stop, just followed her.
The master bedroom was equally luxurious, but what shocked her more was the bathroom. It was stocked with her usual toiletries, even the exact same brand. There was also the French perfume on the dresser that had been her mother's favorite when she was alive.
"You investigated me." It wasn't a question, but a confirmation.
"Know your enemy." His answer was simple, but Natalie heard the deeper meaning.
This man was more attentive and ...... cared about her than she'd ever imagined.
"Thanks." She said softly.
"No need to thank me." He walked over to the window and turned his back to her, "These are all part of the deal. I need to make sure my investments are living comfortably."
Investments. The word made Natalie's heart tingle slightly, but she also heard the unnaturalness in his words. Would he have prepared so many of her favorite things if it really was just an investment object?
"Elijah," she called his name, her voice a hint of tentativeness.
"Hmm?" He didn't turn around, but his shoulders stiffened slightly.
"Will you really stand by tonight if Emily does hurt me?"
Silence. A long silence.
Just when Natalie thought he wouldn't answer, he finally spoke, "The next time someone dares to hurt you ......"
He turned around, a dangerous glint in his eyes, "They won't leave that room alive."
His voice was soft, light as a feather, but the murderous intent it contained was chilling.
Natalie looked into his eyes and suddenly understood something. This seemingly cold-blooded man had actually been protecting her from the start. Tonight's cold stare had been nothing more than the experience he'd given her.
"But next time," his voice suddenly became gentle, "don't let yourself be aggravated."
He walked towards her, reaching out to gently caress the spot where she had just been splashed with red wine. Although the gown had been changed, he still moved carefully, as if she were some fragile treasure.
"Does it hurt?" He asked gently.
Natalie shook her head, but tears fell uncontrollably. Not from pain, but from emotion. This man's tenderness came so suddenly, so precious.
Elijah saw her tears and his brow furrowed, "Don't cry."
"I'm not crying." She stubbornly denied it, but the tears flowed harder.
"Natalie......" he sighed and pulled her into his arms.
His embrace was warm and had the familiar scent of cedar.Natalie leaned back against his chest and listened to his strong heartbeat, suddenly feeling that all the aggravation and pain was worth it.
"I won't let anyone hurt you again." He whispered in her ear, his voice carrying an undeniable firmness.
This promise was so solemn, so sincere that it made Natalie's heart beat like a drum.
- Writer
