The Billionaire Who Saved Me

Garrett’s explanation didn’t make Elice feel any better. On the contrary, she rose from her seat. With a terrified expression on her beautiful face, she shook her head repeatedly.

Elice’s feet took a step back. When Garrett also stood up, he immediately created a distance and did not allow him to approach her.

“Elice.”

Garrett’s outstretched hand was powerless against the silent rejection Elice gave him. His large fingers hung in the air, unable to reach their target. Only to find the emptiness of the air.

Elice shook her head again, trying to deny the reality that was now before her eyes. The reality that finally made her understand why her name had been spread everywhere in the form of humiliating articles.

“Is that why?” Elice asked incredulously. Her voice sounded shaky. “Is this all because you are getting married soon and I happened to be there?”

Garrett really did not like the last question that came out of Elice’s mouth. But of all the explanations he had given, it made sense if Elice thought that way.

“Elice,” Garrett whispered. “Listen to me. It’s not what you think. Not at all.”

The shaking of the head continued to accompany Elice’s steps backwards. The disbelief was truly visible on her face.

“Is that why you came to me? Because I happened to be someone you could use to your advantage?”

Elice knew how to make Garrett grind his teeth without any physical action. The man was stunned by the uncomfortable sensation that made his chest feel tight.

“Not at all, Elice. I never thought like that.”

“Then why did you suddenly come to my unit last night? Why?”

Elice took a long breath. Her eyes closed as she raised her hands to rub her face.

“Of all the women you could have approached,” Elice whispered desperately. “Why me, Garrett? Don’t you know how I’m trying to rebuild my life? You…” Pain was evident in Elice’s clear gaze. “… didn’t think of using me, who is vulnerable, for your own purposes, did you?”

Because that made sense. Garrett had interests of his own. And fate just happened to lead him to a woman who was hurting. A woman who was trying to rise with an empty heart and stumbling steps. Such a woman was vulnerable. Easily swayed by the persuasion of someone she thought was good.

“I swear, Elice. I never thought like that, not at all.”

Again, Garrett could see the disbelief in Elice’s eyes.

“If that’s the case, prove it to me.”

Garrett stared at Elice intently. “What do you mean?”

“Prove to me that this is all a mistake,” Elice replied. “I don’t care how, but stop all of this. I don’t want anything to do with your life, Garrett.”

This was clearly a difficult request. Almost impossible for Garrett to fulfill, not because he didn’t want to, but the circumstances simply wouldn’t allow it. Despite the massive media coverage, there was Daphne, who had met Elice-a person Garrett couldn’t avoid, especially considering that he had once revealed the name of his lover to his grandmother by casually mentioning Elice’s name.

Garrett was helpless. He had no way out of this.

“You can’t?”

Elice’s desperate face asked Garrett the question, making him realize that everything that had happened was too complicated to unravel.

“Sir.”

A voice cut the conversation short. Amber approached Garrett and whispered softly into her boss’s ear.

“I’ll be here. Don’t worry, sir.”

Garrett had no choice. Leaving Elice alone would be a rash decision. She needed someone to accompany her, and Amber was the best option he had at the moment.

Trying to reassure Garrett, Amber smiled and gave him a gentle pat on the hand. Then she let the man go without saying anything to Elice, knowing it would be useless.

*

“How was it? Did you meet Elice? What did she say? When is she ready to marry?”

Arriving home, Garrett had prepared himself for the interrogation he was about to face. But this was really beyond Garrett’s strength.

“Nana.”

The tone of desperation in Garrett’s voice was unmistakable, and it immediately raised Daphne’s eyebrows.

“What are you waiting for, Garrett? Do you want to make this scandal even bigger? Only then will you two get married?”

Garrett massaged his temples. Turning to Norah wouldn’t help. His mother looked just as distraught, if not more so. There was a look of disbelief in her eyes.

Ignoring his intention to explain to Norah, Garrett knew that his current priority was Daphne. He needed to find various ways to prevent his grandmother from taking any further actions that could make things worse.

“I already talked to her this morning,” Daphne said in a slightly softer tone. “At first glance, she seems to be a suitable companion for you. And even if her job isn’t that prestigious, at least the place where she works isn’t just any place.”

Garrett took a deep breath. “Nana,” he whispered later. “Can you give us some time to discuss this?”

“Time? What more do you need, Garrett? Six months has given you plenty of time. And Elice has made up her mind about her position at Metro, hasn’t she?”

“Nana, that’s not the point. But all this shocks Elice. And her family too, I’m sure.”

Daphne took a deep breath and exhaled roughly. “This isn’t going to end, Garrett. Until the two of you get married, or until you marry another woman, this news won’t go away. Just watch. I guarantee it. The news that will be circulating tomorrow morning will be even more explosive than it is today.”

Garrett’s head felt like it was about to explode. He didn’t want to admit it, but what Daphne had said made sense. If today’s articles exposed Garrett and Elice’s relationship, tomorrow would bring a different story. Chances were that Elice’s private life would soon be in the public domain-her life story, her schooling, and other details.

Just by imagining it, Garrett could guess how hysterical Elice would be, especially if it became a reality. Garrett was sure that Elice would become increasingly resentful.

Understanding her son’s difficulties, Norah rose from her seat. She approached Garrett and gently rubbed his broad back. She could clearly see the weariness on Garrett’s face. A whole day’s work, and when he returned at night, instead of enjoying a spread, he faced judgment.

“Nana, I beg you. Give me and Elice some time. We need to talk about all this. What happened today has really thrown us into chaos.”

Again, Daphne exhaled roughly. Obviously, she didn’t accept Garrett’s request. But Garrett seemed insistent.

“In a situation like this, I guarantee no woman is not shocked. To be portrayed like this, and to face the pressures of marriage on the same day. Elice needs time. Or else…” Garrett swallowed hard. “… I’m afraid she might reject this marriage.”

Daphne’s eyes widened in annoyance.

“Who does she think she is? To refuse this marriage? Hah! She should be grateful. Right now, there’s no man any woman wants to marry more than you, Garrett.”

Garrett was sure that Elice wasn’t on that list.

“I beg you, Nana.”

Daphne seemed silent for a moment, as if deep in thought. Then, with an indifferent look at Garrett, she asked.

“How much time do you need?”

A small drop of relief seemed to fall on Garrett’s chest. At least he felt a little lighter.

“Maybe about six months-”

“Six months?” Daphne interrupted incredulously. “That long?”

The drop of relief vanished. Garrett realized that the time he had suggested was indeed unreasonable. But what could he do?

“You just need to clear your heads and then talk about marriage. Why is it taking so long?”

Garrett couldn’t deny it.

“Enough! This isn’t going to end,” Daphne said, shaking her head repeatedly. “The only way is to discuss it together.”

“What do you mean, Grandma?”

“We’ll meet with Elice’s family.”

The blood in Garrett’s body seemed to stop flowing. It froze, making him unable to move.

“We will discuss this with them. And you, Garrett,” Daphne said, pointing at her grandson. “Act like a man who will take responsibility.”

Even if his actions demanded responsibility, what could Garrett do if Elice wanted the opposite?

“I will ask Carolus to arrange everything tomorrow. So that he will kill any news about you two without exception. Let’s see. Who’s the unlucky celebrity who has to deal with the police?”

Garrett knew there had to be a scapegoat. What he hadn’t expected was that there would come a time when he himself would take advantage of it. It wasn’t unusual, though. Whenever there was a sensational news story, scandals involving celebrities would usually be revealed shortly thereafter-from prostitution to illegal drugs to infidelity.

“And don’t forget to contact Elice. You two need to set a wedding date as soon as possible.”

“Nana, I…”

Garrett was about to explain himself for the umpteenth time. Talking about marriage in such a chaotic situation was not the right thing to do. But suddenly there was a thunderous shout in the air, cutting off his words. Everyone turned to the same spot where a man was struggling to free himself from two security guards.

“Let me go!”

Daphne’s eyes widened at the sight of the man. She stood abruptly, astonishment on her elderly face.

“Ariel?” Daphne said uncertainly. “What are you doing here?”

The man was Ariel. When he saw the photo of Garrett and Elice, he didn’t hesitate. He made his way to Ashford City and now found himself in the large Morales house. All for one purpose.

“You scoundrel, Garrett!”

With a strength that seemed to come from nowhere, Ariel managed to free himself from the guards. His broad and powerful strides quickly brought him close to Garrett. He grabbed the collar of Garrett’s shirt and pulled him up. Then a hard punch landed on Garrett’s nose.

Garrett couldn’t get out of the way because everything was happening too fast. He staggered, but Ariel didn’t let go.

Daphne and Norah screamed immediately. While Ariel, indifferent to others, threw another punch. But this time Garrett didn’t stand still.

Faster and completely unexpected by Ariel, Garrett retaliated with a punch to Ariel’s stomach. Ariel’s grip on Garrett’s collar was loosened.

“What are you doing?!” Daphne yelled at the guards. “Get Ariel out of this house!”

The two guards acted in unison and immediately grabbed Ariel’s arms. He was unable to move.

“Let me go, you scum!”

Ariel tried to struggle, but to no avail. This time the guards wouldn’t let him go, especially in light of Daphne’s presence as she approached. She looked angry, feeling unappreciated in her own home.

“What do you think you’re doing in my house, Ariel?” Daphne scolded angrily. “You come here and make a mess?!”

Ariel glared at Daphne, his jaw clenched, his eyes reddened, and his face drenched in sweat. He seemed as angry as Daphne.

“What am I doing here?”

Ariel’s nose bled. He glanced briefly at Garrett, who was being approached by Norah, his mother wiping the blood from the corner of his nose.

Then Ariel’s gaze changed, filled with hatred. Just as he continued his words, causing Daphne to stumble where she stood.

“Ask your heir. What he did to my lover.”

*