Episode 70
Their gazes locked. Memories of how Elijah had left her alone at the dinner for Sandra flooded back, heating Elizabeth’s eyes with the threat of tears. Her face, usually so striking in its composure, now betrayed a hint of sorrow. Her eyes, typically soft and warm, sparkled with a defiant edge, her tears lingering on the brink yet refusing to fall. Back then, her reticent nature had masked her allure, yet now, she captured his gaze and unexpectedly melted his heart a bit.
Elijah’s voice softened as he admitted, “I didn’t abandon you there because of anyone else. It was because of my commitments to the Norris Group. This isn’t just about finances; it requires my direct involvement and my signature.” He rarely opened up like this to her.
Elizabeth understood he was referring to his dealings with Blazing Sun. Yet, in her heart, she couldn’t help but wonder, wasn’t this just another excuse for his actions concerning Sandra? How was it any different from leaving her for Sandra?
His explanations seemed pointless to Elizabeth at this point. Since she had resolved to divorce him, his business dealings and justifications had ceased to matter to her. With a heavy heart, she averted her gaze, continuing to dry her hair, letting the silence between them grow. Disregarding Elijah’s attempts at explanation, Elizabeth instead directed Oliver to the nearest community center near her new residence. Oliver remained still, casting an inquiring glance at Elijah.
Elijah, having not anticipated his words would only harden Elizabeth’s resolve, was momentarily taken aback and fell into a frustrated silence. Oliver, after a brief pause and seeing that the conversation had stalled, relied on his seasoned understanding of Elijah to take matters into his own hands. Fifteen minutes later, Elizabeth finished drying her hair and gazed out the window, struck by a déjà vu sensation. After a while, she realized they were headed toward the Bayview Villa. She confronted Oliver, her voice rising.
“Oliver! You’re going the wrong way—my place isn’t this way. Turn back!” Observing Elijah’s indifferent reflection in the window, Oliver chose to continue their journey toward Bayview Villa. “Are you not listening? I said turn around and take me back home!” Elizabeth’s voice cracked with irritation as she thumped the back of Oliver’s seat. Yet, Oliver pressed on toward their destination without response. Feeling slighted by both Elijah and Oliver, Elizabeth’s regret for joining them in the car deepened. After a moment’s hesitation, she noticed the car door wasn’t locked.
