- 12.
I didn’t expect Elijah to be so persistent.
He made me breakfast the next day.
elendor fingers peeled shrimp
<
His slender fingers peeled shrimp.
He clumsily cooked them, splattering oil on
his hand, burning himself.
He looked at me.
I said coldly, “Why are you looking at me?
You’re hurt, not me.”
His expression fell; he went to get a first–aid
kit.
Then he continued cooking.
He brought me the food like a child seeking
praise.
I knocked it over.
If he stopped loving me, he’d let me go.
He didn’t get angry; he cleaned up the mess.
“I’ll make you some more.”
He was about to pick up the broken pieces.
Someone knocked.
Elijah’s assistant said, “Sir, there’s been an
emergency. Hayes Corporation is facing a
crisis.”
<
The Hayes family was powerful and wealthy.
It was hard to believe they faced a crisis.
I thought Elijah would immediately deal with
it, but he said, “I have something more
important to do.”
He looked at me, “Mary, let’s go pick out
wedding dresses.”
I wanted to refuse, but my throat felt
constricted, and I agreed.
He smiled and took me to a bridal shop.
He selected many dresses for me to try on.
Each time, his eyes lit up with surprise.
He’d say, “Mary, you’re so beautiful.”