Julian’s heart probably stopped when he heard you talk about a true love. Good thing he quickly rationalized it. How could Ellie possibly like anyone else?]
[Ellie, stop saying things like that! Julian can’t stand to hear you talk about liking other people]
So, if I treat him with even a tenth of the manipulation he used on me, it’s my fault?
Upon arrival, I stepped out of the coach first.
Julian crossed his arms. “Where is your true love?”
I paused. He raised an eyebrow knowingly, chuckling softly. “Alright, don’t make jokes like that again” He clearly believed I had only said those words to make him jealous and angry.
It wasn’t until I saw the young man in the distance that I finally said, “He’s here.”
“Eleanort” the boy exclaimed, jogging toward me. The moment he saw me, he took my bag and then clasped my hand.
Julian’s face instantly darkened, radiating malice. “Who are you? Let go of her!”
I held the young man’s arm, scoffing. “Didn’t I tell you?”
The boy’s bright, amber eyes darted between Julian and me. Just when I thought my ruse would be exposed, the boy tightened his grip on my hand and grinned at Julian. “Who are you? Why are you bothering me and Eleanor?”
The moment he finished speaking, a vicious punch sliced through the air. I, without hesitation, Stepped in front of the boy. The fist stopped an inch from my cheek. Julian’s breathing was ragged and heavy, his face a furious mask. “Eleanor! I am your husband!”
I said coolly, “Didn’t your lawyer tell you? You’ve been served the divorce papers.”
“I didn’t agree,” Julian ground out.
“You don’t need to,” I said, my voice laced with annoyance. I gripped the boy’s hand, smiling gently. “Let’s go. I’ve booked a private room.”
A dark cloud settled over Julian’s face, and a mocking smile played on his lips. “Eleanor, aren’t you afraid you’ll overplay your hand, and I’ll stop wanting you?”
I simply gave him a long, silent look. Then, I turned my gaze away. Someone else already overplayed their hand.
You’d best hope you never have to come begging me,” he snarled, his voice low, tinged with a sickly, sinister edge, as he decisively turned and walked away.
[No! Don’t go!]
[…It’s over. Julian’s going to target the Hayes family now, to force Ellie to come begging him.]
Ellie really went too far this time. Why did she have to provoke Julian with another man, sigh.]
A dull ache throbbed in my chest. Why were even the bullet comments siding with Julian? Why did the same actions receive such drastically different judgments and consequences depending on who performed them? I masked the pain in my eyes.
The boy placed my hand in his, a wide, genuine smile on his face. “Don’t be sad, Eleanor. Want a massage?”
I recoiled as if shocked. “No need. Thank you for that, I’ll add it to your payment.” He readily agreed. “Okay, thank you, Eleanor.”
Only after we were seated on a fast coach did I slowly take in the young man beside me. Fair skin. A strong nose, sharp features, eyes with a slight upward tilt. He
seerned to be smiling all the time. He just looked so young.
“How old are you?” I asked.
“Nineteen.”
“What’s your name?”
“You can call me Henry.”
I nodded, saying no more. He remained quiet throughout the journey, asking no questions about Julian.
At the inn, he pulled out a small notebook. “Our itinerary for the next few days is in here. Want to take a look…?”
I cut him off. “Do you need money?”
He paused. “Yeah, I’m saving for college. Why, Eleanor?”
Meeting his bright, amber eyes, I almost blurted out an offer to become his patron. But I swallowed the words. I couldn’t be like Julian. Saying it outright would be
too insulting.
I quietly shook my head, about to offer him more money when I noticed the fine watch on his wrist. I quickly averted my gaze.
